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Day in the Ozarks with kids: Dogwood Canyon

April 26, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

A day in Dogwood Canyon Nature Park is a great way to get an introduction to the beauty of the Ozarks with kids. Privately owned and operated as a non-profit by Johnny Morris, the owner and founder of Bass Pro Shops, my first impression of Dogwood Canyon was that 1. it’s beautiful enough to be a state park or otherwise preserved by the US government, and 2. that Morris is doing a pretty good job of preserving it himself.

The park is managed by the Johnny Morris Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and protecting the canyon’s natural plant and wildlife environment. Because private ownership comes with an entry fee, I was prepared to dislike it based on the principle that lands such as this should remain accessible to all. However, the cost to enjoy the area is minimal (or can be, anyway…see pricing information below), and the benefit of private ownership is evident in the pristine nature of the park.

The paved and unpaved paths, signage, and structures of Dogwood Canyon are distinctly ‘Disney-like’ in my opinion. What I mean by this: everything is polished, pretty, and accessible. For an ‘enjoy right out of the box’ nature destination, it works very well. The 10,000 acres can be used for hiking, biking, and fishing, with optional tram and even Segway tours adding a bit of ‘theme park’ ambiance.

There are several ways for families to enjoy a day here, and yes, I do recommend reserving a whole day to the experience. The more affordable way to tour the park is by hiking or bringing your own bikes. There are 6.5 miles of paved paths for biking (or hiking), plus additional dirt trails for hiking. The canyon winds slowly upward on a very gentle slope along Dogwood Creek, and every quarter mile or so, there’s another beautiful vista, waterfall, or pool to stop and admire. Truly, it’s very lovely. There are picnic areas, fishing pools, and quaint stone bridges…even a wedding chapel. The mowed lawns on either side of the main paved path, as well as benches and sign posts give the canyon more of a ’manicured’ feel than I typically like in a nature setting, but once I acclimated, I was able to enjoy the area on its own terms.

The tram tour, which families will certainly see winding its way through the park, takes visitors the length of the 6.5 paved trail by guide, then continues past the point cyclists and hikers must turn around and ascends out of the canyon to an upper area of the park. Here, Morris’ herds of American buffalo (bison), elk, white-tailed deer, and long-horn cattle roam. This wildlife park aspect of Dogwood Canyon is worth the price of the tram tour if seeing these animals up close is important to you. I really enjoyed it, even though I’ve been through wildlife ‘safari’ parks in the past. The animals come right up to the sides of the tram (a feeding lends to their cooperation) and our guide was very personable and knowledgable. The whole tram tour takes a few hours, so plan accordingly…after we were done, I wished I had saved some time to walk along the unpaved trails, too.

With a whole day, a family could certainly hike or bike most of the day, stopping whenever and wherever to picnic or play, then take the tram tour before departure. This map of the hiking and biking trails can help in the planning process.

New at Dogwood Canyon:

Dogwood has undergone an extensive expansion, which is now complete. In addition to all of the above, families will find new activities in the park, such as horseback riding and organized wilderness walks, as well as the following attractions:

Working Mill – featuring live demonstrations with head miller Blake Adams
Canyon Grill Restaurant – a rustic-elegant destination restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating overlooking Indian Creek and stunning rock formations with a 120 foot waterfall
Education Center – educates guests about the importance of protecting, conserving and preserving the great outdoors through offerings including Kids Adventure Clubs, interactive displays, and live wildlife demonstrations
Treehouse – this majestic two-story treehouse was built for the “Treehouse Masters” TV show on Animal Planet and offers a hands-on approach to conservation and wildlife education for kids and kids-at-heart.
Little Indian Stables – the beautiful new barn features 24 stalls that allow riders to walk through and visit horses as part of their experience.
General Store & Outfitters – one-stop shop for everything you need before heading out into the park, including segways, bikes, fly fishing gear and more. Also offering a variety of logo’d apparel and goods such as ground cornmeal from the Dogwood Mill.

For the best overview of the park each month, to help you plan your day, check their Adventure Guides. Here’s an example for May 2017.

Distance from the interstate:

Dogwood Canyon is located about 45 minutes from Branson, spanning Missouri and Arkansas.

Admission:

Admission to Dogwood Canyon Nature Park provides access to the Mill, Canyon Grill Restaurant, Nature & Conservation Center and Treehouse for $10 per adult and $5 per child. If you live nearby, a season pass may be a better deal.

Families can get hiking and biking admission (if bringing own bikes) for $14.95 for adults and $9.95 for kids. Admission with bike rentals included is $22 for adults and $15.95 for kids. From my day in the park, I believe this is a good value.

The wildlife tram tour is $25 for adults, and about $12 for kids. As mentioned, Segway tours are also offered, as well as fly fishing classes and horseback rides. Fishing is permitted in the park for another fee, based on whether you need to rent gear and plan to catch-and-release or keep your catch.

Check the admission page for current pricing.

Dining:

There is dining at the entrance of the park, in a smaller building that was a one-time military post. Families can get sandwiches, wraps, and other casual fare here, but I recommend bringing a nice picnic.

Directions:

Dogwood Canyon is located outside Branson at 2038 West State Hwy 86 in Lampe, Missouri.

As we disclose whenever applicable, Pit Stops for Kid experienced Dogwood Canyon as a guest of the nature park, for the purpose of review. All opinions are our own.

Branson Missouri vacation plan: what to see and do with kids

July 13, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

Branson, Missouri is a tough town to categorize. With its kitchy attractions and extravagant shows, it looks like it should be a gambling town. It isn’t. With its hundreds of shops, restaurants, and hotels, it doesn’t seem to be an outdoor destination. And yet it is. Somehow, Branson is both Midwestern and Southern, city and county, fishing epicenter and nature preserve.

I don’t know how it does it, either.

If you’re considering a trip to Branson with kids, it’s because you’ve either 1. been coming here for years and are already a ‘Branson Believer’, as they say, or 2. you’ve heard buzz about this town (after all, it was the 25th most visited US destination last year). If you fall in the former category, off you go! Have fun! You know what you like. If you’re new to the destination, read on, because you’re going to need some guidance.

What to do in Branson with kids really depends on why you’re visiting. The good news: Branson is extremely family-friendly no matter what activities you pursue. It very much subscribes to a ‘God and country’ theme, where the many shows, attractions, and themed restaurants have a patriotic and religious undertone, to varying degrees.

Adding to the anomaly that is Branson: amid fast food chains and somewhat run-down tourist traps within Branson are large theaters housing extravagant shows, plus a waterfront of high-end chain stores and eateries. If you like Broadway-style musicals and dinner theater, you won’t have any trouble finding what you like within the city of Branson. Ditto for shopping and dining, whether you’re looking for traditional catfish or Mexican tacos.

If you’re coming to Branson for some ‘city’ fun mixed with outdoor recreation in the Ozark mountains, however it gets a bit trickier. While state parks and campgrounds do exist, much of the beauty of the Ozarks seems to be privately owned. Luckily for visitors, a huge chunk of it is owned by local multi-millionaire Johnny Morris, founder of Bass Pro Shop. A lover of the outdoors, Morris has done much to improve outdoor recreation in the area, including the building of a world-class golf course and lodge, but more importantly, setting aside a nature park and encouraging lots of water recreation on the area’s two large lakes.

‘His’ side of the Branson area appeals to me much more than most of Branson’s kitschy offerings, with some exceptions (see below). After spending five days in the area, I’ve narrowed down my picks for what to do in the Ozarks with kids on our next trip to Missouri:

In nature:

Spend a day at Dogwood Canyon Nature Park:

The nature park Morris set aside is 10,000 acres of Ozark canyon and hillside, and while it’s more manicured than I’d like, coming from the Western states, it’s a good representation of the beauty of the area. About 45 minutes’ drive from Branson, Dogwood Canyon is perfect for a day of bike riding, picnicking, and possibly taking a tram ride to see American bison and elk. Is it a little more ‘Disney’ than rugged wilderness? Yes. But kids will have fun here, and parents can enjoy a relaxed day in the country. It may be old-fashioned, but it’s fun!

Take the kids zip lining:

There are more zip lining operations in the Branson area than gallons of sweet tea, or so it seems when looking through a visitors guide. However, we heard through a number of sources that Branson Zip Line at Wolfe Creek Station outshines them all. We spent a nice morning here, enjoying the outdoors and the thrill of zip lining. The guides are excellent, and the views are amazing.

Get on the waters of Lake Taneycomo or Table Rock:

Branson is known for bass and trout fishing. Get on the lake with a fishing tour for the day; these well-stocked lakes yield big catches. Other options include kayak rentals at Branson’s Landing. There are fewer hiking trails around the lakes than I’d like, so for us, the next best thing to walking around the water is to get on the water.

Spend a day at Silver Dollar City:

This wholesome, friendly, and downright beautiful little theme park will surprise you, both in how enjoyable it is and how serious it is about big-time thrill rides. With artisan master crafters, homemade food, and fun rides for all ages, Silver Dollar City is a truly unique theme park, and well worth a day of your time.

Tour Wilson’s Creek Battlefield Historic Site:

Located outside Branson toward Springfield on Highway 65, families can spend a full day at Wilson’s Creek Civil War battlefield. Allow at least a full morning or afternoon to tour the several mile loop in your car after seeing the well-done video at the visitors center. This is a national park site, so be sure to get your passport stamped! Along the auto tour, most stops include short hiking trails to see the relevant sites…be sure to allow time to walk at least a few of these. You’ll be hiking directly where Union and Confederate troops walked, camped, and fought. It’s an awe-inspiring and sobering visit, but the area is so beautiful, you’ll want to linger with a picnic.

Note: as you’re exploring historical sites in Southern Missouri, consider picking up The Big Divide, A Travel Guide by Diane Eickhoff and Aaron Barnhart. This historic guide to the Missouri and Kansas border region really helped us decide which sites we could fit into our itinerary. There’s an entire section on Southwest Missouri and the Springfield/Branson area.

In town:

Certainly, spend a fun day in the town of Branson. If you want a taste of true Branson nightlife, take in a show such as the Presley’s , Dixie Stampede dinner show, or Dutton’s. They’re hard to describe, but just be ready for lots of traditional tunes with a bluegrass, western, conservative-values feel. If you want to give that a pass, there’s still plenty on offer. Here’s what I enjoyed:

Titanic Branson:

A Titanic museum worthy of your time and money in Branson, of all places? Yes. Truly. I wouldn’t steer you wrong. This top-quality museum is a must-do in Branson. The brain child of a local Hollywood producer, the museum is an interactive, immersive experience that doesn’t rely on technology but rather human stories, talented actors, and a stunning building that’s a recreation of parts of the ill-fated ship. Best for school-aged kids and up, you’ll want to devote a few hours to this attraction.

Branson Landing:

Branson Landing is the newer part of downtown Branson, or at least, it’s the newest looking part. The lakeside promenade is lined with slick shops and chain stores such as Chico’s, Bass Pro (of course), and the like. You can rent the aforementioned kayaks here, book a charter tour, and watch the water and light show that performs regularly throughout the day. This is the place to be to cool off in fountains, eat out, and take a stroll.

Where to stay:

The best part of Branson, I believe, is the natural beauty of the area. Therefore, given another trip to Branson, I’d look for a vacation home rental on one of the lakes and surrounding areas. Morris’s Big Cedar Lodge is set apart from town as well, and could be an option, though it’s quite developed. Other options include the Chateau at the Lake, which is a lovely resort directly on Table Rock lake. During my stay, I based myself at the Hilton Promenade, directly at Branson’s Landing. I really liked the hotel, but the location was city-oriented, not nature-oriented.

Have you been to Branson? Where do you stay? What do you enjoy doing?

Photo credit: Doug Wertman

Silver Dollar City, Branson, Missouri

July 10, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

The town of Branson, Missouri is a curious mixture of overtly touristy and world-class attractions. I thought Silver Dollar City would fall in the former category. Instead, after spending a day there, I believe it fits in the latter. I’m going to state a pretty strong opinion here: this theme park is second only to Disney parks for quality, cleanliness, and character.

Silver Dollar City began in much the same way as classic theme parks like California’s Knott’s Berry Farm or Oregon’s quaint Enchanted Forest: as a family business built around a simple, wholesome theme (in this case, the limestone Marvel Cavern and classic Missouri hospitality). But instead of commercializing to the point of soullessness or remaining in relative obscurity, Silver Dollar City somehow grew into itself without losing its heart and sense of purpose.

Yes, there are rollercoasters. But there are also authentic, working craft artisans. There are gift shops selling trinkets, but there are also studios selling handblown glass and pottery fired on-site. With Silver Dollar City’s blend of craftsmen and women and thrill rides, it’s easy to see why it’s a beloved park for multigenerational travelers. And somehow, it all goes together nicely.

The theme park’s premise is of a 1880s frontier town, and what could be hokey is instead charming. Its village of artisan shops and craft demonstrations encircle rides and shows, with dining venues weaved throughout. Somehow, the whole place remains peaceful, despite the bustle of attraction queues for the headliner coasters. In truth, visitors who are not interested in thrill rides can easily avoid them altogether. The Silver Dollar ‘streets’ are distinctly ‘Disney-like’ with pristine cleanliness, lush vegetation, and exceptional theming. A few authentically historical buildings are on display in the center of the park, with the rest of the structures carrying out the theme via replica. At the heart of the park lies Marvel Cave, the original attraction that brought people to the area, but you might actually miss it if you’re not careful: the entrance is actually in the center of the large gift shop near the entrance. This is my only real beef with Silver Dollar City; I’d love to see this limestone feature given more limelight.

In the park’s craft and artisan areas, families can see demonstrations on everything from pottery to glass blowing to bread baking, and just about everything in-between. The artisans in the many shops are not simply dressing in period costume and explaining how things such as lye soap, honey, leatherwork, woodwork, and metalwork items are made…they are actual master craftsmen and women. It’s fascinating to watch them work, browse the shops, and buy souvenirs in stores that are not junky tourist traps (they have those too, though, if you’re partial to that). In addition to the crafts, many food vendors demonstrate their skills as well; Silver Dollar City has a working bakery, grain mill and bread baking facility, creamery, and food stalls serving authentic recipes like succotash and apple dumplings alongside the classics like funnel cakes and kettle corn.

Dedicated ‘lands’ for kids are plentiful: near the artisan areas is an upscale country fair style area with a giant swing and plenty of kiddie rides, and the new Fireman’s Landing features a semi-thrill ride, water splash area, and more children’s classics. Down a ‘holler’ past the park railroad lies an area celebrating Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn, with a giant treehouse, river raft ride, and two higher intensity water rides. Beyond all this lie the thrill rides, which consist of three high-quality rollercoasters on par with the top theme parks I’ve been to. In fact, the newest ride, Outlaw, won an award for best new ride of 2013 worldwide. It’s certainly the most intense rollercoaster I’ve ever been on. Two additional high-adrenaline rollercoasters are joined by several smaller rides and Silver Dollar City’s oldest ride, an indoor dark ride that tells the local legend of Missouri hobnobs (up to no good vigilante bandits). It’s a bit scary…mostly because it’s dated and dark, but I can see why long-time park goers are fond of it.

If you want to see all of the park in a day, it’s certainly do-able if you plan correctly. Start with the thrill rides in the morning, while the artisan areas are quieter (you’ll want to hit this area when demonstrations are in full force). After the headliners, ride the smaller rides, grab lunch, then spend the afternoon touring the artisans or the cave. No matter where you are during the day, plenty of higher-the-usual quality theme park fare is on the menu, and shows are regularly scheduled (of the comedy and musical variety). Everywhere you go, you’ll be greeted by big leafy trees and beautiful grounds. In fact, take a look around while ascending to the peak of the rollercoaster mountains…instead of viewing parking lots and city scenes below you, you’ll see miles of rolling Ozark mountains. It’s truly lovely.

Dining:

You can’t go too wrong dining in the park…there are a lot of options, and most of it is very good. If you want an all-you-can-eat-buffet, you’ll find two on the grounds, but I’d opt for finding the street food vendors who sell homemade items unique to Silver Dollar City (you’d find many of these in the buffets, too). Items I liked best include the apple dumplings and cinnamon ice cream, baked beans, and fried okra, plus I was told anything BBQed was excellent. The traditional theme park fare is good too, but trust me, get some of the ‘eats’ unique to the park.

Admission:

Daily admission is $60 for adults, $49 for kids 4-11, and free for kids under three. The value is there, but for $45 more each, you can upgrade to season passes. If you think you’ll make it to the park even twice, absolutely upgrade. Silver Dollar City also posts special offers continuously.

They do offer a ‘front of the line’ pass they call the Trailblazer pass, which allows families to enter in a separate ‘fast pass’ line for up to eight rides for $35 extra per ticket. I’m a fan of these types of passes in the peak of summer when time truly is money, but most of the time, I don’t believe they will be needed at Silver Dollar City. Simply get to the park at opening and ride your favorites first. I was told lines don’t get longer than 1.5 hours even in summer. (This is not an official stat, but was told to me by a senior park staff member.)

Hours of operation:

The park is seasonal, operating from late spring through December 31. It’s closed Jan-April (except for spring break weeks). Check the calendar for exact hours.

Directions:

The park is located at 399 Silver Dollar City Parkway Branson, MO.

As I disclose whenever applicable, I toured Silver Dollar City as a guest of the theme park. All opinions are my own.

Ozarks with kids: Branson Zip Line

July 8, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

Driving into Branson from Springfield on Highway 65, families won’t be able to pass Branson Zip Line at Wolfe Creek Station without the kids noticing the tall towers and cables stretching over the beautiful Ozarks. Go ahead and stop, because if you plan to include zip-lining in your Branson stay, this is the place to do it.

A lot of zip lining operations have popped up in this area, but Branzon Zip Line sets the industry standard in the Branson area. Their guides have training on par with the most extensive operations across the US, and the location at Wolf Creek Station has some history to it, too.

Families will want to make reservations in the summer months, because this place gets popular. However, their check-in area and waiting areas are run smoothly, and there’s plenty to see and do while you wait…including nice outdoor areas. Even the gift shop has some interesting and unique items.

Kids need to be at least 70 pounds to take the tours, which is heavier than some zip line companies we’ve tried, so come prepared for this. Families choose form three main packages that range from three zip lines to seven, with sky bridges in-between, or can do a combo tour of all eight zip lines and 10 bridges. Alternatively, it’s possible to do the Blue Streak Fast Line and Free Fall separately or as an add-on. The latter is a zip line and tower free fall from 100 feet up. It’s the main structure visible from the highway, and yes, dare devil kids will beg to do it.

Each tour is about 5-10 people, with 2-3 guides, depending on guest number. After a safety briefing and getting outfitted into harnesses and helmets, groups head to the zip lines in a Pinzgauer Swiss Army Troop Carrier. This ride alone is quite fun, as the jeep-like vehicle bumps along the rutted dirt roads up Wolfe Mountain.

Throughout the tour, the guides give history on the area and the Wolfe family who owned it. We had excellent guides who were fun, personable, and attentive…definitely among the best we’ve encountered on multiple zip line excursions throughout the US. Branson Zip Line is definitely one of the more ‘hands-off’ zip lines we’ve experienced; there’s very little guests need to be aware of, as guides will click and unclick you from the lines at all times, and it’s not necessary to stop yourself with gloved hands.

We opted for the ‘Ridgeline’ tour, which included three zip lines and several bridges, and took about 1.5 hours. We didn’t opt for the 100 foot free fall add-on, but the Ridgeline does include a smaller 40 foot drop. The free falls are actually a lot less scary than they sound: you’re attached to a mechanism that allows you to fall for a short period, then smoothly and gradually slows you down before you reach the ground. It’s not jarring or particularly frightening to most people, but can be detoured around should you wish.

Distance from the interstate:

The zip lines are located directly off Highway 65, seven miles from Branson.

Cost:

Prices vary by tour, of course, but check this price sheet for current info. Zip line prices start at $69 for adults, $59 for kids, with the Blue Streak single zip and free fall add-on for $44.99. The best deal in the place is the family pass, which is $199 for two adults and two kids, or $249 for two adults and three kids. Kids are considered 17 and under, which is really nice.

Hours of operation:

Hours vary by season, and the operation is closed in winter. Check the website for current hours, but at the time of our visit in early season (spring), tours began at 8 or 9 am.

Directions:

Simply head seven miles out of Branson toward Springfield on Highway 65.

As we disclose whenever applicable, Pit Stops for Kids experienced Branson Zip Line as a guest of the operation, for the purpose of review. All opinions are our own.

Titanic Branson: Big city museum in a tourist town

June 10, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

Surprised to learn one of the world’s most comprehensive museums on the Titanic disaster docks in Branson, Missouri? So was I. From the outside, Titanic Branson looks suspiciously like any other gimmicky tourist attraction, a la Ripleys Believe It or Not or Madaam Tussauds wax museums. Step inside, however, and it’s an entirely different story.

The brainchild and passion of former television producers, Titanic Branson is both a serious, historically accurate museum with actual Titanic artifacts and an immersive experience. I am hesitant to say it’s a ‘Hollywood’ experience, in fear this description will imply inauthenticity or hookiness…the museum is neither. Instead, it’s simply delightful, engaging, sobering, and meaty, all at once.

Visitors select an entry time to go through the museum, and the experience begins at the door, as you’re greeted by Titanic crew members. These individuals, who appear throughout the experience to educate, guide, and inform, are talented actors and actresses who know their facts inside and out. The interior of the museum is designed as a replica of the Titanic itself, with corridors, to-scale staterooms, and even a reproduction of the famous grand staircase. The building team used actual Titanic blueprints to create the museum: the result, even while in a group tour with artifacts and exhibits lining the walls, is fully immersive.

Upon arrival, guests are given a card with an actual Titanic passenger bio. Hang onto that: you may see information on your passenger as you tour the museum, and will learn the fate of him or her before leaving. The bottom levels of the museum—aka Third Class—tells the story of the building and departure of the ship in Belfast, and introduces visitors to both key players such as ‘Unsinkable’ Molly Brown Captain Edward Smith, and tycoons such as JP Morgan, as well as ordinary passengers you likely haven’t heard of. There are excellent exhibits on lesser covered passenger groups, such as the children of the Titanic, plus replica rooms of Third Class cabins and actual artifacts such as Titanic menus, tickets, and letters.

Visitors ascend the Grand Staircase, and upstairs, see a model of a First Class cabin, plus models of the bridge where the iceberg was spotted and the outside deck, complete with chilly air and starry skies. In a fully immersive hall, visitors can try to stand on a replica deck angled at three different degrees experienced by the passengers as the ship sunk, sit in a replica lifeboat, and plunge hands into a bucket of icy water the exact degree of the Atlantic on that cold April night. All the while, Titanic crew members regale with stories from the disaster. The entire experience is fascinating.

In the last hall, a Titanic manifesto lets you know if ‘your’ passenger perished or survived the disaster. While this comes at the end, make no mistake: the focal point of the entire museum experience is on personal stories. Yes, there are artifacts that wow, and yes, there is a lot of factual information, but where Titanic Branson shines is in making the disaster personal by telling personal accounts.

Note: The images and exhibits in the museum is suitable for all ages; however, school-aged kids of at least age 8 and up will get the most out of the experience. If you have sensitive children, you may want to wait until age 10 and up, and prepare kids by explaining the event of the Titanic before arriving. There are many stories of people who perished, of course, which could disturb young kids. In other words, this attraction isn’t just ‘movie level’ Titanic…it’s the real deal and sad stories exist here.

Distance from the interstate:

Right off Highway 65 in the heart of Branson.

Cost of admission:

Tickets are $27, with a $3 per ticket discount if booked online. To get the entry time you’d like, booking online is highly recommended.

Hours:

Hours vary substantially by season: check hours here.

Directions:

Find the museum located at 3235 76 Country Blvd & Hwy 165 in Branson, Missouri. Another location is found at Pigeon Forge, TN.

Photo credit: Brad Holt