lost canyon christmas tour 2022

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417 Magazine October 2024

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Experience the Natural Wonder of Christmas at Top of the Rock’s Lost Canyon Christmas

With twinkling lights, mysterious caves and cascading waterfalls, Top of the Rock's new Lost Canyon Christmas attraction is an instant family tradition.

by Ren Bishop

Dec 01 2022 at 8 a.m.

To experience the height of the Christmas season, it’s time to head to Top of the Rock .

Discover the magic of the season and the great outdoors at Lost Canyon Christmas, a 2.5-mile journey through an Ozarks winter wonderland. Twinkling Christmas lights illuminate the paved electric cart path and handcrafted bridges, lined with cascading waterfalls and grand holiday scenes designed to amaze and inspire wonder.

“Connection was the primary driving concept behind the Lost Canyon Christmas experience,” said Melody Matheny, the attraction designer for Lost Canyon Christmas. “The goal was to allow Guests to be inspired and come away with a deeper understanding of the natural world around them, what makes this place so very special, and how they are directly connected to it.”

PRESENTED BY

One core element of the attraction’s design: illuminate the present holiday season by honoring the past. In Chief Seattle’s letter of 1854, he recognized the sanctity of life and the integral, spiritual impact of Mother Nature. Chief Seattle’s themes of water, air, beasts, and ground are all connected, all serving as inspiration and guide for Guests on their journey through Lost Canyon Christmas.

“There is so much to celebrate this time of the year,” said John Mikolajczyk, director of operations for the Johnny Morris Foundation. “Lost Canyon Christmas features seasonal holiday traditions, along with honoring the great outdoors with special sculptures that celebrate animals, water, the earth and how we are all connected. Guests experience the cave trail in an all new, never before way that we hope will become a new family tradition during the holidays here in the Ozarks.”

Sip on hot chocolate or cider from The Bat Bar in Lost Canyon Cave as you wind past natural wonders, animal inhabitants, majestic vistas and mysterious caves on a magical journey.

From handmade replicas of ancient artifacts fabricated by Paragon 360 to a towering 40-foot Christmas tree, Lost Canyon Christmas hopes to wow at every turn!

“ Christmastime in the Ozarks is unlike any other,” said Bryan Nadeau, Vice President of Operations for the Johnny Morris Foundation Conservation Attractions. "Come together with the people you love and create those everlasting memories by starting a new holiday tradition at Top of the Rock. Be surrounded by family and the great outdoors, while feeling more connected to those of the area that came before us at Lost Canyon Christmas. ”

Explore the natural wonder of Christmas in the Ozarks at Lost Canyon Christmas!

Experience Lost Canyon Christmas

GET TICKETS

Lost Canyon Christmas opens December 1. Get tickets and experience the wonder at  topoftherock.com .

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Activities   Top of the Rock Lost Canyon Cave ®

Top of the Rock Lost Canyon Cave ®

Top of the rock.

Explore the Top of the Rock Lost Canyon and Nature Trail in this dramatic 2.5-mile tour. Follow a beautiful trail created to highlight stunning rock formations, waterfalls, and lake views. The winding trail will also take through a marvelous cave where you can purchase refreshments at the Bat Bar as well as the scenic overlook where you can step out onto our skybridge for a breathtaking view of the Ozarks. Attendees also receive free admission to the Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum!

• Dates and Times: Operating Hours
• Location: Top of the Rock Welcome Center
• Cost: Variable rates – purchase online early to save

The Lost Canyon Cave & Nature Trail will have a delayed opening at noon on Tuesday, November 5, due to maintenance. Guests are welcome to explore the Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum during the delay, which opens at 9 AM. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Drivers must be 18 years or older to operate the electric cart. Electric carts are available on a first-come, first-served basis and hold up to four people. While purchasing tickets in advance isn’t required, we do strongly recommend to access the best availability, pricing, and to avoid the ticket line. Please note, admission to the cave trail is available at any time during operational hours of the date on your ticket.

Ozarks Heritage Preserve Membership

Discover a haven of history with an Ozarks Heritage Preserve membership. This one-of-a-kind attraction is filled with hidden gems unlike any you’ve visited before! Our membership offers access to breathtaking views and a unique opportunity to experience the wonder of the Ozarks. Choose from individual (adult/child) or family memberships which include:

• Daily access to Top of the Rock
• Unlimited access to the Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum
• Tickets to the Lost Canyon Cave & Nature Trail
• 20% off guest tickets to the Lost Canyon Cave & Nature Trail
• Exclusive member newsletter

Things to Do at Big Cedar

Book your getaway, about big cedar lodge.

190 Top of the Rock Road, Ridgedale, Missouri 65739

(800) 225-6343

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Lost Canyon Christmas

Paragon transformed Top of the Rock's 2.5 mile nature trail journey into an amazing Christmas experience.

Project Type

• Scenic Elements
• Fabrication

The Magic of Christmas

Top of the Rock has been transformed for the Christmas season with the Lost Canyon Christmas outdoor nature trail. The 2.5-mile trail features multiple scenes honoring Native Americans in an Ozarks winter wonderland, illuminated by thousands of Christmas lights nestled in the trees. As visitors travel along the paved golf cart path, they can enjoy hot chocolate and breathtaking views of handcrafted bridges, cascading waterfalls, cliffs, and holiday scenes.

"Connection was the primary driving concept behind the Lost Canyon Christmas experience," said Melody Matheny, the attraction designer. "Our goal was to allow guests to be inspired and come away with a deeper understanding of the natural world around them, what makes this place so special, and how they are directly connected to it."

"There is so much to celebrate this time of year," said John Mikolajczyk, director of operations for the Johnny Morris Foundation. “Lost Canyon Christmas features seasonal holiday traditions, along with honoring the great outdoors with special sculptures that celebrate animals, water, the earth and how we are all connected. Guests experience the cave trail in an all new, never before way that we hope will become a new family tradition during the holidays here in the Ozarks.”

Paragon’s service was unparalleled, and really delivered a win for us. The products that Paragon built and installed for us really exceeded any expectation we had.”

– John Mikolajczyk, Director of Operations, Johnny Morris Foundation

Custom-Built, Installed with Care

Paragon Fabrication spent almost three months creating the vision dreamed up by designer Melody Matheny. The challenge of fabricating elements that matched the existing majesty of the lost canyon trail was equaled by the task of installation across the rugged Ozarks terrain. Paragon 360 spent 3 weeks using construction equipment, heavy machinery, and a variety of lifts along the narrow paths and steep hill sides. Some of the elements were installed in areas where rock climbing and zip lines were the only access. Custom engineered rigging was required for the stalactite Christmas trees in the cave.

The custom fabricated elements created scenes that pulled inspiration from traditional Christmas elements, while honoring the local Native American history while also giving tribute to the military community. Replica native American art, spears, bead patterns, drums, teepee, and silhouettes created multiple scenes for visitors to enjoy. Life size internally lit elk, reindeer and bear light up the Ozarks rock outcrops as they cast reflections across a waterfall and cascade pools. A custom wood plank Christmas tree and hand carved Santa create more traditional Christmas scenes. Aluminum stalagmites suspended 60' foot in the air create a one of a kind experience as you drive through the cave and around the waterfall. In the main ticketing and lobby area, an internally and externally lit faux aged metal ribbon surrounds a 16-foot tall tree. Paragon also built a 120-foot long, waved American flag that stands 9' feet tall and service branch Christmas tree toppers as a tribute to the military community.

Creating Lasting Memories

"Christmas time in the Ozarks is unlike any other," said Bryan Nadeau, Vice President of Operations for the Johnny Morris Foundation Conservation Attractions. " Come together with the people you love and create those everlasting memories by starting a new holiday tradition at Top of the Rock. Be surrounded by family and the great outdoors, while feeling more connected to those of the area that came before us at Lost Canyon Christmas.”

"Connection was the primary driving concept behind the Lost Canyon Christmas experience. Our goal was to allow guests to be inspired and come away with a deeper understanding of the natural world around them, what makes this place so special, and how they are directly connected to it."

– Melody Matheny, Attraction Designer

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Lost Canyon Christmas

by Missouri Life

October 19, 2022

For the first time ever, Christmas is coming to Top of the Rock’s Lost Canyon Cave and Nature Trail!

This article is presented in partnership with Top of the Rock Lost Canyon Cave and Nature Trail.

Starting December 1st  experience Lost Canyon Christmas – a magical 2.5-mile journey throughout an Ozarks’ winter wonderland while sipping on hot beverages surrounded by over a million twinkling lights. Reconnect with the beauty of nature and Ozarks’ past by exploring natural wonders, animal inhabitants, majestic vistas, and mysterious caves. Learn from Chief Seattle and follow along on a guided adventure that celebrates the great outdoors and the sanctity of life.  

Chief Seattle gave a speech at Lincoln’s Address in 1854 regarding nature, conservation, and the sacredness of mother earth. In Chief Seattle’s intro, he states “Every part of the earth is sacred to my people. Every shining pine needle, every sandy shore, every mist in the dark woods, every clearing and humming insect is holy in the memory and experience of my people. The sap which courses through the trees carries the memories of the red man. The perfumed flowers are our sisters; the deer, the horse, the great eagle, these are our brothers. The rocky crests, the juices in the meadows, the body heat of the pony, and man – all belong to the same family.” 

This letter is an inspiration for Lost Canyon Christmas. The cave trail highlights themes from Chief Seattle’s words that honor and respect nature and teaches its importance such as water, rivers, air, beasts, ground, and connection. Be inspired by the wonder and the natural world around you through over 12 larger-than-life holiday scenes. Create memories that last a lifetime while feeling connected to your loved ones and the beauty of the Ozarks around you!

Experience the Lost Canyon Cave and Nature Trail in a whole new never-before way that will become a new family holiday tradition right here in the Ozarks! Join us for Lost Canyon Christmas this holiday season from December 1st  through January!

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Lost Canyon Christmas

December 1, 2022 @ 5:00 pm - january 1, 2023 @ 9:00 pm.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Top of the Rock Ozark’s Heritage Preserve! We are happy to announce the opening of Lost Canyon Christmas – our first-ever light tour at Lost Canyon Cave and Nature Trail. Experience the Ozarks after dark and join us for a 2.5-mile nighttime journey through illuminated, awe-inspiring displays resembling historic Native American scenes from Chief Seattle’s letter of 1854. Sip on hot beverages and be surrounded by twinkling lights and holiday magic while connecting to the great outdoors. Make this December one to remember and start a new family tradition at Lost Canyon Christmas this holiday season!

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