If you are looking for a new and different destination with a variety of great attractions for your next vacation, southwestern Missouri is home to many beautiful sights and fun activities.
Whether you want an adventure in the great outdoors or you’re more into creature comforts in luxurious resorts, there is something for you to do in southwestern Missouri.
Disclosure: This guest post about Southwest Missouri contains some affiliate links. When you click on one of these links, I may earn a small commission. As always, I only recommend products and services I would use myself.
Outdoor Activities in Southwestern Missouri
Dogwood Canyon Nature Park
Located in Lampe, there are a plethora of fun activities to check out in this beautiful Ozark park.
You can explore Dogwood Canyon Nature Park via guided tours — whether it’s on horseback, foot, bicycle, or even on an open-air tram.
Or you can explore on your own and even try out the trout fishing this park has to offer. Either way, you’ll see a wide variety of wildlife.
Open year-round, this scenic location has activities available for outdoor lovers of all ages.
Float Trips at River of Life Farm
The North Fork of Missouri’s White River is a wonderful spot to cool off in the summer with a nice floating adventure.
The River of Life Farm offers canoe, kayak, and raft rentals for floaters to enjoy.
Additionally, a shuttle service is offered to make your float trip easy and convenient.
Shawnee Trail Conservation Area
For a more extended outdoor adventure, southwestern Missouri has many options available.
For example, the Shawnee Trail Conservation Area is a scenic grassland area with great hiking trails, fishing areas, and more.
Additionally, it has a designated camping area.
Family-Friendly Attractions in Southwestern Missouri
Silver Dollar City
This theme park in Branson provides all sorts of fun for people of all ages.
You can enjoy its classic rides, roller coasters, and water-park rides, but there are also many restaurants and shops to check out as well.
Also important to experience is Silver Dollar City’s live shows as well as a wide array of craftspeople and artisans on site with their work.
Tip: Take a Midwest Christmas vacation to Silver Dollar City to watch the dazzling electrical parade, see Santa, and watch holiday shows!
Titanic Museum
You might not expect a museum dedicated to the most famous shipwreck in history to be located in a land-locked area like Branson, Missouri. But that’s exactly what you’ll find at the Titanic Museum!
Detailed, real-life stories of passengers and crew from the ill-fated Titanic voyage are on display. As you explore the interactive museum, you are able to walk through rooms and hallways that authentically replicate the ship itself.
Buy Your Titanic Museum Tickets Now!
For Families Traveling With Kids
Branson’s Famous Baldknobbers’ Show
There are tons of live, family-friendly entertainment shows to be found in Branson. Branson’s Famous Baldknobbers is one such show.
This theater was started by the Mabe brothers in 1959 and is filled with country music and comedy entertainment, still run by the same family to this very day.
The theater runs seasonally, so if you are visiting when there is a show, make sure to check it out!
Buy your tickets to Branson’s Famous Baldknobbers’ show now!
Fantastic Caverns
Check out Fantastic Caverns near Springfield for an outdoor-oriented activity to enjoy with kids.
You’ll explore a winding path of the rich, natural beauty of underground rivers and caves.
This is even great for families with small children as all tours are done riding on trams – no hiking is required!
Lodging in Southwestern Missouri
Sky Harbor Resort
If you are looking for a calm, relaxing getaway with cozy accommodations, this resort will provide you a beautiful mountain haven in the scenic Ozarks.
Sky Harbor Resort sits on a lakefront location and is near many activities and attractions.
Also, you have options between several room types and sizes, some equipped with beautifully decorated dining areas and full kitchens.
Conclusion
No matter what type of getaway you’re looking for — whether you want to rough it in the great outdoors, be pampered in a luxurious resort, or have an activity-filled family adventure, there is no shortage of hidden gems to explore in southwestern Missouri.
Locate all these hidden gems of southwestern Missouri on the map below!
About the Guest Blogger
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. Photos in this post are courtesy of the Branson Convention and Visitors Bureau.
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We’ve been to one of them! Silver Dollar City didn’t disappoint as a unique theme park!!!
I’d love to take a float trip down the river! Actually, my family and I would love any of these activities 🙂
I used to go to Missouri a lot as a kid. I’d love to go back and explore, and I’d start with the caverns first!
I’ve heard of some of these attractions before. It seems that Missouri has quite a few great family-friendly things to do and see! I’d love the float trips…
A Titanic Museum? I would certainly love to see that!
My family did the guided Segway tour at Dogwood Canyon park, fantastic!
That rollercoaster looks AMAZING!! I had a flying visit when I done Route 66 back in 2011 but I didn’t manage to get to any of these places!
Lots of fun choices.