Netflix intro’d us to to the Ozarks via their smashing success, Ozark (if you haven’t seen it, queue it up for a binge), and now we’re all uber curious to check out this gorgeous part of the country that’s the backdrop for intensely-wild storylines. With many of us opting for road tripping vs jet setting, it’s the perfect time to make that 8-hour-ish drive to Big Cedar Lodge from Chicago. Read on to see what you’ve been missing in Missouri and why it should top your winter travel agenda.
Entertainment
Some of the country’s best fishing can be found at Long Creek Marina, where you can also rent boats, jet skis, skiing, tubing and wakeboard equipment, and hire a fishing guide to help you snag an impressive catch.
The kids will lose their minds when they see Fun Mountain, a 50,000 square foot entertainment behemoth that year-round offers a full arcade, bumper cars, underwater-themed bowling, laser tag, ropes course, rock wall, pirate ship play structure and a golf simulator. Fun Mountain can even host a birthday party, if you have a birthday kid in your group.
Don’t forget your camera when you head to Top of the Rock, because the uninterrupted views of the Ozark Mountains are stunning. For a small fee, you can take a shuttle to check out the magnificent views, explore the Lost Canyon Cave, the Ancient History Museum, which has one of the most significant collections of Native American artifacts, Catherdral of Nature, a sinkhole that was naturally formed in 2015, and golf and dine with a sweet view.
Kids will enjoy the 2.5-mile electric cart ride at Lost Canyon Cave that showcases stunning rock formations and views of Table Rock Lake and waterfalls.
Dogwood Canyon Nature Park covers 10,000 acres of Ozark Mountain landscape with miles of crystal clear trout streams, Insta-worthy waterfalls, ancient burial caves, hand-built bridges and bottomless pools. The area lends itself to hiking, biking, trout fishing, horseback riding and tours can be arranged via segway.
Relax your muscles and mind at the luxurious Cedar Creek Spa & Salon. Each of the 11 treatment rooms features its own cozy fireplace and the full-service salon is equipped with massaging pedicure chairs and sofas. Kids ages 10-18 can come along for the spoiling and kids treatments.
Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium has received much recognition and makes for a pretty unforgettable family day. It spans 350,000 square feet and has more than 1.5 miles of trails to explore, taking you on an educational journey through immersive habitats. The Aquarium Adventure is home to 800 species of live fish, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds and transports the mind to some of the wildest, most inspirational places on the planet.
If you want to hit the spa alone, the Kids Adventure Club at the Kid’s Nature Discovery Center buys you a few hours kid-free, Mon.-Sat., 9 a.m.-1 p.m. or 4 p.m.-8 p.m. The Activities Team leads kids through badge-earning adventures while they make new friends and hone new skills.
Check out Big Cedar Lodge’s Events tab for daily activities that speak to all sorts of interests and ages. If you’re not the best at planning, Big Cedar Lodge helps with recommended itineraries.
Furry Friend Policy
Big Cedar Lodge is a pet-free resort, however, dogs are welcome when staying at Camp Long Creek, which also conveniently has a dog park.
COVID-19 Impacts
As of press time, Big Cedar Lodge was fully operational, with the exception of one restaurant at Top of the Rock and segway and private wildlife tours at Dogwood Canyon Nature Park. Stay up-to-date on what’s open, what’s not and any COVID-related safety requirements and procedures on Big Cedar Lodge’s Coronavirus page.
Social Media
Fall down the rabbit hole of researching Big Cedar Lodge’s offerings by doing a deep-dive on these Instagram pages: @bigcedarlodge, @topoftherockmo, @dogwood_canyon, @wondersofwildlife,@golfbigcedar.
— Maria Chambers