By British Solomon, Guest Author
Missouri is a part of the vast Midwestern region of the US. It is ranked the 18th most populous state in the union with a population of over six million residents. Tourists tend to flock to some of Missouri’s larger cities, such as, Kansa City, St. Louis, Columbia, and Springfield when visiting the state. However, there are more cities and attractions to be seen in all over Missouri, especially in Southwestern Missouri.
In this article, we will highlight the places that you can visit in the southwestern area of the state. We will also describe the resorts and wineries that you can tour during the holidays.
Dogwood Canyon Nature Park
This Nature Park offers a once in a lifetime kind of experience for adventure seekers and nature lovers across all ages. The park is comprised of crystal clear trout-streams, ancient burial graves, bottomless blue-green pools, cascading waterfalls and unique hand-built bridges. The Dogwood Canyon Nature Park covers an extensive 10,000 acres of the pristine Ozark Mountain landscape. The jagged ravine wall frames a dramatic valley with a variety of hardwoods and evergreens. True to its name, the park is home to numerous Dogwoods. The high meadows that reach the Arkansas provide pasture for the long-horned cattle of small herders found in the area. The Nature Park also provides a graceful habitat for elk and American bison.
The Nature Park was acquired in 1990 by the founder of Bass Pro shops, Johnny Morris. The park’s management is under the Dogwood Canyon Foundation which is a non-profit firm that has dedicated itself to a mission of protecting Dogwood’s canyon wildlife and natural plant environment. There are numerous activities that you can engage in at the Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, and all of them are managed professionally and are also family-friendly.
Branson, Missouri
For a long time, Branson has been a destination for people seeking a place to attend for their holiday. Most of the city is in the Taney County with a small western part being in Stone County. The Ozark Mountains are also found in the area. There are numerous entertainment theaters along the 76 County Boulevard with others found in in the Hills Expressway. These entertainment theaters, including the famous Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede, have increased the popularity of the city of Branson as a destination for tourists.
(Titanic Museum, Branson)
Branson also has other local tourist attractions, such as, Silver Dollar City, Hollywood Wax Museum Branson, White Water Branson waterpark, Ride the Ducks boat tour, cave tours, ziplining and more. The Ripley’s Believe It or Not Auditorium is in a building that has been set out to look like it cracked wide open from a disaster or an earthquake. The Titanic Museum replicates the actual disaster that involves the Titanic and the iceberg.
In 2006, Branson landing opened near the city’s downtown and Lake Taneycomo. The project on Taneycomo’s lakefront includes an outdoor shopping mall, retail space, and a scenic boardwalk. Hilton Hotel is also found on the property alongside the Branson Landing fountains. Branson Landing has hosted summer concerts and other special events throughout the year. Also, across from Branson Landing, you will find the Branson scenic railway situated in the old depot.
Table Rock Lake
Located in the middle of the beautiful Ozark Mountain County is Baxter Marina. The Marina is on Table Rock Lake which has a shoreline that stretches for more than 750 miles. The Table Rock Lake is famous for its clear, deep, beautiful water, recreational kayaking and bass fishing. All the activities of Eureka Springs and the Branson have proximity to the Baxter Marina. Tourists and visitors can enjoy shopping and shows as well as white water, Silver Dollar city, shepherd of the hills and Celebration City. There are a host of services offered by Baxter Marina including boat rentals, a full-service fuel dock, dry and wet boat storage, and much more. You will be greeted at the dock where guides will get your ice for your and pump your fuel as well.
During the summer, Kanakuk Kamps hosts summer camps for children of all ages. There are different overnight camping options ranging from one to four weeks long. Kanakuk also offers different specialty camps from day-only camps, to scuba camps, to a camp option for the entire family! Campers make lasting memories and friendships during their action-packed stay supervised by highly trained camp counselors. Campers have a blast participating in activities from scuba diving, ziplining, attending themed parties, and so much more!
Lodging
There are different unique lodging options available for you to unwind and relax on the waterfront. Sky Harbor Resort provides upscale waterfront accommodations to sip your coffee and enjoy the mountain breeze on Table Rock Lake. There are cabins positioned in front of the Table Rock Lake where you can have an elegant look on the beautiful waters and access the lake for fishing and motor boating.
Wineries
There are multiple wineries on this side of Missouri. For 2014, St. James Winery was among the top 15 wineries on the global top 100 wineries released every year. This Midwest winery is the top producer of wines in the state of Missouri, and shown that it can compete with the best wineries in Napa Valley. Curling Vine Winery, located in Branson, offers free tours everyday for visitors. You have the opportunity to learn about the wine-making process, and try samples of their best wines. Also located in Branson, Mount Pleasant Winery offers private tours and free tours on select dates. After learning about their sustainable winery practices, you can enjoy lunch at their café located on the estate.
British Solomon is a contributing writer and media specialist for Sky Harbor Resort. She regularly produces content for a variety of travel and lifestyle blogs.
