You've come to the right place.
Missouri's Big Cedar Lodge
Theme parks, beach resorts and big cities are great vacation spots, but why not really enjoy nature for a change? Missouri has wonderful entertainment options that don’t involve manmade thrill rides and water slides. Instead, the state invites visitors to step outside and see the beauty that surrounds us but is often overlooked.
In Ridgedale, Missouri, about 60 miles south of the Springfield-Branson Regional Airport, you’ll find Big Cedar Lodge (417/335-2777; in the beautiful Ozark Mountains along Table Rock Lake. Big Cedar Lodge offers not only a place to rest your head, but every outdoor activity you can dream of. From fishing to golfing, from shopping to biking, you’ll never get bored when you’re at this nature’s paradise.
A few members of my family and I, including my 17- and 19-year-old brothers, have left our home in Louisiana to visit Big Cedar three times, and it keeps us coming back for more.
Family Lodging
Guests can choose from a variety of rooms in three different lodges, a pine cottage or a log cabin (visit BigCedar.com for a 360-degree tour of the lobby, the Falls Lodge and one of the private log cabins). Falls Lodge, for example, is made of stone and timber, and has wildlife mounts, wood furniture and stained glass windows inside. The lodge rooms include a fireplace, Jacuzzi and a spectacular view of Table Rock Lake. The most affordable family rooms are in the Valley View Lodge; each has two queen beds and a full bath, with rates starting as low as $79/N. Some are equipped with kitchenettes while others offer relaxing Jacuzzi baths. At all facilities, baby cribs or rollaways are available upon request; families needing wheelchair-accessible rooms should book cabins.
On my most recent trip to Big Cedar, my family and I stayed in one of the private log cabins. This cabin had two bedrooms, a kitchen, living room, two large bathrooms and a great view of the Lake. The refrigerator was stocked with complimentary sodas and there was even a complimentary snack basket on our dinner table when we first arrived. On each day of our stay, complimentary gingerbread cookies were brought to our cabin. My family also enjoyed free movie rentals and van service around the resort each day.
Dining and Family Facilities
There are many delicious dining options available at Big Cedar, but I personally recommend the Devil’s Pool Restaurant, fittingly located near the main Big Cedar swimming pool called Devil’s Pool (the area also includes a hot tub, fitness room, and an opportunity to feed the fish in the nearby lake). A breakfast buffet is offered here at $6.95 for children 12 and under and $11.95 for all others. If you want a great view of the golf course and delicious steak or pasta, the Top of the Rock Restaurant won’t let you down.
Post your comment