5 Reasons to Go: Nature at Night Light Tour at Top of the Rock

Top of the Rock’s Nature at Night Light Tour on the Lost Canyon Cave & Nature Trail (150 Top of the Rock Rd., Ridgedale) is back. Guests can drive a private golf cart through the 2.5-mile trail and see classic holiday scenes along the way. This is the third year Top of the Rock is hosting a holiday tour. 

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The Nature at Night trail is open now through January 5. “Our visit to Nature at Night was so much fun,” Jennifer Harris says. “The staff was friendly. The self-guided golf cart tour was wonderful. We enjoyed that you can do it at your own pace. There's a lot of great photo opportunities!” 

Here are five things to know about Ozarks Heritage Preserve’s Nature at Night Light Tour. 

There are Enormous Lighted Holiday Displays

Guests drive through a holiday trail sparkling with thousands of lights. Along the way, they encounter large, one-of-a-kind displays featuring illuminated scenes of natural wildlife, like herds of elk and deer, soaring eagles, bears and even a howling wolf silhouetted against a glowing moon. 

You Can Explore a Lighted Drive-Through Cave

At the Lost Canyon Cave, guests can enjoy beverages and snacks while taking in the sight of a four-story illuminated waterfall. This waterfall is just one of many to encounter along the path. They have hot cocoa, hot cider and their Bat Bar beverage options available for purchase along the way. Snacks include chips, candies, Johnny Morris Steak Strips and more. 

Discover the Connections to Native American Heritage

As guests travel along the trail, they are immersed in the story of our nation’s earliest conservationists—Native Americans—and their deep-rooted traditions of honoring and preserving the natural world. Through storytelling, guests gain a deeper understanding of Native American traditions and their respect for wildlife and the land, a legacy that continues today.

You Get Free Entry to the Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum 

After the Nature at Night tour, guests can venture over to the Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum to continue their journey. Open until 8 p.m., this world-class museum offers a look into collections of Native American artifacts, the American West and the Civil War. A ticket to Nature at Night gains a guest free entry to the museum. 

It's Recommended to Buy Tickets in Advance

Tickets are selling fast. With many weekends already sold out, it’s recommended that guests purchase tickets online in advance. Ticket costs vary by date—adult tickets range from $39–$45, and child tickets range from $19–$20. Get yours here!

Why people love it: “We did the museum tour and then the nighttime nature trail,” Tom Panepinto says. “The museum was really cool with lots to see and read. The nature trail at night, riding golf carts, with all the lights turned on was awesome. Highly recommend both.”