{"id":39496,"date":"2024-08-05T13:58:17","date_gmt":"2024-08-05T18:58:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.visitmo.com\/?p=39496"},"modified":"2026-08-18T08:08:40","modified_gmt":"2026-08-18T13:08:40","slug":"visit-missouris-magnificent-ozarks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.visitmo.com\/articles\/visit-missouris-magnificent-ozarks","title":{"rendered":"Visit Missouri’s Magnificent Ozarks"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The mesmerizing\u00a0beauty of the Ozarks is singular in design.\u00a0It\u2019s the perfect inspiration for a canvas\u00a0and the perfect destination for\u00a0your vacation\u00a0or\u00a0weekend getaway.\u00a0Surrounded by major rivers, the Ozark region covers an area of approximately 50,000 square miles. Of that,\u00a0the Show-Me State\u00a0claims about 33,000\u00a0\u2013 plenty of space for making memories!\u00a0Visiting\u00a0this\u00a0part\u00a0of Southern Missouri will reveal\u00a0thick forests, surging\u00a0countryside,\u00a0pristine springs\u00a0and depth-extending caves<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ozark National Scenic Riverways <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Congress designated the Ozark National Scenic Riverways<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The forecast calls for a float down the river, one of the most magical experiences in the Ozarks. Don’t miss out! <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

River floating<\/a>, perhaps the Show-Me State\u2019s most popular water activity, is an exciting experience \u2013 in fact, the park service endorses the Current River as one of the region\u2019s best streams for floating! As you float downstream, you\u2019ll pass dense forests, towering bluffs and gravel banks (which are perfect for the occasional snack or lunch break). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lake of the Ozarks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Lake life sure is special, and Lake of the Ozarks<\/a> 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 \u2013 take your family to Miner Mike\u2019s<\/a> where children can enjoy a 35,000-square-foot playground with thrilling rides and challenging games or hit the (mini) links at Putt \u2018n Stuff Family Fun Center<\/a> (which also features bumper cars and go-karts). The region has experiences all will enjoy \u2013 families, couples and friends\u00a0 \u2013 and you\u2019ll leave wanting an encore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Top of the Rock<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Talk about leaving someone speechless. Explore more scenes like this on the Lost Canyon Cave and Nature Trail. Image via Jeff Wilhoit<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Highlighting breathtaking, uninterrupted views of the Ozark mountains and Table Rock Lake, Top of the Rock<\/a> 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<\/a> and explore an impressive collection of Ozarks history at the Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you\u2019re 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>, a perfect excuse to visit multiple days!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Ozarks Amphitheater <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Music in an outdoor setting<\/a> is an exceptionally fun experience. Near Lake of the Ozarks, Ozarks Amphitheater<\/a> (voted best live music venue in Missouri) provides the perfect setting for jamming out to your favorite band. You\u2019ll 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 \u2013 a specialty drink that references the venue\u2019s \u201cthe show must go on\u201d attitude.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Travel “Down Under”<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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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\u2019s terrain, and each one is unique in its composition and story. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Visit Bridal Cave<\/a>, where romance and tragedy interlace with the cave\u2019s storied history. Tour the seven-level natural wonder that is Meramec Caverns<\/a> \u2013 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<\/a> \u2013 walk the  cave\u2019s \u201cdown under\u201d interior, and interact with kangaroos from \u201cdown under.\u201d For even more inspiration, dig into other caving pursuits that are open year-round<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Visit one of Missouri’s spectacular caves – you’ll enjoy a cool experience with beautiful views.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Silver Dollar City<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Join the growing list of Silver Dollar City<\/a> 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 \u2013 its 1880\u2019s aesthetic, phenomenal rides like \u201cFire in the Hole\u201d and \u201cThe Giant Barn Swing,\u201d plus classic fare like savory barbecue and melt-in-your-mouth funnel cakes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Round off your day\u00a0with a\u00a0Silver Dollar City Showboat<\/a>\u00a0cruise\u00a0on\u00a0the pristine waters of Table Rock Lake. A perfect way to wind down, guests can leave their\u00a0cares\u00a0at the shore and enjoy two\u00a0hours of lively entertainment and a delicious,\u00a0three-course meal. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ozark Trail Hiking<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019ve created an Ozark Trail guide<\/a> for your planning convenience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Camping in the Ozarks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Grab a kayak or canoe and plan to camp riverside – one of the best ways to explore Missouri’s rivers. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Embark on a camping trip in Missouri\u2019s remote wilderness. Sleep under the stars, cook s\u2019mores after dinner (or after breakfast \u2013 hey, you\u2019re on vacation!) and listen to the soothing sounds of crickets as they chirp in the forest\u2019s silence. Missouri\u2019s state parks have several choices for your ideal outdoor getaway. Rent a yurt<\/a> for a mix of rustic and luxury; opt for a cabin<\/a> so you\u2019ll 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<\/a> where you\u2019ll wake up to nature at your doorstep. Whatever your preference, you\u2019ll leave feeling rejuvenated and have a deeper appreciation for Missouri\u2019s outdoors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Want to camp on the bank of a river or lake? Check out the campsites below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n