Big Cedar Lodge
Big Cedar Lodge is a privately-owned 4,600-acre wilderness resort in Missouri's Ozark Mountains offering 362 accommodations, six championship golf courses, dining, marinas, and entertainment venues. It serves affluent families, corporate groups, golfers, and couples as part of the Johnny Morris Nature Resorts portfolio.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1987
- HeadquartersRidgedale, United States
- Headcount251–500
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Big Cedar Lodge does
Big Cedar Lodge is a privately-owned wilderness resort spanning 4,600 acres in the Ozark Mountains near Ridgedale, Missouri, overlooking Table Rock Lake. Acquired by Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris in 1987 and operated as a flagship of the Johnny Morris Nature Resorts portfolio, the property offers 362 private accommodations across lodge rooms, lakeside cottages, log cabins, glamping units at Camp Long Creek, and exclusive residences (including the 7,000 sq ft Villa at Integrity Hills). The resort monetizes a diversified set of revenue streams: nightly lodging, six championship golf courses (Payne's Valley/TGR Design, Ozarks National/Coore & Crenshaw, Buffalo Ridge/Tom Fazio, Top of the Rock/Jack Nicklaus, Mountain Top/Gary Player, and Cliffhangers), multiple dining venues, two full-service marinas, the Cedar Creek Spa, a 50,000-square-foot Fun Mountain activity center, retail, the Wilderness Club timeshare (with Hilton Grand Vacations), and the 20,000+ capacity Thunder Ridge Nature Arena for concerts and events including the 2026 Monster Energy SMX World Championship Final.
Big Cedar Lodge firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Big Cedar Lodge
- Legal name
- Big Cedar Lodge
- Website
- https://bigcedar.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1987
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 251–500 employees
- Short description
- Big Cedar Lodge is a privately-owned 4,600-acre wilderness resort in Missouri's Ozark Mountains offering 362 accommodations, six championship golf courses, dining, marinas, and entertainment venues. It serves affluent families, corporate groups, golfers, and couples as part of the Johnny Morris Nature Resorts portfolio.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Big Cedar Lodge industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Wilderness Resort and Hospitality
- NAICS
- Accommodation (721), Traveler Accommodation (7211), Golf Courses and Country Clubs (71391)
- SIC
- Hotels, Rooming Houses, Camps & Other Lodging Places (7000), Hotels & Motels (7011), Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Wilderness & Backcountry Lodges (Remote/Off-Grid) (THAGAIAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Ski & Mountain Full-Service Hotels (THAGAAAJ), Mountain & Wilderness Lodges (THAAAHAE)
Keywords
Where Big Cedar Lodge is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Ridgedale
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices4 records
Markets served
Big Cedar Lodge business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Lodging Accommodations: The resort offers 362 private accommodations including lodge rooms, lakeside cottages, private log cabins, glamping units at Camp Long Creek, and exclusive properties like The Villa at Integrity Hills. Revenue generated from nightly stays across multiple accommodation types.
- Golf Operations: Six award-winning golf courses generate greens fee revenue including Payne's Valley (Tiger Woods design), Ozarks National, Buffalo Ridge, Top of the Rock (Jack Nicklaus), Mountain Top (Gary Player), and Cliffhangers. Additional revenue from golf lessons, caddie services, and club rentals.
- Food & Beverage: Multiple dining venues including Devil's Pool Restaurant, Osage Restaurant, The Worman House Bistro, Buffalo Bar, Harry's Cocktail Lounge, Buzzard Bar, Mountain Top Grill, Truman Cafe, Uncle Buck's Fish Bowl & Grill, and in-room dining services.
- Spa & Wellness: Cedar Creek Spa & Salon offers massage therapy, facials, body treatments, and salon services. Revenue from spa treatments and packages.
- Marina & Water Activities: Two full-service marinas (Bent Hook Marina & Market, Long Creek Marina) offering boat rentals, fishing equipment, Lady Liberty dinner cruises, and water sports activities including water skiing, tubing, and wakeboarding.
- Event Venue Rental: Thunder Ridge Nature Arena (20,000+ capacity) hosts concerts, rodeos, and sporting events. Additional venues available for weddings, corporate events, and meetings across the property.
- Activity Center & Attractions: Fun Mountain activity center (50,000 sq ft) with arcade, go-carts, bowling, and recreational activities. Additional attractions include Top of the Rock, Lost Canyon Cave Trail, Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum, and the new inflatable amusement park from InflatableIsland.co.
- Retail & Merchandise: On-site retail shops including The Shoppe at Big Cedar, golf pro shops, and online store (shop.bigcedar.com) offering merchandise, apparel, and golf gear.
- Outdoor Activities & Rentals: Various outdoor activities including guided fishing, campfire experiences, fitness center access, swimming pools, beach access, paddle boats, canoes, kayaks, and recreational equipment rentals.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Payne's Valley - 19-Hole Championship Course (Tiger Woods/TGR Design) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Ozarks National - 18-Hole Championship Course |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Buffalo Ridge - Championship Course |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Cliffhangers - 18-Hole Par 3 Course |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Top of the Rock - 9-Hole Par 3 Course (Jack Nicklaus) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Mountain Top - 13-Hole Walking Course (Gary Player) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Golf Lessons - Private & Group Instruction |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Golf Caddie Services |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Golf Club Rentals |
| Subscription | Monthly | Lodging Promotions |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Activity Promotions |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Boat Rental Promotions |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels8 records
Big Cedar Lodge product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Big Cedar Lodge is a 4,600-acre wilderness resort offering 362 private accommodations (lodge rooms, cottages, log cabins, glamping, and exclusive properties), six award-winning golf courses, multiple dining venues, two marinas, a 20,000-seat amphitheater, a 50,000-square-foot activity center, spa services, and extensive outdoor recreation. The resort sells lodging, golf, dining, events, and activities directly to consumers and corporate groups, with revenue diversified across accommodations, golf operations, food and beverage, spa, marina, events, attractions, retail, and outdoor rentals.
Product overview
Big Cedar Lodge is a 4,600-acre wilderness resort in Missouri's Ozark Mountains offering a comprehensive family vacation experience. The property operates a multi-product portfolio centered around lodging (362 private accommodations including lodge rooms, cottages, log cabins, glamping at Camp Long Creek, and exclusive properties), six world-class golf courses (Payne's Valley by Tiger Woods/TGR Design, Ozarks National by Coore & Crenshaw, Buffalo Ridge by Tom Fazio, Top of the Rock by Jack Nicklaus, Mountain Top by Gary Player, and Cliffhangers by Johnny & JP Morris), multiple dining venues, marina operations (Bent Hook and Long Creek), the 20,000-seat Thunder Ridge Nature Arena for concerts and events, the 50,000-square-foot Fun Mountain activity center, Cedar Creek Spa, and various outdoor attractions. The resort positions itself as 'America's Premier Wilderness Resort' focused on conservation and family traditions.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Johnny Morris Nature Resorts: The parent hospitality brand under which Big Cedar Lodge operates, alongside other resort properties including Big Cypress Lodge and Cheeca Lodge & Spa.
Products and services
- Lodge Rooms (Spring View Lodge, Falls Lodge, Valley View Lodge)
Quantifiable outcome
- #1 Resort in the Midwest - Travel + Leisure
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Big Cedar Lodge
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments8 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Big Cedar Lodge technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Big Cedar Lodge partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and flagship.
- SMX LeaguecoreMulti-year partnership making Bass Pro Shops the featured partner across the entire SMX racing calendar. Thunder Ridge Nature Arena at Big Cedar Lodge selected to host the 2026 Monster Energy SMX World Championship Final on September 26, 2026. The championship features elite racers from the U.S., UK, New Zealand, France, Switzerland, Australia, Germany, Japan, and Estonia competing at the 20,000+ capacity venue. Malcolm Stewart serves as ambassador for the partnership.
- TGR Design (Tiger Woods)corePartnership with TGR Design (Tiger Woods' design firm) to create Payne's Valley golf course - the first fully public-access course in the world completed by TGR Design. Course named in honor of Payne Stewart, featuring a unique 19-hole championship layout.
- Jack NicklauscoreJack Nicklaus designed Top of the Rock, a 9-hole par-3 course that is the only par-3 layout ever used by the PGA Tour for a championship event. Course overlooks Table Rock Lake with dramatic holes stretching over 200 yards.
- Gary PlayercoreWorld Golf Hall of Famer Gary Player partnered with Johnny Morris to create Mountain Top, a 13-hole par-3 course designed to bring accessible golf experiences to families, juniors, and learners.
- Bill Coore & Ben CrenshawcoreGolf course architect team of Coore & Crenshaw designed Ozarks National, sharing Johnny Morris' passion for nature and conservation. Course features dramatic views and complements the 18-hole championship course at Buffalo Ridge.
- Tom FaziocoreTom Fazio designed Buffalo Ridge golf course featuring a herd of bison grazing alongside fairways. Johnny Morris and Fazio created the course layout to bring players in close contact with nature.
- Johnny Morris Nature ResortsflagshipBig Cedar Lodge is part of the Johnny Morris Nature Resorts portfolio including Big Cypress Lodge (Memphis, Tennessee), Cheeca Lodge & Spa (Islamorada, Florida), and Angler's Lodge (Springfield and Hollister, Missouri).
Scale indicators9 records
Recent moves12 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Big Cedar Lodge competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Pursell Farms: Alabama luxury resort with championship golf (Robert Trent Jones II), spa, and outdoor pursuits—peer luxury resort with comparable curated outdoor amenities.
- Pinehurst Resort: Historic North Carolina destination resort offering multiple championship golf courses, full lodging, F&B, spa, and event venues—directly comparable to Big Cedar's multi-course golf-resort model.
- Streamsong Resort: Florida destination resort featuring three signature courses (Coore/Crenshaw, Tom Doak, Gil Hanse) plus lodge and amenities—closely comparable as a multi-architect-design golf destination.
- The Greenbrier: Historic West Virginia luxury resort with multiple golf courses, extensive lodging, spa, and casino—comparable full-service destination resort with diverse revenue streams.
- Kiawah Island Golf Resort: South Carolina oceanfront destination resort with multiple championship golf courses, villas, dining, and event venues—peer multi-course golf destination with family leisure focus.
- Sand Valley: Wisconsin multi-course destination golf resort (Coore/Crenshaw, Doak, Strawn) with lodge and dining—comparable architect-designed multi-course golf resort property.
- Bandon Dunes Golf Resort: Oregon destination golf resort with multiple courses plus lodge accommodations—comparable purpose-built, multi-course golf destination experience.
- Salamander Resort & Spa: Luxury Virginia resort with equestrian, spa, and championship golf—comparable luxury destination property with golf-led positioning.
- Reynolds Lake Oconee: Georgia lakefront resort community with multiple golf courses, lakefront lodging, and recreational amenities—comparable multi-course destination resort with lake-based activities.
- Cheeca Lodge & Spa: Fellow Johnny Morris Nature Resorts property in the Florida Keys offering full-service lodging, dining, spa, and watersports—comparably owned and operated under the same parent portfolio.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Big Cedar Lodge social profiles
Digital presenceBig Cedar Lodge financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Big Cedar Lodge leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
Big Cedar Lodge funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Big Cedar Lodge M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Big Cedar Lodge
What does Big Cedar Lodge do?
Big Cedar Lodge is a 4,600-acre wilderness resort offering 362 private accommodations (lodge rooms, cottages, log cabins, glamping, and exclusive properties), six award-winning golf courses, multiple dining venues, two marinas, a 20,000-seat amphitheater, a 50,000-square-foot activity center, spa services, and extensive outdoor recreation. The resort sells lodging, golf, dining, events, and activities directly to consumers and corporate groups, with revenue diversified across accommodations, golf operations, food and beverage, spa, marina, events, attractions, retail, and outdoor rentals.
Is Big Cedar Lodge a public or private company?
Big Cedar Lodge is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Big Cedar Lodge founded?
Big Cedar Lodge was founded in 1987. It employs 251 to 500 people.
Where is Big Cedar Lodge based?
Big Cedar Lodge is headquartered in Ridgedale, United States, in the North America region.
How does Big Cedar Lodge make money?
Nine revenue lines are on record. Lodging Accommodations are the primary driver. The others are golf Operations, food & Beverage, spa & Wellness, marina & Water Activities, event Venue Rental, activity Center & Attractions, retail & Merchandise and outdoor Activities & Rentals.
Who are Big Cedar Lodge's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Pursell Farms, Pinehurst Resort, Streamsong Resort, The Greenbrier, Kiawah Island Golf Resort, Sand Valley, Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, Salamander Resort & Spa, Reynolds Lake Oconee and Cheeca Lodge & Spa.
Does Big Cedar Lodge have an API?
No public API is recorded for Big Cedar Lodge.
What industry is Big Cedar Lodge in?
Big Cedar Lodge's product category is Wilderness Resort and Hospitality. Its primary akta.pro industry code is THAGAIAB, Wilderness & Backcountry Lodges (Remote/Off-Grid), with a secondary code of THAGAAAJ, Ski & Mountain Full-Service Hotels. Its NAICS code is 721 and its SIC code is 7000.