Ozark Mountains of Missouri
The Ozark Mountain area of Missouri is a beautiful part of the U.S. The rolling hillside has almost a roller coaster feel to it. There is a sense of history and family throughout the area. A visit to this area provides many sites to see such as Wilson Creek National Battlefield, Downtown Branson, Cavern tours, and the National Tiger Sanctuary.
Wilson Creek National Battlefield, Republic, Missouri
Wilson Creek National Battlefield is the first National Park we visited on our trip across the U.S.. Being from the North-Eastern part of the country I was unaware that this battle opened the Civil War in Missouri and was the second major battle of the civil war. Looking back at Missouri during that time it was a true microcosm of the sentiments of that time in U.S. history. Although Missouri legislature voted to stay in the Union there was a section of the population that wanted to keep slavery. This division contributed to Missouri being the state with the third greatest number of battles to occur during the Civil War.
Leading the Union Forces were Brig Gen Nathaniel Lyon, Col Granz Sigel, and Major Samuel Sturgis. These men all are notable in their own right. However, Brig. General Nathaniel Lyon was the first Union General to die in battle during the Civil War at the Battle of Wilson Creek.
Leading the Confederate Forces were Brig Gen Benjamin McCulloch, Major General Sterling Price and Brig. General Nicholas Bartlett Pearce. Together these men and their troops fought a five-hour long battle against the Union forces at the Battle of Wilson Creek. At the end of the fighting, the Confederate forces drove the Union forces back and took the battle field.
A trip to this National Park brings the history of the civil war to life. The visitors center at the park, is nicely done with a collection of Civil War artifacts and informative displays. There is also a replica of the battlefield that shows the battle in action as it talks you through the event. The park offers access by car or walking trail around the site of this landmark battlefield. For more information click this link https://www.nps.gov/wicr/index.htm
Branson, Missouri Water Front
Branson, Missouri is known for all of the theater shows, but the center of town is a throwback to home town America. The main street has quaint shops to stroll through and a railway station. The water front offers a spot to take a leisurely stroll on Lake Taneycomo. There is a little bit of everything to do in the Midwestern town.
Lamberts Café is just north of Branson in Ozark, Mo, it is a family café known as the Home of the Throwed Roll for over 40 years. From the moment, you walk in you feel like the clock was turned back to the 1930’s. Once you are seated you feel like you are at one big family dinner with home style cooking and a friendly atmosphere. If you are hungry for some serious comfort food Lamberts Café is the place to get it.
The National Tiger Sanctuary in Saddlebrooke, Missouri
The National Tiger Sanctuary (NTS) was established in 2000 by Keith Kinkade and Judy McGee. This non-profit organization was formed to provide permanent homes for rescued exotic and domestic animals. NST also provides educational opportunities in the areas of research and internships. Public awareness of animal abuse and the need for legislation to protect both domestic and exotic animals is part of the mission of NTS. I have always loved big cats and visiting NTS and seeing these animals was a great experience. It is evident that the animals well being is the primary focus at NTS. If you are ever in the Branson, MO area a visit the National Tiger Sanctuary is a must. http://www.nationaltigersanctuary.org/about-us/
Fantastic Caverns in Springfield, Missouri
Missouri is also known as the cave state. There are nearly 6,600 caves one of which is the Fantastic Caverns in Springfield, Missouri. The Caverns were discovered by John Knox and his hunting dog in 1862. Over the years, the ownership and the name of the caverns have changed as well as its use. Today the family owned business strongly supports conservation and scientific educations. Three endangered species make the caverns their home. They are the Ozarks’ Blind Cave Fish, Ozarks’ Blind Cave Salamander and the Ozarks’ Blind Cave Crayfish. The Eastern Pipistrelle Bat shares the cavern as well. Fantastic Caverns’ staff provide a one hour driven tour of the inside of the cave. You will get to see what nature has been building just underground from the water, minerals and limestone. The caverns feature stalactite, stalagmite, soda straws, columns, draperies, flowstones and sink holes. A trip to the cave state must include a visit to at least one of its’ many caves. http://www.factasticcaverns.com/
The Acrobats of China in Branson, Missouri
“Acrobatics have more than a 2,500-year history in China. Developed from everyday life and work the early acrobatic skills presented in village harvest festivals have now evolved into one of China’s national treasures. Building on the traditional performances, today’s artists have added new techniques and spectacular stunts thrilling audiences around the globe. Highly skilled, rigorously trained, and superbly talented, these performers follow an unbroken tradition since 700 B.C.” The performance was about 1 ½ hours and was filled with amazing acrobatic feats that showcase the performers skill of balance and strength. https://www.acrobatsofchina.com/all-about-acrobats