The Heartland LTV’ers Spring Rally, held from May 5-9, 2025, at Musicland Kampground in Branson, Missouri, was a vibrant gathering of LTV enthusiasts filled with camaraderie, adventure, and educational experiences. Below is a detailed recap of the event’s highlights.
Monday
The rally started with check-in on Monday afternoon, followed by a time to socialize and connect. LTV provided a delicious Mexican fiesta meal, complemented by desserts and salads brought by attendees.
The evening featured a lively “hillbilly campfire,” where participants introduced themselves and shared humorous camping mishaps, fostering a fun and welcoming atmosphere. The night concluded with attendees retiring to prepare for the exciting week ahead.
Tuesday
Tuesday began with a breakfast provided by LTV, followed by an engaging presentation by Melissa and Bob Bartlett. The couple, seasoned LTV travelers, shared insights on long-term trips, particularly to Alaska, covering must-see destinations and essential preparations for extended road trips. Their talk was both educational and inspiring.
Afterward, many attendees visited the College of the Ozarks, known as “Hard Work U,” where students work campus jobs to graduate debt-free.
The group enjoyed a student-prepared lunch in a beautiful campus setting, followed by a tour highlighting the historic grist mill, candle shop, and the 1920s stone chapel built with locally quarried stone.
At Musicland Kampground, LTV hosted a cream can supper, with attendees contributing desserts and salads. The evening ended with a country music performance at Pierce Arrow starting at 8:00 pm, which was a hit with the group.
Wednesday
The day started with coffee at 7:30 am and a breakfast from Chick-fil-A, sponsored by SkyMed, followed by their presentation. Next, Angie Kramer and Patrick Reid led a “show and tell” session, where attendees shared clever camping tools and travel tips, making for an engaging and informative discussion. Ken Johnson then facilitated an LTV Q&A, allowing participants to ask questions about their rigs and learn from one another.
In the afternoon, many attended the Sight & Sound Theatre’s production of “David”, a stunning musical with a 180-degree stage, live animals, and elaborate sets.
The evening concluded with a soup and sandwich meal provided by LTV, a gift drawing, and games, fostering further fellowship.
Thursday
Thursday morning featured a grab-and-go breakfast and coffee, followed by a trip to Top of the Rock for a golf cart tour of the Lost Canyon Cave and Nature Trail, showcasing the scenic Ozark Mountains.
Attendees then took a shuttle to the Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum. Lunch was on their own, and the afternoon brought a highlight: a trip to the Showboat Branson Belle on Table Rock Lake. The riverboat experience included entertainment, a delicious meal, and time to enjoy the views from the upper deck.
The evening at the campground wrapped up with more games and fellowship.
Friday
Friday morning was bittersweet as attendees gathered for farewells, hugs, and departures to their next adventures.
However, approximately 25 participants stayed for an optional bonus day at Silver Dollar City. The weather was perfect, and the group enjoyed the park’s unique blend of music venues, rides, and artisan demonstrations, including glassblowing, jewelry making, woodworking, and blacksmithing. It was a delightful way to cap the rally.
The Heartland LTV Spring Rally was a resounding success, filled with memorable experiences, educational sessions, and meaningful connections.
Special thanks go to Patrick Reid for his photography and to all attendees who contributed to making the event unforgettable. Ken and Kendra, signing out, look forward to seeing everyone at future rallies!
Written by: Kendra Johnson
This is a companion discussion topic for the original entry at https://leisurevans.com/blog/heartland-ltvers-spring-rally/