Visiting Missouri on Your Next Road Trip

Missouri is where the Ozark Mountains and valleys, lakes and caves, forests and farmlands all come together to set the stage for scenic drives and non-stop outdoor adventures. There’s no better time than now to show yourself the “Show Me State.” Missouri campgrounds and Missouri RV parks welcome visitors year round with open arms.Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge is on northwestern Missouri’s river floodplain near Mound City. Migrating ducks, snow geese and such threatened or endangered species as bald eagles, piping plovers and peregrine falcons find an important seasonal migration stop at Squaw Creek. One of the best and easiest ways to explore the refuge and observe local wildlife is to drive the ten-mile-long, self-guided car tour winding through the wetlands. There are also two trails for visitors who prefer to travel closer to the action – on foot. The Eagle Overlook Trail takes hikers on a walk into the wetlands. The Loess Bluff Trail does one better, ascending 200 feet to the crest of the preserve’s bluffs. At this elevation, visitors enjoy a sweeping, eagle-eye view of refuge lands. In north central Missouri’s farmland near Macon, Long Branch State Park is on the shores of the 2,000-acre Long Branch Lake. This park is fully equipped for water sports enthusiasts; the on-site marina has boat launches, covered slips and watercraft rentals. There’s a sandy beach for swimmers, plenty of open water for water skiers and an accessible fishing dock for physically challenged guests. Long Branch is known for providing more than respectable catches of bass, crappie and catfish, so anglers consider it the perfect spot to test their luck and skill. Besides the lake, the landscape consists of prairies, hills, and forests of oak, sycamore, hickory, and silver maple. Animals and birds like it, too, as evidenced by the population of red foxes, white-tailed deer and bobwhite quail living at the park.Cutting across the central region of the “Show Me State” on a 225-mile east to west progression is the innovative Katy Trail State Park. There are many Missouri campgrounds and Missouri RV camping resorts in this region, but booking ahead is always wise. Following the former path of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad, or “Katy,” the trail originates in St. Charles and links the towns of Marthasville, Jefferson City and Boonville before concluding at Clinton. Designed for use by hikers and bikers of all ages and abilities, much of the trail follows the scenic path of the Missouri River. A limited portion of the Katy is open for equestrians. Trail users find everything from forests to prairies, valleys to river bluffs, wetlands and pastures. And Katy’s position on the Missouri Flyway ensures an interesting array of birds, from everyday species like robins and chickadees to endangered bald eagles and migrating great blue herons. As might be expected, there’s no shortage of honors bestowed on this extraordinary state park affiliate. Katy Trail’s St. Charles-to-Boonville section has been named part of the famed Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. Furthermore, the entire pathway is also a designated Millennium Legacy Trail and an official portion of the American Discovery Trail.Located in southeastern Missouri near Van Buren, the Ozark National Scenic Riverways were established by the National Park Service in an effort to preserve 134 highland miles of the Jack Fork and Current Rivers. The preserve is located in a region where hardwood and pine forests overlap, resulting in an interesting mix of flora and fauna, including bunches of wildflowers. There are numerous springs that feed both rivers, as well as mysterious sinkholes and hundreds of caverns. The primary water-based activities at Ozark National Scenic Riverways are fishing, canoeing, tubing, boating and swimming. The surrounding woodlands are ideal for land-based hiking, hunting, wildlife viewing and horseback riding.

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Top Five Things You Must Do in Branson Missouri

I recently got the opportunity to spend a lot of time in Branson, Mo. I got to go and see some of the shows. Spend time a the many lakes in the area. It wasn’t as dull as I thought, I thought it was just a place where old people went to vacation. Anyway here is my list of things you must do while in Branson.

1st, Spend a day at Table Rock Lake, Plan a nice picnic or a day of fishing. It’s peaceful and relaxing. The big parks, Like the state park by the damn can get a little crowded but if you don’t mind the crowds it has good access to the lake. It also has a visitor center with the history of the lake. Another big spot is at Indian Point it’s a resort but if go past it, you will find a lot of place to with access to the lake. Now if you want to get away from the crowds just do a little driving. If go out to Kimberling City go down hwy. 13 until you reach hwy. 86 (Take a left). Right before you reach the next big bridge, There are a lot of little campsites with great access to the lake. Plus not many people out there during the day.

2nd, You must go to the the fish hatchery. This a great family activity. The kids can feed the fish, Just get a hand full of fish pellets and toss them into one of the holding areas. The fish go crazy and the kids get a kick out of it. While you there walk down to the spill ways. There right a the base of the damn. It’s the cleanest clear water and if you watch the water you can see the trout swimming around. Be careful, Don’t plan on fishing there unless you have a trout license and the water is really cold, even in the middle of the summer.

3rd, A day of shopping. Drive down to historic downtown Branson where you will find many little shops to browse. The best part is you can park your car and walk to all the store and when your finished with these stores, You’re within walking distance of the Branson Landing. The Branson Landing is an outlet mall which features a Bass Pro Shop. There is all ways some kind of live entertainment going on. Plus there is a great view of lake Taneycomo. If you can’t fill your day in old down town Branson there three other big outlet mall; Tanger Outlet Center, The Shoppes at Branson Meadows and Factory Merchants Branson. Plus two many craft stores to count.

4th, Spend the day at Silver Dollar City. Time will fly. There are so many things to do; rides, shows, crafts and of course Marvel Cave. You spend hours here and not know it. I find it a lot more fun then Six Flags just a lot more to do.

5th, A day of fun with the kids. There are many places to visit. White Water, A water park in Branson has a lot of activities, water slide, water bumper cars, pools and much more… Celebration City, Has lots rides, shows and arcades. There are go carts, bumper cars, water bumper cars and arcades all over Branson.

There many other things to do of course. If you’re a golfer there are some great golf courses there and the surrounding areas. Countless shows to attend. Some of the best fishing you may ever do.

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Getaway to Branson, Missouri

At first glance, Branson, Missouri may sound like your average Midwest town. After all, its population is less than 7,000, and it only has an area of about 18 square miles. But the saying “big things come in small packages” could not be truer, and Branson has come a long way from its roots as a small town in southwest Missouri.

With more than 7.5 million visitors each year, Branson has become one of the nation’s most popular vacation destinations. Its convenient location in America’s heartland is just one of the many reasons the city has risen in popularity, and with such a variety of things to see and do, it’s easy to see why visitors return here year after year.

For many, the draw to Branson is its shows, attractions, and shopping. For others, it’s the area’s pristine lakes and rolling Ozark hillsides. Either way you look at it, this vacation destination has it all.

The area plays host to over 50 theaters with more theater seats than you’ll find in New York City’s Broadway. It’s shows range from a variety of music genres to comedy, magic, acrobatics, impersonators, and Broadway-style productions. You’ll even find dinner shows like the Dixie Stampede and the Showboat Branson Belle.

The city is also home to world-class theme parks like Silver Dollar City, a variety of interesting museums including the world’s largest Titanic Museum attraction, several arcades, go-karts, miniature golf courses, and other great attractions, as well as hundreds of restaurants, three outlet shopping malls, and more. One of its newest shopping attractions is the Branson Landing bordering beautiful Lake Taneycomo, where you can ride a trolley, shop along cobblestone streets, watch street performers, relax and dine by the water, or even catch a water show!

Those who love the outdoors enjoy the area’s three gorgeous lakes. In fact, Table Rock Lake boasts some of the best bass fishing around, while Lake Taneycomo claims the best trout fishing. Other popular lake activities include parasailing, swimming, boating, jet skiing, and scuba diving. If you prefer dry land, you can always take a nature walk or trail ride through the area’s beautiful countryside or try your swing at one of 12 world-class golf courses.

Plus, the Branson area hosts a variety of exciting festivals and events. Here craft festivals, car shows, patriotic celebrations, historical festivals, and beautiful Christmas displays can all be found. One of its best-known festivals, Branson Fest, gives attendees the chance to sample a variety of the area’s live shows and restaurant fare all from one convenient location.

The places to stay are just as varied as the entertainment choices. From economy class hotels to 4-star resorts or luxurious waterfront cabins and condos, there’s a place for everyone in Branson.

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Show Me Beautiful Missouri

Sitting at the foot of the Ozark Mountains, Missouri has a rich history and an assortment of attractions to offer the entire family. Lodging in Missouri is both easy and affordable, providing ease and comfort to vacationers and business travelers alike.

Stunning History of Saint Louis Lodging

Missouri’s most famous landmark is perhaps the Gateway Arch (http://www.nps.gov/jeff/). At 630 feet high, it is the tallest national monument in the United States. Approximately one million visitors each year ride its trams to the top to take in the stunning St. Louis skyline.

Right across the street from the Arch is the Adam’s Mark St. Louis. This riverside hotel has an impressive three-story atrium in the lobby, complete with a pair of nine-foot bronze horses imported from Italy. Guestrooms offer a view of the Arch, downtown, and the Mississippi River. Cardinals fans are only two blocks from Busch Stadium, and for a fee, you can reach downtown destinations by a romantic, horse-drawn carriage.

While in St. Louis, be sure to visit the zoo, or take a stroll through historic Laclede’s Landing. In 1763, a French fur-trapper named Pierre Laclede began exploring the Illinois Country in search of a place to set up a trading post. In 1764, he chose the west bank of the Mississippi River, in the place now occupied by St. Louis. In 1784, the area he chose was cleared, cabins were built, and Laclede christened the place Saint Louis to honor the Patron Saint of the King of France.

If you have never visited this intriguing city before, you will find a variety of lodging in St. Louis within easy reach of this city’s historic landmarks and attractions.

Exciting Entertainment Near Kansas City Lodging

If you are taking a business of pleasure jaunt through Kansas City, you will be in for a surprise for the interesting lodging options available in this fine city. You will find lodging in Kansas City – Missouri’s other well-known city – that offers many affordable and comfortable options.

In the exciting casino district, try the Argosy Casino Hotel & Spa. For exciting entertainment, this Kansas City hotel includes a 62,000 square-foot casino, a luxury spa and health club, and 42″ plasma screen televisions.

For a stylish experience, the gorgeous Hotel Phillips is located in downtown Kansas City, less than two miles from Union Station. This trendy art deco hotel was built in 1931 and is on the National Register of Historic Places, and guests include many former Presidents of the United States. Live jazz and swing music is offered every Friday and Saturday night to liven up your Kansas City experience.

While in Kansas City, do not miss its many attractions, such as the Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun theme parks, the Liberty Memorial (http://www.libertymemorialmuseum.org/), and the World War I Museum. These are great for an interactive, educational experience for both little and big kids alike.

Internationally Renowned Activities by Branson Lodging

Surrounded by three lakes at the foot of the Ozarks, Branson has a large variety of activities, sight-seeing opportunities, and theme park adventures. Try taking a guided tour by motorcycle, or soar above it all on a helicopter adventure. Ride the Branson Scenic Railway, or test your mettle at the Haunted House & Monster Asylum. For a more tasteful experience, visit the Stone Hill Winery.

Just three miles from Table Rock Lake – popular for bass fishing and water sports – is Stonebridge Nightly Rentals. This 3,200 acre gated resort includes an 18-hole championship golf course, putting green, driving range, pro shop, three tennis courts, and two outdoor pools. Scuba diving in Table Rock Lake is said to rival that in the Caribbean! This is a great way to get away from it all, without having to even leave the country.

Take the kids down to visit the exciting Strip, a seven-mile stretch of amusement parks, restaurants, and shops. Branson’s newest theme park, Silver Dollar City, has a nightly laser and fireworks show that should not be missed, as it was voted the number one amusement park in the world by the International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions. Or treat your family to the amazing Celebration City, with over 100 working craftsmen demonstrating their skills.

Missouri has many varied and interesting things to show her visitors, and lodging in Missouri makes it easy to take in her stunning sights.

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Review Big Creek Resort

So we wanted to do a little review of Big Creek Resort on Bull Shoals Lake:

Big Creek came under new ownership last year and is now owned by Sandy and Tim Matthews.  When the bought the resort they really made some drastic improvements.  They basically COMPLETELY RENOVATED the entire resort!  There are all new cabins [log style and the look amazing] as well as a new pool, rec room and laundry room.   The resort is Truly one of the nicest resorts on Bull Shoals Lake and we recommend Big Creek highly.  If you would like to contact Big Creek to inquire about reservations or if you just had some questions for them you can call them at [217-893-9003] or email them at:  Bigcreek [@] mathewsgroup.biz

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