5 Surprises for Meeting Planners About Big Cedar Lodge

Immersed within the Ozark Mountains along Table Rock Lake, Big Cedar Lodge spans 4,600 gorgeous acres of wild landscape and rustic luxury. During the trip, our group was surprised to discover new possibilities for meetings around every corner.

1. The destination is full of wow factor and wonder

Big Cedar Lodge is in Ridgedale, Mo., about an hour’s drive from the Springfield-Branson National Airport and 15 minutes from the nearest town center. The property’s immense scale and activities astounded us, offering everything an attendee could need without ever stepping foot off-site.

Recreational activities are spaced out across the property, taking full advantage of the surrounding terrain and immersing visitors in the Ozarks’ charm while keeping everyone connected. You might find yourself coasting Arkansas’ border on a paddleboard in the morning, dining at the Top of the Rock summit for lunch and then ending your night with underwater-themed bowling at Fun Mountain. Getting around Big Cedar Lodge’s expansive property is easy with the complementary JM Nature Resorts Shuttle, offering the feel of an off-the-grid retreat with the convenience and luxury of a modern resort.

2. Nature is part of the meeting experience

When you hear “America’s Premier Wilderness Resort,” you probably imagine a picture-perfect, natural backdrop. At Big Cedar Lodge, nature is a setting and an active partner in every experience and meeting space. In Summer, the landscape is lush, vibrant and full of every shade of green, while the rocky terrain is directly incorporated into the design and wayfinding. From boardrooms and conference halls cantilevered over the mountains — such as the Grandview Conference Center — to resort highlights like the Lost Canyon Cave & Nature Trail, the property is built to blend business with wilderness, encouraging new perspectives at every turn and trail.

3. The accommodations go above and beyond

Hospitality is the cornerstone of successful meeting and incentive events. Big Cedar Lodge’s cozy accommodations and luxury amenities make the attendee experience truly unforgettable. When our group arrived, we were pleased to find car service to our private log cabins overlooking Table Rock Lake. We were even more surprised to find a hand-written welcome note, charcuterie plates, complimentary gift baskets and high-quality stainless steel water bottles — which we later learned can be co-branded for any meeting or event.

The property offers 381 private accommodations for every type of stay, from grand lodges to on-course golf quarters and lakeside cottages, complemented by a state-of-the-art fitness center and spa. Team members are always a hand wave or phone call away, helping attendees feel welcomed and cared for from the moment they arrive.

4. The on-site dining is remarkable

Our group constantly joked that food is the gift that keeps on giving at Big Cedar Lodge. We were treated to three- and four-course meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner — and can confidently say it was all stellar.

Each dining experience had a distinct and intentional atmosphere, be it the acoustic serenade over all-American chicken and waffles on the Lady Liberty breakfast cruise, or fine dining at the historic Worman House with a jazzy trombone playing in the background. Whether planning an executive dinner, a networking reception, or a casual group lunch, there’s something to suit a wide range of events and preferences.

5. Every detail tells the story of the Ozark region

Big Cedar Lodge was inspired by a commitment to conservation. Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris built the sprawling property to encourage visitors to connect with nature and the beauty of Missouri’s Ozark Mountains.

Morris plays an ongoing role in the development of new amenities and experiences, and every component of the property’s design intentionally incorporates the region’s history, craftsmanship and beauty. Visitors have the chance to escape to another world here — one that celebrates and conserves the magnificence of nature while providing a world-class stay for every type of getaway and gathering.

For those looking to plan unique, all-immersive experiences without ever having to step off property, Big Cedar Lodge is a standout destination. Learn more about their vast group offerings.
 

Ashley Brooke James is cofounder of Triluna, a retreat-planning firm that also offers wellness enhancements for events.