Passport to the Ozarks is a destination guide about different restaurants, shops, and places to see in the Missouri Ozarks. Find copies at McConnell’s website, OzarksAlive.com. McConnell’s 2011 book, Marshfield, was also chosen as a “Best Book” by Missouri Life.

The Ozarks Chronicler

Kaitlyn McConnell keeps the Ozarks alive through her writing, including a new book.


The moon in the night sky over Lake of The Ozarks

210 Miles to Taum Sauk

Things you see, places you go, and people you meet hiking the Ozark Trail.


There are many antique shops located in Southwestern Missouri, a travel destination for many seeking decor from the past

Antiquing in Southwest Missouri

Pick a starting point and explore all of the antiques southwest Missouri has to offer.


The literature of the Ozarks

An Ozark Anthology

The Literature of the Ozarks: An Anthology


Bluffs at Upper Jacks Fork

Discover the Splendor of the Upper Jacks Fork

Photographer Matt Faupel and his friend in adventure, Brian Grace, spent three days last spring floating the Upper Jacks Fork River, from the Prongs to Bay Creek, a river distance of 25 miles. Come along, and let Matt be your guide to the discoveries.


Sunset from Bell Mountain

Backpacking Bell Mountain

Bell Mountain offers a 12-mile loop with 1,683 feet of elevation change, respectable for the Midwest. Bell Mountain also offers something that you can’t get anywhere else in the country: the chance to see, in person, the result of more than one billion years of geologic time playing out.


Nightime view of lake house in Bass River Resort

7 Ways to Make the Most of Summer at Bass River Resort

Bass River Resort has been family-run for more than 50 years, going back to when Robert Bass founded a small canoe rental on the Courtois Creek. Since then, it's grown into an Ozark destination in its own right. Here are just 7 of the ways to make the most of summer weather at Bass River Resort.


Ozark Empire Fair

October 1, 1856

Greene County held its first of many fairs. The Southwest Missouri Fair lasted three days and drew people from many surrounding counties. Many visitors stayed for the entire event and brought tents for the evenings. Some even brought their servants. Today the event is called the Ozark Empire Fair.


Bunker Hill Retreat Focuses on Life’s Simple Pleasures

Bunker Hill Retreat has been around for more than 70 years, but few people know about it. Hiding in plain sight, the resort on the Jacks Fork River is one of those places you hesitate to tell others about because you want to keep it for yourself.


The Missouri Life Guide to Summer Camping

Here's our guide to Missouri campsites for summer 2018. Where are you pitching a tent this summer?