The Ozarks are full of beautiful places to visit. Towering oak forests, sparkling blue lakes, ridge tops with panoramic views, meadows dotted with wildflowers – you name it, the Ozarks probably have it. But if you really want to see some of the Ozarks most beautiful, breathtaking, rugged, natural, one of a kind scenery, plan a visit to Dogwood Canyon! Here you will find a ten thousand acre natural paradise that is just as lovely as its name. So grab your camera – you won’t want to miss this one of a kind nature park in the Ozarks!
“Preserve, promote, and protect the natural environment of the canyon’s wildlife and plant life.” This is the mission statement of Dogwood Canyon, located in Lampe, Missouri, about forty-five minutes south of Branson. The beginnings of the park property were put in place in 1990 by Johnny Morris, eco-philanthropist and the founder of the Bass Pro Shops empire. Today, the park is owned, operated and maintained by the Dogwood Canyon Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and protecting the canyon’s natural plant and wildlife environment. They share this goal and their visions with the public through many different outdoor activities and workshops.
The activities offered at Dogwood Canyon are as one of a kind of the park. Set against a backdrop of land that has been virtually untouched by human hands, you won’t want to miss a chance to participate! Dogwood Canyon offers guided tram tours, hiking and biking trails, fishing opportunities, and LOTS of horseback riding – you can take a trail ride through the wilderness, or even participate in a real cattle drive! Dogwood Canyon also offers a two day fly fishing school for those wanting to hone their fly fishing skills.
If you fall in love with Dogwood Canyon Nature Park and want to hold a special day there, you can rent the Wilderness Chapel! Built from local lumber and replicated to resemble an 1800s chapel, this is the perfect place to hold a wedding, special services, vow renewals, and meetings. The back wall of the Wilderness Chapel is made entirely of windows, so that you and your guests will have a view of one of Dogwood Canyon’s most beautiful waterfalls. It’s definitely a one of a kind place to say ‘I do!’
While Dogwood Canyon is wild and rugged, it also has a spot or two to attend to your basic needs! Check out the Outdoor Café after a day of hiking, fishing or horseback riding for some great outdoor grub like Elk Burgers, Trout BLTs and more!
Dogwood Canyon is a nature park beyond compare – and their mission is one worth supporting. So make Dogwood Canyon Nature Park a spot you and your family visit often! Then you too, can help preserve, promote, and protect one of the Ozarks most unique hotspots.
