The region spans the nation's heartland, from the tallgrass prairies, to the rivers and streams of the Ozark Mountain Highlands, all bisected by a unique place in America's consciousness: the Mother Road. U.S. Route 66, widely known as the Main Street of America, draws thousands through here every year.
But Route 66 is only the beginning of the opportunities for the tourism and entertainment industry. The region is also a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts. Hunters know our area is full of wild turkey, whitetails, and elk. Anglers test their smallmouth bass skills in our waterways and fish for largemouth bass, walleyes, and crappie in reservoirs and lakes and wildlife refuges. Still others enjoy the excitement of the Vegas-style gaming and entertainment at our many casinos or big-city theater shows in Branson. There are also many national and state parks for outdoor camping, hiking, and historical features, and endless local parks and attractions for day trips.
