Eureka Springs & Branson

You’re about to embark on an unforgettable adventure to the Scenic Ozark Mountains region of Missouri and Arkansas. Today is a travel day.  Sit back and relax as we meander southward through the farmlands, reaching our destination at the Drury Inn in Kansas City.  (L)

Rise and Shine! Today we’ll wind our way southward through Missouri’s picturesque countryside into the rolling hills of the Ozark Mountains, stretching across the Arkansas border. By mid-day, we arrive in Eureka Springs, AR, a charming town celebrated for its beautifully preserved Victorian architecture and vibrant arts scene. Upon arrival, we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch at our hotel restaurant. This afternoon, a local guide will lead us on a tour featuring stops at the Thorncrown Chapel and the iconic Christ of the Ozarks Statue. We’ll also take a tram ride through the historic downtown district, where you’ll hear fascinating stories and insights about Eureka Springs. After a short rest at the hotel, we’ll head to the Passion Play Complex for an evening dinner buffet. Later, settle in at the Potters Little Theater for entertaining pre-shows, including “Parables of the Potter” and “David the Shepherd.” As night falls, you’ll be seated in a grand outdoor amphitheater to experience “The Great Passion Play,” America’s most attended outdoor drama. Since 1968, over 8 million people have been moved by this powerful portrayal of the “Greatest Story Ever Told,” depicting the final days of Jesus Christ. With talented actors, live animals, stirring music, and cutting-edge sound and lighting, this unforgettable performance unfolds under the stars. After a full day of adventure and inspiration, we’ll return to our hotel for a restful night’s sleep. (B) (L) (D)

After enjoying a relaxed breakfast buffet at the hotel restaurant, we head north to Branson for some free time to shop and enjoy a mid-day lunch on your own at the fabulous Branson’s Landing. By mid-afternoon, we check into our rooms at the Grand Country Inn Resort before attending the Sight & Sound Theater for the David Show. David, known as Master Poet, Fearless Warrior, and Anointed King, is the focus of this production centered on the Biblical Story of David and Goliath. From still waters to shadowed valleys, David’s journey to the throne is filled with towering giants, wild animals, and Philistine soldiers. From unprecedented victories to devastating failures, this passionate warrior faces the biggest battle of all: the one within himself. Experience this legendary Bible story brought to life with spectacular special effects, massive sets, and live animals in this brand-new original stage production. A perfect way to end the day is with a delicious meal at the Grand Country Resort Dinner Buffet. After dinner, enjoy the Grand Jubilee Evening Show right within our resort complex. This highly requested show features Branson’s Best Quartet, New South! This incredible group entertains with spectacular music, great harmonies, family comedy, and Ozark hospitality. They have won numerous awards, including “Branson’s Best Variety Show!” After the show and a fun-filled day, you’ll be ready for a good night’s rest! (B) (D)

You’ll love what Rustad Tours has in store for you during your final day in Branson!  Terry Sanders, our local guide will show us around Branson and tell you some of the history of Branson.  Our area tour will include Table Rock Dam, the Scenic Overlook and College of the Ozarks where students work their way through school graduating with no debt!  Terry is the busiest comedian in Branson.  He’s still going strong in his 43rd year as a comedian headliner now known as “The Face of Branson!” By mid-day, we’ll take a lunch break at Mel’s Hard Luck Diner. For over twenty years, their talented servers have been singing your favorite songs while serving you great food.  This 1950’s themed diner is home to talented, professional singers, songwriters and musicians.  This unique experience is one you’ll want to share with your friends and family.  This afternoon we travel a short distance to the Top of the Rock for a two-and-a-half mile ride in an electric cart through Lost Canyon Nature Trail that leads you to the awe-inspiring Lost Canyon Cave.  This dramatic trail was created to highlight stunning rock formations, waterfalls and a view of Table Rock Lake. Also on these premises is the Ozarks Natural History Museum which is a treasure-trove of Ancient Ozark’s history. The museum includes dioramas showcasing creatures who roamed the Ozarks in the region’s early days, Native American artifacts, an assortment of Civil War relics and more.  After our tour, you get a chance to freshen up before heading to the SS Dockside Café and Pub for our included evening meal.  This evening’s entertainment is at the Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Drama production, an action-packed live reenactment of the famous historical novel by Harold Bell Wright.  Published in 1907, this beautiful story tells of life in the rugged Ozark Mountain of Missouri in the late 1800’s.  Over 90 actors and actresses, horses, sheep and donkeys perform on a stage the size of a football field.  There’s a shoot-out, the actual burning of a log cabin, a love story, a mystery and a moral message that is as true today as it was over a century ago. After the show, we return to our rooms at the hotel recalling all of the wonderful sights and experiences we’ve had in Branson. (B) (L) (D)

Today, we turn our coach toward home.  By mid-morning, we’ll make a stop in Springfield, Missouri at Fantastic Caverns, America’s Ride-Through Cave!  It was discovered in 1862 by an Ozarks farmer…or more precisely by his dog, who crawled through a small entrance on a hillside.  Then, 5 years later the first exploration took place.  Twelve local women answering a newspaper ad that was seeking explorers, ventured into the cave.  Their names still remain on a cave wall today.  The tour of this cave is by jeep-drawn trams.  Since you ride all the way through, you can experience the magnitude, stillness and splendor of the caverns while preserving its natural features.  Fantastic Caverns is one of 7,300 documented caves that dot the Missouri landscape.  It’s no wonder Missouri is known as the “Cave State.” We make a stop along the way for an included noon lunch before arriving at our hotel accommodations tonight at the Drury Inn in St. Joseph, Missouri. (B) (L)

All good things must come to an end.  This is a perfect time for you to share your favorite memories of this tour! Rustad Tours extends heartfelt thanks to all tour members, hoping that the Eureka Springs and Branson Tour have created unforgettable memories to cherish for years to come!  (B)