• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

The Epicurean Traveler

Inspiring Cultural Exploration Through Culinary Travel

  • About
  • Destinations
    • USA
    • Canada
    • Asia
    • Europe
    • Latin America
  • Travel
    • Accommodations
    • Apparel, Gear & Packing Guides
    • Attractions
    • Couples Travel
    • Destination Guides
    • Travel Tips
    • Trip Ideas
  • Food & Drink
    • Drink Travel
      • Beer & Breweries
      • Coffee
      • Spirits & Distilleries
      • Wine & Wineries
    • Dining Guides
    • Foods Around The World
    • Recipes
  • Travel Experiences
  • Shop Gear & Gifts
  • Show Search
Hide Search
Branson, MIssouri in Southwestern Missouri | Photo courtesy of Branson Convention and Visitors Bureau

Branson, Ozarks & More: 7 Hidden Gems in Southwestern Missouri

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

Waterfall at Dogwood Canyon Nature Park
Overcast view of the waterfall in Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, one of the hidden gems in southwestern Missouri. (© Kit Leong/Adobe Stock)

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, an amusement park in Branson, Missouri
Attractions in southwestern Missouri are very family-friendly. One popular attraction is the amusement park Silver Dollar City. (Photo courtesy of the Branson Convention and Visitors Bureau)

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!

Titantic Museum in Branson, Museum
Among the family-friendly attractions of southwestern Missouri is the Titanic Museum in Branson. (Photo courtesy of Branson Convention and Visitors Bureau)

For Families Traveling With Kids

Balknobbers' Jamboree Show in Branson, Missouri
Kids will love all there is to do in Branson and southwestern Missouri. Among the many entertainment options is the family-friendly Balknobbers’ Jamboree Show. | Photo courtesy of the Branson Convention and Visitors Bureau

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!

Fantastic Caverns near Springfield, Missouri
Stalactites hold tight to the ceiling, and stalagmites grow to the ceiling from the floor at Fantastic Caverns near Springfield, Missouri. (© Claire/Adobe Stock)

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.

Read Related Articles

  • Three Missouri Red Wines You Must Try While Wine Tasting in the “Show Me” State
  • Romantic Getaways in the Midwest
  • Fun Things to do in Saugatuck, Michigan
  • Midwest Road Trip: Exploring Wisconsin’s Great River Road
  • Weekend Getaway Guide: Bloomington, Indiana
  • Weekend Getaway Guide: Ann Arbor, Michigan
  • Weekend Getaway Guide: Parkersburg, West Virginia

Save the image below to your Missouri travel board on Pinterest!

7 Hidden Gems in Southwestern Missouri, United States

Which of these hidden gems would you like to visit in southwestern Missouri?

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • More
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window) Pocket
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr

Like this:

Like Loading...

Read More

Written by:
Erin Klema
Published on:
June 27, 2023
Thoughts:
8 Comments

Categories: Destination Guides, MissouriTags: Midwest Travel, Southwestern Missouri

About Erin Klema

Erin Klema is the founder and editor of The Epicurean Traveler, combining her journalism background with her passion for culinary travel. When she isn't exploring the world through unique, local culinary experiences, she enjoys cooking with her husband, planning her next trip, and reading or watching a good rom com.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Carol Colborn

    February 16, 2018 at 8:28 am

    We’ve been to one of them! Silver Dollar City didn’t disappoint as a unique theme park!!!

    Reply
  2. Carmen Edelson

    February 15, 2018 at 9:38 am

    I’d love to take a float trip down the river! Actually, my family and I would love any of these activities 🙂

    Reply
  3. Lara Dunning

    February 15, 2018 at 12:10 am

    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!

    Reply
  4. Tami

    February 15, 2018 at 12:03 am

    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…

    Reply
  5. tamwarner

    February 14, 2018 at 8:32 pm

    A Titanic Museum? I would certainly love to see that!

    Reply
  6. Jan Scott

    January 27, 2018 at 10:47 pm

    My family did the guided Segway tour at Dogwood Canyon park, fantastic!

    Reply
  7. kylieuk

    January 22, 2018 at 7:25 pm

    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!

    Reply
  8. Cindy Ladage

    January 22, 2018 at 5:08 pm

    Lots of fun choices.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Hello!

Welcome to The Epicurean Traveler! I help culinary travelers plan trips to explore the world and its diverse cultures and cuisines through unique, local, and delectable food and drink experiences. — Erin, Founder & Editor

Subscribe Now!

Get the latest from The Epicurean Traveler

Recent Posts

  • Best Donuts in Dearborn, Michigan: 6 Places to Satisfy Your Doughnut Craving
  • 25 Cool Travel Gifts for Him Under $25
  • Where to Eat in Amsterdam: Five Best Restaurants in Amsterdam (According to a Netherlands Expert)
  • 10 Beautiful Photos of Greece to Inspire Your Trip
  • 15 Best Brewery & Beer Tours in Colorado for Beer Lovers

Popular Posts

27 Best Summer Sangria Recipes for Refreshing Sips
13 Charmingly Romantic Getaways in the Midwest
30+ Best Things to Do in Boston for First-Time Visitors
Peach Sangria Recipe
Where to Eat in Saugatuck: 7 Spots to Dine Like a Local Foodie
Five Tips for What to Wear in Colorado: A Size-Inclusive Packing Guide for Women

Footer

Popular Posts

  • 27 Best Summer Sangria Recipes for Refreshing Sips
  • 13 Charmingly Romantic Getaways in the Midwest
  • 30+ Best Things to Do in Boston for First-Time Visitors
  • Peach Sangria Recipe
  • Where to Eat in Saugatuck: 7 Spots to Dine Like a Local Foodie

Copyright © 2025 · The Epicurean Traveler

Latest Posts

  • Best Donuts in Dearborn, Michigan: 6 Places to Satisfy Your Doughnut Craving
  • 25 Cool Travel Gifts for Him Under $25
  • Where to Eat in Amsterdam: Five Best Restaurants in Amsterdam (According to a Netherlands Expert)

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • X
  • Pinterest

Affiliate Disclosure

As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases.

  • About
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Work With Us
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.AcceptReject Read More
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT
%d