Weekend Road Trip: Big Cedar Lodge in The Ozarks - 405 Magazine

Weekend Road Trip: Big Cedar Lodge in The Ozarks

An all-natural wonderland of rest, relaxation and recreation just 4.5 hours from OKC.

Big Cedar Lodge

Out in the forested wilds of the Ozarks, time stands still. Away from the noise and the traffic, southern Missouri is an all-natural wonderland of rest, relaxation and recreation — all of which abound at Big Cedar Lodge

Flanked by shimmering lakes, rocky plateaus and rolling, tree-lined mountains, the sprawling lodge is both a destination in itself, and a gateway to adventure. 

Located just 10 minutes south of Branson, itself a treasure trove of family-friendly attractions, the property was designed to connect travelers with nature, while offering comfortable rooms, cabins, cottages and glamping tents in which to luxuriate. Altogether, the lodge boasts 362 accommodations across 4,600 acres of land overlooking Table Rock Lake. On-property, guests can choose from five golf courses and two boating marinas, along with a spa, numerous restaurants, a fitness center and all manner of activities in the great outdoors. These run the gamut from bass fishing and history walks to nature trails and dinner cruises aboard a yacht. 

There’s even a self-guided cave tour, accessible via the Top of the Rock Lost Canyon and Nature Trail, where hikers can refresh at the Bat Bar and relax next to an underground waterfall. Fun Mountain, meanwhile, features a miscellany of indoor and outdoor activities for kids and families, including an undersea-themed bowling alley, go-carts, laser tag and a ropes course. Whatever your activity of choice, be sure to end the day with the lodge’s traditional Sunset Ceremony, wherein a Civil War-era cannon fires off a blast as guests raise a glass from Buffalo Bar or Osage Restaurant. 

In addition to rooms, cottages and cabins, Big Cedar Lodge offers luxury accommodations for couples and families alike, including the 700-square-foot Carriage House Cottage for two to four people, and the majestic, two-story Governor’s Suite overlooking the lake.  

This is also the perfect place for families who are looking to experience Silver Dollar City, White Water and all Branson has to offer.