Fun Attractions to Enjoy This Spring Break
This spring break, your family can enjoy the ultimate getaway in the Branson area with great attractions for all ages.
The Explorer Pass (WondersOfWildlife.org/explorer-pass/) includes:
- Wonders of Wildlife general admission
- Dogwood Canyon general admission
- Lost Canyon Cave and Nature Trail general admission
- Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum general admission
- $15 Fun Mountain Game Card
Tip: Each attraction has posted its COVID response on its site. We were pleased with the cleanliness and safety protocols everywhere we went.
Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium
Plan an entire day at this attraction.
Wonders of Wildlife bills itself as the "largest, most immersive fish and wildlife attraction in the world!" The attraction was created by Johnny Morris, founder of Bass Pro Shops. Morris’s love for nature is contagious, and his passion comes across in every aspect of this attraction.
The museum includes, first, a natural history museum, with breathtaking exhibits showcasing the history of the Ozark region, Native American heritage, the Lewis and Clark Expedition and wildlife from around the world. The centerpiece of this half of the museum is the Great African Hall with beautiful displays showcasing African animals. The lighting and sounds of the hall transform from day to night while you're there, creating the feeling that you are among the elephants, zebras and giraffes on the African plain.
I recommend spending the morning in the natural history portion, taking a lunch break and returning to visit the aquarium after lunch. This section of the attraction displays include not only aquariums, but swamp exhibits, fishing exhibits and history exhibits celebrating the history and sport of fishing—and even the passion America's presidents have held for the sport.
The 1.5-million-gallon aquarium adventure features 35,000 live fish, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and birds. We loved the shark exhibit, we were transported to the bayou in the swamp exhibit, and the stingray exhibit was a highlight of the trip. My girls enjoyed seeing sloths, bears, alligators, flamingoes, otters and countless sea creatures, including octopus, sharks, clown fish, rays, jellyfish and fish from around the world. WondersOfWildlife.org
Plan an entire day at this attraction.
Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, straddling the Missouri-Arkansas border, is a beautiful 10,000-acre oasis in the Ozarks. At Dogwood Canyon, the first stop is the water-powered mill, where families may watch live demonstrations, tour the small museum showcasing Native American artifacts and savor a delicious meal at the restaurant that boasts breathtaking views of the waterfall.
Our family enjoyed a bike tour through the park’s paved trails (you may bring bikes for free or rent bikes on-site). They also offer Segway tours, horseback riding, fishing, and walking tours (attraction availability is subject to change). On the trail, we saw beautiful waterfalls, crossed bridges, explored a small cave and saw a variety of wildlife, including fish and birds.
The attraction also offers open-air tram tours (reservations required) that take you on a two-hour guided tour where you will see bison, elk, whitetail deer and Texas longhorns. The knowledgeable guides are passionate about the wildlife at the park and provide many opportunities to take photos along the way.
For lunch, we dined at the Canyon Grill (admission to the attraction required to eat in the restaurant). Their bison burger was terrific. It is juicy, tender and full of flavor. The trout was great too—and they serve some of the best house-made chips I've ever had.
I love spending time in the great outdoors in my home state, and Dogwood Canyon truly celebrates the best of Missouri's beauty. DogwoodCanyon.org
Lost Canyon Cave & Nature Trail Cart Tour
Plan a half day at this attraction.
Top of the Rock is one of the most scenic places overlooking Table Rock Lake. During the Lost Canyon Cave tour, we took a 2.5-mile drive through the Ozarks enjoying breathtaking views of the landscape. Guests drive their own golf carts along the paved path, taking in the waterfalls, beautiful Amish-built bridges, tree-lined trails and bluffs overlooking the lake, which create a stunning view around every bend. The kids enjoyed driving through the Lost Canyon Cave. They even have a "Bat Bar" in the cave where you may enjoy fresh drinks. BigCedar.com/activity/lost-canyon-cave-nature-trail
Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum
Plan a few hours at this attraction.
The museum tells the history of the Ozarks through a vast collection of archaeological finds. Exhibits showcase an extensive collection of Native American artifacts, including wardrobe, arrowheads, tools, paintings, sculptures and stories. The Trail of Tears exhibit is extremely moving and brings greater understanding to some of the worst parts of our nation’s history. There is a lot to learn and see at this museum. I recommend it for older elementary to adult guests. BigCedar.com/activity/ancient-ozarks-history-museum
Kristina Light and her family enjoyed this less-than-a-tank-of-gas getaway for a bit of fun, education and memory making not too far from home!
Discover even MORE Tips for this getaway in our feature story on the Branson Explorer pass.