Nature’s beauty is the ultimate masterpiece, and the Ozarks is its divine canvas.
Little Town in the Ozarks
The mesmerizing beauty of the Ozarks is singular in design. It’s the perfect inspiration for a canvas and the perfect destination for your vacation or weekend getaway. Surrounded by major rivers, the Ozark region covers an area of approximately 50,000 square miles. Of that, the Show-Me State claims about 33,000 – plenty of space for making memories! Visiting this part of Southern Missouri will reveal thick forests, surging countryside, pristine springs and depth-extending caves.
Ozark National Scenic Riverways
Congress designated the Ozark National Scenic Riverways as a national park in 1964 to protect the Current and Jacks Fork rivers. With an estimated 1-million-plus visits annually, there are an array of activities for outdoor excursions: horseback riding, hiking, fishing, camping and more.
River floating, perhaps the Show-Me State’s most popular water activity, is an exciting experience – in fact, the park service endorses the Current River as one of the region’s best streams for floating! As you float downstream, you’ll pass dense forests, towering bluffs and gravel banks (which are perfect for the occasional snack or lunch break).
Lake of the Ozarks
Lake life sure is special, and Lake of the Ozarks is no exception. A reservoir of 54,000 acres and 1,150 miles of shoreline, there are plenty of activities to enjoy while on the lake, such as boating, wakeboarding, fishing, kayaking, among other things! Moreover, there are an abundance of things to do on land – take your family to Miner Mike’s where children can enjoy a 35,000-square-foot playground with thrilling rides and challenging games or hit the (mini) links at Putt ‘n Stuff Family Fun Center (which also features bumper cars and go-karts). The region has experiences all will enjoy – families, couples and friends – and you’ll leave wanting an encore.
Top of the Rock
Highlighting breathtaking, uninterrupted views of the Ozark mountains and Table Rock Lake, Top of the Rock sits at the highest elevation point in Taney County near Branson. This site offers everything you need for a relaxing getaway. Tour the four-story cave at Lost Canyon Cave and Nature Trail and explore an impressive collection of Ozarks history at the Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum.
When you’re ready for some delectable cuisine, visit one of the on-site restaurants. After the appetizing meal, follow the stone-lined stairwell down to the expansive End of the Trail Wine Cellar. Top of the Rock also offers first-rate lodging and two world-class golf courses, a perfect excuse to visit multiple days!
Ozarks Amphitheater
Music in an outdoor setting is an exceptionally fun experience. Near Lake of the Ozarks, Ozarks Amphitheater (voted best live music venue in Missouri) provides the perfect setting for jamming out to your favorite band. You’ll be surrounded by beautiful forested hills and the open sky with convenient in-house concessions and food trucks. Be sure to try a Rain or Shine – a specialty drink that references the venue’s “the show must go on” attitude.
Travel “Down Under”
Plunge into the depths of the earth and trek through a cool, maze-like cave. Known as the Cave State, there are more than 7,500 documented caverns nestled within Missouri’s terrain, and each one is unique in its composition and story.
Visit Bridal Cave, where romance and tragedy interlace with the cave’s storied history. Tour the seven-level natural wonder that is Meramec Caverns – a cave reputed to have been the hideout of the infamous outlaw, Jesse James. For a truly unique encounter, visit Missouri Down Under Adventure Zoo – walk the cave’s “down under” interior, and interact with kangaroos from “down under.” For even more inspiration, dig into other caving pursuits that are open year-round.
Silver Dollar City
Join the growing list of Silver Dollar City visitors (more than two-million guests annually) and have the time of your life with family and friends. Woven throughout the Ozark Mountains, this park attracts guests for an array of reasons – its 1880’s aesthetic, phenomenal rides like “Fire in the Hole” and “The Giant Barn Swing,” plus classic fare like savory barbecue and melt-in-your-mouth funnel cakes.
Round off your day with a Showboat Branson Belle cruise on the pristine waters of Table Rock Lake. A perfect way to wind down, guests can leave their cares at the shore and enjoy two hours of lively entertainment and a delicious, three-course meal.
Ozark Trail Hiking
Hike the Ozark Trail for spectacular, scenic backcountry views. The 430-mile trail system is made up of linked trail sections and will guide you to mountains, hills, crystal-clear streams, freshwater springs and waterfalls. In preparation for your trip, we’ve created an Ozark Trail guide for your planning convenience.
Camping in the Ozarks
“Money cannot buy happiness, but it can buy a tent, and that’s kinda the same thing.”
Anonymous
Embark on a camping trip in Missouri’s remote wilderness. Sleep under the stars, cook s’mores after dinner (or after breakfast – hey, you’re on vacation!) and listen to the soothing sounds of crickets as they chirp in the forest’s silence. Missouri’s state parks have several choices for your ideal outdoor getaway. Rent a yurt for a mix of rustic and luxury; opt for a cabin so you’ll still be surrounded by Mother Nature and have ample space for the entire family; or kick it like the olden days and sleep in a tent where you’ll wake up to nature at your doorstep. Whatever your preference, you’ll leave feeling rejuvenated and have a deeper appreciation for Missouri’s outdoors.
Want to camp on the bank of a river or lake? Check out the campsites below.
Wildlife enthusiasts will love the campsites below.
- Ozark National Scenic Riverways – Keen-eyed, lucky individuals can occasionally spot these beautiful, rare wild horses in the Ozark region.
- Peck Ranch Conservation Area – Book a self-guided driving tour at sunrise or sunset, the best time and chance of seeing the majestic elk that habitat the area.
Floating. Camping. Hiking. Caving. Riding rollercoasters. Attending concerts. Missouri’s Ozark region has it all. And not just that, but it boasts a beautiful backdrop for your travel ventures! Visit for a day, weekend or week, and you’ll find yourself leaving with plans to come back. See you soon!