Dogwood Canyon Nature Park is a 10,000 acre paradise just miles away from Branson, MO offering adventures, activities, and dining with unforgettable scenery. Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, welcomes you to the Mill, Canyon Grill Restaurant, Artifact Display, Nature & Conservation Center, Treehouse Masters Treehouse, miles of paved and rugged trails – perfect for walking, hiking, or biking (bike and kiddie-cart rental available or bring your own), various seasonal outdoor/conservation focused activities, and exciting fee-based adventures!
Our location is ideal for group visits and Dogwood Canyon also serves as an ideal backdrop for a wedding as well.
Dogwood Canyon Activities
Biking, Fishing, Horseback Riding, Segway Tours, Wildlife Tram Tours, and Private Tours available. Click here to learn more about these activities
Park Operating Hours:
8:00 am – 7:00 pm
Seasonal cost starting at $15 per person. A Single-Day Ticket
grants you access to: The Dogwood Mill & Artifact Display, Canyon Grill Restaurant, Treehouse (as seen on Animal Planet’s Treehouse Masters television series), Nature & Conservation Center, plus, the 1/2 mile Hickory Ridge Trail. Walking & Hiking on 6.5 miles of paved paths and 9 miles of trails.
Dogwood Canyon Mill and Grill
Dogwood Canyon Mill and Grill is built right on Indian Creek and provides the perfect setting for your next outing. Enjoy nature’s beautiful surroundings while looking out to the cascading waterfall as you savor a variety of dining options. This rustic, yet elegant facility is the perfect place to host private functions or to dine before setting out on your canyon exploration.
Grill Hours:
11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Dogwood Canyon Property Map
DOGWOOD CANYON – STATION 1 Enjoy our beautiful, new world-class offerings at Dogwood Canyon! View a mill demonstration at the Dogwood Canyon Mill and have a delicious meal at the Canyon Grill. Afterwards take in the splendor of Indian Cliff Falls, take an adventurous stroll through the new Nature & Conservation Center and experience our magnificent treehouse built by Pete Nelson and the crew of Animal Planet’s hit TV show, Treehouse Masters.
DOGWOOD CANYON – STATION 2 Looking across Little Indian Creek at this point, you will notice a cave opening high in the bluff. In 1990, a “bundle burial” was discovered in the Indian Burial Cave. Probably a male in his mid-30’s, this individual was radiocarbon dated to have lived in approximately AD 960. Also found in this area were the remains of three children ages 2-8 years dating back as far as AD 130. Approximately 1/2 mile of Little Indian Creek is accessible to self-guided anglers for trout fishing opportunities.
DOGWOOD CANYON – STATION 3 The unique and picturesque Long Pine Crossing was handcrafted in November 1992 by Daniel Y. Schwartz and his crew. They are members of an Amish community in Seymour, Missouri, east of Springfield. The bridge has a clear span of 80’ and consists of 12” x 12” beams salvaged from a century-old warehouse in Chicago prior to its demolition. Several tools used to build the bridge are on display nearby. Note: For your safety and the protection of the streams, please utilize the foot bridges specifically provided for walking and cycling. The floor of each foot bridge consists of planks made from recycled tires and plastic. No swimming, wading, or bike riding in the stream or crossings. Please use caution as you cross.
DOGWOOD CANYON – STATION 4 Be careful as you travel by Ambush Pass. Legend has it that this former logging road was popular among hooligans as they lay in wait to ambush unsuspecting travelers. The road has changed and the pass is now overgrown with native vegetation. We think you are safe. Ambush Pass is also one of the many locations where food plots have been established to attract and benefit wild turkeys, whitetail deer and other wildlife.
DOGWOOD CANYON – STATION 5 The Hope Wilderness Chapel, completed in 2002, is a replica of churches from the 1800’s. Handcrafted by Dogwood Canyon staff members, the chapel features local materials including native shortleaf pine logs, rough-sawn oak flooring and an eastern red cedar ceiling. The chapel seats 120 guests and is available for weddings, vow renewals, meetings and special services.
DOGWOOD CANYON – STATION 6 Looking up the steep hill, you will notice some loose rocks around a small opening. This spot has been identified as a possible den for black bears that occasionally call Dogwood Canyon home. For your safety and to prevent erosion, please stay on the paved trail.
DOGWOOD CANYON – STATION 7 Another great photo opportunity and “signature” location in the canyon is Thunder Falls. This 60’ waterfall has been enhanced to provide a glimpse of what the area looked like thousands of years ago while being carved out by water. In the fall of 1994, the feature movie “Ozarks: Legacy and Legend” was filmed in the IMAX format for the Ozarks Discovery IMAX Theater in Branson. Much of the movie was filmed at Dogwood Canyon including a baptismal ceremony here at Thunder Falls.
DOGWOOD CANYON – STATION 8 You are viewing Six Stump Spring, one of the more visible of the many springs throughout the property. Look closely to see where the water actually comes out of the ground. These springs supply the cool, clean water necessary to sustain a healthy and thriving trout population. Fresh watercress, seen here on the surface, is commonly associated with spring sources. Jewelweed (or Touch-Me-Not) may also be found here and in many other locations throughout the canyon in late summer. It is said that this plant is an antidote for Poison Ivy if crushed and rubbed on the skin.
DOGWOOD CANYON – STATION 9 You are approaching our Chuckwagon Site. The site’s wonderful stream-side atmosphere and location allow private groups to enjoy special meals ranging from hot dogs to lobster. Porta-potties are available for your use in this area as well. Many well-known sports, business and entertainment personalities have been guests here including President George Bush, Whitey Herzog, Waylon Jennings, Chuck Yeager, Johnny Cash and a host of others.
DOGWOOD CANYON – STATION 10 Seven Mule Pass gets its name from the belief that seven mules were required to pull a wagon over the steep terrain in this part of the canyon.
DOGWOOD CANYON – STATION 11 Three Shoots Pine exhibits unusual growth characteristics. This native shortleaf pine was victimized by a 20” snowfall in 1994 and now has only two shoots. Possible reasons for the tree’s growth include its genetic makeup or natural stresses such as an ice storm. Native Americans also used trees as “sign trees” to mark trails, meeting grounds, water sources, or other natural features. As you can see, the tree points to a cave across the road. The cave appears more substantial than it actually is and only goes into the mountain approximately 50’. During much of the year, the cave is the site of a spring. For your safety, please do not enter the cave.
DOGWOOD CANYON – STATION 12 The magnificent bluff and over-hang on your right is known as the Great Spirit Rock Shelter. The oldest human remains ever discovered in the state of Missouri were found here in 1993 and date back nearly 8,000 years. Other items found include arrow points, crude pottery pieces, fire and refuse pits, and a turtle shell that was probably used as a rattle or container. This pool is not available to anglers so that you may enjoy viewing the large trout from the observation point above.
DOGWOOD CANYON – STATION 13a If you choose to stay left at this junction, you’ll notice the Kid’s Cave. This scenic formation actually highlights a cave nearly 250’ long. However, the passage is only 12”–14” tall at times, thereby making its name appropriate.
DOGWOOD CANYON – STATION 13b If you choose to stay right at this junction, you’ll see Fire Pit Cave. This beautiful geologic formation contained rare stone beads and well-preserved charcoal samples dating back approximately 3,000 years. The length of the cave is limited to about 40’. Again, for your safety, please do not enter the cave or climb on the rocks.
DOGWOOD CANYON – STATION 14 The Glory Hole is often considered the highlight of the tour for guests of Dogwood Canyon. This breathtaking spot is home to giant rainbow trout. No fishing is allowed in this very special area. This pool is 16’ deep at its center. The reflection of light and depth of the water combine to create the typically bluish-green color. A cave extends approximately 300’ into the mountain behind the waterfall. The passage is 20’–30’ tall in some locations but is now inaccessible due to the water level. Much of this area is a collapsed cave formation created as the softer limestone eroded away. The handcrafted iron work found at the observation point above the pool and in other areas throughout the park were created by local artisans. Please use the bridge and trails as you enter and leave the area.
DOGWOOD CANYON – STATION 15 The Seven Pools area is one of spectacular scenic beauty and tremendous fishing. The small dams or “weirs” have been designed to create oxygen flow and habitat for trout. Introduced and naturally reproducing wild rainbow trout challenge anglers fortunate enough to cast a fly on Dogwood Creek. A wide variety of natural food sources for trout can be found in the stream.
DOGWOOD CANYON – STATION 16 Turtle Rock Bridge is unique due to its cobblestone surface and the unusual rocks that resemble turtle shells. These rocks are natural and originated in Oklahoma.
DOGWOOD CANYON – STATION 17 Sam’s Spring is a great place for a rest stop. The obvious source of water has been tied to a location upstream at Emerald Pool. The large rock nearby (across from the spring) resembles a buffalo but your imagination may lead you to another conclusion.
DOGWOOD CANYON – STATION 18 If you look to the left of the road you will see a flowing stream, and on the right side of the road the stream looks as if it disappears. This is called karst topography. It is a geologic feature that affects the creek by creating a “losing stream.” Water enters the ground through sink holes and moves beneath the surface. During wet seasons or periods of heavy rain, the stream may have water for its entire length but is typically intermittent above this point. Protecting our water resource is extremely important, particularly where this feature occurs.
DOGWOOD CANYON – STATION 19 Emerald Pool often appears almost turquoise in color similar to the Glory Hole mentioned earlier.
DOGWOOD CANYON – STATION 20 The massive Sycamore tree found here has been determined to be over 260 years old. An increment borer is used to take a core sample from the center of the tree without harming it. This also provides other information about the life of a particular tree including periods of stress as well as years of exceptional growth.
DOGWOOD CANYON – STATION 21 The State Line Pool features a beautiful bluff that is uniquely framed by the changing seasons. In particular, winter months often find breathtaking icicles, some 20’ tall, formed by the water as it drips into the stream.
DOGWOOD CANYON – STATION 22 Welcome to Arkansas! A portion of Dogwood Canyon is located in Arkansas. For your safety, it is extremely important that you keep left to avoid possible danger associated with our American bison, elk and Longhorn cattle herds.
DOGWOOD CANYON – STATION 23 This is the “Trapper’s Cabin.” Built in 1993, this cabin houses our fly-fishing school, and features doors and windows taken from a very old building in New Mexico.
DOGWOOD CANYON – STATION 24 You’ve reached Wish Bowl Falls. This beautiful pool is home to our golden rainbow trout and is the turn-around point of the trail.
Source: http://bassprocorp.com/BPS/Userfiles/57/file/DWC%20Brochure%208_18%20PROOF.pdf
