Branson is widely known as a family vacation destination, tucked into the beautiful Ozark Mountains in the southwest portion of Missouri. Over the years, the town has grown as an abundance of hotels and attractions have increasingly flocked to the region, among them an 1800’s-themed amusement park called Silver Dollar City and Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede Dinner Attraction.
One of the most popular resorts in the area is Big Cedar Lodge which offers gorgeous landscapes and natural beauty with views of the sparkling waters of Table Rock Lake. This is a resort that has thought of everything and has provided it on a massive property for a full vacation experience. Owned by Bass Pro Shops’ founder, Johnny Morris, the resort features an abundance of accommodation options for guests, all in a quaint and rustic setting. This includes a mix of lodge rooms, cottages, 1 and 2-bedroom private log cabins, and camp-style units, plus six exclusive luxury properties that sleep a range of 2-14 people.
Big Cedar boasts three beautiful grand lodges – Spring View, Valley View, and Falls Lodge, each of which offers rooms and suites that vary in size, features, and views. These accommodations are spacious and clean with a variety of countrified decor that reflects the nature and wildlife of the region. While Falls Lodge rooms are best suited to 2- 4 guests, some Spring View and Valley View rooms and suites can accommodate larger numbers, up to seven people. These larger facilities also feature kitchenettes, separate living spaces, sleeper sofas, and balconies or patios, along with flat-screen TVs and free wifi.
Bass Pro Shops and Knotty Pine Cottages similarly offer different styles and layouts for different numbers of guests. Two to four-bedroom cottages are suitable for groups of 6-12 people with a mixture of queen and king-size beds and, depending on the cottage, features such as kitchens, fireplaces, luxury tub and shower, private balcony, outdoor dining area, and more. Lakeside cottages are a walking distance from the infinity pool and the lake. Knotty Pine cottages are located in the heart of the resort, a short walk from restaurants and pools.
Private 2 Bedroom Cabin
Five private log cabins, varying in size and features can accommodate four to ten guests. These are decked out with all the comforts of home including private bedrooms and bathrooms, in some cases an extra bathroom, and outdoor decks with gas grills.
When it comes to luxury properties, Big Cedar does it right with a mix of six villas, cottages, homes, and a cabin that takes the vacation experience to the next level. For example, for a romantic getaway, The Spa Cottage accommodates two people and is built over a stream with a glass floor overlooking the waters. The Governor’s Suite, which is more like a massive home, includes a master bedroom with a king-size bed, a luxury tub, 2 queen bedrooms, an open loft with 2 queen beds, a billiards room, and more. And, the Villa at Integrity Hills, which accommodates 14 people, is great for large families and includes two gourmet kitchens and dining rooms, six bedrooms and four private balconies, five bathrooms and two half bathrooms, a washer and dryer, a home theater, and billiards room, and an infinity pool and hot tub. Now, THAT’s a memorable vacation.
Glamping Tent available at Camp Long Creek
Additional accommodation options available include Angler’s Lodge Hollister, Buffalo Ridge Cottages, and Camp Long Creek which are located off-property.
There are numerous dining options at Big Cedar including fine dining, casual cuisine, and in-room services. For central views of Table Rock Lake, wine and dine at the Worman House Bistro.
Casual dining can be enjoyed with live music performed by locals at Buzzard Bar. Breakfast and lunch options are available at Truman Cafe & Custard, and southern homestyle breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus can be found at Devil’s Pool. For in-room dining, the hotel serves a range of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. For cabin and cottage guests, Backyard Baskets can be delivered with meals meant to be prepared on your own.
Top of the Rock Golf
Big Cedar provides numerous complimentary activities and services to its guests such as access to the Top of the Rock golf course and priority booking for Big Cedar Golf. Visit Big Cedar Beach and enjoy the beach umbrellas and seasonal lounge chairs, or take a dip in the heated outdoor pools overlooking Table Rock Lake.
Other activities meant to be discovered include paddleboats, bonfires, sand volleyball, shuffleboard, a lazy river ride, a fitness center, jogging/walking trails, and a children’s playground. For spa services, Cedar Creek Spa offers full-body treatments, salon services, body contouring, and more.
Pool
Spend a day at the pool, or quality time on Table Rock Lake with fishing tours and a number of water sports including water skiing, tubing, wakeboarding, and jet skiing, all of which can be booked and rented at Bent Hook Marina and Bass Pro Shops Long Creek Marina.
Big Cedar Lodge celebrates a variety of events in every season and accommodates wedding services, as well as events and conferences.
This picturesque location in the Ozark Mountains will connect visitors with the great outdoors while providing a memorable vacation at America’s Premier Wilderness Resort.
Photos courtesy of Big Cedar