Top 10 Midwest Vacation Resorts: Big Cedar Lodge

Reminiscent of a historic mountain lodge deep within the Adirondacks, Big Cedar Lodge mixes Lake of the Ozarks landscapes and luxuriously rustic lodging into a perfect medley, making our No. 7 Midwest destinations pick your first-choice Ozarks’ premier wilderness resort.

It would be wrong to describe Big Cedar Lodge as anything other that a wilderness resort, but we want to make it clear that this in not your typical woodsy retreat. The three distinctly different lodges, cozy knotty pine cottage and beautifully-crafted log cabin all look as though they should be gracing the pages of Midwest Living Magazine. And the Top of The Rock Golf Course, a certified Audubon International Signature Sanctuary, is the first Par 3 course to bear Jack Nicklaus’ name.

Big Cedar Lodge is only minutes away from Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, featuring tumbling waterfalls and more than 29 hand-built stream crossings. But you don’t have to travel far to see natural Ozarks beauty. Just tour the grounds on the lodge’s walking trails showcasing eight onsite waterfalls.

Things to Know

Highlights

Big Cedar is only a 10-minute drive from Branson!

Getting there

Check out the Devil’s Pool Swinging Bridge when you stay at Big Cedar Lodge. The name Devil’s Pool originates from an Indian term which means bottomless pit.

Related Onsite Offerings

Onsite restaurants, marina, spa, kids’ program, gift shop, pool, horseback rides, photography and meeting space.