Named after the nearly 15-mile-long river that wends its way through this sparsely populated region in Missouri, Roaring River Township is, as you’d imagine, all about the river. Comprising a 72-square-mile region along the southern border of the state, about an hour west of Branson, the township includes just a handful of residential settlements — Eagle Rock and Chain-O-Lakes among them — that have developed over the past 100 years or so along a serpentine strip of nearly a dozen rivers, streams, and small bodies of water. Nestled in the Ozarks, where rocky bluffs give way to brilliant blue pools, Roaring River Township is known primarily for its synonymous state park and a handful of modest, unincorporated communities marked by campgrounds, cabins, marinas, and gorgeous rural Missouri scenery.

Due to its landlocked geographic location, hundreds of miles from major bodies of water, Roaring River Township experiences extreme Midwestern temperatures. This often results in freezing-cold winters and scorching-hot summers, with a whole lot of humidity in between. The upside is Roaring RIver’s ever-present access to beautiful, clear water. So long as the sun is out, you’ll find locals and visitors taking advantage of the river’s raw natural beauty by fishing, boating, swimming, waterskiing, and more. Nearby Cassville hosts a fair number of events throughout the year, from its Opening Day festivities at Roaring River State Park in March to a Fall Show in October. December, while cold, is still festive: There’s a Christmas holiday parade, as well as a mid-November open house.

Roaring River State Park

Spanning a modest 4,294 acres, this rugged state park in the southwest Ozark hills features plenty of opportunities to experience the dynamic body of water for which it’s named. There’s trout fishing on the river itself, seven different hiking trails, and a nature center, as well as a swimming pool and picnic areas.

Table Rock Lake

About an hour east of Roaring River Township is crystal-clear Table Rock Lake, featuring more than 800 miles of shoreline thanks to all of its many fingers. Well known for its many coves and inlets, the lake is especially popular among fishers and pleasure-cruisers looking to water-ski, tube, or simply cove out, dropping anchor for a day on the water.

Branson

About an hour’s drive east of quiet Roaring River Township is Missouri’s popular live-entertainment capital. Branson’s 50-plus theaters roll out hundreds of live stage shows each year, from musicals to magic and comedy acts. The town is also a fixture in the country music scene and a popular destination for the top touring bands in the country.