Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area
Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area is in the heart of Branson and offers a nature escape with 140 acres of wooded and rugged hill country. Both visitors and local citizens can enjoy this unique park with its two woodland trails that wind through forest, along bluffs and across glades. A set of 315 stone steps lead down toward Lake Taneycomo along a path that features a waterfall and cave. Located off Fall Creek Road just south of Highway 76, the park is open daily from 7:00am to 7:00pm in the summer months and 7:00am to 5:00pm through the winter.
The property also includes the Lyle Owen homestead, originally built in 1911, as well as a barn and almost 2,000 feet of hand-built stone walls. The master plan for the entire property includes a new entrance, signage, additional trails, and the eventual restoration of the homestead. Picnic areas have already been added at the trail head, the Owen Homestead, and at the south end of the loop trail. A brochure, featuring a map of the trails and history of the site, is available at the Branson RecPlex.
Park Hours
7:00am to 7:00pm Summer
7:00am to 5:00pm Winter
Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day