An amazing resort near Branson, Missouri
Last summer my family and I visited Branson, Missouri for the first time. It was so great; I honestly had no idea how many amazing things there are to do in that part of the U.S. We went as an extended family group; click here to read about all the fun things to do in and around Branson.
On my next trip to Branson, I want to have an amazing adventure getaway at Big Cedar Lodge. Big Cedar is an incredible destination tucked away in the trees on the edge of Table Rock Lake, about 10 minutes from Branson, and it feels like its own little secluded world of fun.
Big Cedar Lodge was created by Johnny Morris, the founder of Bass Pro Shops, and they definitely embrace the great outdoors. You can stay at one of Big Cedar’s five seasons, depending on the time of year that you visit: The Season of Celebrations, Adventure in the Great Outdoors, Best Summer Ever, Cedar Fest, Home for the Holidays, and Salute to our Heroes.
January-February: The Season of Celebrations
The Season of Celebrations, held during the cold months of January and February, highlights plenty of fun indoor activities such as Minute to Win It, Bingo, and other games. They include Valentine’s celebrations, charcuterie & wood burning, pottery painting, a Kids’ Adventure Club, fireworks over the lake, campfire activities, and much more.
March-May: Adventure in the Great Outdoors
From March through May, Big Cedar celebrates Adventure in the Great Outdoors. You can enjoy fishing, campfires, lake cruises, scavenger hunts, wiffle ball, archery tag, bakery wars, tie dye, volleyball, and plenty of Easter-themed activities like a Mad Hatter Tea Party, The Bunny Hop 5k Run, Easter Bunny Meet & Greet, egg decorating, and the Easter Welcome Table.
June through mid-September: Best Summer Ever
June through mid-September marks the Best Summer Ever season at Big Cedar Lodge. In addition to many of the same spring activities, you can ski on the smooth lake water, have a party (Summer Dance or 80’s Party, depending on the time you visit), play ultimate frisbee, be part of the Ozark Olympics or a mini-golf tournament, play flag football, have a family movie night on the lawn, and roast s’mores on nightly campfires.
Mid-September through October: Cedar Fest
Fall is Cedar Fest, when you can enjoy the crisp, cool fall air. Bonfires and pumpkins and hayrides are joined by so many other fall activites, including fall foliage cruises, an on-site corn maze, classes on fall wreath and centerpiece-making, tram rides, scavenger hunts, a chuckwagon tour, trick-or-treating, plus family movie nights, fishing, bakery wars, tie-dye, a kids’ club, and games and activities galore.
November through December: Home for the Holidays
Home for the Holidays Season, November through the end of December, is magical at Big Cedar Lodge. The whole place is sparkling with lights, and it’s a chance to enjoy ice skating, holiday tram rides, visits from Santa, storytime with Mrs. Claus, a special appearance by the Grinch, stocking decorating, holiday centerpiece building, the Elves’ Winter Workshop, the Grinch’s Ugly Sweater Party, a gingerbread build-off, 12 Days of Christmas, Baking with Mrs. Claus, and so much more.
Patriotic Holidays: Salute to our Heroes
As I noticed in Branson when I was there last year, this part of the country shows deep respect and gratitude for our country and those who serve. If you’re at Big Cedar Lodge during the patriotic holidays, you’re in for a treat. Memorial Day brings a patriotic picnic and other patriotic events. Independence Day weekend includes the patriotic picnic, fireworks, yard games, live music, and delicious food. Every year, Big Cedar hosts a remembrance ceremony on September 11, and Veteran’s Day weekend brings activities, live music, and special discounts for armed forces heroes.
Besides participating in the Seasons celebrations, there are always some fantastic activities available at Big Cedar Lodge. Bass fishing, golfing, go-carts, the Lost Canyon Cave, clay pigeon shooting, a world-class spa and fitness center, the kids’ adventure club, and so much more! Big Cedar offers itineraries for families, guys’ trips, girls’ trips, and water trips.
Who is Big Cedar Lodge for?
Big Cedar Lodge is perfect for everyone, really. As a single, you can immerse yourself in a world of wellness, self-care, and adventure. Couples can enjoy Valentine’s celebrations, golfing, spa, fishing, and all of the amazing adult-oriented activities. Big Cedar activities are perfect for families as well, bringing a chance for togetherness, enjoying the outdoors, and connecting through adventuring together.
If Big Cedar sounds like a place you just can’t wait to visit, contact me! I’ll give you more details and set you up with your next fantastic vacation.