Welcome to Monett, Missouri!

The Monett Chamber of Commerce feels privileged to welcome you to our community, which is one of great spirit with many active civic groups, businesses, clubs, and churches as we strive to make our community one of the best cities in the nation to live, work, and play. Involvement of all has created a sense of enthusiasm and well being among those who live here as well as boundless opportunities available as we constantly, actively recruit new industry and business to this area. With a good mix of manufacturing, agriculture, retail, and service industries, you are sure to find something to fit your needs. Find out more about Monett at the Chamber website.

America's new live-entertainment capital, crystal-blue lakes surrounded by forested hills, and attractions based on colorful native lifestyles are just part of what's in Missouri's Southwestern Region.

Near the region's center is Branson, offering nonstop family fun highlighted by more than 90 music and variety shows. Recent years have brought many new names, representing musical styles that range from traditional country and pop "classics" to today's sounds. At Shepherd of the Hills Homestead and Outdoor Theatre, you can take a tram tour of this literary historic site, and then watch the fast-paced drama recreating the tale of life on the Ozarks frontier.

Nearby Silver Dollar City will also transport you back to the turn of the century. Here you'll see crafters work their magic and enjoy the thrill of exciting rides and music shows, all in the setting of an 1890s Ozarks town. You will not want to miss the park's newest attraction, Buzz Saw Falls.

Other Branson highlights include a six-story IMAX Theatre, Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum, Hollywood Wax Museum and lake cruises on the Showboat Branson Belle.

On Branson's doorstep is Lake Taneycomo, where cold waters support an excellent trout fishery. Also close by is sprawling Table Rock Lake. Its 43,100 acres are a delight for anglers, boaters, scuba divers and other water recreationists. Equally big and fun is Bull Shoals Lake, an hour east of Branson. And the upper end of Norfork Lake provides the region with yet another sparkling jewel.

When you visit Springfield, the state's third-largest city, plan stops at the history and art galleries, General Sweeny's Museum and Dickerson Park Zoo. A must-see stop is Springfield's new American National Fish and Wildlife Museum and Aquarium - Wonders of Wildlife. This attraction features 160 live species of animals from otters to ducks and bobcats to sharks. Springfield also offers shopping opportunities galore, including one of Missouri's most popular attractions, Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World. Just outside Springfield, you can take a "wild ride" through Exotic Animal Paradise, relive Civil War history at Wilson's Creek National Battlefield or go underground at Fantastic Caverns, North America's only ride-through cave.

In Mansfield you can tour the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum and Home. The home is where the Little House books were written, and the museum contains artifacts, family photographs, Wilder's handwritten manuscripts and other family items.

History, scenery and more attractions await you on the western side of the region. An hour west of Springfield is Joplin, a booming mining town in the late 1800s. Nearby Carthage is known for its Victorian homes. Artist Sam Butcher's Precious Moments Chapel and Visitors Center is here too. Just south, at Diamond, is the George Washington Carver National Monument. Its museum highlights the life and career of this renowned African-American agronomist. Further north is Lamar and a state historic site honoring Harry S. Truman's birthplace. Nevada's Bushwhacker Museum recalls Civil War guerrilla activities in this area, and the Bates County Museum of Pioneer History in Butler's historic downtown is a popular stop.

The Southwest Region offers something special for everyone. Any time of year, you'll find this region is the perfect getaway choice.

Interesting to Public Links to Attractions, Education, Business, Government and More (courtesy of Missouri's official state website...)