Looking for a summer getaway that’s not too far from St. Louis, yet feels like it’s a world away? You’ll find it less than a half day’s drive away, at Big Cedar Lodge, near Branson.
Outdoor Enthusiasts
Opened in 1988 by Johnny Morris, founder and CEO of Bass Pro Shops, Big Cedar Lodge was initially intended to be a fishing camp for Morris’ employees and Tracker Boat customers. Fishing the 43,000-acre Table Rock Lake remains one of the most popular guest activities. Bass and crappie are particularly abundant in the lake’s waters, and the resort’s Bent Hook Marina & Market offers boat rentals, gear, and fishing guides.
Guests interested in other types of water fun—skiing, tubing, wakeboarding, cruising in a pontoon boat, or paddling a kayak or canoe—will find it all at the marina. The Bass Pro Shops Long Creek Marina, a public marina near the resort, even offers a ski school for newbies. Those who prefer pools for swimming can enjoy the resort’s Swimmin’ Hole Pool & Hot Tub and the Devil’s Pool, both overlooking the lake.
While access to the lake’s many possibilities is one of the resort’s most sought-after features, even landlubbers will find plenty to do at Big Cedar Lodge. The Timber Ridge Ropes Course provides adventurers with a variety of exciting and safe challenges in the treetops, as high as four stories off the ground. Action-oriented visitors also enjoy archery tag, a game that uses foam-tipped arrows to tag opponents; ultimate frisbee; volleyball; nighttime scavenger hunts; and hiking at Top of the Rock Ozark Heritage Preserve.
Guests looking for a water-and-land adventure enjoy the resort’s Hoop Dee Doo event. “It includes a short boat ride, tram ride to the lawn, and a barbecue-style dinner with lawn games and s’mores,” says activities manager Barbara Uchtman. “We then load back up on the tram for a fun tour around Big Cedar property while hearing about the history and fun.”
Golfers
Golfers can choose from five courses, designed by some of the sport’s biggest names. From the 19-hole Payne’s Valley Championship Course (the first public course in the United States designed by Tiger Woods’ TGR Design, along with Morris) to the Tom Watson Putting Course (designed by the Missouri native and inspired by the historic Himalayas putting grounds at the Old Course at St. Andrews), all ability levels can practice and book individual or group golf outings. Then, unwind afterward at one of the resort’s scenic patio bars (including Arnie’s Barn, transported from Arnold Palmer’s hometown), or indulge at Osage Restaurant.
Energetic Children
Kids love to accumulate stamps in their Kids Adventure Passport while exploring the resort and its surroundings. The list of activities is long enough to suit every family’s interests. In fact, picking and choosing can be challenging. One solution: a Family Summer Break, just one of myriad suggested itineraries. The possibilities include paddle boats, mini golf, swimming, s’mores around a bonfire, and a visit to Kids’ Adventure Club at Fun Mountain.
“Kids’ Adventure Club is always a big hit for the kiddos—it is four hours and includes an excursion of either fishing, BB guns, archery, or a scavenger hunt,” Uchtman says. “The kiddos make crafts, explore nature, get a junior ranger vest and water bottle, and have a meal.”
Parents Looking for a Break
While the tykes are enjoying crafts and excursions, grown-ups can slip away to Cedar Creek Spa for relaxing wellness and beauty treatments. Or enjoy a happy hour cocktail at one of the resort’s many dining options. Another popular adult option: the Charcuterie & Wood-Burning class.
“Guests enjoy a lesson on how to construct their own charcuterie board—complete with salami roses and pepperoni ribbons,” Uchtman says. “After the charcuterie lesson, guests get to enjoy munching on their treats while burning their very own board to keep.”
The Chocolate Delight class is new this year and sure to quickly become a favorite. Guests make their own milk and white chocolate bars, including a variety of treats, such as dried fruit, nuts, cookie crumbles, and sprinkles. Another new offering is the Essential Oils & Tea Blending class, which informs guests about six different oils, along with “the art of tea blending.” Participants receive oil and tea blend samples to keep.
A Look Back
Morris’ love of nature and childhood memories inspired his vision for Big Cedar Lodge, and now families and guests of all ages continue to find the perfect summer getaway in the Ozarks. Here’s a quick snapshot of the resort’s history.
- 1947: Dan Norris, a real estate executive and hotel operator purchased the property, creating the Devil’s Pool Guest Ranch.
- 1958: The White River was dammed to form Table Rock Lake, which started the foundation for building the wilderness resort, Big Cedar Lodge.
- 1988: Grand opening of Big Cedar Lodge.
- 1997: Top of the Rock was introduced.
- 2005: After a small kitchen fire, the Top of the Rock property was closed.
- 2014: Reopening of Top of the Rock with a PGA Champions Tour golf tournament on national television.
- 2015: The Bass Pro Shops’ Outdoor Shooting Academy attraction was added to the Big Cedar Lodge resort.
- 2020: Payne’s Valley, a course by Tiger Woods’ TGR Design and Johnny Morris, opened September 22.
- 2022: Country music legend Garth Brooks opened a historic four-night event at the newly expanded Bass Pro Shops Thunder Ridge Nature Arena. The same year, the resort received numerous accolades:
- Condé Nast Traveler’s 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards: No. 4 Resort in the Midwest
- U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hotels: No. 1 in Best Missouri Hotels
- GOLF’s Best Golf Courses in Missouri: No. 2 Ozarks National, No. 4 Payne’s Valley
This post was created by SLM Partner Studio on behalf of Big Cedar Lodge. To learn more, visit bigcedar.com
