We went camping here for spring break. There’s not much to do compared to other parks but the programs they had were amazing! They taught a cooking class to make food in a Dutch oven, a microscope lesson and a talk about snakes. The views were amazing. Lover’s Leap Trail was a fun moderate trail with an overlook.

A Hidden Gem Along the Talimena Scenic Drive This state park is an absolute treasure! Nestled along the stunning Talimena Scenic Drive, it offers breathtaking scenic views that make it worth the visit alone. The campground exceeded our expectations with full hook-up sites providing both water and electricity. The bathrooms were impressively clean and well-maintained throughout our stay—always a huge plus when camping! It also offers fun activities for kids with a train ride that loops around the campground, which was a delightful surprise and kept them entertained. For those who enjoy hiking, there are four small trails totaling approximately 7-8 miles, perfect for a morning or afternoon adventure. History buffs will appreciate the historical points of interest scattered throughout the park as well. The lodge is another highlight, offering not only stunning scenic views but also a comfortable dining option. What’s great is that campers have full access to the lodge for meals and relaxation, so you get the best of both worlds—camping in nature with the amenities of a lodge nearby. If you prefer not to camp, staying at the lodge itself is a wonderful option. They also offer good free activities of campers like rope knots lessons and many more. We’re told this is bear country, and while we kept our eyes peeled, we didn’t have any luck spotting one during our visit. Still, it adds to the wild beauty of the location. Highly recommend this park for families, nature lovers, and anyone looking for a peaceful getaway with excellent facilities.

We stayed at an RV spot as the rest of our Law Enforcement motorcycle club family stayed in the lodge. The lodge and park was the perfect venue for the National meeting. The staff were very friendly and accomadating. The picturesque motorcycle ride topped off the weekend. We've been to many state parks, but this one is very unique.

This is a small state park with few attractions. It does have a lodge with food (we didn't try) and a 24 hour store and check-in desk which was super nice. We camped in an RV spot with power and water for $28 after tax. There are spots with water and more power for a little more expensive and spots with no power and water that they call "tent only" sites for a few bucks less. You can technically tent camp on the RV sites like we did and probably vice versa if you had a small trailer and didn't need hookups. Campsites are beautiful with a lot of shade... the only downside is the sites are very close together. There was only a handful of campers when we were there yesterday (7/1) so we didn't have any neighbors that we could see, which was great. Since there is no lake or river here and this is such a small park, apparently it doesn't fill up often. The lady at the desk even told me that they still had availability for this weekend, 4th of July. Overall this place is a nice spot to relax for a night or two! The bathhouse is extremely clean and spacious. We thoroughly enjoyed the chill vibes and incredible views from the second highest point in Arkansas!

Stay was Oct 17th through 19th, 2025. I pre- booked my slot in March or April. It was apart of a group event. The week of the event i was contacted twice to change places with some other camper. The first time I declined. The second time I asked if I would still be close to my group. They told me I'd be closer, but after I agreed to change I found out they lied. I was further away than originally. I would have been right across the street from my group, but ended up 6 slots down the same side of the street. No, that part wasn't a big deal, but I detest being lied to. Now for the camp itself. It was really nice. The bathrooms were clean, but ran out of hand towels. The slots are paved which is a plus. The slots all had benches, firepits, and a grill. We really enjoyed the campsites and will probably return, but they better never call me to switch places with anyone.

Nestled atop Rich Mountain, Arkansas's second-highest peak just west of Mena, Queen Wilhelmina State Park is a hidden gem that delivers on its promise of unparalleled vistas. Though I didn't book a stay at the historic lodge, a day trip solely for the views proved utterly worthwhile. As I ascended the winding Talimena Scenic Drive, the landscape unfolded into a tapestry of rolling Ouachita Mountains cloaked in vibrant autumn hues—fiery reds, golds, and deep greens that stretched endlessly toward the horizon. From the park's overlooks, the panoramic sweeps left me breathless, a perfect perch for contemplation amid nature's grandeur. What truly enchanted me, however, was the whimsical train experience. The static display at Mountain Glory Station captivated with its intricate 1/3-scale locomotive, a nod to the park's railroad heritage, gleaming under the sun like a time capsule. But the real thrill came aboard The Glory Train itself, chugging merrily around the 2-mile loop through pine-scented woods and open meadows. The gentle sway and nostalgic whistle evoked childhood joy, offering glimpses of wildlife and wildflowers that enhanced the serene ride. Capping off the visit, the Queen's Restaurant in the lodge delivered exceptional service—attentive staff who anticipated needs with warm smiles and efficient pacing. I opted for the lunch buffet, savoring fresh salads, hearty comfort foods, and decadent desserts, all enjoyed through floor-to-ceiling windows framing those iconic views. Affordable and flavorful, it was the ideal refuel. Queen Wilhelmina isn't just a park; it's a soul-stirring escape. Even sans overnight, it's a must for anyone craving elevation, whimsy, and heartfelt hospitality. I'll return soon—perhaps to linger longer.

Beautiful. We are camping here and the sceneries are gorgeous. It is cool and windy because it is on a mountain, but so worth it. We came to the awesome lodge, which is very nice, and ate some meals in the restaurant, which were delicious. There is a train ride and putt putt golf too, which we are hoping to do. We are going to check out the town of Mena and sight see at the look out points.

Best place around to dig for crystals. Went for the first time with some family, definitely an interesting experience. After you pay they load everyone into trucks, they make sure it's safe and secure. They explained all the rules thoroughly. Lance was just terrific, he was helpful, kind and had the best attitude I have seen in years, truly a great guy! The big pits were fun to get into, yes you get dirty but it's worth it. Found some big ones and lots of small ones, but finding crystals at all is just cool! They have drinks and light snacks in the giftshop. Whole place is pretty neat! Great for all ages

I may have found a new hobby 🤣 My 8 year old wanted to "play Minecraft irl" so I took him on the phantom dig and he had more fun here than magic springs and all the other theme parks or fairs I've taken him to. Lance was our guide and he was absolutely amazing. Fun personality and endless patience with my 8 year old that never stops talking. We are still digging through the bucket of treasures we brought home and we can't wait to visit again!!!!

This is a great place to go and get your hands dirty digging for crystals! We did the full day experience and it was amazing! We got to go out to the crystal forest first, then the sluice and then the diamond and gem room. We walked away with so many gems and crystals! Staff were amazing and kind, if you are looking for a fun place to go with the family or on your own this is the place! I even got the amber I was looking for. 🥰

We love Wegner's so much we drove 9 hrs, went mining the next day, and drove 9 hrs home!! We went on the forest dig and stayed the whole day. There are piles of churns up dirt and then there are walls of rock with vains running through them. You can easy search or bring your gear and chip away at the wall. There is something for everyone. The last picture is one cleaned versus one in the rough.

Wegner Crystal Mnes is an incredible spot for digging up some truly stunning crystals! But one of the best-kept secrets is their rock shop. It's a must see! Take a look at a pic of the massive crystal from their mine. And that's just the beginning. They've got an impressive selection of rocks and minerals from all over the world, with very reasonable prices, too. Plus, if you're a wholesaler, you're in luck-discounts! We've made the drive four times and it's been worth it every time. It's a rockhounder's dream and a great outing for the family. If you're planning to dig, be ready to get dirty! If you forget your tools or don't want to buy them, you can rent them on-site. Before you leave Wegner's, make sure to stop by the shop!

I have been wanting to do this for a few years. We came through on the way home on Tuesday but, it was storming so the drive home was sad. Spur of the moment, my daughter and I decided to drive back the 7 hours and go. I’m so glad we did. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and met a friend along the way. The dirt is like Oklahoma red dirt, it will stain so come prepared. Our driver was Jay, and that dude was awesome. The people in the town of Mt. Ida were very rude and belittling, except for Wayseekers Coffee and Royal Oak Inn. My son passed away not too long ago and I want Jay to know he healed a bit of my heart. The dude truly is one of a kind. We will back. Oh yeah, we found soooo much but Jay will always stand out in my mind when I think about this trip. Thank you for having us

Very fun experience, digging for my own crystals. The shop isn’t very clean or welcoming, but that’s understandable for a mine site. Prices for crystals in the shop is amazing. Don’t buy anything in Hot Springs, the gift shops are way over priced. I got a $25 crystal for $5 here. Worth the drive!

This is the third time in Fort Smith and I was able to finally visit the historic site before it closed. There is plenty of parking, and it was a nice break from the heat. They have an orientation video and two floors to walk through. It gives a nice history of the area and glad to see it staffed by National Park employees. The riverwalk is also not far at all. The grounds outside are spacious and beautiful. Historic plaques with descriptions are scattered around.

We visited Fort Smith National Historic Site on a slow Monday, which made for a very peaceful experience. The history here is fascinating, from the courtroom of Judge Parker to the stories of the Three Guardsmen and the infamous outlaws. The site is well-preserved, and the exhibits really bring the Old West to life. If you’re traveling in an RV, there’s parking available just outside the 3rd Street lot in a dirt area next to the big brick. Our 43’ rig fit comfortably, which was a huge relief. The staff is friendly and helpful, and it’s easy to spend a few hours exploring the buildings and learning about this unique part of frontier history. Highly recommend a stop here if you’re passing through Arkansas!

Due to the government shutdown, we could only tour the outside site. It’s was interesting. Obviously the outside is free. There are interesting informative posts along the grounds. You can still peek between the fence to see the gallows (which are locked due to the shutdown).

Well, I can honestly say that when I walked into this National Park, I had no idea what this Fort was. I'm so glad I came here! Passport cancelation stamps are to the left as you walk into the vistor center. Total of three passport cancelation stamps here. Make sure you watch the 15-minute movie on the history of Fort Smith.

Awesome place. Totally free and I learned a lot of new things. The history was pretty cool, they have a whole historical courthouse and even a jail! Plus some things outdoors. Definitely recommend to visit, even if it's gonna be short. You end up spending some good time there though if you actually look at everything.

#POTA, parks on the air, amateur radio Great historic location for amateur radio. Set up in parking lots or on the spacious grounds during non-peak attendance times. 24-hour access. Take bug spray!

Belle Point is a historic site where the U.S. Army established Fort Smith, serving as a crucial point on the border of the Indian Territory from 1817 to 1907. This line, officially marked in 1834, separated the Arkansas Territory from Indian Territory and became the center for enforcing law and order for the vast lands west of the Arkansas River. The site played a significant role during the forced removal of tribes like the Cherokee via the Trail of Tears, acting as the last point of federal land before entering Indian Territory

Cute place! The drinks are fun and a great price. The chicken Alfredo was creamy but the noodles were a little too overcooked. The cheeseboard was great! The Black Forest cake was a little dry. But over all cool place with a lot of history and great service !

A quaint restaurant with wonderful food and service. Definitely an experience worth the drive. Oh and there's a winery, taste testing too. The beef stroganoff was one of the best I've had, top notch! We started with the Weinkeller Sampler Knackwurst, Bratwurst, Smoked Sausage, and Quiche Lorraine a meal in itself.

Wiederkehr winery is very unique in so many ways. When we arrived at Wiederkehr we really didn’t know what to accept. It looked like something straight out of a movie, the restaurant looks like a hobbit house carved into a mole hill, just like in the movie hobbits tale. I truly can say it had me speechless in a unique way. The server Liz was very friendly, and cam over to assist us as soon as she noticed us. We had a few questions which she answered very politely and even made recent to us! The grounds area around the winery is well kept, even though it’s an old rustic place! We participate in a wine tasting of a variety of their wines. I can say the muscadine wine was my favorite. For those who don’t know it has wonderful nutty cherry aroma and a oaky taste. It’s truly an incredible blend and one of the most unique grape wine varieties I have ever tasted.

It's a little difficult to find this place and in some cases your Google might send you to the original address off of route 40 but that's incorrect.🫣 Very nice gift shop with an incredible hundred-year-old black walnut bar imported from Italy! They offer free tasting sips. This is something that on the one hand I appreciate because if you've gone there to buy a bottle they shouldn't be charging you to taste.🤑 But typically free tastings are very small in a plastic cup. 😣 This restaurant is very popular. Especially on the weekends. It's not very big and yet it's crowded with large groups. It's very Swiss and very cute. I don't know but it might be the only place there is to eat. 🫢 They're updating and refurbishing much of their structures. They also have 30a hookups for RV. 😲 I don't think they're part of harvest host but if you're having an event there in their event building which is very nice it would be fun to spend the weekend there if you have an RV as well. 🥳

Unique, romantic dining experience with delicious food and excellent service! Try the weinkeller sampler sausage platter with quiche and the Black H. Vienna dish with German potatoes. Waiter was kind, attentive and made a fresh pot of coffee for us! A pretty drive to the restaurant. Would be beautiful for a wedding or other special events. One of new favorite restaurants! Highly reccomend for couples, families or groups.

Today we stopped in Altus, Arkansas at the Wiederkehr Wine Cellar & Weinkeller Restaurant—a gem tucked into the Ozarks with a rich heritage. Founded by a Swiss-German family who settled in Altus in 1880, this place is steeped in history and charm. The ambiance is warm and inviting, with old-world touches that make you feel like you've stepped into a European countryside inn. The food? Absolutely amazing. Every dish we’ve tried has been flavorful and comforting, with a touch of rustic elegance. It’s no wonder this has become one of our favorite road trip stops. If you're ever passing through western Arkansas, this spot is a must-visit.

Although I was en route to Nashville and didn't have time to go inside, I was enamored by this little hidden gem 💎 off I-40... Definitely on my list to visit on my return trip! Beautiful little oasis, and so very welcoming!

We stayed in Cabin 18 and it was great! Hiked a portion of all the trails too. This was a great park!

Great place to take fàmily n friends for a day trip or a weekend camping trip. Has lots of fun things to do from fishing to swimming to hiking or even a BBQ by the water. The dam there is very pretty to enjoy or even have pictures with. Every enjoyable place to visit any time of the year. They have horse trails. If u love the outsides this is the place for you.

Good place for hike and family fun

The staff was very friendly and the trails are beautiful (even after the storms)

Best day… even with the trees barren of their leaves, the views are beautiful, the water sounds so great and the hiking is perfect. Devils Den Trail yielded water falls and crags and the Outlook was spectacular. Short or long hiking - go here. Love it. Enjoy it. Just DO it!!

Ladies in the visitors center were very helpful. Maps to take with you and clean restrooms. Devils den trail is moderate, up stone steps and a few slightly harder climbs. Follow the red triangles. Waterfalls had no water- but the views are still breathtaking! Autumn is here and so gorgeous with all the changing colors of leaves. Caves and crevices are closed to protect bats from white noise- basically humans. Cairns all along the river bed that shouldn’t be there. Trails could use slightly better marking, but love that there aren’t really gates or posts or signs etc to mar the natural beauty. We saw a snake, armadillo, deer, and birds. Hidden gem of a park! Gorgeous.

Just absolutely amazing. The main hike is only a mile and a half but just full of sights. My about to be three year old and five year old handled it well. Trail access is very easy and well marked. There's even a campground with swim area and Café. Definitely a must see!

Wow! We went after a few days of heavy rain and the waterfall was amazing! When we got there, we went inside the visitors lodge and we got our parking pass (MUST HAVE a parking pass, it’s only $10) the staff were very helpful and delightful. The trail to the waterfall is a very short walk, it’s paved the entire way, the signs make it very easy to navigate and there are many other trails that are longer with different difficulty levels that we are very excited to check out next time we go! On the way to the waterfall is a lookout point where you can get a Birds Eye view of the waterfall! The Yurts looked super spacious for a family or large friend group. Highly recommend natural falls state park to anyone! Cannot wait to go back and explore more!

A beautiful place to visit. It's only $10 to park and fun for the whole family. The trail to the falls is short, but there are other trails available. You cannot get into the water, but it's a beautiful sight nonetheless.

Awesome trails pretty short. Lots of fun. Becareful of small rolling rocks in Bear trail. The springs are so beautiful. Bring water and sandwiches they have benches to seat and eat along your hiking trails. And it is pet friendly.

Natural Falls State Park was a huge hit for our family. My boys (ages 8 & 6) loved the hiking trails and they weren’t too difficult for us to navigate. The waterfall is breathtaking and only a short hike from the parking lot. There are some paved paths that lead to a view of the waterfall, but most of the trails are rock. I do recommend you have some good hiking shoes to help navigate if you plan to walk down the trails. It’s a short drive from Northwest Arkansas or even the surrounding Tulsa area. I highly recommend you put Natural Falls State Park on your list to visit and enjoy some family time outdoors.

This park was amazing, I walked to all 3 of the observation platforms. The first one is a very easy walk, and the second viewing spot is a long foot bridge that looks down into the waterfall. The park is beautifully maintained. Very nice playground for the kids. The RV park looked very nice. They also have tent camping.

The park itself deserves 5 stars. It was a GLORIOUS stay with spacious sites, clean restrooms, beautiful waterfall, and fun disc golf and playground for kids. Unfortunately the noise from the race track down the road was so insanely loud and obtrusive that we couldn’t even hold a conversation around the campfire Saturday evening; and as much as we loved the rest of the time there - I’m not sure we will stay again over a weekend considering races are held most every weekend between March-October. I honestly cannot believe the track was ever granted permission to build so close to the State Park. We go camping to retreat into nature and the noise, and unfortunately that was ruined. (I tried to add a video to this review, but it’s not allowed)

Nice park. The lady in the welcome center was super friendly. The falls itself are easy to get to with a cement path and stairs leading the way. It also had a nice trail to get different angles and see more of the park. Beautiful pond just past the falls as well. The campgrounds looked nice, and they have yurts if that's your style. I did not stay the night so don't know the price but parking is ten dollars. I will probably come back here for the night on a future road trip.

The lights are always lovely. The music and the band was fun, the crowd was hally, very family friendly. The autumn leaves looked so beautiful with the lights.

Very nice Christmas light display. Beautiful!! Enjoyed our time there last evening with my son and his family.

We were downtown to eat at a local restaurant and just happened to be there on the opening day of the Lights of the Ozarks. It really was a beautiful display! There were food trucks set up and the entire square was lively and buzzing with excitement. It was very cold at the time so we didn’t stay long, but it really is a pretty place to go see if you are in the area between November 18, 2022 - January 1, 2023.

Visited the farmers market on Saturday with items ranging from the freshest vegetables and strawberries to artisan soaps and origami earrings. The gardens have bloomed into beautiful starbursts of color. Well worth the visit.

Very lovely lights all over the trees and pony rides for small children and Friday evening horse and carriage rides! Snacks at various booths etc. Parking might be hard to find though.

One of my favorite places for photo shoots in Fayetteville. Christmas time, and the Lights of the Ozarks display is unique and truly special for night time photo sessions and wedding proposals. But the square is photogenic regardless of the time or season.

Interesting and place to visit. There are historical buildings, shops, restaurants, and other modern offices to see here. Also, it is a nice place to hang out at or take pics.

Beautiful small theater with comfortable seats and great acoustics. The experience was amazing. Getting to hear the music of one of my favorite composers live is a memory I won't soon forget.

Wonderful experience in an intimate setting. Staff were accommodating and drinks are available, along with light food. Nice lobby and a great place in downtown Fayetteville to see a performance. Thanks!

Very nice experience. Except for the seats not a lot of leg room. The performance and the employees were great.

Very relaxing and such an enjoyable evening with my daughter. Such a great treat to see her so happy and hug me at the end saying thank you for bringing her. The show was amazing and I’m looking now to find our next great evening. Thx, Nathan

Tonight’s performance was exquisite! The ladies were magnificent! TheaterSquared was the perfect venue for this. I sat in the balcony to capture all of it in. I will go to this location to watch a candlelight performance over & over!

We have been season subscribers for years and love the variety of theatre offered. Thought provoking, award winning and timely content is brought to Northwest Arkansas again and again. Cannot recommend enough for a quality evening.

2025- Five-year review update. Theater Squared continues to uphold their incredible value they add to the art and performance scene. They offer culture, music, Theater, and more at an affordable price without cutting corners. The venue is gorgeous, well-maintained, and the perfect size to feel intimate yet not crowded. I cannot brag on them enough. 2020- Not only do they have amazing plays but you can rent the opposite side of the building for special events. Their new location is gorgeous!

Rained hard, so many of the animals were "in hiding" but we made the best of it and played "can you find"... the cost is super high for just driving around, but they seem to take pretty good care of the place. I'd think more walking areas with animals you can actually see would be great (we couldn't even figure out how to get close enough to see the monkeys and giraffes on the walking paths)... I think, for this price, we'll just go to a zoo and walk around enjoying animals a bit more. This is fun for a one time visit, but I don't see the "pull" of going more then once.

We've been coming here since I was a little kid and now we get to take my kids! It is our very favorite place to go and try to go at least once a year but this time it had been awhile and my 3 year old son's 1st time and we will definitely be going back in the spring and continue to go any chance we get. The staff is great and the animals are amazing. They are always adding on more and more and there is always something new to see, hear and learn. Thank you all for keeping this place running. It will forever be my favorite place to be!

Awesome place for all ages. Place is highly recommended as it have mostly all types of animals,birds, reptiles and so more. You need to purchase the tickets before entering the safari. The ticket counter guy will tell u in details about the safari inside and will give you a map to explore the Safari. Here you can also see hybrid breeds like LIGER a combination of lion and tiger This is a must go place with kids they gonna enjoy every bit of it. Highly recommended place to visit

Wonderful place to visit! You can go through as many times as you want, go early, stay all day. Pack snacks & drinks & have a picnic. $15 for adults, $10 for 3 & up, under 3 Free. See animals they don't have at the zoos. A fun experience for us. Hey, we got to feed the Giraffes!

Our family had a lot of fun here. The animals appeared to be happy and healthy. A particular highlight for our children was feeding giraffes. Definitely follow the rules and keep windows rolled up. An emu got up close and personal at one point.

Very fun experience you can tell the animals are well treated and they absolutely love people! We had a great time and will definitely be back. I highly recommend doing both the drive thru and the petting area! Also They have wagons to rent for $5 if you forgot a stroller or your Kids are just tired of walking.

Positive 1) The few animals outside of cages are really neat to interact with and get some pictures. All kinds of deer, emus, huge big horned something's that will block you in the road and dare you to pass. 2) There are Grackles EVERYWHERE. They're from Mexico and they're free to fly away but for some reason they hang out here. Also saw some woodpeckers, other common and uncommon birds. 3) Kids love it and it wears them out if you walk around enough. 4) It has some interesting landscapes for photography. Negative 1) Expensive at $60 for 2 adults and 2 young kids under 7. If you stay for 4-5 hours then it starts to average out. 2) Crowded and long lines in the drive through when it's warm outside, the weekend, or a holiday. 3) Access to all of the interesting animals is relegated to driving by and seeing them in prison. It's really sad to see so many animals locked away like they are.

My little family enjoyed our trip out to the mill! There was so much to do on the property from shopping, walking the bridge, playing down by the water, finding shells on the river, and even lunch at the cafe! We also found some AMAZING Arkansas honey, I highly recommend for a day trip!

Fantastic place! Definitely recommend. Lots of neat things. You must get the beans! The beans and cornbread are amazing. Even if you don't think you'll like them, you will get them.

We were over in the area and decided to stop by since I had never been there before. Such a pretty place. Enjoyed looking through the store. It’s off by itself, so not a lot of other businesses around it. My mom and dad used to go to craft fairs here years ago and love them. Glad I got to finally see it. The Cafe had just closed, so we didn’t eat. Really enjoyed our visit.

War Eagle Mill is one of those places you can go to relax, fish, read, wade in the water, eat at the café, shop at the store, or enjoy their yearly craft fairs. They are full of history and beauty. They offer multiple outdoor seating options (about 8 chairs and a swing) plus the entire outdoor area around the mill. You can just exist here without the weight of the world resting on your shoulders. They have a water wheel that still works and you can watch it from inside the store and outside the store. The fall craft fair brings in vendors from all over. It's a multi-day event that is full of treasures and unique finds along with great food and snacks. It's one thing you don't want to miss!

An amazing piece of history! Neat old-timey gifts and some cute goats outside! The cafe left a lot to be desired… and is on the 3rd floor, so there’s stairs involved. ..they could really turn things around if they invested in an espresso machine and had some tea. I heard there were hiking trails, but didn’t see any- it was nice to walk around the property and you could also go down to the stream and take a dip!

We drove out from Fayetteville to hike the Pigeon Trail Loop. We were not aware of this stop and happy we came upon it. The general store is fun and well maintained; the historic Bridge is a site to see; and the mill is a great historic site to visit. On the road out there is also a small pull off to greet an amazing view of the river and valley.

The kind of old times mill and expansion bridge that brings back memories, and connects new ones. The food service is excellent for this austere local; southern style beans were great. The wildflowers and new leaves were out at the end of May, making the visit all the more remarkable within this forested region.

This museum is a sweet little gem. My children discovered the museum on field trips through their elementary school and insisted on taking us on a tour. My 9 year old took me on a private tour and told me everything he learned during his field trip. He also did this with his grandmother, and can’t wait to take more family and friends. I went back on my own last week to explore and to look at the beautiful artisan made jewelry in the gift shop. Came home with some absolutely gorgeous new pieces that I love so much!

Very Nice Historical museum . lots of American history with incredible display of artifacts . And free to the public.

One of my favorite places !!!!! .... and amazingly Free !!!!!! Fantastic First Nations Museum🪶 with exceptional staff and volunteers. Nice gift shop Too 🛍️ A can't miss ! 🦅

Free, donations appreciated. We donated through the gift shop. This was very handicap accessible. There were little story viewing areas of stories of some areas that haad chairs which were greatly appreciated. As a adult by myself I ould have spent more time here. There is a large collection of tools, arrow heads, and clothing. It might not entertain ages 0-7 but walking in the front door being greated by a Wooly Mammoth full skeleton was worth it to my Grandsons. We spent 30 minutes here but interested adults give yourself at least a hour or more. Plenty of places to rest and reflect or observe.

Informative and had a lot more to see than I was expecting. Worth the stop. plan on at least 30 mins. It was a moving experience.

Very much enjoyed this well done museum - easy to visit! Donation based - great for families looking for something to do that is educational and interesting!

This is a small museum but excellent breadth of artifacts & it’s free. We went with a group that had only planned an hour, but we went back after the group left for another hour. I liked how it was laid out so you see the earlier artifacts made of bone & stone, then more intricate effigies, then weaving, beadwork, ceramics, etc. My 10 year old enjoyed the scavenger hunt & digging for arrowheads out front. He also liked the audio tour, pressing the buttons on the handheld tour thing. I liked that the museum didn’t try to incorporate useless technology just to jazz things up & hold kids’ attention. They let the art, history & fascinating differences in culture speak for themselves.

The museum was very well put together. They take a whole journey back in time. Never realizing how much Walmart had an effect in our lives.. One thing that I enjoy the most was the customer complaint wall. Make sure you read it because it’ll give you some really good laughs.

They remodeled it, and it's completely different inside. The layout is better. I visited before the change, and I also saw the temporary location during the renovation. The outside looks the same. They just rebuilt it. They have Sam Walton's truck parked outside (which I'm guessing is a replica because there's another one inside). We especially enjoyed the LEGO display and the sticker printers, although I do miss the name tag one they used to have. The museum is free. There's a gift shop. It's free to get a pressed penny, but the engraving comes out way off most times. There are two stories now. There's a restroom on both of them. The stairway to the second floor is cool itself. It's definitely worth a stop if you're in the area.

Very well worth it! Lots of interesting info & the museum part was put together with much thought & excellence. Hands-on things to do for kids (or all) & interactive components added to the experience. Don't skip the interactive AI hologram room with Sam Walton. You can ask him questions & he will answer. This is a must-do if you visit Bentonville!!!

I really enjoyed visiting the Walmart Museum in Bentonville. It’s fascinating to see how Walmart began as a small store and grew into a global company. The exhibits are simple, informative, and give a nice glimpse into Sam Walton’s life and vision. The restored Walton’s 5&10 store adds a nostalgic charm, and the Spark Café next door is a perfect spot to relax with some ice cream after exploring. A great little stop if you’re in downtown Bentonville!

Fun museum of how Sam Walton changed how America and eventually the world shopped. A real American dream story! Proud you can be a born American and still have the American Dream with a lot of hard work. The interactive holographic image of Mr Walton was amazing!

This is a great museum, telling the story of an American entrepreneur who fulfilled the American dream. The two highlights for me were seeing his office as he left it and seeing his truck with the treasures that he left in it. It’s also interesting seeing the different decades of products I sold at Walmart. This is very well done. It tells the beginning story of Walmart and leaves politics completely out of it. This is a must see if you’re in the area.

This was a really fun spot. Not too big, but nicely done history. Some neat features such as Sam Walton's office, his Ford F-150, and a holographic version of the man himself. A nice trip down memory lane with displays featuring products from each decade as well as the associate uniform.

Such an amazing experience that you have here! The art and sculptures on display are super interesting and unique. This is truly an experience like no other! Fun for all ages. Loved the outdoor walking trails. Not too busy either for a Saturday!

The museum is beautiful and the only reason I didn't rate it a 5 is due to the challenge of finding a parking space and bc I didnt actually enter the museum, so I can't review what I haven't experienced. I saw the outdoor flower (art work, not natural flowers) exhibit by the Asian artist (I think Japanese), Oct. 2025. I highly recommend it and will go back since I am from and live in Little Rock, AR, and it's only about three hours away.

What an incredible museum! The architecture and layout are absolutely stunning, and the art collection is top-notch — such a cool mix of classic and modern pieces. We really enjoyed exploring the surrounding trails too; they’re beautiful and well-maintained, with great views of the museum and nature. I’d definitely recommend visiting on a cooler day though, as there’s not a lot of shade on the paths. Overall, a must-see stop in Bentonville!

The buildings and grounds are amazing. The art exhibits not so much. While the museum is free there may be a charge for certain exhibits. The Frank Lloyd Wright house is free but you must get a ticket for a time slot. This information is not readily apparent. The place could definitely use more signage. Did not know you had to take an elevator down 3 levels to get to the entrance. People were wandering around trying to figure out how to get in. There was no sign. If and when you do make it to the entrance lobby be sure to get maps of the museum AND the trails.

Amazing, beautiful, interesting, provocative, unique, FREE! This place lives up to hype and is a MUST in B'Ville! Absolutely worth a vist and few hours! Fantastic for ALL ages and interests. The Frank Lloyd Wright house is monumental find and addition to and an already INCREDIBLE MUSEUM! Also, the outdoor, walking Trail/Art Installation is pretty accessible for folks and so nicely done. Next time we visit, I want to do the Night Walk when the light up the trail, likely making it more fabulous. Oh, and there are REAL Crystals on the trail..no kidding!

I had heard about this museum for years and wanted to go back to the place where I went to college and see this outstanding collection of art. The grounds are so extraordinary, the collection of art is a magnificent curation of American artists with many women and immigrant artists on display. The food was excellent too!

Crystal Bridges Museum is a stunning destination for art and architecture lovers alike. Nestled in a lush natural setting, the museum’s multiple buildings are beautifully designed with outdoor water features and scenic walking paths connecting the spaces. I enjoyed the multi-floor layout for interest (elevators available throughout the entire museum for accessibility.) The permanent collection is impressive, and free to the public. During my visit, the temporary exhibit (Maws) was $15. The museum’s growing collection is thoughtfully curated and beautifully displayed, showcasing both classic and contemporary works.

The Beaver lake campground was great! There are two different campsites you can reserve. You can reserve a campsite near on the shore, or you can reserve a campsite in the main wooded area. My wife and I camped on the shore which was great! A fire pit, a BBQ stand, and a picnic table was included with each campsite. The only downside was that most the available space to set up the tent was in a slope. Each campsite is $15 a night.

This place is so beautiful! We happened to have gone in January I would love to go when the weather is warming and all of nature has bloomed again! The lady was gorgeous and the roads were pretty clean. Walked to the dam and went to some of the little spots right off the lake, very clean. There were actually a lot of spaces to park your rvs as well if you’re interested in camping. Such a great place to go on a warm day and relax!

This is my favourite place, it accommodates huge crowd. We had a picnic with around 40people and it was fun. Did some barbecue, enjoyed the weather. Played some games. Some of my friends parents were visiting from India, they loved the place too. The sunsetting was amazing. Next time planning to visit the camp sites.

Beautiful, clean, and uncrowded lake. Steep, rocky slopes from rental houses can be a serious challenge to navigate to the lake. Boat rental and other services from Lost Bridge Marina spotty. Some are not too friendly but there aren't many other choices.

It’s so easy to access, you can basically drive into the water (not saying you should) kids had a blast and sunset was beautiful!

It is so beautiful here on the prairie side to camp 🏕 sites in August we are definitely coming back to the 🐎 horseshoe bend part so excited about it❣️🙃🥰😍💕

Because of the size of the lake which has about 483 miles of shoreline, 50 miles long with a surface area of 31,700 acres, it never gets to be very crowded. There are lots of hideaways and a few deserted islands to explore.

The staff and hotel is great and I’ve been going here for a few years but will not be back for a while. Ever since the renovations started for Rock and Brew, the slots were not paying. They opened up Rock and Brew, the food, beer and drink prices went up but the food quality went down and the slots still do not pay like they did. They never should have closed Creekside, food was so much better and more affordable. We went there last week, half the casino was shut off to replace carpet and several slots were not printing tickets until a slot attendant came with a key, due to lack of personnel it took close to an hour wait for someone and the next morning my card would not work, took close to an hour for it to be fixed so I could access my free play and sky wallet.

Wanted to love it. Beautiful entrance. Hotel is to the right of the casino. Casino staff was super rude when we asked where the hotel entrance was. Hotel check in at kiosk ends at 9 but front desk lady was lovely. Got to room; late check in about 10 p.m. It was HOT, but hey maybe they don’t cool the rooms until check in. Turn a/c down. Nope… crazy hot all night. Informed front desk. Asked to move rooms. They refused because “we done want to have to clean two rooms.” Um… if I had been here 1 night, you would have had to clean it… okay, maintenance will look. No call… waited until 2; contacted hotel. They don’t know if a/c was repaired or not. They won’t refund my next night nor move my room to one with a working a/c. Might be a good casino (didn’t try it) but skip the hotel!!! Pool looks beautiful though but if it is maintained like the a/c or managed like the reservations, might take a water test with you!

Annual trip to Wyandotte and this wasn't the first choice. The check in process wasn't great. The gal at the desk was less than pleasant. Her and the other gal were both on their phones. She seemed to be annoyed that she had to do her job. I had to come back and ask a question and again got the annoyed look. This was on September 12 around 230 pm. I've been here several times over the past few years and this was the least pleasant person ive encountered. I was disappointed in there only being the one restaurant since there isn't a ton of choices in the area. However the food was good, and I do love the vibe. The pool area was dirty, dead bugs as you enter the pool. Dirty cabana area. When we would come to Indigo in previous years, it always had a quality of feeling like you were in a high end hotel. I definitely don't feel that anymore. Might as well be a Best Western.

We had the honor of attending the VIP cash drawings and finger foods last night. It was amazing, very organized. Food was delicious and a wonderful selection. Thank you Indigo Sky Casino

The food was really good. However, they let people smoke in the casino which is right next to the restaurant. We sat as far away from the smoke as possible came home, showered, and washed our clothes. Unfortunately, since I am allergic to smoke I will not go there again.

I won once and been here 10 more times and haven’t won a penny since. They barely have new machines and the bonuses no where in sight. The food is expensive and does not taste good. They have to most tight machines ever. I get $10 of free play even though I play hundred of dollars it’s always just $10. I would recommend Big Buffalo casino we won $40 for the new member signup bonus and the machines are not as tight. We actually were able to go home with money the only thing is that it’s a smaller casino but we enjoyed it.

Indigo sky has always been an awesome experience.. great atmosphere, great people, wonderful staff.. well it was when i was able to visit.. i voluntarily banned from here to support my ex wife who was going through some difficult times and now i have to go through an act of congress to be able to come back into the establishment but i would love to be able to enjoy the true awesomeness of the casino again.. i recommend this awesome casino to everyone..

Ashley greeted us with a warm welcoming smile. She's a keeper. Room was clean comfortable and the bed was comfortable and cozy. ( It got a little chilly that first night) We checked in at 8pm on Thursday evening and spent two days in the area. Food at Coal Creek restaurant in the casino was great. Didn't hit any jackpots but held our own.

The drawers in the room dont stay closed, the refrigerator door is hard to open they dont clean your room unless you stay longer than 3 days. I had to ask for wash clothes and blankets. I've had better stays at a days in.

I came with an RV to park with an electric hookup, but they had an event yesterday and hadn’t reopened the RV area yet. So 4 instead of 5 stars. But everyone was very kind in this small, yet classy, casino. It is NOT non-smoking (seriously??) but the HVAC must move the air around enough that it wasn’t bad at all. The sound of the truck engines idling and highway noise might bother some, but it was fine IMO. White noise. A much nicer level clientele than the casino 5 minutes away. And won $50 also!

Husband and wife truckers used to come but hadn't been able to for awhile was looking forward of coming back and spending a few days gambling and dining. Went to truckers lounge to find out no free services for truckers anymore or for discounts. 10$ +tax for each of us to shower no showing in same allowed and the same for laundry is not reasonable nor trucker frendly. I had about 6 months ago suggested this place for an event that our corporate has which lasts 2 days. Due to your policy changes that I am sure won't be happening and we left without even going into the casino. What a shame really felt special. Sorry to inform you won't be coming again. Understand that sometimes you need to charge something but you have went off the scale on this one. It is not reasonable. 😫

When most people go to a casino, they are going to lose their money on the games. Usually this negative part of the experience is padded by the availability of GOOD FOOD and drinks. These casino owners seem to have not figured that part out. The drinks are weak and expensive and the food is an absolute JOKE. Its basically middle school cafeteria food at 4 star prices and the woman who works the kitchen is rude.

Had a nice time at this casino. Nice spot for a trucker since there are plenty of spots. Trucker lounge is conveniently located to casino. The pizza was good and plenty of slots. I just wish there were bigger payouts and I won the Mega

Rooms and hotel are great. Casino and bars are terrible. We used to come here all the time for concerts and the after party. We went to a concert tonight. It was great! The after party was terrible. No bar with any music. Then they time you between drinks. Literally 30 minutes between drinks. We had friends that left and went to Downstream because it was so bad. Me, and my group will not be back. So disappointing! I was wondering why it was so dead and I quickly found out why. Sad 😞

If I could give them 10 stars I would. The staff is extremely friendly and great at making you feel comfortable and safe. I must note that they have great customer service. We signed up for the 5 lines and photos... I assumed they were inconspicuously taking photos of us but it turned out that they took photos of the wrong group. When we figure it out that was the problem the owner immediately offered for us to come out and zip again the next day. Luckily for us we were still going to be in town. It was our last day there, so we were able to take her up on her offer! We went out on the morning run and it was just as beautiful as it was in the evening. The course is great for beginners but let me just say there are definitely some fast beautiful views from up above. Hold on to your pants and give him a try. You won't be disappointed!!

Our group had an awesome experience! The owner and the guides were all wonderful- they even went out of their way to ensure our comfort on the bumpy mountain roads that bring you up to the starting point. (A couple of us struggle with motion sickness.) The guides were great with the kids and very encouraging. We absolutely couldn't have asked for better service. 10/10 would recommend!

We had a great time ziplining here. The owner is super nice and friendly 😊 Everyone was very professional and took care of us. This was our first time going and they made us feel very safe and we were able to enjoy ourselves without being stressed out. Safety is a high priority here and they are very safe. Didn't have to walk very far to the ziplines which is a nice setup. I highly recommend this place to enjoy your zipline adventures.

What an absolute blast, Katrina and her staff are top notch. We where there this spring of 2023 on a recommendation and were so happy we booked. If your on the fence get off and go make some memories, you won't regret it!!

My sister and I took our 3 kids on the zipline tour. Ages 11, 10 and 4. Luke and Jasek were our guides. They were so friendly and kind. They did sooo good with the kids, so good! I would highly recommend this tour. It was beautiful scenery over looking a couple streams. We had such a good time and will definitely be coming back when in the area again!

Took my family of 12, only 9 participated in the zipline. They had a blast! Made amazing memories. Staff is VERY knowledgeable and kind. It was obvious that safety was their first priority. Will be returning and highly recommend, worth every penny!!!

This was mine and my wife's first time Zip Lining experience, it was awesome. The guides Nash, and Zack were patient and excellent at explaining everything we needed to be safe. We would definitely recommend Zip Line USA.

A Hidden Gem That Deserves to Be Seen! Our visit to the Precious Moments Chapel, gift shop, gardens, and museum was nothing short of unforgettable. From the moment we arrived, we were struck by the beauty and care poured into every corner of the property. The buildings and grounds are immaculately maintained, each space telling a story through its artistry, architecture, and peaceful atmosphere. Walking through the chapel and museum stirred emotions for all of us. We took our time reading about the history of the place, the vision behind it, and the touching personal stories shared along the way. It’s rare to find somewhere that so seamlessly combines artistry, faith, and heartfelt storytelling, and this place does it beautifully. The gardens were vibrant and full of life, the statues and murals lovingly detailed, and the gift shop offered both charming keepsakes and meaningful mementos. The staff went above and beyond to welcome us and answer questions, making us feel truly cared for. It was bittersweet to realize that this treasure wasn’t busy at all during our visit—especially compared to the lively crowds I remember from childhood trips here. More people should know about and experience the joy, beauty, and peace this place offers. If you’ve never been, or it’s been years since your last visit, I can’t recommend it enough. Come, take it in slowly, and let yourself be reminded of the beauty in life and faith.

This experience was amazing! We did not have a guide (we definitely will go back and get a guided tour) But the property is beautiful and so is the artwork! My mom grew up reading the precious moments books, so this was truly an amazing experience for her! Would definitely recommend, gift shop is a little pricey but still fun to look at!

This place was a last minute visit and it ended up being so much more unique and cooler than I had expected. There is a large chapel, gardens, gift shop, and the entrance building is neatly decorated. The admission is free but be sure to make at least a small donation.

Beautiful! Grounds are well kept, staff is friendly and helpful and you really have a chance to reconnect with God in the quietness of the chapel. Make sure you seek out the playhouse he built for his children. And make sure you seek out the empty tomb outside the chapel. I believe this is a must see for anyone within an hours drive. Second time here and it never disappoints.

In the chapel, we had the pleasure of having a tour guide explain the history and purpose of Precious Moments Chapel as we felt the sweet touch of Heaven in our hearts. The art is a treasure and the gardens are beautifully symmetrical and well tended. I do recommend visiting their social media pages or website before your visit to make sure the aspects of the park that most interest you will be open the day and time you wish to explore. We didn’t get to see the museum as we came on a weekday, but hope to return someday to do so. 💒

Wow!!! Impressive layout, lots to see: Disney-like entrance, large gift shop, museum, garden and fountain walkway, and of course the chapel (which has several rooms and areas). Free and beautifully maintained. Very friendly staff and a large, kid/baby-friendly bathroom that actually smells really good! Highly recommend checking this place out!

How did I not know this was a thing. So PRECIOUS and the chapel and the stories. Being we had just learned of the TX flood and all the missing campers I was moved to tears in the chapel praying for them and the families. It gave me a bit of peace and even our teenagers, well 2 of the 4 enjoyed reading and seeing the story of how it came about.

Thanks for taking good care of the big cats who deserve some rest after their past lives, and educating people about why these animals are not pets or entertainment. It gets hot don’t forget to bring water when visiting. The feeding tour was interesting too, there is a crunch indeed.

What an amazing place! We did the riding safari followed by the feeding tour. It was so cool to see all the big cats so close and hear each of their stories.

The 8-passenger tram, which resembles a golf cart-style “limousine,” was full and the tour lasted approximately one hour as scheduled. Most animals were observed on the left side of the cart when facing forward. The driver provided an interesting commentary during the tour, though engine noise sometimes made it difficult to hear her while driving. Admission costs are higher compared to a typical Missouri zoo, perhaps reflecting the expenses involved in caring for the animals. Facilities include a gift shop with two restrooms, and reasonably priced merchandise. Several animals can be viewed behind the visitor centre while waiting for the scheduled tour. Despite its name, the Tiger Sanctuary houses various large cats and other species. During this visit, we saw tigers, lions, a black panther, a mountain lion, wolves, a llama, a horse, and a liger. There are picnic tables behind the visitor’s center and plenty of parking. What would make it better? 1. The ability to see these beautiful animals without two rows of fencing such as from an elevated walkway or stand as can be found in some zoos like at Springfield and St Louis. 2. An audio system for the trams. 3. A lower price structure for families. Overall, I recommend the sanctuary as an above average place to visit in southwest Missouri.

We went on an hour guided tour of the tigers. The tour guide was a young blonde woman, I can’t remember her name but you could tell she was very passionate about the job. We Loved supporting a place that truly cares more about the animals well being than anything else. It was so informative and unique. Would definitely recommend!

After visiting, we all talked about how thankful we are that it existed. Amazing staff and loved seeing these majestic animals playing with their toys and being taken care of so loved by their caretakers. We will return next time we visit Branson to witness their growth❤️❤️

We had a great time! We loved our guide, I wish I could remember her name! Worth every penny.

Neat experience. Better than a normal zoo. We did the walking tour but the feeding tour would have been preferred if it would have been available. Wish they would have let us view the other cats on property.

Beautiful place to walk around. The trails & facilities are kept up well. My husband & I love bringing our daughter here. Tonight we had some car troubles right before the gate closed. The Missouri conservation employee (Tim) was very kind helping us & making sure we had a way to get home. We appreciated it very much!

Absolutely incredible—The trails were stunning and each curve took our breath away. Could have spent all day just enjoying the beautiful creation. Not to mention how kind the staff was at the Nature Center. There’s even a fun exploration room inside with learning activities for little kids!

Beautiful place to go hang out in nature and go for a lovely walk. They have trails surrounding the nature center plus the visitor center has lots of things to see and explore inside as well. Seems to be a great place to take kids on a field trip as we saw a lot of that while we were there. ~RoadLifeAdventure

Great area well Mark trails. Excellent wildlife. Perfect time of the year, even older people and Grandma and Grandpa can do the blue boardwalk trail all the way to the water

Wonderful place to walk and no worry of having to jump out of the path of an upcoming bicycle 🚲. No worry about getting trampled by a group of runners. Parking, restrooms, and vending machine.

I had a wonderful time exploring the Springfield Conservation Nature Center! The trails are peaceful and well-maintained, perfect for hiking and spotting local wildlife. The nature center itself offers great educational exhibits that really help you appreciate the natural beauty of the area. It’s a fantastic place for families, nature lovers, or anyone looking to get outdoors and learn more about conservation. Highly recommend a visit! It's also fun when you get to see the deer running through the trails!

I have been here a few times. This last time, I accompanied my daughter's home school class to a presentation by two of the staff. I am not sure of their actual job title, but they were knowledgeable and did a fine job engaging the children with animals of Missouri. Very good! The nature trails are superb!

This was the most wonderful experience. My son and I decided to go on a Monday to avoid crowds, and the flow was perfect. There were a lot of people there but it wasn’t congested or crowded. The Christmas lights were beautiful, the facility was extremely clean and we were so impressed with how healthy the fish and other wildlife appeared. Their habitats were very clean and you can tell they are all well cared for. We also were able to pet and feed the stingrays and we enjoyed this so much that we visited the stingray pool twice. Staff were approachable, friendly, and knowledgeable. Loved the museums, they were also clean and well maintained. We had a late lunch at Hemingway’s-food was excellent and the staff were great. The ambience was so cozy-there is a large fireplace with couches available and the aquarium in the bar area is very relaxing to look at. We have visited many aquariums across the US and this was in the top 3 for us. We will definitely visit again!

The Museum and aquarium are both spectacular. I heard great things but all my expectations were far exceeded. The aquarium especially is just gorgeous. The variety and cleanliness of each exhibit is amazing and the staff is very friendly. If you get a chance to do any of the experiences there, the guides are super kind and knowledgeable. I was there a couple weeks ago and honestly want to fly back just to go visit again. I can’t recommend it enough!

This aquarium and wildlife conservatory was amazing! It was worth the price of admission! It took about 1.5-2 hours to go through the whole thing. And we went quicker than others. I took over 100 pictures in it. We did not have kids with us and it was great to do as adults too!

I love coming to the aquarium and especially bringing our grand littles! I love watching their face light up s they watch in awe of all the sea creatures! The jelly fish and petting the stingrays are my absolute favorite!!! Highly recommend visiting. I always plan on returning because it never gets old! 🤌💯✨️🫶

If your an avid angler, hunter, trapper, hiker or even have just a passive interest in the outdoors. Bass Pro Shops has what you are looking for and more!!! It's just a whole lot of awesome, simply put. Boots to boats, waders to wall hanging mounts for trophies, clothes to canoes, gloves to guns, Tarps to traps, even things you didn't imagine. Including àn outstanding NRA firearms museum display and a Bow hunting hall of fame. Lots to see including an incredible museum and Nations best aquarium 7 years running...sharks swordfish it has it all even a kids close up pool for touching. I don't care what Walt Disney world says, this place it the happiest place in Earth

Loved the Acquarium. Everything is so clean, people are friendly and nice. Im' 47 and was feeling like a 5 years old while visiting. Beautiful place. Make sure you have at least 4 hours to enjoy the whole place.

We’d read reviews on the WOW National Museum and Aquarium and that’s why we drove up from Branson to visit. I expected a good experience, but it definitely exceeded my expectations for quality. The whole experience is extremely well done - the cleanliness is impeccable, the staff were professional and friendly, the live animal and marine life displays and tanks were breathtaking and well thought out, and the non-live displays were fantastic. There is a full size diorama of a fishing yacht on the rolling seas with two guys deep sea fishing - it was breathtaking and incredibly executed on the mezzanine level. Quite something to see! (See my pictures). There’s a section dedicated to American Presidents and their love of fishing that was interesting and informative. The experience is laid out in themed sections, such as The Swamp, The Amazon, Jellies, Sharks etc. and the experience kept going. We liked the section where you can interact with the stingrays, the beaver saying hello, and the alligators. Like everything to do there’s a cost, but it was honestly great value for money and topped any aquarium I’ve visited before. Allow plenty of time - my teens moved quicker, but even at their speed it took 2 1/2 hours or so. It’s definitely an ‘all morning’ or ‘all afternoon’ thing to do, and there’s no shortage of things to see and appreciate. You definitely leave having a deep appreciation of our natural world, and learning tons of new facts about many species of creation. Would highly recommend to anyone staying in the area!

To see stalegtight and stalagmites in person is impressive. To see formations that have taken millions of years in person was amazing. Very informative little tour and the guide was humorous. Though we loved the tour and information it is on the pricey side. Truly expected the tour to be more In length. In actually its a tour that stops often to listen to the guide. I'd advise to research prices and compare that to your fascination of underground formations

Fantastic Caverns is an absolute gem and one of the most unique cave experiences you can have. What really sets it apart is the fully ride-through tour—being able to sit back in the tram while traveling through the cavern makes the experience comfortable, accessible, and perfect for all ages. The caverns themselves are breathtaking. The rock formations are beautifully illuminated, and the guide does a great job sharing the history of the cave, how it was discovered, and the incredible natural processes that shaped it. The tour strikes a great balance between educational and entertaining, and nothing ever feels rushed. The staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about the caverns, which adds so much to the experience. It’s a peaceful, fascinating journey underground that leaves you with a deeper appreciation for nature’s artistry. If you’re in the area, Fantastic Caverns is absolutely worth the visit—beautiful, easy to enjoy, and truly one of a kind.

Fantastic Caverns offers a unique and memorable experience with its fully guided, ride-through cave tour. You’ll hop aboard a large tram that takes you deep into the cave, with stops along the way to learn about the stunning rock formations and fascinating history of the caverns. It’s a relaxing and informative adventure—no walking required in the cave. There is also really nice gift shop filled with great souvenirs to remember your visit.

Fantastic Caverns experience is well worth your time. The grounds before getting to the visitor's center are so well kept and beautiful. ( Deer were grazing, when we went.) There is a place outside with the story/ history of the caverns before you go in the visitor's center. The visitor's center and gift store are very nice. In the center there are comfortable chairs to wait for your tour. The jeep trams are roomie and not too crowded. They will allow pictures throughout. You are also allow to bring food ( popcorn from the gift shop) and a drink. The tour takes about 1 hour and is very educational and fun.

Amazing cave, the drive through tour is really nice. It is perfect for seniors who could not otherwise make a more strenuous walk through a cave system. The cave has beautiful formations and great lighting. Thr tour guides were friendly and informative as well. Overall and outstanding diversion.

A great place to learn about caves, how they form and a little local history. Because you ride in a wagon pulled by a Jeep this tour is great for those who might not be able to walk far or stay with a group. I thought it was a little expensive relative to the time length of the tour but then it was so nice to ride and just look and listen to the guide.

This is a very interesting cavern. The only downside is they pull you in a wagon with benches that have everyone’s backs always turned away from half the formations. It hurts one’s neck and back to always have to twist around to look behind, especially when the tour guide is highlighting a formation behind you. If the Caverns would use wagons with forward facing benches, people could look left and right without getting neck cricks or back aches. Also there are points in the cavern where you really have to bend low to keep from hitting your head on the formation. There isn’t as much color and beauty as Texas’s Longhorn Caverns, but we still enjoyed the visit.

The safari was a great time, our kids really enjoyed it as did we. It was easy to book with them and they were very accommodating when my original planned trip got derailed due to illness. I highly recommend renting one of their vehicles to drive through the safari. The animals are friendly and have no issue coming up to your windows, but some of the bigger ones with horns don’t always know how big they are and may damage your car by accident. Again, they aren’t aggressive or trying to though. We rented an old Tahoe for $20 and it was well worth it. Do temper your expectations on the rental, they aren’t renting out new vehicles here. They are safari vehicles and will likely be rough. Not a big deal and to be expected, I think. The walk about section wasn’t huge but I believe they are working on this and adding more and more. Definitely a fun time but the main attraction is the safari. This section could use a bit of shaded seating near the playground which I hope is in the works. Also maybe a water refill station. Overall it was a fun part of our mini trip to Springfield and we would go back when in the area again in the future.

This place was absolutely amazing!!!! The drive through safari allowed you to interact with animals you generally can't with a traditional zoo. Everyone from our group of 20 had a blast and to quote my 10 yr old niece "This was the best day of her life". If you have watched the video where they warn new coworkers about Gypsy (the camel) I encourage you to hold your cup tightly. The camels really do enjoy a good game!

My 87-year-old father and I thoroughly enjoyed the drive-through Safari. The day was very warm and my father was not up to enjoying the zoo portion of the park. However, the staff was wonderful; the facilities were laid out well; the drive-through Safari portion was extremely well done. A special note was how courteous the staff was. Additionally, I accidentally left my purse in the women's restroom. I did not discover this fact until I had traveled an hour away when I stopped to get some gas. When I found the park, they let me know that they did, in fact, have my purse and we're happy to hold it until I returned. The staff was incredibly gracious.

The Wildlife Safari was an incredible experience! Driving through and seeing animals roaming freely in natural surroundings felt so unique compared to a traditional zoo. I saw everything from deer and antelope to majestic big animals up close — all from the comfort of the car. The park is well maintained, easy to navigate, and perfect for families. It’s both educational and exciting, with plenty of photo opportunities. A must-visit if you want to enjoy wildlife in a safe and natural way.

All I can say is THAT WAS FUN! I didn't know that my second favorite animal was a giraffe. I've never been to a place where you could get that up close and personal with the animals. It was a drive through animal park. All the animals were so gentle. After you drive through, there's a walk through area where you can still get up close to the animals. We've been to 3 across the country and this was the best one yet.

What an amazing place! We were on the first bus that took us out to feed the animals. Highly recommend buying one bag of food per person that is interested in feeding the animals. Sharing a bag between two people that want to feed the animals it's just not enough lol At the time that we went it was $6.75 per bag. I was also picking up all the pieces that the little kids dropped on the floor and on the ground in the walkthrough area after they left. Not trying to waste any of it and the Animals definitely want it. This food is only for animals that have hooves, and if you want the food to feed the monkeys and other things in the walkthrough you will have to purchase that separately inside the gift shop. I highly recommend getting some of that because there are animals that are definitely expecting you to give them treats through the little PVC pipe that leads straight to them!! I am so thrilled that I got to feed and pet the bison, giraffe, zebra, and the other animals that came up. What an experience! I'm about the same age as this place and I never knew about it until this year. You can bring your lunch and eat it at the picked tables under the big shade tree. They have lots and lots of picnic tables so don't worry about not having a place to sit. Our tour guide on the bus was just an amazing woman that knew all about the animals and their names! Make sure you give her a nice tip 😊 I've been to the zoo several times in St Louis in my lifetime and always thought it was great but this really does beat that. I can remember two instances at the zoo that were awesome and that was when I got to pet the giant python and the arctic fox. Oh yeah, make sure you hold tight to your bag of animal feed when you come anywhere close to the camel's or the ostrich, because they will straight try to take the entire bag! We saw a camel reach its head into somebody's vehicle and take the entire bag out of the car!!! The ostrich tried to grab my bag but I had a tight hold on it. I wanted it to eat some of the food inside of the bus but I didn't want to lose the whole thing. She got a big bite of food and then I hid the bag away from her. Later that day we went to fantastic caverns, buc-ee's, and The Candy Factory but none of it compared to this experience. I would love to come back here! But I would definitely bring my lunch next time.

I decided to check this place out after I found a mug from thrifting. I was in Missouri for a concert and my mom and I checked them out on the way home to Florida. They have a walking area that is just like a zoo with different sections. One section was for reptiles and they even had a sloth. In other sections there were Lemurs, monkeys, a bobcat, an otter and even a tiger. Capybaras were also there in a temporary pen and other farm animals as well. Some you could walk up to and feed. Others you had to throw the food to them. The best of the walking section was the Giraffe mother and her newborn baby Giraffe (over 6 feet tall). It was breathtaking. They also offer for an additional fee time to go into a pen with the trainer for different animals (Lemurs, Capybaras, and Sloth). There is also a driving section where you can go on a guided tour bus or drive your own car in at your own pace. We opted to drive our own car and it was great. The animals come right up the window and are very friendly if you have some feed. I was very surprised to see how the steer, bison and zebra behaved. They were gentle, and patient allowing us to pet them in between. The alpacas and llamas were the funniest and traveled together in packs. There were even larger animals present such as camels too. An excellent experience and reasonably priced. It’s a fun day trip for the family - adults and children alike.

Great place for fishing and camping. You can buy your license and tags at the park store, making everything super convenient (make sure you take cash). The hatchery is a fun place to feed the fish. They are currently in the middle of a complete remodel on the hatchery and this is unavailable. They have great hiking trails, a playgrpund and plenty to do to keep everyone busy.

Very nice place to visit, camp, and fish. The store is very cool. The dining lodge is nice, but I highly advise against ordering the roast beef, it is very dry, and very hard to chew it, they obviously know nothing about cooking roast beef. But the park is very nice and enjoyable. I love Bennett Springs.

Beautiful park with plenty to do for the non-fishing crowd. There are several trails to explore along with walking along the water. There is also a gift shop, restaurant, several play areas, some pinic tables with grills, and a nice nature center. Another option is to spend a night (or several) on one of the cozy cabins near the spring.

Bennett Springs state park is beautiful with several campground options and cabins, the fly fishing for trout is great. Restaurant is nice, shower houses and bathrooms are well kept as are the campgrounds. Dog friendly too.

I've been going to Bennett since I was about 10, and I'm now 70. Our family has had 5 generations going to Bennett. We try to make it there at least 3 times each year. It's a great place to fish camp,ride bikes and enjoy family get togethers.

I love Bennett Springs but it sees lots of traffic and the benefits thereof. Lots of trash at times. I like going when there are less people and to hike surrounding trails and fishing the off beat places…

Went camping for the 4th of July weekend. Plenty of variety for locations to camp including pull-through spaces and tent lots. Kayaking down the Niangua River was a pleasant experience, with the water moving nice and slow with only a few slightly faster parts. The water is refreshingly cool due to the spring nearby too.

Absolutely gorgeous state park. Lots of hiking trails into many beautiful areas. The castle ruins are super cool as well. So much to see from natural springs to natural bridges, little islands, scenic views, and rock formations.

Don't be discouraged that you can only see the water tower & carriage house from the parking lot. The castle is such a quick hike. 500 ft @ 5% grade. Not exhausting at all. So easily worth it & handicap accessible for all to enjoy.

A great park. Lots of hiking (lots of inclines on every trail it seemed also). The castle ruins and history is def something to see. I went Labor Day and while there were quite a few people out, it didn't feel crowded either.

We came here as part of my bachelorette trip and it was so fun! The castle ruins are awesome to see, and some of the overlooks are pretty amazing too! The path to the castle is paved and not too far! There are some other trails you can hike that are not paved as well.

Such an incredible park!! Hiking was great, walking paths so accessible for all. Park was stunning. Highly recommend when I the area. So peaceful and relaxing there.

The place was simply awesome! We had covered most of the trails and started at 9 am, ending up leaving at 6 pm. We were so tired, but it was a great experience and worth going for the good views, especially the view from the castle!

This place is super cool. Lots of walking trails and they tell you how long they are giving ya an idea of how long it should take and how bad they might be. Which is nice. The ruins were super cool. There just so big and they have little spots you can look over the water with benches. It's really cool scenery. We walked to the tower, the castle, the bridge and the spring. All very nice walks. It was cool seeing the turtles and the water snakes. There were also a few dogs and a puppy on the trail we got to say hi to so that's always fun. Just beautiful.

Absolutely beautiful!! Such a beautiful natural cave with amazing formations. Cute items in the gift shop as well. Make sure to wear comfortable tennis shoes because the floor is wet.(flip flops and slides are not recommended) It does get cooler the farther in you go so even during the hot summer months it gets chilly in there. There are a couple tight and low spots. Our tour guide was awesome! Even though we didn't go on the black light tour, our guide showed us some of the amazing glowing features.

Really cool! And VERY accessible from Osage / sunrise beach area. It is fairly well known of course for the weddings. Do NOT SKIP! However that is a pretty chamber but much deeper into the cave there are STUNNING rooms. Really worth a trip, as the tour only takes about 45-ish minutes or so. The guides are super informative. There are tight squeezes, but most of the rooms are quite large and open. Just look through the pictures because it hard to describe in words the beauty! The large column and the waterfall room were breathtaking. There is a also a nature trail you can do that shows a lot of green space and views of the lake area, etc. also worth doing. Kind of a must see visit!

We came here as part of my bachelorette trip and it was really cool! Unique and experience and not super hard to get around. Cool temp but we didn’t need our jackets like we thought we might (was 90 degrees outside for reference)

Visited on 10.7.2025. KUDOS and BRAVO to Bri, the tour guide, for her enthusiasm , passion, and information during the cave adventure. I sincerely appreciate her letting my group have extra time to take pictures of the spectacular rock formations in each area of the cave. Highly recommend exploring this cave to anyone traveling through Missouri on Interstate 44.

Tripsy did an excellent job of helping us explore the cave. The black light experience showed out some super cool colors that were amazing. She kept everyone safe as we did some walking in the dark with a flash light! Super cool experience and highly recommend doing this tour!

Beautiful cave! Very informative tour! Simply gorgeous! Interesting to view past wedding photos of couples who have been married there centuries ago! Tour is approximately an hour, slightly warm inside so don't overdress!

This place is a gem!!! The history & beauty of the cave are absolutely amazing!!! Our tour guide was the best, very knowledgeable & seemed to genuinely enjoy his job!! The views outside are spectacular and they did a beautiful job with the seasonal decorations. Highly recommend this place!!!

Not worth going anymore. Sad is an understatement.

Mostly deserted. A handful of shops are open. Some of the buildings looking like they've seen better days. We drove around the whole conplex, marveling how vibrant it was a decade ago. Just sad.

This place is a joke! They have maybe a dozen stores & nothing was outlet priced! It was a ghost town there! Do not waste your time!

Outlet mall failure, similar to others and it’s like a slow painful process. Lose one store or two each 6 months and no repairs or refresh made. The property looks sad and wouldn’t stop again. Go to other stores in the area and have a better shopping experience.

This is a huge space, essentially a big outdoor mall but a lot of stores were closed probably since covid. It was still a good place to park and use the public restrooms as we were visiting lake of the ozarks.

We counted i think maybe 6 or 7 stores. Most of the complex is completely empty. Its been like this for years. I'd say try your luck somewhere else. Most buildings are lacking multiple repairs.

Do not waste your time coming here. There are literally 3 good stores. The rest are empty. Total let down.

Four of us booked a three-hour tour and it was one of the highlights of our weekend. We ended up being part of a group of about thirty guests. The place is creepy and spooky, and we enjoyed hearing some firsthand and secondhand stories about paranormal events as well as some history of the prison and its inmates. During our tour, we had (what could be argued were) some activity, but nothing definitive. It made for a more exciting visit, for sure.

Drove 5.5 hours from Nebraska to visit! We went for the 3 hour ghost hunt on Thursday & decided we should go on the History tour on Friday morning. I enjoyed both of them so much & had so much fun. The only thing is I wished I would have done the history tour before the ghost tour! So I would have had more of an understanding of the area! The guides & staff are awesome, super helpful, and full of knowledge about this prison. With the future of this place being unknown I’m so glad we took the time to come visit!

The history of this place is phenomenal. They offer prison tours, ghost tours, and overnight haunted tours. Our tour guide was Lee, who I highly recommend, because Lee was an actual prison guard that worked there for many years. Lee started working there in the 1980's. He worked there until they closed in 2004, then worked at the new prison for a few more years before retiring. If you do a tour here, ask for Lee. He is very knowledgeable. You can even go inside the actual gas chamber that was in use for many years there. I am so glad I went on this tour. Thank you Lee!

The buildings are incredible. The tour and stories are through and captivating. Our guide, Daniel, knew so much and made sure we got the best photo opportunities, plenty of time to ghost hunt, and definitely shared every story he had. Absolutely coming back for another tour!

Highly recommend the history-based tours of this very interesting and atmospheric place. Having taken two tours (with different guides), can also say it’s a totally different experience each time. There’s also paranormal/ghost hunt tours, if that’s your kind of thing.

This place is so interesting! I only regret doing the shorter tour! Our tour guide was very informative and the fact that he used to work at the prison before it closed really added to the tour! I wish we had more time to explore as the 2 hours went by so fast. I really hope they don’t tear this place down we would love to come back. Buy your tickets in advance.

State pen was a great visit . Our guides Jim and Dave were very knowledgeable and made it very interesting. I’m thankful the state has not removed it and put in a parking lot . So much history there, the architecture and people.