College of the Ozarks Tours

College of the Ozarks showing heritage architecture, a garden and a church or cathedral
College of the Ozarks featuring signage and interior views
College of the Ozarks which includes a statue or sculpture, a garden and flowers
College of the Ozarks which includes food
College of the Ozarks featuring heritage elements


Find out about the unusual work policy at this religious educational facility and admire the pleasant views around Point Lookout.

The College of the Ozarks is a Christian university with a scenic position overlooking sparkling Table Rock Lake. The college, whose nickname is “Hard Work U,” has a 1,000-acre (400-hectare) campus spread across Point Lookout. Learn about the university’s work program that enables free tuition in this ecclesiastical university. 

Stroll through the stunning grounds of the campus and enjoy the vista of picturesque natural scenery. Stroll along the banks of the Cooper Creek and put together a picnic to enjoy in these serene surroundings. 

Encounter some of the intriguing buildings and exhibits on campus. The Gaetz Tractor Museum explores the history of farming techniques through its array of restored old tractors. Inspect the displays about barbed wire, as well as a shrunken head and a two-headed calf. 

Enter the nearby Ralph Foster Museum for its fascinating and diverse collections relating to the Ozarks region. These include a gun assembly, an array of antiques and a group of dolls. Spot the original vehicle used in the famous television series The Beverly Hillbillies.

Chat with students on the campus to learn about the university’s fierce work ethic. The college is famous for discouraging students to take out loans, instead preferring they work at the university in exchange for free tuition. It stresses the importance of worthiness, patriotism and Christ-like characteristics for its prospective alumni. 

Note that the main diplomas here are in liberal arts, with more than 30 Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees and majors. The university also has almost 100 work stations, including the Fruitcake and Jelly Kitchen and the gift shop near the entrance. 

The College of the Ozarks is in the western outskirts of Hollister in southwestern Missouri. Fly to M. Graham Clark Downtown Airport and walk or drive southwest for 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) to get here. Stop off at other highlights, including the Faith Center Church, Moonshine Beach Park and the Showboat Branson Belle.

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Reviews of College of the Ozarks

4.7
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
205
5 - Excellent 78%
4 - Good
50
4 - Good 19%
3 - Okay
7
3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
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4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Extensive history museum

5/5 - Excellent

MaryT.

Sunday brunch was unbelievable. The students working were wonderful!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

No trip to Branson would be complete without a meal at The Keeter Center. We enjoyed the Sunday morning worship at the campus church.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Dining at the Keeter Center is a must do. 5 star food and service all the way.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Absolutely fabulous! Go to the Robert Foster museum and take time to eat at the Keeter Center.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

We LOVE dining at the Keeter Center at College of the Ozarks. The food is always of the highest quality, and the students who serve are always top notch. We try to go at least once every time we come to Branson. Lots of other things to do there like a museum, candle shop, mill, etc. The restaurant is a bit pricey, but you can spend hours there enjoying free or inexpensive activities.

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near College of the Ozarks

At College of the Ozarks, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including outdoor adventures like hiking and golfing, as well as local events and entertainment options. Explore fascinating museums and major attractions nearby that showcase the rich culture and history of the area. Don't miss the chance to experience unique leisure activities that highlight the vibrant community surrounding this picturesque college.

Shopping

In College of the Ozarks, enjoy shopping at Branson Landing and Tanger Outlets, both just 3.2km away, offering a mix of entertainment and family-friendly vibes. Also, visit Patricia's Victorian House, a charming store only 3.2km away for unique gifts and souvenirs.

Recreation

The Grand Country Music Hall offers lively concerts just 3.2km away, perfect for entertainment seekers. Enjoy family fun at Dinosaur Canyon Mini Golf, also 3.2km away, for a blend of adventure and sports. For golf enthusiasts, Don Gardner Pitch 'n' Putt Golf Course is 4.8km away, providing outdoor sports vibes.

Adventure

At White Water, dive into thrilling water slides and wave pools for a fun-filled day. The Track offers exhilarating go-kart racing, perfect for adrenaline seekers. Aunts Creek Beach invites you to unwind by the water, with camping opportunities surrounded by nature for a great outdoor experience.

Nightlife

The nightlife near College of the Ozarks offers vibrant experiences like Dolly Parton's Stampede Dinner Attraction, where romance and entertainment come alive. For family fun, visit Fritz's Adventure, an exciting arcade zone. Don't miss Dick Clark's American Bandstand Theater for a mix of culture and captivating performances.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near College of the Ozarks

At College of the Ozarks, you'll find a variety of attractions, including museums, scenic streets, and golf courses that cater to culture enthusiasts and families alike. Explore the Ozarks Lodge and the Keeter Center for a taste of local hospitality and outdoor experiences. This charming area offers something for everyone, making it an ideal destination for relaxation and adventure in Missouri.

  • Highway 76 Strip: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Highway 76 Strip, a bustling street filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. This two-mile stretch offers a taste of local culture and is perfect for shopping and dining.
  • Titanic Museum: Dive into history at the Titanic Museum, where you can explore artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of the famous ship. Located three miles from the College of the Ozarks, this museum provides a poignant cultural experience.
  • Branson Convention Center: Just two miles away, the Branson Convention Center is a key hub for business events and conferences. Enjoy the modern facilities and diverse programs that cater to both professional and leisure travelers.

Best time to go to College of the Ozarks

The best time to visit College of the Ozarks is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January35.2°F (1.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowSlightly Low
February38.5°F (3.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowSlightly Low
March48.7°F (9.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April57.2°F (14.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
May66.4°F (19.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowAverage
June76.5°F (24.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July79.7°F (26.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighSlightly High
August77.7°F (25.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September71.2°F (21.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighAverage
October59.2°F (15.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighAverage
November47.7°F (8.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
December39.7°F (4.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for College of the Ozarks

To save money on your trip to College of the Ozarks, consider visiting between January to February or April when prices are generally lower. Tuesdays are the least expensive days for accommodation, while Saturdays tend to be the most costly. Use Expedia to compare hotel rates, filter for eco-friendly options, and book package deals that include flights and activities. This way, you can find the best prices and maximize your budget while enjoying the beautiful surroundings and free attractions in the area.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around College of the Ozarks are January to February and April, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to July and November, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around College of the Ozarks is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around College of the Ozarks is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at the College of the Ozarks with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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