College of the Ozarks
100 Opportunity Ave., Point Lookout, Missouri
Discover the College of the Ozarks, a renowned private Christian institution near Branson, Missouri. Since its inception in 1906, this prestigious school is known for allowing students to receive a tuition-free education by working an on-campus job 15 hours a week. It embraces a unique approach to education that cultivates both academic and practical skills.
You don’t have to be a prospective student or alumnus to visit the College of the Ozarks—the 1,000-acre campus is home to a number of attractions that anyone is welcome to enjoy. Check out the Hoge Greenhouses, filled with 7,000-plus plants, before diving into regional history at the Ralph Foster Museum, which has thousands of antiques, dolls, weapons, and other artifacts on display. View antique farm equipment at the Tractor Museum, then marvel at incredible views of the Ozark Hills and Lake Taneycomo from Point Lookout. You can select from a range of campus tours, from self-guided to charter bus tours, to explore the campus and learn what it has to offer students.
The Ralph Foster Museum charges adults a nominal entry fee; visitors 18 and under can go for free.
Join one of the guided walking tours to appreciate the scenery as you learn about the programs on offer.
You might be surprised to find an award-winning dining experience on-site. The Keeter Center is a restaurant, hotel, and conference facility that offers guests exquisite fine dining, with farm-to-fork meals served to patrons.
The closest airport to the College of the Ozarks is Branson Airport, located a 10-minute drive from the campus. Springfield-Branson National Airport is 55 miles (89 kilometers) away, or a 1-hour drive. From Tulsa, Oklahoma, the Ozarks are a 3.5-hour drive away, while it’s a 3-hour journey from Little Rock, Arkansas.
Branson is a popular tourist destination all year round. The best time to visit Branson is generally in the spring (March to May) or fall (September to November). During these times, the weather is mild, the crowds are smaller, and the scenery is absolutely breathtaking. However, winter is an unexpectedly nice time to visit; even though the temperatures can drop below freezing, the city is in full festive mode.
Don’t leave campus without visiting the Stained Glass and Candle Shop. As its name suggests, the shop sells stained-glass art pieces and hand-poured candles with scents like fresh mulled pears and blue spruce, each product handcrafted by a student. Visit Monday through Saturday to pick up a souvenir for your journey or a one-of-a-kind gift.
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