College of the Ozarks

What a cool place teaching young people work and ethical values. Restaurant was a wow experience too

Famously known as Hardwork U this local university offers a small and beautiful campus that matches perfectly with the local area and is a must-​see for families! What’s really amazing is the fact that the school is largely run by the 1500 student population who work for their tuition and as a result graduate nearly debt-​free. You’ll see students basket weaving, making quilts, tilling the land, and even serving you in their amazing fine dining restaurant at the Keeter Center. Man is the food amazing there! Not only are many of the items made in-​house from the campus’s gardens and farm animals, the students are all incredibly friendly and exuberant; they are some of the most enthusiastic servers I have ever seen. Once you finish stuffing yourself, make sure to see the service desk for a map of campus in order to get your bearings and to make the most of your own special self-​tour. There are a few museums and gardens that visitors can appreciate. Unfortunately we came a little late so we didn’t get to visit the new Vietnam memorial museum but I hear it is definitely a must-​see! Who knows if you end up loving the university and concept as much as me, maybe you’ll even consider sending your kids to the University so that your wallet can be a little fatter and your kids a little more appreciative and independent.

A hidden treasure in the hills of Branson. A great family experience, be sure to dine at the Keeter Center a value you will never duplicate! Student staff efficent, polite, helpful, knowledgeable, respectfull.