Fun in the Ozarks

Currently In: Branson, MO
Heading to Chicagoland through Missouri

Even though it's been raining on and off since we've been in Branson, we've managed to fit in some exploring.

We walked around Branson Landing, an outdoor pedestrian shopping mall.

There is a fountain along the mall looking over Lake Taneycomo.  Once an hour there is a musical water show. It's cute.

 Today's lunch spot.

We were on a floating barge  - once again Bass Pro Shop!

Complete with ducks.

We took a walk through the historic part of Branson.  The requisite train station and 1940 F3 diesel engine.

Ohhh the hills!

And the famous 5&10

The following day we went to Top of the Rock.  It is a nature preserve, golf course and has lodging.  Also owned by Johnny Morris - you guessed it - the founder of Bass Pro Shop!

We took a ride on a golf cart through the nature preserve.

The drive took us through tunnels.

And caves with waterfalls.

Over this covered bridge.

And over a couple streams like this one.

There was some beautiful scenery of the natural Table Rock formations including waterfalls.

And the picturesque Lake Taneycomo.

I liked this pedestrian bridge, too.  There is a Native American theme at Top of the Rock that is haunting.

Once our golf cart tour was over, we headed over to the main part of the property with golf, restaurants and the like.  It was obvious that serious money was invested in this place.  Here is the driving range - I took the photo through a window.

Arnie Palmer's barn from Latrobe, PA was dismantled, moved to Top of the Rock and reassembled here.  It is now a restaurant and pro shop.  If you like to play golf, this place is a must see.

While excavating to expand the campus, more natural rock formations were discovered and are now going to be preserved.

Top of the Rock is a big wedding venue.  Here is a photo of the striking chapel at sunset.

It looks out over the lake and some Ozark landscape.

Every night there is a sunset ceremony including playing of bagpipes commemorating the Scottish heritage of golf.  Then a couple of cannons go off at the end.  I think it's cool how they combine Native American, Scottish and US cultures in one place.

Top of the Rock was so different from anything else in Branson.  So glad we got a glimpse!