Common Misconceptions About Branson

1) Branson is all about country music.   

While we love and honor our country music heritage, today fewer than half of Branson’s more than 100 shows feature country music. Variety is the best word to describe Branson’s show offerings, with selections including Popular Music, Broadway, Magic, Dance, Rock ’n Roll, Comedy, Big Band, Acrobatics, Irish, and Patriotic. There are shows that feature the song and dance of the ’50s and ’60s, and shows that pay tribute to legendary performers such as Red Skelton, Elvis, and The Beatles.

2) Branson is all about traffic. 

Branson’s famous Highway 76 does get lots of visitors; however, there are plenty of alternate routes that allow people to get around easily using Branson’s color-coded route system. Driving on Highway 76 is now a choice that many take just to experience the excitement of the neon lights, and to be with people exploring the many entertainment options the “Strip” has to offer. New 4-lane highways leading to Branson from the north and south make traveling to the area easier than ever. 
 

3) Branson is only for seniors. 

While our area is very popular with senior visitors, Branson has been a family destination for many decades. Its beautiful rivers, lakes, rolling Ozark Mountains, award-winning theme park Silver Dollar City and diverse live entertainment offerings draw vacationers of all ages and interests. When school is in session, the number of families from great distances goes down during the week, so empty nest baby boomers and seniors do predominate. But on weekends throughout the year, and all summer long, Branson is filled with families enjoying everything Branson has to offer. 

Overall, families represent roughly 36.5% of our visitors (and nearly 40% in the summer). The average age of a vacationer in Branson is 56.7 years old.  

4) Branson is mostly filled with people on motorcoaches. 

While Branson is among the top three destinations for motorcoach travel in the country, only 5% of its total visitors come on busses. The dominant mode of travel to Branson has always been by family car (80.4%), with more Branson visitors flying into the Springfield/Branson National Airport every year.  

5) Branson doesn’t have upscale restaurants or hotels. 

Branson has a wide variety of dining and accommodation choices, including upscale dining/lodging at Chateau on the Lake, Big Cedar Lodge, Clarion at the Palace, the Radisson Hotel, and others.  
 

The Hilton Promenade is open amidst the unique shops and diverse restaurants at the new lakefront Branson Landing, along with the new Branson Convention Center

and Hilton Convention Center Hotel.