The Gateway to the Ozarks
Good quality of place allows communities to thrive. That's why we work hard to provide unique and engaging experiences for residents and visitors of all ages. Here's a few things you'll want to check out in Christian County:
Parks & Amenities
Ozark Community Center
The Ozark Community Center (The OC) is located at the heart of Ozark and functions as the center of all the action for the Ozark Parks and Recreation Department. Boasting a full fitness center and gym, indoor aquatic center, indoor basketball and volleyball courts, as well as an outdoor wooded trail and hammock farm, the OC is where things happen in Ozark. Additionally, Ozark is home to the Finley River Park, Grubaugh Park, and of course, the outdoor Grubaugh Aquatics Facility. To learn more about Ozark Parks & Rec, click here.
Ozark Parks:
- Finley River Park (5 baseball fields, 4 soccer fields, walking trail and rodeo arena)
- Grubaugh Park (18-hole frisbee golf & inclusive playground)
- Garrison Springs (future walking trails and conservation area)
- Outdoor Grubaugh Aquatics Facility (6-lane lap pool and rec pools)
Nixa Community Center
The Nixa Community Center (The X-Center) is the home base for the Nixa Parks and Recreation Department. Located on the 40 acre McCauley Park, the X-Center offers a host of outdoor activities such as a playground, 18-hole disc golf course, soccer fields, and walking path. The X-Center offers a full line fitness center, multipurpose gymnasium, indoor walking track, meeting rooms, and more. Residents may also be interested in the high-quality, affordable memberships, youth sports, and enrichment programs for the community. For a full list of program offerings and other parks, click here.
Nixa Parks:
- McCauley Park (youth soccer fields, 18-hole frisbee golf, inclusive playground, and walking trails)
- Rotary Park (10-acre park with baseball fields, xeriscape garden, and pavilion)
- The Aquatic Center (6-lane lap pool and water park)
Chadwick Flyer Trail
While the highly anticipated Chadwick Flyer Trail may have yet to be completed, you can still walk or bike the finished sections between Ozark and Springfield. When finished, the 12-mile trail will run from the heart of Springfield all the way to downtown Ozark with a pedestrian and bicycle overpass running over Highway 65. To learn more about the trail and its progress towards completion, click here.
Christian County Library
With branches in Ozark, Nixa, Sparta, and Clever, the Christian County Library offers free reading and learning materials in all formats. Visitors may have also access to notary services, meeting spaces, and the Library of Things (including rentable bakeware, musical instruments, fishing gear, and more). The library also hosts a plethora of community events, such as storytimes, craft programs, and outdoor concerts. Online learning resources in business, technology, and personal development are also available for residents and entrepreneurs. To learn more about the Christian County Library, click here.
Fremont Hills Country Club
Nestled just between Ozark and Nixa, the Fremont Hills Country Club is the premier spot for golf in Christian County. To learn more about memberships or setting up a tee time, click here.
Sports & Entertainment
U.S. Baseball Park
Sky Bacon Stadium at U.S. Baseball Park is located in Ozark, Missouri and is the home of Drury University baseball, the MSHSAA State Baseball tournament, a slew of high school regular season games, and the Ozark Mountain Ducks Grip N' Rip baseball team. The facility has a 4,000 seat capacity, an AstroTurf surface and a 37' by 48' LED videoboard in right field. Visit US Baseball's Facebook page for more information!
Volleyball Beach Ozark
Volleyball Beach Ozark is the nation's largest indoor beach volleyball facility in the country! Outfitted with 10 indoor and climate-controlled beach courts and a full-service bar and grill, Volleyball Beach is home to players and patrons of all skill levels, from recreational all the way to professional and Olympic-level competition. Utilized by local beach teams at MSU, Drury, and Evangel University, there is always something happening under the dome at Volleyball Beach!
Aetos Center for the performing arts
Unveiled in early 2023, the Aetos Center is Nixa High School's state-of-the-art performance hall. Utilized by students involved in theater, choir, orchestra, and acapella, the 1,000 seat venue also houses nationally-touring productions, such as the Magician Mike Super, Madagascar: The Musical, and HYPROV starring Colin Mochrie and Asad Mecci. For a complete list of upcoming events and ticket prices, visit the Aetos Center website today!
The Oldfield Opry
The Oldfield Opry opens its doors every Saturday night for live music and entertainment! Everyone of all ages is invited, whether you're a veteran bluegrass listener or simply looking to see a good show. Check out the Oldfield Opry's website for more information!
Stained Glass Theatre
The Stained Glass Theatre in Ozark has been serving the 417 community for over 40 years and is still going strong! Telling wholesome stories through the art of drama, each show is fun for folk of all ages. To learn more about upcoming shows or purchase tickets, click here!
B&B Theaters (Ozark/Nixa 12)
The Ozark B&B is Christian County's premier modern and multi-screen movie theater. Bring the whole family for a movie or enjoy a show in the Marquis Suites theater, complete with a bar and grill. To view showtimes, click here!
Outdoor Recreation In The County
Finley River
Running through the heart of Ozark, the Finley River is a popular destination for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. Along the shoreline, you can also visit the Finley River Park and The Mill at Finley Farms!
James River
The James River offers a quiet and serene experience for families and avid sportspeople. This six mile stretch goes from Joe Crighton Access to Springfield Lake boathouse, where visitors can rent a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard.
Two Rivers Bike Park
Two Rivers Bike Park is a purpose-built, multi-use trail system, boasting over 14 miles of professionally built and maintained singletrack twisting through pristine Ozarks terrain for mountain bikers, runners, and hikers to enjoy year round, free of charge!
Mountain Springs Trout Park
Located just west of Highlandville, Mountain Springs Trout Park offers limitless fishing with the motto "You Catch 'Em, We Clean 'Em!" Great for families and fishing enthusiasts alike, fishing licenses are not required! Grab a rod and reel, try some smoked trout, and know you won't leave empty-handed!
Busiek State Forest and Wildlife Area
Just over 2,700 acres of trails and wildlife observation, Busiek State Forest and Wildlife Area offers a place for wildlife watchers, hikers, bikers, campers, and horse back riders to enjoy the beautiful amenities of the Ozarks. The forest also provides a shooting range for firearms owners to use for target practice.
Mark Twain National Forest
East of Sparta, families can find the beginnings of the massive and expansive Mark Twain National Forest. With over 750 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, this national forest is home to over 350 miles of perennial streams, which are suitable for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. Those looking for places to camp will find scenic and safe campgrounds, perfect for families.
Outdoor Recreation In The Region
Tablerock Lake
One of the more popular outdoor tourist destinations in the Branson area is Table Rock Lake. The lake, which extends 79 miles upstream, is the perfect place for watersports, fishing, and relaxing. Not only does the lake offer activities on the water, it also includes 800 miles of shoreline for a family picnic, or relaxing in the sun.
Lake Springfield
The Lake Springfield Park is a 158 acre area that features trails, woods, and shoreline, all surrounding Lake Springfield. Visitors are able to rent canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards at the Lake Springfield Boathouse.
Ha Ha Tonka State Park
Ha Ha Tonka is a geological wonderland boasting caves, sinkholes, an enormous natural bridge, rocky glades, and the state's 12th largest spring. Walk trails, visit the ruins of a stone castle, or have a picnic at this beautiful Ozarks park.
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Show Me Christian County · 417-212-0699 · info@showmeccmo.com