Frequently Asked Questions
Prepare for your visit to Dogwood Canyon and check out our list of answers to frequently asked questions.
General Information
Yes. All activities are offered all year, weather permitting. We are closed on Christmas Day and a couple days in January and February.
Please note that extreme weather and heavy rain can affect our operating hours and activities. COVID-19 guidelines may also affect our operations. Our trams are open air, and we suggest guests dress appropriately for current weather conditions.
Yes, you may bring food and non-alcoholic beverages into the park. Picnic tables are located near the parking lot and throughout the canyon for your use. Glass bottles are not permitted in the park.
Dogs on a leash are welcome on all the trails and the restaurant patio. Pets are not permitted indoors or on the trams.
We sell a variety of flies and jigs as well as spinners, stringers and other tackle in the gift shop. You may rent equipment for the day or bring your own.
Drones are not permitted anywhere in Dogwood Canyon because we are privately owned and surrounded by private property.
No outside vehicles are permitted on our trails. Trails are shared by hikers, bikers, fishing guests and the trams.
No motorized vehicles or apparatus other than wheelchairs or ADA scooters are permitted in the park. Please call us at 417-348-3363 for these guidelines.
We follow the current Missouri state guidelines. Please call 417-348-3363 for specific details.
Please email your inquiry to weddings@dogwoodcanyon.org and we will be happy to reach out to you with this information.
We offer gift cards on our website available to mail to you or a loved one. You may also purchase gift cards in person at Wonders of Wildlife or Dogwood Canyon. Big Cedar and Bass Pro Shops gift cards are not valid at our location. Memberships are also a great way to share Dogwood Canyon.
Tickets & Admission
If you live nearby or visit often, we recommend making the most of your experience with our membership. Membership includes unlimited admission for 12 months from the date of purchase, exclusive discounts and monthly specials. Learn more about membership here.
Yes. We offer 10% off for guests over the age of 65 and current/past military service. This discount is applied at the door for admission. There are no discounts for activities. Discounts cannot be combined.
You do not have to print your tickets. We recommend you download your tickets from the email confirmation you receive and we will scan it from your mobile device. If you are unable to download your tickets, we will print them for you at the welcome booth using your order number.
We recommend making a reservation online before your visit to ensure entry into the park. Admissions purchased in advance are eligible for $2 savings per person.
During our busiest seasons, there is potential for admission sales to temporarily be suspended due to the park reaching capacity or parking lots being full. If you have a ticket, you are guaranteed entry. Trams and trail rides have limited availability and advance reservations (days to a week prior) are strongly recommended all year. These activities are generally sold out if you plan to purchase the same day.
All activities are offered rain or shine as long as conditions are safe to do so. If you wish to postpone your visit due to inclement weather, we are happy to offer a refund or reschedule your tickets for another day and time.
We ask you let us know as early as possible if you are unable to attend due to weather, illness or emergency so that we may open the tickets to other guests and alert our drivers and wranglers to any changes. Our offices open at 8 a.m. daily. Guided fishing requires at least 24 hours advance notice to cancel for a refund or to reschedule.
Call us at 1-877-459-5687 and we can easily move admission tickets to another date for you. The order number will stay the same and we will send a new email confirmation. For trams, trail rides and other specific reservations, we would need to check availability and then could reschedule or refund if unavailable.
No. Our restaurant operates on a first-come, first-served basis. We offer indoor seating and a walk-up window on the patio, weather permitting. There are also to-go picnic items available to reserve online for a specific pick up time at least 24 hours prior.
Hours may vary for special events and weddings.
Please call us regarding major holidays as our reservation policies may differ.
Yes. Admission is required for all guests who enter Dogwood Canyon and provides all-day access to the trails, indoor attractions, restaurant and gift shop. This helps us minimize waits for our guests with reserved activities so they may dine and remain on schedule.
Activities
No. The system will store it for us and we can open it when you arrive.
Yes. All food and beverages must remain in your lap and not take up any additional seating. We recommend a lid or cap on all drinks. No alcohol is permitted.
No. Our water features are for photography and fishing only. We recommend keeping fully hydrated while hiking and biking and dressing appropriately for the warmer weather.
The tram and private tours are the only way to visit the wildlife pasture. The hiking/biking trail ends prior to the pasture for safety purposes.
The tram is a guided two-hour tour that requires a specific timed reservation and it will begin and end at the park entrance. There are two scheduled stops that you may disembark for a few minutes. For the remainder of the tour, you will stay on the tram.
All riders must be at least 8 years old and at least four feet tall for our one hour trail rides. For the seasonal two-hour rides, riders must be at least 12 years old. Each person will ride their own horse. Riders under 15 years old must have someone 18 years or older accompany them on the ride.
Riders may not exceed 250 pounds in full dress and all guests will be anonymously weighed at check-in.
We do not allow guests to bring their own horse on our trails. We have a large team of horses available for you.
No. You do not need a license or trout stamp.
If you are fishing on your own with our self-guided experience, you do not need a reservation. You may pay upon arrival by the hour.
Our guided fishing experience requires at least a 72-hour notice. You may reserve online or over the phone with our reservations team. All guests must be at least 12 years old to fish with a guide. This experience is catch and release only.
No. Our trout stream is deep but narrow and all fishing is from the bank. We do not permit any sort of watercraft or entry into the water.
Bike and burley rentals are only available upon arrival on a first-come, first-served basis. Burleys must remain attached to our bikes and require a bike rental plus the burley.
They can hold up to two small children for a total of 75 pounds. They have adjustable three-point harnesses for small infants and can be left open or have a sunscreen. Due to limited availability, burley rentals are for children only and may not be rented to carry equipment or animals.
ADA, Accessibility & Family Accommodations
Yes. Our main canyon trail is paved and level and appropriate for wheelchairs or ADA scooters. The mill/museum/restaurant has a wheelchair lift and ramps to enter. There is an elevator and a ramp at the nature center as well.
Yes. For everyone's safety, the animal and member of the party are asked to join the driver in the truck during the wildlife portion of the tour. They may return to their tram seat after leaving the pasture.
Yes, with notice. Please call us directly (417 348 3363) to reserve if someone in your party needs to remain in a wheelchair for the tour. If they are transferring from the wheelchair, and are able to step up onto and off the tram without the chair, we do not need to make any accommodations and can store the chair in the vehicle with the driver. Walkers and canes are fine as well. The driver has a small step stool if you need assistance.
We have two push wheelchairs available for use at Dogwood Canyon.
Yes. Daily stroller rentals are available upon arrival with limited availability. They have a seat for one child, a drink carrier and room in the back for a bag.
There is a large restroom with benches in the nature center above the gift shop that offers guests privacy and room to change.
Yes. Our culinary team and restaurant management are happy to assist with any allergy or other special needs you may have. Please let us know in advance of your visit so we may discuss options and be prepared to best serve your family.