In Southwest Missouri, popular options for group outings away from the meeting room look much like what one might find flipping through the channels on cable television.
From exploring limestone caverns in Springfield to ziplining in Branson and visiting an Audubon center in Joplin, attendees will enjoy offerings that could easily get plugged into travel, home and garden, nature and adventure programming.
Following are just six of the standout experiences to round out a group itinerary.
Fantastic Caverns,
Springfield
Visitors to this attraction ride through natural limestone caverns, boasting cave formations of all shapes and sizes, according to Kirk Hansen, spokesman for Fantastic Caverns.
“It is always a neat experience to see folks touring the cave who wouldn’t be a candidate for another cave tour,” Hansen says. “The all-riding tour of Fantastic Caverns allows anyone, regardless of their age or physical ability, to enjoy some of Missouri’s underground scenery.”
Knowledgeable guides who accompany each tour will explain the natural and recorded history using several demonstrations and exhibits, Hansen adds.
The cave, which was first explored by a group of 12 Springfield women back in 1867, is visited by approximately 150,000 people annually, and it is also utilized as a meeting space, speakeasy, music theater and underground classroom.
“Groups can arrange for a catered picnic on the grounds during their visit,” Hansen says, adding that group rates and complimentary admission for tour escorts and bus drivers are available. “Meeting planners are always welcome to come check us out; we enjoy showing off our attraction.”PageBreak
Leadership Ranch,
Republic
Situated close to Springfield in Republic, Mo., is Leadership Ranch, where challenge courses bond and motivate participants for the betterment of the team, according to Tim Eberle, owner of the property.
“Thirty years of research by academics at the University of Rochester indicate that all human beings, regardless of race, gender or culture, need autonomy, competence and relatedness in order to feel self-motivated,” he says, explaining that there are a number of positive psychological effects that occur during a visit to the ranch.
Because games, including a low course and high course, engage the whole group, successes are shared by participants. Along the way, Eberle says, they learn valuable traits including the importance of communication, making a plan, support, leadership, persistence and focus.
“We help them figure all this out, but we do not tell them,” he says. “We also help them see why, where and how these skills are important to them in every aspect of their lives and communities.”
Showboat Branson Belle, Branson
The Showboat Branson Belle cruises the picturesque Table Rock Lake, which has 850 miles of shoreline and is surrounded by wooded hills. Guests are free to wander the decks before show time, when they are entertained with music, comedy, magic and aerial acrobatics.
Before the show, a three-course meal including slow-simmered beef roast and honey Dijon-glazed chicken, as well as golden brittle lemon-berry torte, is served.
All meals are prepared onboard in the ship’s galley, according to Martha Hoy Bohner, spokeswoman for Silver Dollar City Attractions, adding that each cruise runs two hours and 15 minutes, and exclusive charters are available for groups of 200 or more.
“The Showboat Branson Belle is a very entertaining experience,” Hoy Bohner says. “The show is like no other. Janice Martin’s aerial performance and mastery of the violin, piano and vocals is a unique experience, not just in Branson, but anywhere.”
The male vocal group, the ShowMen, round out the entertainment with memorable vocals and harmonies. PageBreak
Branson Zipline and Canopy Tours at Wolfe Creek Preserve, Branson
Branson Zipline Canopy Tours at Wolfe Creek Preserve is the destination for authentic eco adventure. According to Emma Hamilton, general manager at the attraction, guests can choose from a variety of exciting experiences.
“Our world-class zip-line canopy tours include the Ozarks Xplorer and the Flying Prospector,” she says. “Guests will experience the beauty of the Ozarks while traversing multiple zip lines and rope bridges through the tree canopy and above the rugged bluffs and forest floor.”
For groups seeking an even bigger thrill, there is the Blue Streak Fastline and Freefall Xpress, a quarter-mile zip line high above the trees that finishes with a 100-foot free fall.
“The Wolfe Creek Photo Safari walking tour gives guests a behind-the-scenes look at the 33 acres protected by our forest management plan,” Hamilton says. “All of our experiences include a ride to the top of Wolfe Mountain in a vintage Swiss military troop carrier called a Pinzgauer.”
The attraction also has several group party spaces that are available for meetings or meals, and catering is available.
“During their time at Branson Zipline, groups will have the opportunity to be submersed in nature, learning about the legend of the Wolfe Family and the Ozarks and improving leadership and team building,” Hamilton says.
Wildcat Glades Conservation and Audubon Center, Joplin
Adjacent to some of the area’s most diverse natural resources, such as the globally unique Chert Glades, Wildcat Glades Conservation and Audubon Center is a living laboratory, according to Kerstin Landwer, the facility’s development and volunteer coordinator.
“Our amazing 1,300-gallon aquarium and Ozark stream is home to fascinating aquatic organisms like rainbow darter and stonerollers,” she says. “Our Chert Glades terraria showcases tarantulas, snakes and other animals found on the glades.”
A truly educational endeavor, there are also five outdoor learning stations near the building and along the park’s three-plus miles of trails, as well as a reference library, interpretive exhibits, a wildlife viewing area and a nature store.
The Audubon Center also offers both indoor and outdoor group-friendly facilities with seating for up to 125 people, and audiovisual equipment available at no extra cost.
“Indoor spaces offer glimpses of the area’s unique Chert Glades and the event pavilion lies next to Shoal Creek,” Landwer says, adding that the center’s indoor meeting space can convert into one, two or three rooms. “Each changing season offers you the rich beauty of this unique place.”
Sandstone Gardens, Joplin
At Sandstone Gardens, groups with attendees who enjoy shopping are certain to have a good time.
At this attraction, guests will find a 50,000-square-foot showroom inspired by a turn-of-the-20th-century estate that sells numerous accents and accessories for home interiors and garden landscapes.
Attendees will also find fountains, bird baths, statues and benches that complement the homes and gardens.
An on-site bistro is available to host group luncheons for up to 50 people. A prix fixe menu includes lasagna, salmon or chicken salad, and dessert.
Frequent contributor Carolyn Blackburn is quite impressed with the skills of aerialist and musician Janice Martin.
