Why You Need to Visit College of the Ozarks

After 5 trips to Branson, we have finally toured the College of the Ozarks.  For several years, we’ve heard rumblings about visiting the college, but have never committed to doing it.  So, during our last trip, we finally took the plunge.  

About College of the Ozarks

College of the Ozarks was founded in 1906 and has been known as the College of the Ozark since 1990. It’s nickname is “Hard Work U”. Why? Students that attend College of the Ozarks graduate without any debt. In place of paying tuition, each student commits to working 15 hours per week on campus! It’s a fascinating concept! Also on campus is a classical laboratory high school.

The Keeter Center

The Keeter Center serves as the “Welcome” center of sorts for the College of the Ozarks. It houses a restaurant, lodge, and conference center. Anyone is free to eat a meal in the Dobyn’s Dining Room, rent out a meeting room or ballroom, or even stay in their lodge.

Each room in the lodge includes turndown service complete with fresh milk and cookies, coffee, bath salts, and a continental breakfast delivered to your room the next morning! There are 15 suites that are stunning!

They also have a small hall dedicated to the Veterans from Branson and those who have graduated from College of the Ozarks!

The Creamery

There is also a gift shop in The Keeter Center along with a small bakery and creamery! The Creamery produces the most delicious ice cream! This spot, of course, caught my eye! The students on campus milk 60 dairy cows, they pasteurize it, bottle it, and deliver it to The Keeter Center to be made into Nettie Marie’s Homemade Ice Cream among other things! The small shop offers 11 flavors and I selected Espresso Custard, which is espresso infused in their own recipe for Vanilla bean custard! I love coffee flavored ice cream and this one was one of the very best I’ve ever had! Creamy and smooth with lots of flavor!

Williams Memorial Chapel

Of course, the chapel caught my eye and I knew I needed to check it out. This structure which follows that of the neo-Gothic architecture was dedicated in 1956 and is a sacred place! While it’s stunning from the outside, but inside the stained glass windows ans arches (along with the 80 foot high ceilings) will take your breath away! Make sure to stop in here to just absorb the architecture or to take a few minutes to pray!

Point Lookout

While Point Lookout is the actual address of College of the Ozarks, it also happens to be a fantastic vantage point on campus. From the chapel, head west to the lookout spot and enjoy the breathtaking views of Branson!

Stained Glass & Candle Shop

Head to the Stained Glass & Candle Shop to watch students pour candles and set stained glass windows and decorations. We had the opportunity to see several steps of the stained glass creation and both T and I commented that we now understand why stained glass pieces are so expensive! I also commented that I don’t have the patience to complete the piece by small piece assembly! However, these students create some amazingly beautiful pieces that are available for sale!

The Hoge Greenhouses

While the Espresso Custard was my favorite single part of our visit to the College of Ozarks, The Hoge Greenhouses was my favorite experience while on campus!

These greenhouses are home to an amazing orchid collection and the multiple structures house more than 7,000 plants! They even have a greenhouse full of plants that are available to purchase! If I could have figured out how to get several back home through an 8 hour car ride, I would be broke!

I also could have spent several hours examining each and every orchid. T was incredibly patient with me while I enjoyed them.

Other Spots to Visit

There are several other spots on campus to visit that we didn’t get to! You can explore Patriots Park, which is home to the Missouri Vietnam Veterans Memorial as well as their memorial to 9-1-1 (September 11th, 2001).

Stop by the Fruitcake & Jelly Kitchen to watch them bake their infamous fruitcake and create homemade jellies. You can also enjoy free samples. I do have to admit that we followed the map quite well, but were still unable to find the Kitchen! So, I’m keeping it in mind for our next visit.

Edwards Mill is a still-functioning grist mill where students grind whole-grain meal and flour, which you can also purchase. Additionally, you can purchase homemade rugs, shawls, and more from the students studio upstairs. Unfortunately, the mill was closed for renovations while we were visiting, so we definitely will hit this upon our return.

Other places on campus to catch are the Ralph Foster Museum, The Gaetz Tractor Museum, Lake Honor, the College Dairy, and the Memorial Fieldhouse and Keeter Gymnasium.

Visiting the College of the Ozarks

When you’re ready to visit the College of the Ozarks, start in the Keeter Center at the welcome desk. They will give you a map along with a CD that you can pop into your car and it shares a variety of facts and history about each stop!

Be aware that each stop has a variety of hours of operation, so make sure to check the schedules before visiting!

And one last tip, GET THE ICE CREAM! 😉