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Top of the Rock: An Amazing Branson Experience

Perched high above Table Rock Lake, Big Cedar Lodge's Top of the Rock offers several amazing attractions including a signature golf course, cave and nature trail, history museum, wine cellar and more.

Two couples on a date at an upscale restaurant in Branson that overlooks a lake and a sunset.

Top of the rock is a magnificent spectacle found just ten minutes south of Branson. Many of the area's top-rated attractions, restaurants and sites are found at Top of the Rock in Branson.  

While a par-3 course designed by golf legend Jack Nicklaus is perhaps Top of the Rock's signature attraction, the entire area is a playground of sorts, catering to those who enjoy natural beauty, history, great food and outstanding views.

Lost Canyon Cave and Nature Trail 

Hop on a golf cart for a riding tour that showcases the area's natural beauty, including many table rock formations for which the nearby lake is named. Enjoy your stop in the Lost Canyon Cave and have a drink at the Bat Bar before continuing your tour.

Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum 

The only word to describe Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum is inspiring. You will be wowed by the vast collection of American Indian artifacts on display. Other galleries and exhibits focus on prehistoric animals that roamed the Ozarks and the American Civil War.

Dining at Top of the Rock

  • Arnie's Barn - The barn was moved from golf great Arnold Palmer's hometown of Latrobe, Pa., and relocated to Missouri, where it was reassembled by Amish craftsmen. The menu at Arnie's Barn features Mexican cuisine, along with choices such as grilled salmon and mahi-mahi. 
  • Osage Restaurant - About two minutes’ walk from Arnie's Barn is Osage Restaurant, which offers a fine-dining menu and provides stunning views of Table Rock Lake. Choices at Osage Restaurant range from scallops to lamb to a 16-ounce ribeye. The restaurant's lower level houses the Buffalo Bar, where patio seating offers different, but equally beautiful views, of Table Rock Lake.
  • "End of the Trail" All-American Wine Cellar - Just a few steps from Buffalo Bar, the wine cellar is a premier spot for sipping wine and other drinks (whiskeys, cognacs) and for enjoying cigars.

Chapel of the Ozarks

Also at Top of the Rock is the Chapel of the Ozarks, which might be the most-photographed building on site. Table Rock Lake forms a beautiful backdrop for the chapel, which can be rented for weddings.

Top of the Rock Golf Course

Of course, the golf course is a major draw for guests and gives players the chance to say they've literally walked in the footsteps of legends. The sixth hole's island green is a signature feature. Big Cedar Golf offers four additional award-winning public golf courses you will have to play to believe. 

Note that restaurant, museum and cave tour hours vary by season and you'll want to call ahead to book a tee time for the course.

Big Cedar Lodge is connected to Top of the Rock and is one of the Ozarks area's most esteemed resorts. Find your home away from home today!

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