Must-See Johnny Morris Foundation Ozark Tourist Attractions & Parks

Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium

You should take an entire day to explore this Ozark tourist attraction, as there are 350,000 square feet of natural history and aquatic wonders here. You’ll want to start with the wildlife side of things, as the museum flow will take you through the exhibits to the aquarium. It’s 1.5 miles of walking, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes! Enter the Native American Hall to start your journey, where you’ll learn about the first American conservationists. Follow through to a replica of Theodore Roosevelt’s Maltese Cross Cabin and on through the National Parks exhibit. This is where you’ll get your first 4D experience in the museum, as you can actually feel the room warm up in the Grand Canyon.

Wander past chilly Sheep Mountain, admire the Northern Lights, and watch the penguins in the Polar Expedition exhibit before heading into The Great African Hall and Africa After Dark; kids will love the sounds of the savannah and the historical African safari camp.

Once you’ve seen everything in the museum, you’ll be led into the aquarium where you’ll wander through the Open Ocean, the Great Barrier Reef, the Swamp at Night, Rivers & Streams, the Amazon Rainforest, Marvels of the Deep, Caves: The Dark Wonder, River Monsters, and more.

The entire aquarium is incredible, but highlights for kids include the stingray touch tank in Shipwreck Reef, the tide pool touch tank and shark diving tank in Out to Sea, the river otters, and the replica life-size humpback whale and calf in the Great Barrier Reef hall.

After seeing everything WOW has to offer, you can stop by the Fishtales Cafe for lunch or head next door to the world’s largest BassPro for a bite at Hemingway's. 

Dogwood Canyon Nature Park

This 10,000-acre outdoor park is a perfect slice of Ozark beauty. I highly suggest taking the tram tour from begins at the park entrance, passes the waterfalls and curves of Dogwood Creek, all the way to where the bison and elk roam. You can reserve a spot to flyfish, rent bikes to explore the six miles of paved paths, take a horseback ride, learn about the Ozarks and the creatures that call it home in the Conservation Center (don't skip the table full of Lincoln Logs!), and let the kids play in the impressive treehouse. Will they dare traverse the swinging bridge?

If you’re hungry, sit down and dine at the Mill & Canyon Grill Restaurant. It’s next to the Conservation Center, and offers menu items like Smoked Trout Dip, toasted Italian Subs, Elk Sausage and Potato Soup (a must try), and classic kid fare: think grilled cheese, butter pasta, and chicken tenders.

Top of the Rocks Ozarks Heritage Preserve

If you’re hungry, book a table at Osage Restaurant. A floor above the museum, the fine dining menu consists of delectable options like pork belly, roasted beet salad, wood-fired rotisserie chicken, Brussel sprouts, and, of course, fine steaks and seafood. A sunset dinner is particularly fun, where you’re served a four-course family-style meal before watching the Top of the Rock’s sunset ceremony.

Top of the Rock Ozark Nature Preserve is next door to Big Cedar Lodge, a flagship Bass Pro hotel and Ozark tourist attraction. Famous for its rustic but luxe accommodations, breathtaking lake views, and outdoor recreation, it’s never a bad time of year to stay here. Peep the fall leaves, enjoy the extravagant Christmas festivities, the Dogwood trees blooming in the spring, or the incredible water sports, hiking, and outdoor fun in the summer.

Other Spots Worth Checking Out

Springfield

Springfield is a university town, and the are several areas worth exploring. Head to Historic C-Street for exciting dining opportunities like Cafe Cusco, That Lebanese Place, and Van Gogh's Eeterie. Follow up your meal with a stop at Springfield Mercantile Co. or Gypsy Girl Junk. Downtown Springfield has its own fun spots, like Civil Kitchen, Hold Fast Brewing, and Big Whiskey's American Restaurant & Bar. 

Finely Farms

Finley Farms is located on the banks of the Finley River, and it's home to the historic Ozark Mill. Don't miss the chance to step back in time and learn about how the mill used to operate during the free historical tour that's offered. This is where I had the best meal of my trip, an early dinner at The Ozark Mill Restaurant. It overlooks the river and the millpond, and serves incredible food like risotto fritters, sticky St. Louis ribs, seared Pacific salmon, and crawfish mac & cheese. 

How to Get to Springfield, MO and Other Ozark Tourist Attractions

You can book a flight to the Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF) or road trip via I-44, U.S. Route 65, MO Route 13 (Kansas Expressway), or MO Route 266 (Chestnut Expressway).

All photos by the writer.

This trip was paid for by the Johnny Morris Foundation, but all opinions belong to the writer.