College of the Ozarks

College of the Ozarks is a private college near Branson, nicknamed Hard Work U because students work campus jobs instead of paying tuition. It was founded in 1906 to provide education to young people of the Ozarks region who could not otherwise afford it. The scenic campus at Point Lookout sits on a bluff above Lake Taneycomo. Visitors are welcome to tour several attractions run by students as part of the work program. These include the Ralph Foster Museum, which holds a wide-ranging collection of regional history and Ozark artifacts, and is known for displaying the original truck used in a classic television show. The campus also features a working grist mill, a fruitcake and jelly kitchen, a greenhouse, and the Williams Memorial Chapel. The Keeter Center, a lodge and restaurant staffed by students, is a popular dining destination. The tidy, flower-filled grounds make for a pleasant visit. The college's distinctive philosophy and its student-run attractions set it apart. It offers a wholesome, educational stop in the Branson area.