Word of mouth is powerful. I had never heard of Top of the Rock Ozark Heritage Preserve until a friend mentioned it when I said I would be visiting Branson.
I’m glad I listened to his recommendation.
Johnny Morris, founder of Big Cedar Lodge and Bass Pro Shops, acquired the land he frequented as a young man and, working with a team of craftsmen, created the vast resort and day attraction.
This is a dream destination that includes a resort, golf courses, and dining opportunities, and is also home to two attractions: Lost Canyon Cave & Nature Trail and Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum.
Our adventure began with being assigned a golf cart. From here, the path led to a wonderland of beautiful landscape, a world away from everyday concerns and into a world of natural magic.
Past waterfalls, through covered bridges and into a cave where Morris hunted for mushrooms as a young man, the 2.5-mile tour followed a beautiful trail created to highlight the landscape: rock formations, waterfalls, and lake views. The winding trail included a cut-through into a mysterious cave and a scenic overlook where you can step out onto our skybridge for an unparalleled view of the Ozarks.
When our tour ended, we headed to the Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum, included with Nature Trail admission.
We boarded a shuttle that whisked us up the mountain to the museum.
And wow, what an amazing history of the area with the most extensive Native American collection of artifacts and artwork I have seen in all the museums I have visited in my lifetime.
There are also prehistoric animal displays and galleries showcasing the American West and the Civil War.
Everything I enjoyed on this day was excellent and easy to recommend.
Branson is a world unto itself, a place to escape for a few days and enjoy the shows and many attractions like Top of the Rock.
For more Top of the Rock information, click here.
For more information about other Branson attractions, accommodations and restaurants, click here.
