MISSOURI OR BUST

SPEND SPRING IN THE OZARKS AT THESE DESTINATIONS.

BY RHYS MARTIN

It’s easy to take the beauty of the Ozarks for granted when you live in northeast Oklahoma. Many families have fond memories of trips to Silver Dollar City or seeing a show in Branson, and the natural beauty of southwest Missouri is something special that makes it easy to slow down, relax and take in the splendor of the great outdoors.

DOGWOOD CANYON NATURE PARK is ideal for those seeking time basking in the nature of the region. e park was founded by Johnny Morris (of Bass Pro Shop fame) and covers 10,000 acres of Ozark beauty. at acreage can be experienced through miles of paved and unpaved hiking, biking and horseback riding trails. Spring-fed streams are popular with trout shermen, and the bountiful wildlife can be seen on its popular open-air tram ride, which also takes visitors past waterfalls and tall, commanding limestone blu s. If you want to learn more, the park also features an interactive conservation center and a working gristmill. e on-site Mill and Canyon Grill Restaurant also is open year-round, so it’s easy to make a whole day out of your visit.

Not far away, PERSIMMON HILL FARM is hard to beat for a fresh taste of local avor. It’s a working berry, fruit and mushroom farm on the south side of Table Rock Lake that is open late May through early August. Not only can you pick blueberries and blackberries when they are in season, but its bakery and restaurant o er many farm-to-fork goods all year. ere’s plenty to love at this 40-yearold, family-owned operation — a local favorite is the Blueberry under Mu n. If you ask for the Cumulobluebus, they’ll ll one of those warm mu ns with ice cream.

Of course, you can enjoy the natural splendor of the TABLE ROCK LAKE area in a more active way, too. Top of the Rock Golf Course in Ridgedale is a Jack Nicklaus Signature Course with a stunning view of the lake in the immaculately maintained surroundings of the Ozark Heritage Preserve. A 150-year-old barn on-site was relocated from Arnold Palmer ’s property in Pennsylvania — history bu s will love exploring the artifacts within to learn more about one of the game’s most legendary players.

TABLE ROCK STATE PARK is a wonderful jumpingo point (pun intended!) for swimming and boating in the summer months; it o ers a scenic drive and hiking/cycling trails any time of the year. Campsites are plentiful and the park even o ers lodging in a premium yurt. It’s also situated very close to BRANSON , so if you need a few shows or indoor activities to balance out your time in nature, there are a host of options within easy reach. TP

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