One of the most unusual colleges I’ve ever visited is the College of the Ozarks, and within that campus one of its most interesting buildings is the Keeter Center.
The Keeter Center is a beautiful multi-functional building that features excellent dining (the reason we visited the college was because the restaurant was so well regarded and recommended), a hotel, and an events center. What makes the Center so unique is that it is staffed by college students who use their labors to “pay” for their studies as part of the College’s Work Education program. By working 15 hours a week, students earn their tuition and can graduate college debt free.
Dobyns Dining Room is a beautiful space that serves delicious meals. It’s open for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch — we enjoyed a tasty dinner here. You’ll be well looked after by the students who work here, from the hostess to the waiter, to the people who prepare your meal.
Keeter Center, College of the Ozark. Corn Meal Trout
As I’m prone to do, I photographed a sampling of what the four of us ate for dinner (see below)
Adjoining the dining room is a College Creamery that serves ice cream made on the campus, as well as gift shop selling food items that students have made.
The Keeter Center, College of the Ozarks
The Keeter Center also has hotel suites and some cabins for rent, which are reasonably priced and which are well reviewed and well-rated. I’d certainly consider staying at one of these if I ever get back to Branson. Amenities include, for example, a turntown service that features fresh milk from the campus dairy, fresh baked cookies, fresh coffee and bath salts. The hotel is also staffed by Hard Work U students.
I’d recommend a meal at the Keeter Center to anyone, and take a look into the accommodations here as an option for your stay in Branson. I don’t think you’d be disappointed.
