Over 12,000 years ago, prehistoric creatures roamed what is now known as the Ozarks. You won’t find a better place to learn about these creatures than the Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum. Make your way through 35,000 square feet of history and discover fascinating facts about this region and some of its first inhabitants. The state-of-the-art Ozark Museum of Natural History is just a few minutes from Branson. So, plan to make an afternoon of it.
Find out about more things to do near Amazing Branson Rentals when you check out our Things to Do page. It’s full of the best recommendations for things to see and do like enjoying an afternoon at the Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum.
The Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum is Full of Wonder
The Natural History Museum near Branson, MO, will take you through 12,000 years of Ozark Mountain history. You will see everything from carbon-dated skeletons, and dioramas of ancient animals that called the Ozarks home, to Native American and Civil War artifacts and interactive displays. The museum is perfect for the whole family, from kids to grandparents.
As you enter the Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum, an enormous woolly mammoth greets you. The monolithic mammoth sets the tone for the amazing exhibits the museum offers. Immediately after the mammoth, the museum immerses you in Native American artifacts and artwork. Arrowheads and headdresses adorn the room with a sense of lost culture and imagination.
One of the many extraordinary things you’ll see is the Terror Bird. This intense ancestor of giant birds was a monster predator weighing in around 300 pounds. It used its huge beak to bring down its prey. Included in this exhibit are the Hell Pig, the Bear Dog, and the North American Jaguar. Lastly, the Civil War exhibit holds important artifacts including rifles and sidearms, sabers, cannons, flags, uniforms, and paintings of historical figures.
History of the Museum and Extra Details
The Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum was created to highlight the incredible history of the region by featuring artifacts and exhibits that guide you through the past. Founder Johnny Morris commissioned the design of the museum to be state-of-the-art. As a result, the museum itself is an exceptional fixture on the Branson cultural horizon.
The Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum is open Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets for adults are $12, children 4-12 are $5, and children under 3 are free of charge. Also available are Adventure Passes which grant you access to the museum, the Top of the Rock Lost Canyon Cove and Nature Trail. Located just outside of Branson in Ridgedale, the museum is just a short drive away!
Take the Short Trip from Amazing Branson Rentals!
The Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum is just a short trip away from all the best vacation rentals in Branson. At Amazing Branson Rentals, our luxurious cabins and rentals are sure to wow you. They are perfect for a family vacation, weekend getaway, or romantic stay. Check out our available properties and see for yourself! Our team is eager to accommodate you. So, contact us today!
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