College of the Ozarks Tours

College of the Ozarks showing heritage architecture, a garden and a church or cathedral
College of the Ozarks featuring signage and interior views
College of the Ozarks which includes a statue or sculpture, a garden and flowers
College of the Ozarks which includes food
College of the Ozarks featuring heritage elements


Find out about the unusual work policy at this religious educational facility and admire the pleasant views around Point Lookout.

The College of the Ozarks is a Christian university with a scenic position overlooking sparkling Table Rock Lake. The college, whose nickname is “Hard Work U,” has a 1,000-acre (400-hectare) campus spread across Point Lookout. Learn about the university’s work program that enables free tuition in this ecclesiastical university.

Stroll through the stunning grounds of the campus and enjoy the vista of picturesque natural scenery. Stroll along the banks of the Cooper Creek and put together a picnic to enjoy in these serene surroundings.

Encounter some of the intriguing buildings and exhibits on campus. The Gaetz Tractor Museum explores the history of farming techniques through its array of restored old tractors. Inspect the displays about barbed wire, as well as a shrunken head and a two-headed calf.

Enter the nearby Ralph Foster Museum for its fascinating and diverse collections relating to the Ozarks region. These include a gun assembly, an array of antiques and a group of dolls. Spot the original vehicle used in the famous television series The Beverly Hillbillies.

Chat with students on the campus to learn about the university’s fierce work ethic. The college is famous for discouraging students to take out loans, instead preferring they work at the university in exchange for free tuition. It stresses the importance of worthiness, patriotism and Christ-like characteristics for its prospective alumni.

Note that the main diplomas here are in liberal arts, with more than 30 Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees and majors. The university also has almost 100 work stations, including the Fruitcake and Jelly Kitchen and the gift shop near the entrance.

The College of the Ozarks is in the western outskirts of Hollister in southwestern Missouri. Fly to M. Graham Clark Downtown Airport and walk or drive southwest for 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) to get here. Stop off at other highlights, including the Faith Center Church, Moonshine Beach Park and the Showboat Branson Belle.

Plan a trip to see College of the Ozarks

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Westgate Branson Woods Resort and Cabins
Rock Lane Resort & Marina
Stonewater Cove

Browse tours and tickets to explore College of the Ozarks

Shows & concerts

See all 32 activities

Tours & day trips

See all 17 activities

Reviews of College of the Ozarks

4.7
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
205
5 - Excellent 78%
4 - Good
50
4 - Good 19%
3 - Okay
7
3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Extensive history museum

5/5 - Excellent

MaryT.

Sunday brunch was unbelievable. The students working were wonderful!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

No trip to Branson would be complete without a meal at The Keeter Center. We enjoyed the Sunday morning worship at the campus church.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Dining at the Keeter Center is a must do. 5 star food and service all the way.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Absolutely fabulous! Go to the Robert Foster museum and take time to eat at the Keeter Center.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

We LOVE dining at the Keeter Center at College of the Ozarks. The food is always of the highest quality, and the students who serve are always top notch. We try to go at least once every time we come to Branson. Lots of other things to do there like a museum, candle shop, mill, etc. The restaurant is a bit pricey, but you can spend hours there enjoying free or inexpensive activities.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near College of the Ozarks

Thousand Hills Resort Hotel

Thousand Hills Resort Hotel

3 out of 5
120 Wildwood Dr S, Branson, MO
Thousand Hills Resort Hotel
Hotel Grand Victorian

Hotel Grand Victorian

3.5 out of 5
2325 W Highway 76, Branson, MO
Hotel Grand Victorian
The Stone Castle Hotel & Conference Center

The Stone Castle Hotel & Conference Center

2.5 out of 5
3050 Green Mountain Drive, Branson, MO
The Stone Castle Hotel & Conference Center
Grand Oaks Hotel

Grand Oaks Hotel

2.5 out of 5
2315 Green Mountain Dr, Branson, MO
Grand Oaks Hotel
Angler's Lodge Hollister

Angler's Lodge Hollister

2.5 out of 5
291 Financial Drive, Hollister, MO
Angler's Lodge Hollister
Ye Old English Inn

Ye Old English Inn

3.5 out of 5
24 Downing Street, Hollister, MO
Ye Old English Inn
Grand Crowne Resort

Grand Crowne Resort

3 out of 5
300 Golfview Drive, Branson, MO
Grand Crowne Resort
Branson's Great Rock Retreat

Branson's Great Rock Retreat

4 out of 5
175 Golf View Dr, Branson, MO
Branson's Great Rock Retreat
The Suites at Fall Creek

The Suites at Fall Creek

3 out of 5
1 Fall Creek Dr, Branson, MO
The Suites at Fall Creek
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near College of the Ozarks

At College of the Ozarks, visitors can enjoy a variety of leisure activities, including theater performances and outdoor adventures. Explore local events, discover fascinating museums, and experience major attractions in the area. Golf enthusiasts will find excellent courses nearby, making it a perfect destination for relaxation and entertainment while soaking in the natural beauty of Missouri.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience, visit Branson Landing, only 2 miles away, offering entertainment and family-friendly vibes. Also nearby is Patricia's Victorian House, a charming store just 2 miles from campus. Tanger Outlets, another shopping destination, is also 2 miles away, perfect for finding great deals.

Recreation

Experience live music at Grand Country Music Hall, a vibrant venue just 2 miles from College of the Ozarks. For family fun, enjoy a round at Dinosaur Canyon Mini Golf, also 2 miles away. Don Gardner Pitch 'n' Putt Golf Course, located 3 miles away, offers a relaxing outdoor golfing experience.

Adventure

Experience thrills at White Water, a waterpark 3 miles from College of the Ozarks, featuring exciting water slides and family fun. For a racing adrenaline rush, head to The Track, located 3 miles away, where you can enjoy karting adventures. Aunts Creek Beach, 13 miles away, offers camping and outdoor activities.

Nightlife

In College of the Ozarks, Dolly Parton's Stampede Dinner Attraction and King's Castle Theater offer captivating shows that blend culture and entertainment, perfect for families. For a fun-filled adventure, head to Fritz's Adventure, where excitement awaits in an arcade-style environment, all within a short distance of your stay.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near College of the Ozarks

At College of the Ozarks in Hollister, Missouri, visitors can enjoy a blend of cultural and outdoor experiences. Explore local attractions such as the Keeter Center and Ozarks Lodge, or take advantage of nearby golf courses for some relaxation. The area is perfect for families seeking engaging activities, with museums and scenic streets to discover. Whether you’re after adventure or a taste of local culture, College of the Ozarks has something for everyone.

  • Titanic Museum: Located 3 miles from College of the Ozarks, this museum offers a unique cultural experience as it showcases the history of the Titanic through interactive exhibits and artifacts. Visitors can walk through recreated areas of the ship, making it a deeply immersive journey into a significant historical event.
  • Highway 76 Strip: Just 2 miles away, this vibrant street is known for its lively city vibes, featuring various shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. It's the perfect spot for a bustling evening filled with live shows, dining, and unique attractions.
  • Branson Convention Center: Also 2 miles from the college, this venue blends business vibes with leisure, hosting a variety of events and conferences. It's ideal for networking or attending special events while enjoying the surrounding area.

Best time to go to College of the Ozarks

The best time to visit College of the Ozarks can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around College of the Ozarks falls in July, when visitor numbers are high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around College of the Ozarks falls in January, visitor numbers are low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January35.2°F (1.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowSlightly Low
February38.5°F (3.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowSlightly Low
March48.7°F (9.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April57.2°F (14.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
May66.4°F (19.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowAverage
June76.5°F (24.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July79.7°F (26.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighSlightly High
August77.7°F (25.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September71.2°F (21.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighAverage
October59.2°F (15.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighAverage
November47.7°F (8.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
December39.7°F (4.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for College of the Ozarks

To save money on your trip to College of the Ozarks, consider visiting during the off-peak months of January to February and April, when prices are lower. Stay on a Tuesday for the best hotel rates, and use Expedia to filter for eco-friendly accommodations and the best deals. Combine your hotel, flights, and activities in a package for additional savings, and join the One Key membership for exclusive discounts. Walking is a cost-effective way to explore the area, allowing you to enjoy free activities while keeping travel expenses down.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around College of the Ozarks are January to February and April, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to July and November, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around College of the Ozarks is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around College of the Ozarks is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and eco-friendly accommodations currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some cash by combining your hotel stay at the College of the Ozarks with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia