Located in the Ozark Mountains of southern Missouri, Branson first began as a river town, and over the last 100 years has grown into a Midwestern capital of live music and natural attractions. Branson’s rich history can be tied to the people who have traveled from all over the country to visit, and much of what has received so much attention over the past century is still very interesting. In addition to wonders found underground and lush alongside the Branson Scenic Railway, Branson also delivers live music and entertainment. Spanning all of Highway 76 in the center of town, Branson’s Entertainment District contains a dense collection of theaters, museums, and fun things to do. With a wide variety of family-friendly tourist attractions and a number of world-class roller coasters,
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1 Live shows and musical performances
This city is synonymous with live music performances. From acapella to musical theater and spanning genres such as country, classical, and Christmas specials, Branson delivers on professional shows. It would be nearly impossible to see every show all year round, but it’s easy to find something you enjoy, including fan favorites like the multi-ensemble. Presley’s Country Jubilee or the special effects show from The Haygoods . One of Branson’s most popular live performances, Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede , also features dining in addition to live horseback riding, music, and comedy.
The live music and special performances end endlessly in Branson and include acrobats, illusionists, tribute shows, variety acts and religious theater. Each season, different performances fill the marquees around town, including tours and special assignments. When spending time in Branson, one way to make it memorable is to find a program that sounds interesting to you.
2 Silver Dollar City en Marvel Cave
For some high adrenaline fun and guaranteed entertainment, Silver Dollar City has your ticket to ride. With over 100 acres of thrills, 30 different rides and an 1880s theme, Silver Dollar City is a premier amusement park . Silver Dollar City is also between Branson and West Branson restaurants, shows, and six world festivals throughout the year , including the National Crafts & Cowboy Festival. Silver Dollar City attracts year-round attention from around the world, despite the beginnings of the hole in the ground.
Interest in the area first began with the discovery of what was soon dubbed Marvel Cave . The cave’s deep wonders eventually generated above-ground attractions as well, leading to a themed mining town complete with costumed characters and carnival rides . As interest continued to grow, roller coasters and top-notch facilities were added to the mix in addition to Marvel Cave, and today, with the cost of entry, guests receive guided access to the cave . Whether it’s part of your enjoyment of Silver Dollar City, or the reason you go, Marvel Cave still stands as the cavern that Branson helped build into what it is today.
Adres: 399 Silver Dollar City Pkwy, Branson, Missouri
Official site: https://www.silverdollarcity.com/theme-park
3 Branson Scenic Railway
Bordering the Historic Downtown District on the east side of town, the Branson Scenic Railway takes patrons through the Ozark foothills and along historic traces of the transportation era. Traveling either north or south from the Historic Depot , the Branson Scenic Railway navigates lush countryside complete with tunnels, trestles and genuine Ozark wilderness . The restored passenger cars are part of the story of the Branson Scenic Railway, and all ticket holders are encouraged to view the connected collection of classic rail cars during the nearly two-hour ride. The Branson Scenic Railway offers special events throughout the year in addition to their regular attractions, including a Polar Express train ridefor the holidays and a dinner train offered on Saturdays from April to October.
Address: 206 E. Main Street, Branson, Missouri
Official Site: https://www.bransontrain.com/
4 museums
All along Highway 76 and Branson’s Entertainment District, family-friendly museums are piled up to the brim. Ranging from a giant Titanic ship replica to a Hollywood-style Mount Rushmore, the various museum options in Branson go beyond the ordinary and appeal to all who visit. The Veterans Memorial Museum is a must-see and features 10 show halls covering 20th-century American combat. Less than three miles down the highway, the Ripley’s Believe It or Not Branson Odditorium showcases a different slice of life, and features a wide variety of hard-to-believe artifacts from around the world.
Other popular museums to visit in the Branson entertainment district include the Titanic Museum , entered via an artificial iceberg, and the Hollywood Wax Museum , complete with a large collection of replica pop icons. The fun doesn’t end here, not at a distance. With the World’s Largest Toy Museum , the Celebrity Car Museum and the Ozark-related Ralph Foster Museum at Lookout Point , there’s always something new to see with every visit.
5 Talking Rocks Cavern
Located in West Branson, 10 miles west of Branson’s Entertainment District, Talking Rocks Cavern offers subterranean excitement and plenty of above-ground things to do. The absolute highlight of any visit to Talking Rocks Cavern is the one-hour guided tour of the namesake attraction offered throughout the day. The guided tours at Talking Rocks take your patrons deep into the cavern, climb the stairs and explore the ancient features that have defined the area for thousands of years. Above-ground activities at Talking Rocks Cavern include miniature golf, nature trails, and two challenging “Spelio-Boxes”,” which are wooden box mazes built to simulate the tight environments encountered while exploring the cave.
Adres: 423 Fairy Cave Lane, Branson West, Missouri
Official Site: https://www.talkingrockscavern.com/
6 Table Rock State Park
Just south of town and on the shores of Table Rock Lake, Table Rock State Park is a great natural getaway in the Ozarks. Table Rock State Park, with its second-growth oak forest intertwined with multi-use trails, and plenty of access to the expanse of water, offers popular activities such as mountain biking, fishing, and sleeping under the stars. The 3.25-mile Table Rock Lake Shore Trail is a great way to appreciate the lake from land, and thanks to the State Park Marina and full line of boat rentals , appreciation can be found on the water, too. To extend your stay in Table Rock, the park also offers two campgrounds complete with non-electric and electric campsites, showers, and flush toilets.
Adres: 5272 MO-165, Branson, Missouri
Official site: https://mostateparks.com/park/table-rock-state-park
7 Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area
Located just south of Highway 76 and Branson’s Entertainment District, Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area showcases the Ozark formations that define the Southern Missouri region. Spanning over 140 acres, Lakeside Forest is lined with hiking trails that range from smooth trails to extensive steps. Visitors to Lakeside Forest can choose between the Owens Drive Trail , featuring the remains of a historic homestead, or the Lake Taneycomo Trail , which scales an elevation to reveal rock grottos, caves, and great views of Lake Taneycomo’s wide shores. Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area is also popular for picnicking, with all the facilities needed to accommodate the whole family, including a nature-themed play area for younger children.
Address: 412 Owen Ln, Branson, Missouri
Official site: https://www.bransonparksandrecreation.com/page.php?id=16
8 Family Fun in Branson’s Entertainment District
In addition to the many live shows and museums to check out in Branson’s Entertainment District, there are plenty of family-friendly activities that will grab your attention. Whether you’re in need of some speed on a corkscrew go-kart track, or you want to sink the winning putt on the 18th hole of a themed miniature golf course, Branson’s Entertainment District appeals to everyone in the family.
Bigfoot on the Strip is easily seen from the street, including its 200-foot tower amusement ride. Across the highway, the Wildwater Park is a popular destination during the summer, as is the neighboring Volg Family Fun Parks and their epic go-kart tracks. For a great idea of all that Branson’s Entertainment District has to offer, the giant Ferris wheel The Highway 76 can give you a good idea of all there is to do.
9 The Butterfly Palace and Rainforest Adventure
Overlooking Branson’s entertainment district on the west side of the city, The Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure opens up a whole new world of excitement for the whole family. With a live Rainforest Science Center , exotic critter encounters, and thousands of live butterflies imported from around the world, the Butterfly Palace offers educational and fun adventures for all ages. Patrons of The Butterfly Palace have many activities to choose from on each visit, including daily butterfly release events, as well as access to the interactive Great Banyan Tree Adventure and Emerald Forest Mirror Maze. However you choose to spend your time in this rainforest-inspired educational space, the Butterfly Atrium offers an experience unlike anywhere else in Branson.
Adres: 4106 W. 76 Country Blvd, Branson, Missouri
Official site: https://www.thebutterflypalace.com
More fun things to check out in Missouri
Branson offers the start of a great adventure in Missouri, and other cities, such as Springfield and Columbia, add even more excitement to the mix. To get a full dose of what Missouri and the Ozark Highlands have to offer, our articles on the top Lake of the Ozarks attractions, including the best campgrounds and the best resorts, can have you enjoying the scenery again in no time from Missouri.
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