At the heart of Dogwood Canyon’s glowing waters is limestone, a sedimentary rock rich in calcium carbonate. As water flows over and through this rock, it picks up microscopic mineral particles. These particles don’t just float; they interact with sunlight in a fascinating way.  

When sunlight hits the water, the calcium carbonate crystals scatter light, especially the blue and green wavelengths. This scattering effect gives the water its distinct turquoise hue, similar to what’s seen in other limestone-rich rivers like the Little Colorado River and Buffalo River.  

It’s not just the minerals that make the water beautiful — it’s also the clarity. Limestone acts as a natural filter, removing impurities as water seeps through the rock. The result is crystal-clear water that allows sunlight to penetrate deeply and reflect off the pale stone below, intensifying the blue-green effect. On sunny days, this clarity creates a mirror-like surface that seems to glow from within.  

Beyond its beauty, the water in Dogwood Canyon supports a thriving ecosystem. The cool, mineral-rich streams are home to rainbow trout, aquatic plants, and a variety of native species. The balance of temperature, oxygen, and minerals creates an ideal habitat for life to flourish. Delicate plants like duckweed and watercress, which only grow in exceptionally clean water, thrive here! Further proof of the canyon’s pristine conditions. Like limestone, duckweed also acts as a natural filter, helping to maintain water clarity and quality in the park. 

Of course, nature is never static. After heavy rains, the canyon streams can turn cloudy or brown due to sediment runoff. But as the water settles and the limestone resumes its filtering role, the turquoise glow returns, a reminder of the canyon’s unique geology and resilience.

Whether you’re hiking, biking, or taking a tram tour, Dogwood Canyon offers countless ways to experience its vibrant waters up close. One of the best ways to immerse yourself with some of the canyon’s most diverse ecosystems is our Creek Crawl Adventure! 

The turquoise streams, framed by waterfalls and limestone cliffs, are more than just a photo opportunity — they’re a living expression of the Ozarks’ natural history!

The post Limelight on Limestone: What Makes Dogwood Canyon’s Water so Blue? appeared first on Dogwood Canyon.

All listed items are only available in-store at their respective properties. No online purchases are available. Limited quantities available for most items.

Dogwood Canyon

For The Good Dog | $11.99 – $24.99

Your four-legged friends are family, too! Surprise them with new toys, treats, and more tail-wagging goodies!

Assorted Dog Toys
Collars and Leashes
Treat Jars
Home Decor

$12.00 – $24.99
$12.00
$14.99
$11.99

For The Angler | $7.00 – $34.00

Surprise your favorite angler with thoughtful gifts to commemorate their passion and enhance their next angling adventure!

Graphic Tees
Graphic Socks
Themed Tumblers
Logoed Hats
House Decor
Decals and Magnets
Holiday Membership Offer

$31.00
$11.95
$34.00
$29.00
$17.00
$7.00
$300.00

Wonders of Wildlife

For The Animal Enthusiast | $19.99 – $54.99

Delight the animal lovers in your life with stuffed animals, T-shirts, mugs, and more, perfect for celebrating their passion for wildlife.

Animal Made Paintings
Fahlo Animal Tracking Bracelet
Variety Stuffed Animals
Snow Globes
Tumblers & Mugs
Holiday Membership Offer

$10.00
$21.99
$24.99
$54.99
$22.99
$300.00

For the Lifelong Learner | $5.99 – $32.99‘

Encourage learning and creativity through gifts that will delight people of all ages, using puzzles and books, there are plenty of opportunities for exploration and creation!

Animal Puzzles
National Geographic Books
Building Block Sets
Interactive Animal Science Toys

$32.99
$24.99
$16.99
$5.99

Top of the Rock

For The Future Adventurer | $5.00 – $30.00

Spark the curiosity of young explorers with gifts inspired by the caves of the Ozarks, perfect for kids who love to discover and embark on exciting adventures!

Cave Pearls Candy
Building Block Sets
Miners Hat
Stuffed Animals
Cave Explorers Equipment

$5.00
$13.00
$23.00
$12.00
$30.00

From The Bat Bar | $5.00 – $45.00

Delight adventurous palates with unique cocktails from Lost Canyon Cave & Nature Trail’s Bat Bar. These exclusive 21+ beverages offer an experience to those who love tasting something new!

Bat’s Bite Lemonade
Themed Tumblers
Coozies
Graphic Tees
Logoed Hats
Coolers

$5.00
$45.00
$4.00
$30.00
$28.00
$35.00

The post 2024 Holiday Gift Guide! appeared first on Dogwood Canyon.

Dogwood Canyon is home to many tree species that produce a symphony of vibrant colors. From the park’s namesake, the dogwood tree, to maples, oaks, hickories, and sycamores, the variety of trees creates a colorful and immersive natural experience. But have you ever wondered why trees change color in the fall?
                   

The science behind the brilliant fall foliage is just as fascinating as the beauty itself. During spring and summer, trees are hard at work producing food through a process called photosynthesis. Chlorophyll, the chemical responsible for photosynthesis, gives leaves their green color by absorbing sunlight, which the tree uses to convert carbon dioxide and water into food.

As the days grow shorter and temperatures cool in the fall, trees prepare for winter by slowing down their food production. The chlorophyll in the leaves starts to break down, and as it fades, other vibrant pigments that have been present all along — carotenoids and anthocyanins — begin to show through. Carotenoids, which are responsible for yellow and orange hues, become visible in species like hickories and oaks. Anthocyanins, which produce reds and purples, are more common in trees like maples and dogwoods.

Each tree’s mix of pigments determines its fall color. The exact timing and vibrancy of these colors depend on various environmental factors, such as temperature and rainfall. Warm, sunny days and cool nights tend to enhance the production of anthocyanins, intensifying red and purple shades, while consistent moisture keeps the colors vibrant.

The leaves eventually fall as trees enter winter dormancy, but for a few short weeks each year, Dogwood Canyon is awash in a breathtaking display of nature’s finest colors. 

You can book any of our guided tours or explore our hiking trails to make the most out of your visit this autumn. We are already seeing the first signs of fall foliage for the 2024 season! You can follow us on Instagram @dogwood_canyon or Facebook to receive updates about the foliage progress with our Dogwood Fall Foliage Tracker. Make sure you don’t miss this exciting season at Dogwood Canyon!

The post Autumn Alchemy: The Process Behind Dogwood Canyon’s Vibrant Fall Foliage appeared first on Dogwood Canyon.

Antlered ungulates, such as elk, moose, mule deer, white-tailed deer, and caribou, rely on their antlers to impress females and serve as weapons for males during the breeding season, known as the “rut.”

Antlers undergo a fascinating process called ossification, where cartilage calcifies into bone following a hormone change. Covered in a layer of fine hairs that resemble velvet, the velvet-like casing provides blood supply to the growing tissue. Remarkably, antlers can grow up to an inch a day, making them the fastest-growing animal tissue in the world!

As the breeding season approaches, the velvet begins to dry, causing an itchy sensation for these animals. They rub their antlers against vegetation and tree bark to relieve the itch and remove the velvet. Though this process may appear gruesome, it is entirely safe and beneficial for these magnificent creatures.  

After the rut, typically in late winter through early spring, antlers begin to shed. As daylight decreases during the winter months, males experience a drop in testosterone, weakening the connection between the antlers and the skull. To conserve energy for foraging, they shed their heavy head ornaments and people consider shed hunting a fun outdoor hobby.

Horns, on the other hand, are a permanent feature that grows with the animal throughout its life. Made of bone and covered in keratin – a protein found in our hair, skin, and nails – provides both strength and flexibility. However, if a horn is broken or damaged, it will remain that way forever. 

In North America, horned species include bighorn sheep, bison, and cattle. These animals use their horns to establish dominance during mating competitions. The continuous growth of horns results in impressive sizes that may grab the attention of females.

Despite their differences, both antlers and horns offer protection and benefits to their ecosystems. As herbivores, these animals rely on their head ornaments for defense against predators, as they lack sharp teeth and claws. The sharp points of a white-tailed deer’s antlers and the sheer force from a ramming sheep are formidable deterrents. 

Even after an animal’s death, their antlers and horns continue to serve a purpose. These structures, rich in nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, and protein, provide essential nutrition for bears, foxes, opossums, and otters. Mice, squirrels, and rabbits enjoy gnawing on them to help wear down their ever-growing teeth.

During the autumn and early winter seasons, guests can witness the splendor of Dogwood Canyon’s very own mighty ungulates, including bison, majestic elk, and iconic Texas longhorn. Our tram tours offer an exclusive opportunity to witness breathtaking nature and wildlife that surrounds us daily. Visit us to learn more about the beauty of the Ozarks and the wildlife that call this region home! 

The post Antlers vs. Horns: Key Differences in Nature’s Headgear appeared first on Dogwood Canyon.

Our Nature & Conservation Center is home to a few snakes who are native to Missouri and, as ambassadors, they help guests learn more about their diet, habitats, and how they respond to threats. 

Dogwood Canyon is a 10,000-acre outdoor playground for all kinds of wildlife that call it home. You never know what you will find while on our trails or adventuring through the backcountry. It is important to know that coming across the occasional snake is a possibility, but there is no need to be frightened! 

First up is Pumba, a plains hog-nosed snake, who is known for her sassy but sweet attitude. Hog-nosed snakes have a unique nose compared to other snakes. They get their name due to their upturned nose which resembles a pig’s snout. They are found in dry, flat lands and use their noses like a shovel to sift and burrow themselves in loose soil and sand. 

Plains hog-nosed snakes have always been somewhat uncommon in Missouri, but in recent years, they have not been seen at all. They are currently listed as a ‘Species of Conservation Concern’ according to Missouri’s Department of Conservation. Their overall specialized habitat range stretches from parts of Canada, down south through the Great Plains and even west to New Mexico and Texas. Due to the loss of habitat from urbanization and other environmental factors, however, this species faces threats to their long-term existence. 

Beans, a western ratsnake, may have an intimidating appearance, but he is quite harmless! Dogwood Canyon’s education team describes him as “sweet and docile” most of the time, but like most of us, he does have days where he prefers to be left alone. 

Western ratsnakes are one of Missouri’s largest and most common species of snakes. Beans is almost 7 feet in length, an average size for his species, but some western ratsnakes can grow to lengths up to 8 feet. Ratsnakes primarily dwell in woodlands, forests, and rocky, wooded hillsides and brush piles. Their main food source is mice, which is why they are commonly found hiding in farm buildings and old houses looking for a meal. 

Western ratsnakes are most active from April to October, and you can expect to see them out and about during the daytime hunting for prey. On warmer days, they adjust to the rising temperatures and become nocturnal to avoid extreme heat. While at Dogwood Canyon, you may find ratsnakes hanging around the creeks taking a drink or scouring the ground for shelter in brush piles or hollow trees. 

Our final friend is Nevel, a plains gartersnake. Nevel has a nervous and reserved temperament, and since this species are known for their speed, he is not shy to show off his quick moves when handled. 

Gartersnakes prefer grassland habitats and reside in wet prairies, marshes, lakes, ponds, and streams. During their active months, which range from March to late October, you may find them basking in the sun near the creeks in the canyon soaking up the Vitamin D they missed out on all winter. 

Missouri is also home to midland and northern watersnakes. They are commonly found in the canyon and throughout the Ozarks. Unfortunately, these snakes are often mistaken for the northen cottonmouth – a highly venomous snake. Watersnakes are extremely beneficial to the environment. They improve fishing by eating dead or dying fish which prevents the spread of diseases.  

Their diet helps prevent overpopulation of small aquatic animals such as frogs, salamanders, and tadpoles. On the other hand, young watersnakes are a food source for large game fish species like musky, pike, and catfish. They are valuable to the ecosystems they dwell in and provide a symbiotic relationship for other animals to help these habitats thrive. 

If you happen to encounter a snake while at Dogwood Canyon, or anywhere outdoors, we encourage you to let them be; snakes should not be feared, but rather respected. As for our ambassador snakes, during your next visit, we hope you will stop by and say hello to Pumba, Beans, and Nevel just above the general store!

The post Scales of the Ozarks appeared first on Dogwood Canyon.

Smokey’s story begins the spring after Pearl Harbor when Japanese submarines surfaced and fired missiles at the coast of Santa Barbara, California – near the Los Padres National Forest. People began to fear the widespread blaze that could engulf the Pacific coast if the forests were to catch fire. With most of the experienced firefighters, rangers, and other abled-bodied men fighting overseas, the responsibility of taking care of the forests fell on the public.   

A partnership between the Forest Service, the War Advertising Council, and the Association of State Foresters formed and led to the development of the Cooperative Forest Fire Prevention program. Together they created a campaign to rally Americans around the cause using slogans like Forest Fires Aid the Enemy and Our Carelessness, Their Secret Weapon. 

Image Sourced from Time, How a World War II Attack Helped Spark the Creation of Smokey Bear, August 9, 2019. https://time.com/5644548/smokey-the-bear-history/

In 1944, a bear mascot was authorized for use by the Forest Service. Artist, Albert Staehle, created the first poster featuring Smokey Bear: a brown bear wearing a ranger’s hat and cuffed blue jeans pourings a bucket of water over a fire with text reading “Smokey says: Care will prevent 9 out of 10 woods fires!” His popularity soared and Congress removed him from the public domain with all royalties and fees going toward educating the public about wildfire prevention.   

In 1950, Smokey Bear went from a cartoon on a poster to a living symbol for the importance of wildfire prevention. That spring, fires raged through the forests of the Capitan Mountains in New Mexico. As firefighters tried to keep the flames from spreading, a report of a lone bear cub wandering around the perimeter of the fire came through. He was later found in a charred tree and rescued by the crew. 

Image retrieved August 9, 2024 from Discover Ruidoso New Mexico. https://www.discoverruidoso.com/info/smokey-bear-historical-park

Soon, the little bear’s story became national news, and concerned citizens from around the country began asking about his recovery. The cub was presented to the Forest Service and dedicated to conservation and wildfire prevention programs. He would live out the rest of his life as the “real” Smokey Bear at the National Zoo in Washington D.C. 

 In 2001, Smokey’s catchphrase was updated from “Remember…Only YOU Can Prevent Forest Fires” to “Only You Can Prevent Wildfires” to align with prescribed burning practices and to encompass other environments like grasslands and urban areas. According to the National Interagency Fire Center, in 2023 55,571 wildfires burned over 2.6 million acres. Humans were responsible for 50,657 of those fires leaving 1.5 million acres burned – that’s more than the total acreage of Lincoln National Forest where Smokey was rescued as a cub.   

Even after almost a century, Smokey is still on a mission to educate the public about the importance of fire safety and wildfire prevention. By following Smokey Bear’s helpful tips, you can help prevent wildfires! 

Smokey Bear’s Rules for Fire Prevention: 

1. Only you can prevent wildfires 

1. Always be careful with fire 

1. Never play with matches or lighters 

1. Always watch your campfire 

1. Make sure your campfire is completely out before leaving it 

You can learn more about fire prevention and safety by visiting  https://smokeybear.com/en/prevention-how-tos 

In honor of his 80th birthday on August 9, 2024, Mission Conservation has partnered with the Forest Service to create a special Smokey Bear mission. Kids and kids at heart can play AR games and learn the key practices of fire safety and wildfire prevention. Play by downloading Agents of Discovery from your app store today!  

The post Smokey Bear’s 80th Birthday! appeared first on Dogwood Canyon.

Our ancestors relied on foraging to sustain themselves. Foraging consisted of tracking, identifying and experimenting with foliage, fungi and fruits. Today,  foraging has become unnecessary as grocery stores provide all the food we need – but when you explore this skill, an exciting adventure awaits! 

The Ozarks are filled with native mushrooms, plants, fruits and herbs which can serve as vital nutrition and support to our bodies. You would be amazed by all the edible and medicinal benefits that lie under our noses. Bo Brown is a naturalist who has spent years searching, identifying and collecting native plants and food sources uncommon to the human palette. His knowledge consists of a menu you can only find outdoors in the natural landscape. 

Did you know all parts of an orange day lily are edible? Bo’s book, Foraging the Ozarks: How to find, identify, and prepare edible wild foods, contains pages of information regarding plants, herbs, fruits, fungi and flowers. He shares their benefits, habitat/range, warnings, and even recipes!

Dandelions, commonly known as pesky weeds, are targeted for elimination annually. As millions of dollars are spent to get rid of dandelions from lawns and croplands, many other countries grow them commercially for culinary and medicinal use.  

Their leaves, flowers, buds and roots are edible. Young leaves are great mixed with milder salad greens; their flowers can be fried in batter for fritters; and young taproots can be dried, ground, and roasted as a coffee substitute or additive. 

The flowers, leaves and seedpods of the Eastern redbud are another edible delicacy. Found throughout the Ozarks, they are a great addition to salads and Bo’s book contains a recipe for how to make redbud flower jelly! Raw flowers can also be plucked for a trail snack – just be sure not to damage the twig bud. Their flowers are high in vitamin C and antioxidants and the seedpods contain 25% protein.

At Dogwood Canyon, you can experience a unique walk through the park as Bo shares his knowledge and even lets you sample some of nature’s delights. You can check out our events calendar to see when Bo Brown is hosting “Foraging the Ozarks”. We may not need to rely on this skill for survival, but you can participate and learn more about how our ancestors survived through foraging the Ozarks!

The post Discover Wild Foods with Foraging! appeared first on Dogwood Canyon.

The post What’s the Buzz on Unusual Pollinators? appeared first on Dogwood Canyon.

Each horse has its own unique personality and we thought we would introduce a few of them to you!  

Hank 

Hank began his career at Dogwood in 2010. Since he has been here for quite some time, he likes to let the other horses know he’s the boss. He is a dun-colored horse with a manly mustache – hence the nickname “Mustache Man”. Hank has pep in his step and tends to have a faster pace while out on the trails. You could assume he is trying to get back as soon as possible because he loves a good head scratch after a ride. Mustache Man is on a mission! 

Alex 

Alex was brought to Dogwood in 2014. He is bay in color and one of the more easy-going horses at the stable. One of his favorite days to celebrate is ‘Tongue Out Tuesday!”. 

Festus 

Festus joined Dogwood’s stable in April of 2022. He is an eight-year-old bay-colored horse that wranglers describe as sassy and playful. His unique facial markings combined with his sweet eyes will melt your heart! 

Opie 

Described as the stable’s “noble redhead”, Opie has been with Dogwood since 2020 and he loves his job! He loves to follow the rules of the trail and will do anything for a “cookie” – including checking his wrangler’s pockets for hidden treats. Opie is not shy to express his opinions by using his ears and his big brown eyes to convey his thoughts.

These are only a few of the many horses who reside in the canyon. Dogwood Canyon offers a one-hour ride and, for more experienced riders, a two-hour lunch ride where you are accompanied by our wranglers. Both rides will take you on a winding trail that runs along Little Indian Creek. Admire unique rock formations and the sights and sounds of wildlife as you venture through the canyon bluffs. 

If you are interested in one of our horseback rides, you can click here for more information and be sure to say “hay!” to Hank, Alex, Festus, or Opie if you see them!

The post ‘Hay!’ From Dogwood Canyon’s Horses appeared first on Dogwood Canyon.

Dogwood trees have played a key role in medicine, conservation, and connecting people with nature. To relieve headaches, toothaches, fevers, and other pains, Native Americans chewed the bark to promote the release of pain-reducing compounds. Since the trees’ bark is so sturdy and tough, arrow shafts, daggers, and other tools were carved from it. The Chippewa’s and the Ojibwa’s mixed the inner bark of redosier dogwoods with other plants and minerals to make red, light red, black, and “khaki” colored dyes. Additionally, their consistent bloom each spring was a signal to begin planting corn for the late summer to early fall harvest. Colonists in the late 1700’s would make tea from dogwood bark to reduce fevers and soothe colds. 

Flowering dogwood trees also benefit wildlife year-round. They produce bright red fruit in the fall that are considered a tasty snack by many critters like chipmunks, foxes, squirrels, deer, rabbits, and skunks. Birds, like wild turkeys, also forage for their fruit. Insects will eat or drink the sap produced by dogwood trees, and most of them will then become food for birds and other insect-eating animals. Many ecosystems that contain dogwood trees thrive because they are a food source for animals, which is why it is important to protect them.  

Despite their positive impact on nature, and their significance in many ecosystems, flowering dogwood trees have been greatly impacted by a disease called dogwood anthracnose. Caused by a fast-spreading fungus, signs of this disease include small, tan leaf spots which eventually grow to larger blotches. The disease eats away healthy tissues in their leaves and will then spread to its twigs and stems. Dogwood trees are more susceptible in cooler, wet weather during the spring and fall, and they should be planted in open, sunny sites to avoid shady areas which promote the growth of fungus.  

As a symbol of spring, people love to view the white or pink blossoms that decorate the Ozark Mountains landscape. We invite you to behold the picturesque views as the flowering dogwood trees bloom across the canyon. You can book any of our guided tours or explore our hiking trails to make the most out of your visit. We are already seeing the first signs of dogwood flowers, which is about a month earlier than usual. You can follow us on Instagram @dogwood_canyon or Facebook to receive weekly updates about their bloom progress with our ‘Dogwood Blooms Tracker’. Make sure you don’t miss this exciting season at Dogwood Canyon!

Our dogwood trees are officially in full bloom as of the week of April 15th, 2024.

The post Flowering Dogwood Trees Are Soon to Bloom! appeared first on Dogwood Canyon.