College of the Ozarks

College of the Ozarks is off US 65 Bus. Rte. exit at 100 Opportunity Ave. This liberal arts college is maintained largely by students as one way of defraying the cost of education. Highlights include The College of the Ozarks Greenhouses, containing a collection of more than 7,000 orchids; the neo-Gothic Williams Memorial Chapel, which has impressive stained-glass windows; and the Ralph Foster Museum. The water-powered Edwards Mill produces whole-grain meal; visitors can observe weaving and basket-making demonstrations.

Three memorials are on the grounds. The Missouri Vietnam Veterans Memorial honors the 1,410 Missouri men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the Vietnam conflict. The 9-11 “Lest We Forget” Memorial features a World Trade Center column and honors the 2,996 lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001. The Missouri Gold Star Families Memorial honors those who have lost immediate family members in their service to the country, to preserve the memory of the fallen and stand as a stark reminder that freedom is not free. All memorials are open daily sunrise-10 p.m.

The Keeter Center, at the entrance to the campus, houses a lodge and Dobyns Dining Room. It features architectural details created almost entirely by students, who also prepare and serve the food.