The Ozarks region is beloved for its forests, rivers, and mountain peaks, ripe with mystery and beauty that have garnered the attention of many famous authors and plenty of tourists. Although the mountains extend into Arkansas, Kansas, and Oklahoma, Missouri lays claim to more than half of the Ozarks’ total area. This well-loved region is full of fantastic parks, hikes, caves, and adventures that are perfect for groups looking to get a feel for the cultural uniqueness and natural elegance of these storied mountains.
To start exploring these incredible highlands, check out Lake of the Ozarks State Park in Kaiser. Missouri’s largest state park is well-known for its wide-open natural spaces like Coakley Hollow Fen and Patterson Hollow, both of which offer panoramic views over thousands of acres of dry chert woodlands, dolomite glades, and karst topography. Of course, your group won’t want to miss out on the lake itself—either grab a group campsite, or reserve the Pin Oak Facility event venue to host your group while enjoying a day on the beach or the water. Boat rentals and public beaches are also widely available. If you’re visiting from mid-May through mid-September, explore a geologic wonder by taking a guided tour of the Ozark Caverns. Individual tours last an hour and are limited to 25 guests.
If you’re looking for an incredible group experience in the “Cave State,” there’s another destination for you to consider: Nestled in Camdenton’s beautiful Thunder Mountain Park, Bridal Cave is the Lake of the Ozarks’ longest-running attraction and the only cave in Missouri that’s accessible by water, should you choose to arrive by boat. Book a group tour or reserve its Event Center for any larger activities or events you’re planning. Advanced booking through its website is recommended for groups larger than 20 guests, and these bookings are highly flexible and customizable for your group’s needs, including activity interests and accessibility.
Credit: Herschend Family Entertainment Corp.
Another state park you can’t afford to miss on a group tour in the Eastern Ozarks is Ha Ha Tonka State Park, which is famous for the ruins of a turn-of-the-century stone castle that offers spectacular views of the Lake of the Ozarks. Missouri State Parks describes Ha Ha Tonka as a “geologic wonderland,” complete with sinkholes, caves, a huge natural bridge, and sheer bluffs, all of which are easily accessible thanks to the park’s host of boardwalks and trails. Continue your group’s immersion into nature at Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, a 10,000-acre preserve in Lampe that features opportunities for hiking, biking, wildlife tours, horseback riding, and so much more.
Around these magical parks is the Mark Twain National Forest, an expansive wilderness named after the famous author and Missouri native. The forest is split into several sections throughout Missouri, so there’s plenty of land to explore “that offers the perfect setting to disconnect and immerse yourself in nature,” according to the Missouri Division of Tourism. Interesting museums and notable landmarks dot the areas in and around the Mark Twain National Forest, not the least of which is the John B. Mahaffey Museum Complex at Fort Leonard Wood in St. Robert. This fascinating military museum houses World War II replica buildings and is located near the Route 66 Diner, where you can stop for some old-school burgers, fries, and milkshakes.
Another must for history buffs is the Smallin Civil War Cave in Ozark. This cave, added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2018, was the first cave to be discovered in the Ozarks 200 years prior by explorer Henry Rowe Schoolcraft, who wrote about it in his journal dated 1818. No warfare occurred in the cave, yet its rich history, culture, and folklore are described in depth on the guided tour, which is perfect for groups. This one-hour, half-mile walk with no stairs can accommodate groups larger than 10.
Once you’re all spelunked-out and ready to leave the state parks behind, check out Branson’s Silver Dollar City, an 1880s-themed village complete with festivals, an amusement park, roller coasters, and plenty of opportunities for unique adventures and entertainment. Rent an off-road vehicle and a tour guide will take you through the Ozarks, sharing their knowledge so you don’t miss a beat of the historical and cultural beauty that accompanies the natural grandeur of the region. Groups larger than 15 can book several unforgettable experiences at Silver Dollar City, including a three-course meal and show aboard the Showboat Branson Belle, a 700-seat, 1890s-style paddle wheeler. Whichever activity you choose, Silver Dollar City is a great place to spend anywhere from one to several days with your group and makes visiting the Eastern Ozarks an unforgettable experience.
By Ryker Eggenberger
Main Image: Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, Lampe; Credit: Missouri Division of Tourism
