Southwest Missouri Ozarks

A trip Southwest Missouri often means a visit to Branson for all the theaters and attractions, or a stop in Springfield for a Cardinal's baseball game or a tour of Bass Pro Shops. Plenty for kids to enjoy-- from zoos and animal parks and caves to indoor game arcades and ice skating.
Springfield is the state's third largest city, where you can catch live shows, stroll art galleries, enjoy the vibrant night life, visit the charming Japanese stroll garden, and choose from more than 800 dining options. Trips to local wineries and microbreweries, as well as artisanal chocolate shops can add vacation pleasure.

You'll find plenty of shopping, and a host of antique shops and flea markets in both Branson and Springfield. And just for fun, get a massage at one of the region's relaxing spas.

History is still alive in Springfield, with museums, Historic Commercial Street, and nearby Civil War sites. The town has its share of ghost stories, and places you can look for haunts.

Springfield is an easy drive to many of Missouri's recreational rivers, lakes for fishing, boating and water sports, and forests for hiking and mountain biking. Motorcyclists and ATV riders will find great places to ride, as well. The surrounding towns of Ozark, Nixa, Republic, Battlefield, Strafford and Marshfield also have attractions worth a look.

Branson has its share of outdoor activities, too, with a number of ziplines, stables and horseback rides, and peaceful places to hike and explore. The nearby towns of Reeds Spring, Forsyth, Kimberling City, Walnut Shade and Shell Knob have attractions worth the short drive.

The region is home to award winning golf courses, and  Branson has access to Table Rock Lake, Bull Shoals Lake and Lake Taneycomo.

Lodging is readily available in the region, with pet friendly lodging and B&Bs promising a comfortable stay. Lake resorts are everywhere in the Branson area.