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Escape to nature havens both in and around Branson. We’ve found southwest Missouri’s best-kept spots for the nature-lovers in all of us.
Dogwood Canyon
Why You’ll Love It: It’s a trip back in time, environmentally speaking. Dogwood Canyon, a little more than an hour outside of Branson, is a nature haven virtually untouched from when the first explorers saw it many years ago. Visitors can explore the natural beauty in a variety of ways, whether by hiking, biking, horseback or even segway.
Standout Feature: Dogwood Canyon offers a tram service for those who want to see the park, sans the exercise.
2038 W. State Hwy 86, Lampe, 417-779-5983, dogwoodcanyon.com
Marvel Cave
Why You’ll Love It: Who knew that a historic cavern would be the basis behind an amusement park? It’s true, at least for Marvel Cave located in the heart of sprawling theme park Silver Dollar City. Three hundred feet below the surface, the cave’s Cathedral Room is the largest cave entrance room in the country.
Standout Feature: Want the real historic deal? Sign up for a lantern tour.
399 Indian Point Rd., Branson, silverdollarcity.com
Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area
Why You’ll Love It: Trails, serenity and old homestead remains are drawing points for the Henning Conservation Area just outside Branson. A walk down the trails is an Ozarks history lesson; come see the remains of old homesteads as well as the “balds,” or hilltops, which the Ozarks vigilante group, the Baldknobbers, were named for.
Standout Feature: The conservation department broadcasts information on the history and the folklore of the area on AM 1630, which can be picked up on Highway 76, between Branson and Silver Dollar City.
3/4 mile west of the Hwy. 76 and Hwy. 376 intersection, 417-334-4865, mdc.mo.gov
Roaring River State Park
Why You’ll Love It: It’s known for its fantastic trout fishing, but Roaring River State Park caters to more than just anglers-at-heart. Located about 45 minutes outside Branson near Cassville, the state park has a hands-on nature center, swimming pool and shaded picnic area.
Standout Feature: Roaring River also offers overnight accommodations, ranging from campsites to secluded log cabins as well as the Emory Melton Inn.
12716 Farm Rd. 2239, Cassville, 417-847-2539, mostateparks.com/roaringriver.htm
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