Still documenting the continuing saga of our family Spring Break Trip to Southwest MIssouri a couple weeks ago. Our second day we went to “Top of the Rock” which is a sister organization to Big Cedar Lodge and is right adjacent to it. I was kind of confused about what Top of the Rock was before we went and I am still kind of confused. The first part we ran into was the “Lost Canyon Cave and Nature Tour” which is kind of a self guided tour of a cave and series of waterfalls. It is not only self guided but they give you a golf cart to go in. No walking allowed!! To get the cart you fork over a pile of cash and sign the longest list of releases I have ever seen. And then off you go!! Was it nice, sure, but there wasn’t much natural about it. The cave is fake, and many of the rocks are faked and I think that the waterfalls are fed by pumped water. Was it fun? Sure it was a lot of fun. Was it a rip off? No, they spent a fortune building the landscape and the trails and did a great job of it. The golf cart trail winds along a canyon and they have places to get out for photo opportunities. So think of it as a very slow ride that you can get off when you want. Am I glad I did it? Sure! Would I do it again? Nope!!
A copy of the iconic End of the Trail sculpture by James Earle Fraser. What a setting on an infinity pool overlooking a lake.
From the parking lot of the Nature Trail, you take a shuttle bus to the rest of the complex. There is a beautifully set wedding chapel, a spectacular golf course and driving range, a wine bar in a cellar, two very nice restaurants, a great Natural History Museum, and there is a hotel just starting construction. You can see why the complex is called “Top of the Rock” it is on top of a mountain overlooking Table Rock Lake. It is spectacular. We were there on a Sunday so everything is closing early but we will be back from some sunset dining there.
Three story wedding chapel. 2 is the main floor, 3 is a loft, 1 is changing rooms ( I think) it has an elevator. How many quaint country chapels do you know have an elevator?
The stone wedding chapel. The back side overlooks the valley and lake below. What a place to exchange vows. And who knows, you pay enough money they might shoot off the cannon for you at the right moment.
A view of the driving range and par 3 golf course. My friends tell me that it is an evil course. I would love to play it again.
As much as we loved the outside, Heather and I thought the Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum was a highlight. It is a sprawling museum covering everything from the ancient flora and fauna of the area and the heritage and history of the Native Americans from the area. The museum is very well done and has lots of unique items. Photography without a flash is permitted but it is so dim (to preserve the art and specimens on display” that it was hard to get a good photograph (cuz I am a rule follower especially when it comes to photography in museums).
They had some Native American Pottery like I had never seen anywhere else, and we hit all the museums that we can.
So here is the rest of my crew. We had a great time and will be back.
Neat post. Not been there myself
Originally, Top of the Rock was all about the extremely high end restaurant and the golf course. The cave and museum were added later. We haven’t been to the cave or museum. Actually, we just went through the gift shop and viewed the golf course. You’ve got some very nice images here Yogi. The one of the chapel is really well done. Have a blessed week-end.
Wow! The End of the Trail scuplture in the infinity pool is amazing!
Thanks for the photo tour! Great skies and love the chapel!
Fabulous photos! Hard to pick a favourite but the second is wonderful!
Kay
An Unfittie’s Guide to Adventurous Travel
Fantastic photos ~ the Native American Indian photo is spectacular and sooo Beautiful ~
Nice looking crew you have ~ ^_^
Happy Days,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
That place gets more and more interesting. The way some people around here drive their golf carts, I’m pretty sure RV resorts should have them sign pages of releases.
Delightful posting… that chapel image is grand [though a bit over-sharpened]. The museum lighting certainly did not adversely affect the lighting of your shots…well done… I guess if you shoot RAW, a little ‘under-exposed’ is easily correctable. I would have loved driving the golf cart…
The End of the Trail is always eye-catching, and never more so than in your photo with all that water.
Brilliant clicks. Awesome post.
Greetings.
I am not sure how I feel about a ‘fake’ landscape – don’t we have enough beautiful country around without making fake ones? (Unless it’s Disney World – they get a pass!)
I do love the wedding chapel setting …. and the End of the Trail sculpture … and I never miss a good museum!
What wonderful shots!
What an interesting adventure for you all that day. I really love the sculpture of the Inidan – it’s just beautiful. Looks like Pizza Boy has become Pizza Man!
Hello, wonderful photos from your trip! I the waterfall and the sculpture. You have a beautiful family.
Happy Friday, enjoy your weekend. Happy Easter to you and your family!
Spectacular setting for that sculpture.
What a beautiful vacation setting. Love it.
Beautiful shot of the chapel and a good looking crew!!
judging by your photos it looks like the tour is worth every penny, that golf course does indeed look like it would give you a run for your money.
Thanks for the photo tour.
The chapel is gorgeous. Wonderful shot.
Thank you for hosting.
I’m having mixed feelings about this seemingly expensive place. Would rather walk. Museum looks very interesting. Your photos do the place great justice.
Oh my God..it’s such an amazing place! Love to see the sculpture and the pool!