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Hark work never hurt anybody! In Point Lookout near Branson, Missouri hard work is the motto as a small liberal arts college called College of the Ozarks. Establish in 1906, this college charges no tuition for full-time students due to its student work program and donations. Every student has a job and we experience first hand how extraordinary a few of these students are during our breakfast at The Keeter Center at College of the Ozarks.
Only minutes away from Branson, The Keeter Center offers guests beautifully decorated hotel suites, fine dining, meeting rooms, gift shops and a small museum inside the Keeter Center. Our breakfast was hosted by Branson Convention and Visitors Bureau where we learned about tourism in Branson, upcoming projects and where Branson stood among top family travel attractions.
Aside from the delicious breakfast we experienced at the Keeter Center, we also learned more about College of the Ozarks. The waitstaff were all students and were extremely polite and gracious. It’s no surprise that hard work is alive and well at College of the Ozarks. All students must work a 15 hour work week plus two 40 hour work weeks during school breaks. In addition to the hard work provided by students, The Keeter Center uses fresh ingredients their own college produces.
Aside from the restaurant and hotel suites, you can find a nice selection of fresh pastries, desserts, coffee and fruit drinks in the Gourmet Bakery located in the lobby. In addition to the bakery you can find the gift shop which has gift items, traditional souvenirs and my personal favorite, locally made edible goods. I picked up several jars of jams and jellies (something I love to buy when I travel) as well as fudge and locally made salad dressing.
Visiting College of the Ozarks or the Keeter Center is free of charge. While you are on campus you can enjoy the Veterans Memorial inside the Keeter Center which is educational or drive through campus and visit the Ralph Foster Museum. The Ralph Foster Museum is the Smithsonian of the Ozarks and available to guest for a small admission charge. If you college pressed pennies you can find the pressed penny machine inside the Ralph Foster Museum.
The 4,000-square foot Silver Dollar City Parlor & over 2,700-square foot attached veranda offers a unique skyline of the Ozarks in Point Lookout, Missouri. The Keeter Center is located at One Opportunity Avenue, Point Lookout MO 65726. Visit the website for additional information.
That is an amazing idea for a college! No tuition for full time students – just work and donations. I hope that this catches on!
Love the woodsy cabin look of the buildings. Sounds like a nice time and place to explore!
I love the rustic feel of the place! I would have so much fun there with all the historical aspects!
That looks like so much fun. My husband and I are looking for a fun place to take the family. This looks like something we would enjoy!
What a great place to visit! Love their way of thinking!