Lower Missouri/Arkansas trip

[Debbie]

We have only about 15 days vacation this year. Considering, Lower Missouri. We have been to Branson several times. And then circling around AR back to Altus, OK. We have been to Cotter AR several times fishing and Eureka Springs. Anyone have some favorite places in Missouri or AR. We even thought AR and the top east corner of Texas. Would love some places that are nice. Don't need shopping places just nice camping and relaxing. We don't mind COE or Military etc.
Also part of this vacation will be over Labor Day.

[dbbls]

Bass Pro in Springfield,MO is the number one attraction in Missouri. They have just opened a new museum called "Wonders of Wildlife" and a new aquarium. This is much raved about worth the trip. I also second the comment about Blanchard caverns near Mountain View AR. There is a Ozark Fold Center state park in Mountain View also well worth the time. If you enjoy folk music, you must visit downtown Mountain View. There will be musicians all around the square in small groups jamming. There is also a pickin' park just off the square where they jam. This is an amazing town. I like the Ozark RV park because it is next to the state park and you can walk to it.

[garmp]

You mentioned fishing. DW & I always try to spend our anniversary at Roaring River State Park, MO on May 1 (floods pending). It is a very pleasant campground with a great lodge for dining, if you want, and decent trout fishing without boots.
No real tourist spots near other than in Golden, MO the Pioneer Museum which is unbelievable for being housed in a tin building. The exterior is very deceiving. It's more of a hidden gem than a tourist trap.
The park is generally pretty full in the summer months, especially on the weekends/holidays. Probably best to make reservations. We prefer loop 2.

[Bob806]

I'll second Iraqvet's post.

I will add anywhere near the Ozark Scenic Riverways, or Arcadia Valley in Missouri.

Arkansas additions which we really liked were the Buffalo River area near Jasperr, and Lake Catherine SP near Hot Springs. Mount Magazine SP is on my list, we haven't camped there yet.

[Iraqvet05]

Petit Jean SP in Arkansas and Johnson Shut Inns in SE Missouri. We have stayed at both and I highly recommend them.

[RoyF]

Have you tried Blanchard Spring Caverns (northwest of Mountain View, Arkansas)? It's a world-class cavern that doesn't get much publicity because it's operated by National Forest Service, which doesn't advertise. There are two different tours. The town of Mountain View is known for its folk-music festival.

Do you know about Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, south of Eureka Springs? It is a rescue operation that specializes in tigers and other large cats that are no longer wanted as "pets". They have daily tours and an rv park.