For a road trip filled with panoramic views of the Ozarks, rolling hills and enough curves to keep things interesting, head down Highway 76. The winding route stretches across the western half of southern Missouri – from Willow Springs on the east to the state line on the west. The 210-mile highway will take you from secluded national forestland to the bright lights of Branson – one of the state’s most popular vacation spots.
Willow Springs/Ava Area
Sights to See
- Noblett Lake Recreation Area – Immerse yourself in nature at Noblett Lake Recreation Area where towering trees surround a 26-acre lake. Located in the Mark Twain National Forest, the area offers fishing, canoeing, kayaking and hiking. The nearby 22-mile Ridge Runner Trail system includes a short loop that circles the lake.
- Topaz Mill – Step into the past at Topaz Mill, one of Missouri’s picturesque historic mills. The owners give tours of the bright red structure that dates back to the 1890s as well as an old general store. On occasion, they start up the water-powered mill to grind corn the way it was done more than a century ago.
- Bryant Creek State Park — The beauty of the Ozarks takes center stage at Missouri’s newest state park. Bryant Creek State Park’s massive oaks and shortleaf pines blanket more than 2,900 acres of rolling hills once inhabited by Osage tribe members. The park’s namesake creek adds to the nature-filled views. Explore two hiking trails and a scenic overlook.
Where to Eat
- Cattlemen’s Steakhouse – Treat your tastebuds to a hand-cut steak or bison burger at Cattlemen’s Steakhouse in downtown Willow Springs. Or try a Stuffed Spud – a baked potato topped with smoked shredded beef, barbecued chicken, pulled pork or prime rib.
- Pizza Americana – If your road trip isn’t complete without a pizza stop, order a pie at Pizza Americana in Willow Springs. The menu features more than a dozen specialty pizzas and nine types of dipping sauce. The BBQ Smokehouse Turkey combines sweet barbecue sauce with smoked turkey, tomatoes, garlic and smoked mozzarella.
Places to Stay
- Rockbridge Rainbow Trout & Game Ranch – Take a short trip south of Highway 76 at Vanzant to Rock Bridge Rainbow Trout & Game Ranch. The 2000-acre resort is also home to a restaurant. Enjoy appetizers and drinks in a grist mill from the 1800s. Spend the night in a cabin or restored farmhouse – many of them with front porches that overlook the lush landscape.
Forsythe Area
Sights to See
- Lake Taneycomo – You’ll find relaxing water views along the peaceful shores of Lake Taneycomo. The lake’s cool water temperature makes it one of the top trout fishing lakes in the country.
- Route 76 Bridge – Venture across the Route 76 Bridge – an impressive structure supported by five arches spanning the lake. It’s one of the oldest bridges of its type in the country.
Where to Eat
- Chappy’s Diner – Start your day with a breakfast burrito, biscuits and gravy, or a homemade cinnamon roll at Chappy’s Diner in Forsythe. At lunchtime, order the soup of the day, homemade chicken salad, or a double cheeseburger and hand-cut fries.
- Wagon Wheel Restaurant – The homestyle cooking at the Wagon Wheel Restaurant in Forsythe includes diner classics like country fried steak, breaded pork tenderloin and ham. Be sure to save room for a slice of pie.
Places to Stay
- Lilley’s Landing Resort & Marina – Nestled between gently rolling pastures and towering bluffs, the cabins at Lilley’s Landing are just steps from Lake Taneycomo. Rent a fishing or pontoon boat at the full-service marina for a relaxing day on the water.
- Angler’s Lodge Hollister – Located near the Ozarks’ beautiful lakes, the accommodations at this Bass Pro Shops hotel in Hollister include complimentary breakfast, an indoor pool and a fitness center. Your stay includes the amenities at Big Cedar Lodge (10 miles away) and a free shuttle to take you there.
Branson Area
Sights to See
- Branson Landing – A lakefront entertainment district, Branson Landing is home to dozens of shops, restaurants and entertainment spots along a 1.5-mile boardwalk along Lake Taneycomo. Daily water, fire, light and music shows in the town square feature fountains shooting 120-foot geysers into the air.
- Table Rock Lake – Follow the winding roads around one of Missouri’s most popular lakes. Visitors have been enjoying the sights – along with world-class fishing, boating and water sports – for more than 60 years. Find beautiful views at Table Rock Dam, Peninsula Lookout, Moonshine Beach and the Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area Overlook.
- Branson’s Entertainment District – For more than 50 years, live entertainment has attracted visitors to West 76 Country Blvd. You’ll find a variety of shows – music, comedy, magic and more – as well as attractions, shops and restaurants.
Where to Eat
- Gettin’ Basted – This award-winning restaurant does barbecue a little differently, smoking their meat over high heat for a shorter time than traditional smokehouses. Gettin’ Basted’s Blackout sandwich is piled high with a pound of meat – brisket, turkey, sausage and pulled pork. It’s topped with barbecue sauce, slaw and pickles.
- White River Fish House – Located on Lake Taneycomo near Branson Landing, the White River Fish House is a floating restaurant boasting scenic views of the water and surrounding bluffs. Diners can savor seafood, barbecue, steaks and pasta dishes seated around a massive stone fireplace.
- Bear Creek Wine Company and Brewery – Venture 10 miles north of Branson to the Bear Creek Wine Company and Brewery in the small town of Walnut Shade. Combine a wine or beer flight with rustic pizza, a panini or fondue. On the weekends, live music by local musicians adds to the experience.
Places to Stay
- The Ozarker Lodge – The newly renovated rooms at The Ozarker Lodge retain a bit of their original nostalgic charm while providing modern accommodations. Choose from a variety of hotel rooms and suites, conveniently located near Branson’s Entertainment District.
- Lodge of the Ozarks – Walk to many of the attractions on Branson’s famous “76 Strip” from your room at the Lodge of the Ozarks. With upscale rustic lodge décor, the hotel includes an indoor pool and fitness center.
- Savannah House Hotel – Experience the peaceful setting amid the Ozark Mountains on Branson’s north side at the Savannah House Hotel. Start your morning with a deluxe hot breakfast. Finish the day with hot cobbler, fresh-baked cookies and soft serve ice cream.
Cassville Area
Sights to See
- Roaring River State Park – Head 7 miles south of Cassville and descend into a deep, narrow valley to reach Roaring River State Park. It’s one of four trout parks stocked daily by the Missouri Department of Conservation March through November. A short walkway leads to one of the deepest springs in the country. Visit the nature center and fish hatchery and explore the park’s sparkling stream and rock bluffs on several hiking trails.
Where to Eat
- Geraldi’s – For Italian food made from scratch, stop by Geraldi’s in Cassville. Satisfy your appetite with a variety of sandwiches, including meatball and Italian sausage. You’ll also find a selection of hand-tossed pizzas, salads and classic pasta dishes on the menu.
- Weezer’s Sweet Chicken & Waffles – The menu at Weezer’s Sweet Chicken & Waffles in Cassville focuses on chicken – wings, sandwiches and tenders perched atop buttermilk waffles. Add a side of of hand-cut fries, macaroni and cheese, cole slaw or baked beans.
Places to Stay
- Roaring River State Park – Choose from several lodging options at Roaring River State Park. Stay in a rustic cabin or a guest room in the park’s historic lodge built by the Civilian Conservation Corps or the Emory Melton Inn and Conference Center, which includes a full-service restaurant.
- Roaring River Resort and RV Park – Spacious guest rooms and roomy cabins are located near Roaring River State Park. A swimming pool, basketball and shuffleboard courts, and fire pits add to the fun.