Pros: modern, spacious rooms (incl. suites), mini-refrig, some with microwave, no bugs/spiders,…read morelink-up with float services, private river-front gravel bar, Jingles-the-Friendly-Siamese cat (loves kids), friendly staff, on-site good restaurant (evening only), comfortable mattresses, big balconies with Adirondack chairs, OK convenience store, AT&T reception very good, only partial river view from some rooms. For addicts, booze and pot close by.
Cons: typical noisy blowy HVac wall units, no house phone in rooms, no luggage help, walk to Rose Cliff Lodge for ice, no cooking or fires allowed anywhere, max. 2-story walk ups depending on room (no elevators), pricey, noise from big rigs on Hwy 60 bridge (less noise in River Center), no house computer, no playground/River here a bit fast for younger kids to play in.
The biggest problem with this otherwise quality property was (officially anyway) a "no cancellation/refund/credit" policy. They don't charge your card until you check in, so it is unclear how rigidly enforced this policy is (+ there's a $15 cancel fee per room/day). We got flooded out over July 2025 weekend (Park Service closes the river if it gets over 6 feet - follow this on NOAA website/river level Van Buren MO). We elected to stay regardless (kids are more flexible and inventive than adults!) The Landing is highly dependent on the weather and have a limited season, so they really can't insure your stay. Still, they should have an official credit option for a future stay credit.
In Van Buren: "The" Mexican restaurant serves huge good portions. The steaks at the Landing's Blue Heron come out mooing - you may need to have them touched up. Best breakfast is at the Ranch House. No nightlife.
In area: Big Spring is spectacular, floating is worth the price, but best in a canoe unless you like cold butt (there's an enormous cave upstream from Van Buren), little funky animal park is pricey but fun for kids. For floating, IMHO the best stretch of the Current is Aker's Ferry to Round Spring, and do it in drought after July 4 for clear water and to minimize deer flies and horse flies.