5.0College of the Ozarks(3.164 reviews) - We wish more colleges were like this. Lookouts • Gardens • Educational sites
College of the Ozarks, known as "Hard Work U," is more than a college. It's a destination with tons of family-friendly activities, including two museums, an old-fashioned grist mill, fruitcake and jelly kitchen, stained glass studio, and exquisite 4-star dining at Dobyns Dining Room in The Keeter Center. It's a great way to spend a day while you are in the Branson area. The only thing that requires admission is the Ralph Foster Museum ($6 Adults, $5 Seniors, and Free to all 18 and under). Dobyns Dining Room offers a farm to table experience without breaking the bank. Come learn why this unique college is nationally known.See more..
4.5165 Scenic Overlook(501 reviews) - Great view! Well worth your time! Spent < 1 hour Lookouts
We found this on trip advisor and so glad we went there! The view is spectacular. From the overlook you can see the dam & lake, the river, Branson, and much more. This is a must do while in the Branson area! Don’t Miss it! So peaceful. We didn’t want to leave! Make sure to look for the lock that the tree has grown around below the overlook in the picture I posted. See more..
4.0Mark Twain Memorial Lighthouse(262 reviews) - Quick Stop with Stairs Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Lookouts • Lighthouses • Scenic Walking Areas
This is maybe a 30-45 minute stop depending on if you’re starting at the very bottom and climbing all 240 steps or parking towards the top and climbing less steps. You can’t go into the lighthouse but it is a memorial to Mark Twain and worth the stop. We saw it during the late afternoon but it is lit for nighttime viewing so that may be a prettier time to see it. It’s worth the quick stop.See more..
4.5Lovers Leap(121 reviews) - Stunning views with tragic overtones. Lookouts
Not only is this the most beautiful view of the river and the city I have ever seen, it's absolutely breathtaking, and so easy to get to, but this place houses both a legend and a memorial for a real Hannibal tragedy. In addition to the legend of the lovers, which has a monument on site, there is a monument for three young Hannibal-area boys who went out to explore the caves one night and never came home. The tragedy of this place is only eclipsed by it's beauty. It could not be any better. You have to visit.See more..
4.5Top of the Rock Ozarks Heritage Preserve(104 reviews) - Breathtaking Views! Spent More than 3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Lookouts • Scenic Walking Areas
We had a friend recommend coming up here for lunch, did not really know what to expect. There is a $10.00 fee to park, at the entrance. We thought about doing the golf cart, but it was $42.00 a person, so that was a no! The girl said to take the free shuttle to the top and said it was worth seeing. Boy was she right!!! We explored the restaurant’s four stories, walked around the grounds, went in the cute chapel, were in awe of the giant sink hole that did away with the driving range and pond. Wow!!! Saw beautiful Native America works of art all through the restaurant. Did not do the museum, but will next time. Took tons of pictures. The $10.00 parking fee is all we spent, plus I did buy a $12.00 ornament in the gift shop. Definitely do this little excursion! See more..
The entrance to this cemetery is well hidden along Hwy 79 between Hannibal and the Mark Twain Cave complex. We passed it several times before we saw it. Also, the road from the highway to the cemetery is almost a 4-wheel drive road. It's short but gravel with deep ruts. When you get to the cemetery, there are old, interesting graves to see and great views of the river. We were glad we found it, and we were the only ones there at the time. I would give it 5 stars except for the difficulty of finding it and getting there.See more..
