Rivers, forested hills and bubbling springs - they're all part of the natural appeal of south-central Missouri's Ozark Heritage Region. The Ozark Heritage Region seems to have been planned with outdoor fun in mind. The Ozark National Scenic Riverways is the heart of the region. Here, along 134 miles of the Current and Jack's Fork Rivers, are caves, springs and bluffs. To really enjoy it all, get into the woods and onto the water. By canoe or boat, you can enjoy an old Missouri favorite - a fun and refreshing float trip. Whether you bring your own gear or rent it from one of the outfitters along the water, you'll never forget your float through the Ozark's forests and past old homesteads.

The public can enjoy many recreational opportunities in the Rolla area. In addition to a water park for summer fun, a golf course, fitness facilities, Oak Meadow Country Club and a movie theater with four indoor screens, Rolla also has tennis courts, many parks with lakes for fishing and hiking trails for a casual walk or jog. Access to many of Missouri's beautiful waterways are as close as five miles from the city, perfect for canoeing, fishing and enjoying the natural beauty of the Ozarks.

Points of Interest

Ber Juan Park – Located between 10th & 18th Streets, this large city park has a one mile exercise trail, ball diamonds, bating cages, Skate Park, and playground equipment.

Blue Bonnet Special Steam Train – Located in Schuman Park, this train is symbolic of Rolla’s railroad history dating back before the Civil War.

Coachlite Lanes Bowling Alley – Located at 1038 Kingshighway. (573) 364-4124

Ed Clark Museum of Missouri Geology – Located in the Missouri Geology Building, 111 Fairground Rd., the museum displays Missouri’s geological history.  (573) 368-2100

Forum Cinema – Located on 18th Street, this fourplex cinema features four newly released movies each week.  For a listing of featured presentations, please call the movie information hotline at (573) 341-2418.

John A. Dillon Log House – Located at the corner of 3rd & Rolla Streets, it was designated the first Phelps County Courthouse in 1857.

Lions Club Park – Operated by the Rolla Lions Club, this 240-acre park on Hwy 63 South has playground equipment for children of all ages and a beautiful lake with ducks to feed.  This is the location for the Lions Club Carnival in July.  (573) 364-4386

Oak Meadow Country Club – Located east of Rolla off 10th Street on Country Club Drive, this private club has an 18-hole golf course, swimming pool, restaurant and lounge.  The golf course is open to the public if you call ahead to make arrangements.  (573) 341-2363

Ozark Actors Theatre – Located at 7th & Cedar Streets, Ozark Actors Theatre is a professional summer stock theatre.  Special arrangements can be made for tour bus groups.  (573) 364-9523

SplashZone Waterpark & The Centre – Located in Ber Juan Park, this waterpark is an entertainment area for the entire family.  Located next to SplashZone is The Centre: Rolla’s Health & Recreation Complex.

The Old Courthouse – Located at 3rd & Rolla Streets, the old courthouse was built prior to the Civil War and was used both as a hospital and storage space for horses’ hay during those times.

Wineries - A tour of the Ozarks Highland Winemakers, covering six area wineries, will introduce you to some of Missouri's finest wines. Here you will find a broad spectrum of wines and wine styles as well as juices, Missouri cheeses and sausages, related glassware and giftware to choose from.

Missouri University of Science & Technology (MS&T)

Experimental Mine – This limestone mine, located on Bridge School Rd., was founded in 1921.  It has daily tours from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.  The mine also exhibits old mining equipment. (573) 341-4111

Mineral Collection – This collection, located in McNutt Hall at 14th & Bishop, includes specimens from the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis.  (573) 341-4111

Millennium Arch – The second university carving of granite rock done using high-pressure water jets.  Located on 10th Street facing Castleman Hall. (573) 364-4111

Stonehenge – Located at 14th Street and Bishop Avenue, a partial reconstruction of the ancient megalith located on Salisbury Plain, 75 miles southwest of London, England. The original Stonehenge was built in three stages beginning about 2800 B.C. and ending about 1100 B.C. and stands as one of the world’s outstanding engineering projects.