Sometimes you just need to relax, to get away from the daily grind, to do something a little different…to drink something a little different! You’ll find that at Lost Canyon Nature Trail and Big Cedar Lodge located at 190 Top of the Rock, Ridgedale, Missouri. Experience an awe-inspiring adventure as you trek 2.5 miles (or ride in an electric cart) along the Top of the Rock Lost Canyon Cave and Nature Trail. You’ll witness stunning waterfalls, natural and man-made rock formations, covered Amish bridges, and gorgeous views of Table Rock Lake.
And just when you feel the need to quench your thirst, detour through the Lost Canyon 4- story cave featuring many cascading waterfalls and drive right up to the Bat Bar. Here you’ll find signature drinks, like our featured Bat’s Blood (no, it’s not the blood of a bat!), along with others like John L’s Hoop-Dee-Do, Cannonball, Bat’s Bite, and others. While you’re there, say “Hi” to Mike and Tim, the best Bat Men around!
What Else Is There To Do?
After leaving the Nature Trail, hop on the free shuttle (valet parking is $15) and ride on up to Big Cedar Lodge. Here you will find spectacular dining options in very relaxed settings with breathtaking views. Several options are available: Buffalo Bar, Arnie’s Barn, Osage Restaurant, and “End of the Trail” All-American Wine Bar. Make reservations (800-225-6343) ahead of time or you just may get turned away due to limited seating.
Other Attractions Include:
Top of the Rock Sinkhole
Due to excessive rain, the earth beneath a portion of the golf course at Big Cedar Lodge, started to collapse, creating a sinkhole 70 feet across and 40 feet deep. Geologists are busy exploring the sinkhole and have dug out over 25,000 truckloads of dirt to date. As a result of this digging, they have discovered some pretty magnificent rock formations. It’s a sight you don’t want to miss!
Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum
Travel through history and discover things of old. The museum features artifacts and images of Ozark residents such as the skeletal remains of woolly mammoths, saber-tooth cats, short-faced bears, terror birds, giant ground sloths, and giant beavers. See artifacts from Native Americans like collections of arrowheads, spades, head dresses, papooses, and even an actual canoe or two used to travel by water. As you advance through the museum, you’ll travel through the American West and the Civil War eras and see many cannons, rifles, uniforms, flags, dresses belonging to Mary Todd Lincoln and even a lock of President Lincoln’s hair.
Golf
If you’re a golfer, Big Cedar Lodge offers the Top of the Rock Golf Course, a Jack Nicklaus Signature Course, showcasing waterfalls, creeks, and bass-filled ponds.
Chapel of the Ozarks
Before leaving, be sure to visit the Chapel of the Ozarks. Perched at the highest point in Taney County is this charming 3-story stone chapel. This pine paneled chapel boasts a 23 foot vaulted ceiling, seats up to 180 guests, and has an impressive view of Table Rock Lake.
