Fun at Top of the Rock

ENTERING the Top of the Rock, located near Hollister, Missouri, will blow your mind! What a gorgeous drive - just to get to the parking lot!  By the way, the voucher received at the gate can be redeemed at the General Store for full value.

The creator of this Ozark Heritage Preserve was Johnny Morris, the founder of Bass Pro Shops. The property is 47 acres, with 38% of it remaining in its natural state. One of the main attractions is a Jack Nicklaus signature golf course. Nicklaus, along with Tom Watson and Arnold Palmer, spent eight years creating a 9-hole PGA sanctioned course. A practice facility, driving range, putting complex, and pro shop are all part of the course.

Other features of the Rock include the Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum; the Chapel of the Ozarks, a favorite spot for weddings; Arnie's Barn, a 150 year-old structure moved from Latrobe, Pennsylvania (Arnold Palmer's home), and re-assembled board by board; the Osage Restaurant, a fine dining experience; the Arnie's Barn restaurant, a casual eating place with tables inside or out; the Buffalo Bar; and the End of the Trail Wine Cellar.

Another feature, and one of my favorites, is the Natural Trail Tour, a 2.5-mile trek which lasts 50-60 minutes in a customized self-driven golf cart. There's even a cart which will seat four! The Tour is all on a hard-surface path where you see towering rock formations, waterfalls, forests, valleys, and bridges. About midway through the journey, the Trail goes through Lost Canyon Cave - which includes a surprising underground refreshment counter!

The Top of the Rock is truly an amazing place. The beauty and the ingenuity are indescribable. It's located 8 miles south of Branson, Missouri on U.S. Highway 65. Just watch for signs with directions to the turn-off and the entrance gate.

For me, the Top of the Rock was a great leisure experience - and, just good old-fashioned fun!