Lots of folks come to the Branson Tri-Lakes area for the outdoor activities. Fishing, hiking, nature watching and boating are just some of the things that people come to this area looking for. If you want a truly unique fishing and/or hiking experience near Branson, pack your tackle box and hiking boots, and head up to Miller Bison at Elkhead Ranch – because where else in the area can you hike and fish in the presence of the American Bison? Make sure to pack your camera – this is one outdoor trip you will definitely want to photograph!
Fishing: Elkhead Lake, or ‘The Pond,’ as it is commonly referred to, is a beautiful place to cast a line or to nature watch. Located at one of the higher points on the ranch, you will have a gorgeous panoramic view of the landscape – and maybe even a glimpse of a herd of buffalo off in the distance! The fishing pond is roughly forty feet deep, and spans a few acres. A permanent fishing dock is located on the eastern shore of the lake. The dock sits in a prime location for watching wildlife, catching a fish, or even catching a nap, if you are the kind of fisherman who dozes with a finger on the line! The pond at Elkhead Ranch is fully stocked with fish like catfish, bass and bluegill, all looking for a tasty worm or lure to nibble on. While you are waiting for the big one to bite, there is plenty of wildlife to keep you interested – geese, ducks, green and blue herons, hawks and bald eagles all like to hang out on the pond. If this sounds like the fishing spot for you, call the Elkhead Ranch office today at 417-683-7058 for available fishing dates and to set up a fishing package!
Hiking: If you want to see more than just the pond on this beautiful Southwest Missouri bison ranch, consider spending an afternoon hiking through the hills at Elkhead Ranch. With several miles of hiking trails, you will find something new and interesting at everything twist and turn! During your hike at Elkhead Ranch, you will see much of the flora and fauna that the Ozarks are so well known for. Oak trees, dogwoods and cedars line the hillsides, and a beautiful rushing stream hugs the edge of the forest. Some of the trails top out with a lovely view of the ranch vista, and some lead down into open meadows that have been planted as food plots for wildlife. Whitetail deer, wild turkey, squirrels and birds of all kinds might reveal themselves to you during your hike! You can also see old homestead sites, a hand hewn log cabin, and even an old family cemetery. For your safety, guests at the ranch are asked to stay out of pastures containing bison and other livestock – but if you would like a better look at them, Elkhead Ranch offers guided tours to introduce guests to the mighty bison! Call today for available hiking dates.
Elkhead Ranch offers some very unique hiking and fishing options for the outdoor adventurer – not to mention a glimpse of bison! So the next time you are looking for a place to fish or a new trail to explore, be sure to put Elkhead Ranch on your list of hotspots.
