Itineraries

Table Rock Loop

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Reds, oranges, yellows and golds – some of Missouri’s best fall colors can be found amid the Ozark Mountains. As you venture out to explore southwestern Missouri’s fall wonders, there are many spots to keep in mind for your adventure.

OUTDOORS

A. Table Rock Lake

With almost 800 miles of shoreline, Table Rock Lake offers endless opportunities to enjoy the fall foliage or any number of water sports. It’s no wonder Table Rock Lake is one of the Ozarks’ top destinations.

B. Table Rock State Park

Fishing. Hiking. Glamping (or camping). Tree-lined shores. Crystal-clear water. Hidden beaches.

C. Lake Taneycomo – Branson

At 58 degrees – year-round, Lake Taneycomo is an ideal spot for fly-fishing. The lake is stocked annually with 750,000 brown and rainbow trout, so you can whip out your favorite flies and try your luck, or just enjoy a day on the boat.

D. Dogwood Canyon Nature Park

Gallivant alongside bison, elk and Texas longhorn cattle as you explore Dogwood Canyon. Whether on horseback or your own two feet, explore wonders of southwestern Missouri: waterfall, cave and canyon.

E. Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area

The trails adorning the Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area run through bottomland forest, glades and a variety of natural wonders in the 1,534-acre area. You can only explore the area on foot, but the diversity allows your adventure to be one of your choosing.

F. Talking Rocks Cavern

Take a break from the leaf-peeping and venture below Missouri’s surface to tour the underground wonder of Talking Rocks Cavern. Explore spectacular cave formations, conquer the crawl mazes and enjoy a constant and comfortable 63 degrees.

FOOD

A. Funky Twig

More than 50 flavors of ice cream. We’ll stop and say it again —more than 50 flavors of ice cream! Local and family-owned, this artisan shop has an expansive list of rotating, handcrafted ice cream flavors used to make milkshakes or sundaes or fill homemade waffle cones.

B. Dobyns Dining Room at The Keeter Center

No matter the party size, food preference or celebration, Dobyns Dining Room offers something for every taste, brought to you by a culinary staff of talented students. Top off your dinner selection with your choice of a fresh-baked pastry, dessert or homemade ice cream. Located on the College of the Ozarks campus.

C. Danna’s Bar-B-Que and Burger Shop

We’ll begin with fresh, never frozen hamburgers. Then move on to hickory-smoked pork, chicken, ribs and sausages. Don’t forget about the deep-fried catfish and sides of beans, coleslaw or fries. Did we mention this is at Danna’s? We’re already there, and you should be, too.

LODGING

A. Port of Kimberling Resort

Need something a little more upscale? Enjoy an elevated view of Table Rock Lake from the balcony of your suite before utilizing marina perks such as boat rentals, WaveRunners or the floating cafe.

B. Table Rock State Park Yurt

If a boat or resort is not your speed, try a yurt. You read that right — a yurt. A yurt is a circular wooden structure covered in fabric and was originally used as a dwelling by nomadic groups in the steppes of Central Asia. The yurt at Table Rock Lake can sleep up to six and comes equipped with a kitchen and bathroom.

C. Cruise Inn & Throttle Down

From the top of the mountain at Kimberling Heights, enjoy a spectacular view of the changing colors from every room. Head out for the day to experience the winding roads and majestic overlooks throughout Southwest Missouri, or stay in and relax by the pool or deck overlook.

ENTERTAINMENT

A. Showboat Branson Belle

Cruise pristine Table Rock Lake. Enjoy a three-course meal. Take in a live show. All three elements can be found on the Showboat Branson Belle.

This paddle wheeler spans multiple stories so you can take in the sights and sounds of the lake as well as a show that ranges from Elvis and classic rock to movie hits such as “Grease” or “Star Wars.”

B. Inspiration Tower

Take in the view from the highest point in Southwest Missouri. Spot a few – or a forest full – of vividly colored trees. At 230 feet tall with a glass-exterior observation platform, the tower allows for a 360-degree view of the Ozarks. But don’t you worry — this 34-ton rebar structure can withstand gusts up to 224 miles per hour. What are you looking forward to spotting?

C. The Branson Ferris Wheel

Ridden by nearly 17 million people from 1995 to 2015, the Branson Ferris Wheel previously graced Chicago’s Navy Pier. Standing 150 feet tall, it now offers a spectacular view of Branson’s entertainment corridor and the Ozark Mountains. Its 40 gondolas hold 240 riders, and it illuminates the night with 16,000 LED lights.

D. The Runaway at Branson Mountain Adventure Park

Attention, adrenaline junkies (or kids of any age)! Swoop through the hills of the Ozarks, rain or shine. Using the area’s natural terrain, this mountain roller coaster races downhill at speeds of up to 30 mph.