Weekend Itinerary for Dogwood Canyon Nature Park

If you’re anything like me, the best weekend getaway means swapping emails and errands for fresh air, waterfalls, and a little adventure. You can have all that at Dogwood Canyon Nature Park in the Ozarks of Missouri. The 10,000-acre playground has everything from hiking trails to a legit treehouse and even a bison pasture. Here’s how I spent a perfect weekend exploring the park, and how you can, too.

➞ Short on time? Here’s a quick snapshot of the weekend itinerary:

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Getting There & Around

If you are not driving to town, most will fly into Springfield-Branson National Airport and the easiest way to explore the area is by renting a car (I usually book through Expedia). Uber is also an option if you prefer not to drive, but it will get pricey real quick. 

If you’re staying at Big Cedar Lodge (like me!), you can take advantage of their JM Nature Resort Shuttle App. This handy service lets you see where shuttles are in real time, check estimated wait times, and request a ride around the property or to select off-site locations like Top of the Rock.

One thing to note: the shuttle does not run to Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, so you’ll want to drive or arrange a separate ride for that adventure.

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Day 1

Visit the Wonders Of Wildlife Aquarium

If you’re flying into Springfield or already in town, I highly recommend visiting the Wonders of Wildlife Aquarium. This award-winning attraction has been voted America’s Best Aquarium seven times, and after my visit, I can understand why. Located conveniently next to Bass Pro Shops, the facility is truly impressive in scale, featuring 1.5 million gallons of water that house over 35,000 fish, reptiles, birds, and other animals throughout meticulously designed themed environments.

My personal favorite was the jellyfish exhibit. The aquarium showcases several different species in beautifully lit tanks, and watching them drift and pulse with their bioluminescent glow was genuinely mesmerizing.

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Shop at the Bass Pro Shops

If you love a good shopping adventure then walk over to the Bass Pro Shops next to the aquarium. At 150,000 square feet with over 14,000 items, it’s basically the granddaddy of all fishing, camping and hunting stores. I spent most of my time browsing the cute flannels and jackets in the ladies’ clothing section!

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Check into Camp Long Creek

Make your home base for the weekend Camp Long Creek, which is part of Big Cedar Lodge and just a short drive from Dogwood Canyon. The property offers cabins and camp cottages, but for something truly memorable, opt for a glamping tent.

I can confirm that this is not your average camping experience! Once you step through the canvas door you’ll find hardwood floors, a beautiful chandelier, a king-size bed, and functioning air conditioning and heat. Call it five-star rustic, if you will.

➞ Note: if camping is not your thing, they also have a beautiful lodge you can stay in. Check the best prices here.

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Have Dinner at Worman House

For dinner, head to The Worman House Bistro. Built in the 1920s as a railroad executive’s country retreat, it’s been beautifully restored into this elegant spot that’s part French chateau and part upscale lodge with wood beams, candlelight, and serious old-world charm.

This is legit fine dining: Lobster Thermidor, perfectly cooked steaks, pan-seared Chilean sea bass. I tried the Roasted Beet Salad with pistachio-crusted goat cheese, the incredible Seafood Pot Pie packed with lobster, shrimp, mussels, and sea bass, and the Bison Tenderloin with rosemary whipped potatoes — all excellent.

If you can, grab a table by the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Table Rock Lake!

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Day 2

Breakfast at Truman Café & Custard

Kick off your morning at Truman Café & Custard, one of Big Cedar Lodge’s most charming spots. It’s in an original 1920s Tudor building that used to be a garage and chauffeur’s quarters, now it’s a cozy little café.

The menu features smoothies, specialty coffees, and light breakfast fare. I opted for the açaí bowl, which was loaded with fresh fruit, açaí sorbet, granola, and coconut flakes.

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Head to Dogwood Canyon Nature Park

Just 25 minutes from Camp Long Creek, Dogwood Canyon Nature Park is where you’ll spend the day adventuring. This 10,000-acre Ozark paradise has waterfalls, hiking, biking, fishing, horseback riding and so much more.

The park is part of the Johnny Morris Foundation, which focuses on natural conservation — protecting the environment, wildlife, and plant life by preserving ecologically important land for everyone to enjoy.

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Take a Canyon Discovery Tour

One of the best ways to experience Dogwood Canyon is hopping on a Canyon Discovery Tour which is a private, guided ride in a side-by-side Tracker with your own guide. You’ll make stops along the way to learn about native plants, wildlife, and the park’s ecosystem. It also crosses into Arkansas to visit Bison-Elk Country. You’ll also stop at the 1800s-style Hope Wedding Chapel, Thunder Falls Crossing, and The Glory Hole, a turquoise pool where you can feed giant trout.

During my tour, we saw bison and elk up close, passed tons of waterfalls, and stopped to check out local plants (surprisingly interesting, actually). The Tracker can also reach hidden spots the tram can’t — perfect if you like going off the beaten path. 

Another good tour option is taking the open-air Wildlife Tram Tour. This two-hour narrated ride winds through the park, and covers many of the same areas as the Canyon Discovery Tour, minus the off-roading!

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Lunch at Mill & Canyon Grill

When it’s time for lunch, head to Mill & Canyon Grill at Dogwood Canyon, where huge glass windows overlook Little Indian Creek and this stunning 120-foot waterfall. The space has that cozy, rustic lodge vibe with wood beams and warm lighting, and the menu’s packed with hearty stuff like classic fried chicken and elk sausage soup. I got the Dogwood Bison Burger with smoked tomato, bacon jam, and melty Gruyère, and was very happy with that choice.

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See the Critter Encounter

The Critter Encounters at the Dogwood nature and conservation center is a fun, up-close meet-and-greet with some of the park’s smaller (and sometimes slithery) residents. The naturalists introduce you to snakes, salamanders, toads, turtles, arachnids, and even hissing cockroaches, while sharing cool facts about them. When I went, I met Pumbaa, a surprisingly charming western hognose snake!

While you’re at the conservation center, also take a peek at the other wildlife and learn about the importance of conservation in the Ozarks.

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Stop by the Treehouse

From the conservation center, head across the swinging bridge to check out the treehouse, And this isn’t just any treehouse, it was built by Pete Nelson and his crew from Animal Planet’s Treehouse Masters, so you know it’s legit. Inside, you’ll find plant and wildlife resources that tie into the park’s conservation mission.

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Go Guided Trout Fishing

The creeks at Dogwood Canyon are full of rainbow trout, and with the guided trout fishing option, you’ll receive hands-on instruction in fly casting and tying, along with expert tips for successfully catching trout throughout the canyon’s waters. During my guided trip, we fished at three different locations along the creek, and I was thrilled to land ten fish.

➞ If you prefer a more independent experience, you can rent a rod and explore the canyon at your own pace with a self-guided fishing adventure.

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Dinner at Devil’s Pool Restaurant at Big Cedar Lodge

For a relaxed yet memorable evening, head to Devil’s Pool Restaurant at Big Cedar Lodge. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with rustic interiors featuring hand-wrought metal chandeliers, antique furnishings, and a beautiful 100-year-old mahogany bar as the centerpiece.

The menu showcases elevated Southern comfort food. I started with the Spinach Artichoke Dip, wonderfully rich and cheesy, served with warm baked pita bread. For my entrée, I chose the Rockbridge Rainbow Trout with basmati rice, sliced almonds, green beans, baby carrots, and a delicate brown butter caper sauce that complemented the fish perfectly.

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Day 3

Light Breakfast at Mill & Canyon Grill

For a light start to the day, head back to Mill & Canyon Grill at Dogwood Canyon.The breakfast menu is small but solid. I went with the Greek yogurt parfait topped with blueberry compote which was simple, fresh, and just enough to fuel up before more exploring.

(If you’re craving something heartier, you could always swing back to Truman Café & Custard for round two!)

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Guided Little Indian Horseback Lunch Ride

After breakfast it’s time to start the outdoor adventures, with the Little Indian Horseback lunch ride. The wranglers are attentive and skilled, ensuring everyone feels comfortable in the saddle regardless of experience level before setting out on the trail.

For my 2½-hour ride I was paired with a horse named Rip (yes, like the Yellowstone cowboy, and he had just as much personality). The trail meandered through shaded ridges, crosses gentle streams, and follows easy inclines, offering plenty of opportunities to appreciate the canyon’s natural beauty. Halfway through, we stopped at a scenic picnic area for lunch, which included a simple picnic meal with a deli sandwich, chips, cookies, and an apple (which I naturally saved for Rip).

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Bike & Hike the Trails 

For an additional adventure after horseback riding, rent a bike from the Activities Center and hit the miles of trails. I recommend you ride your bike to the Pine Ridge Pass North Trailhead to do the 1.2-mile trail (with about 269 feet of elevation gain). It’s a peaceful climb through hardwood and shortleaf pine forests up to the ridgetop, then a steep descent to the south trailhead.

If you want to mix biking and hiking, check out the Pine Ridge Pass North Trailhead, a 1.2-mile trail with about 269 feet of elevation gain. It’s a peaceful climb through hardwood and shortleaf pine forests up to the ridgetop, then a steep descent to the south trailhead. Great way to see a quieter side of the park.

If you’d rather skip the elevation, the 7-mile round-trip paved biking trail is an excellent alternative. The path is smooth and scenic, with a gentle incline on the outbound journey and an easy coast back to the starting point.

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Sunset & Drinks at Buffalo Bar

End your day at Buffalo Bar, located below the Osage Restaurant at Top of the Rock. This is hands-down one of the best spots to unwind after a full day of exploring and witness a truly spectacular sunset over the Ozarks. ust a heads-up: it gets packed around sunset, so arrive early to snag a good spot.

Tip: Park at the Top of the Rock Welcome Center and take the complimentary shuttle to the entrances, or valet park right in front of the restaurant for easy access.

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Dinner at Osage Restaurant

For an unforgettable meal on your last night, pop up to Osage Restaurant right upstairs from the Buffalo Bar. It is where upscale regional food meets sweeping views of the Ozark Mountains and Table Rock Lake. Plus, the interior is filled with unique artwork and Native American artifacts.

As for the food, I went all in. Started with the roasted beet salad with pistachios, arugula, goat cheese, and white balsamic. Then the macadamia nut-crusted seabass, perfectly seared. And the crispy brussels sprouts with bourbon glaze, applewood bacon, and truffle-glazed mushrooms.

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