Just outside of Branson, in the town of Ridgedale, Big Cedar Lodge is nearly a city itself. This resort in Missouri’s Ozark Mountains combines luxury and down to earth comfort in breathtaking views.

While the rustic look and availability of two bedroom cabins makes Big Cedar Lodge a welcome place for families, it’s also a popular destination for active travelers of all ages. It’s not surprising since the man who is behind turning this property into what it is today is Johnny Morris, owner of Bass Pro Shops.


Accommodations
One of the biggest attractions of Big Cedar Lodge is the ability to offer a large variety of accommodations. Cabins are private and have kitchens and private decks with grills. You can even have all the ingredients delivered to you so you can create your own meals. These are great choices for longer visits.

Deluxe rooms are available in Falls Lodge, allowing you easy access to the resort’s amenities. These include fireplaces, jetted bathtubs, and memorable views. You can also rent quaint one room cottages, Valley View, and Spring View rooms.

If you are ready to splurge, there’s the Governor's Suite. This 2,500 square foot oasis has four bedrooms, bathrooms with jetted tubs, a full kitchen, a living room with a fireplace, and to balconies with views of Table Rock Lake.

All of the accommodations at Big Cedar Lodge are comfortable for couples and families. They also include visits from the “Cookie Lady,” who gives out complimentary samples of gingersnap cookies.

Activities
The activities list available for Big Cedar Lodge guests seems endless.

 Complimentary amenities for guests include bonfires, canoes and kayaks, Fitness Center use, nature trails, horseshoes, internet, miniature golf, paddle boats, and sand volleyball.

The heated outdoor swimming pools are open seasonally, though the Swimmin’ Hole pool and hot tub opens as early as March. An indoor pool and adjacent outdoor hot tub at Brushey Creek are open all year round.

At Big Cedar Lodge you can also arrange to play golf at the Jack Nicklaus Top of the Rock or Tom Fazio designed Buffalo Ridge courses.  Pony rides, carriage rides, and horseback rides can be scheduled through the stables, and a new Cedar Creek Spa is open for 2015.

Just for Kids
Big Cedar Lodge has a Kids Adventure Club for children from 4-12. Each child that joins will receive a backpack, with tools for adventures and a hat for collecting pins. They will be able to earn pins for activities such as camping, tent making, fishing, stargazing, and canoeing.

Dining
Even if you have a cabin with a kitchen, you don’t have to spend your vacation at Big Cedar Lodge cooking.  You’ll find plenty of meal options:

The Worman House has a menu filled with fine dining created from local products. They are also known for their Sunday brunch;

Devil’s Pool Restaurant is a perfect casual option for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Their homemade pizzas will please everyone;

Despite the name, the whole family is welcome at Buzzard Bar, where you’ll find local entertainment in the evenings and burgers, salads, and sandwiches on the menu;

And Truman Coffee & Café is a must for breakfast, or an afternoon snack, as they specialized in baked goods, specialty sandwiches, smoothies, coffee and ice cream.

Up at the Top of the Rock, where you can find additional activities, there are two more restaurants with spectacular views. Osage is open for dinner –- with sunsets – serving a seasonal menu of local fish, quality meat, and exquisite desserts.  Arnie’s Barn does genuine Tex Mex, serving Mexico City Street Corn with its entrees.

Top of the Rock also has the End of the Trail All-American Wine Cellar, serving a large selection of wine, whiskey, and cigars.

Getting There
Big Cedar Lodge is just 10 miles south of Branson in Missouri. The airport in Branson would be the closest if you want to fly in, but it’s a pretty easy drive from most of the Midwest.