Eight Things to Do for a Fabulous Fall Day in Branson
A day filled with Branson's vibrant fall foliage, seasonal festivals, and dazzling live shows is sure to be a memorable one.
Spending a day in Branson this fall? Check out these eight activities for a fun-filled 24 hours!
1. Enjoy Live Entertainment at a Branson Show
Seeing a live show is the perfect way to conclude a day in Branson. With a variety of shows featuring music (like #1 Hits of the 60's shown above), illusionists and magic, comedy, artist tributes, Broadway-style productions, acrobatic acts, and more, you're sure to find a performance that suits your taste. Find a weekly schedule for all Branson shows here.
2. Zipline through the Treetops at Shepherd of the Hills
Set out on a treetop adventure on the popular Vigilante Extreme ZipRider over the 160-acre Shepherd of the Hills Adventure Park. You'll launch from the iconic Inspiration Tower (tower entrance included at no charge) and hit speeds up to 50 miles per hour as you soar over the rolling hills of the Ozarks. Traveling with a group? Four side-by-side cables can seat family and friends for a group ride.
3. Explore Dogwood Canyon Nature Park
Head to Dogwood Canyon Nature Park just outside of Branson in Lampe, Missouri, where 10,000 acres of a gorgeous preserve is nestled in the Ozarks. Bike or hike on-site trails or take a horseback riding tour. You can also enjoy fishing, a tram tour to see wildlife in the area, or take a private guided vehicle tour through the heart of the canyon. Expect to be amazed by bright foliage, natural waterfalls, and rugged rock formations.
4. Go on a Leaf-Peeping Tour
Speaking of foliage, you can catch some of the best views of the Ozark Mountains in all their fall glory with a driving tour through the region. Follow one of our three driving tour routes for some quality leaf peeping. Need to get your steps in for the day? Take our walking/jogging foliage tour which wraps around the Branson Landing and Historic Downtown Branson.
5. A Savory Dinner with a Sunset at Top of the Rock
For a world-class dining experience, head to the Top of the Rock Ozarks Heritage Preserve, which sits adjacent to Big Cedar Lodge. Top of the Rock is home to several restaurants, all offering decadent menu selections. For contemporary Mexican cuisine, Arnie's Barn is your go-to. The Osage Restaurant is a great option for a variety of upscale dishes with a regional flare. Located on the lower level of the Osage Restaurant, the Buffalo Bar features a cozy atmosphere with lighter fare and appetizers. Whichever restaurant you choose to visit, be sure to step outside for an incredible sunset ceremony nestled among spectacular Ozarks scenery, ending with a bagpipe performance and firing of a Civil War cannon at sunset.
6. Experience Silver Dollar City's Harvest Festival
Really get into the season at Silver Dollar City's Harvest Festival featuring Craft Days and Pumpkins in the City. This festival includes an internationally-recognized musical acrobatic performance set in the 1880s, demonstrations from visiting craftsmen and artisans, a glowing display of thousands of intricately designed pumpkins along the theme park's Town Square, character meet-and-greets, extended ride times and more. The festival runs from September 16th through October 28th, 2023.
7. Peruse the Branson Landing
For lunch, choose from one of the Branson Landing's restaurants, including Mellow Mushroom, the Black Oak Grill, LandShark Bar & Grill and several other options. Afterwards, take a stroll down the shopping district as you browse clothing lines from top designers, shoes, home decor. and accessories, outdoor and sporting goods and specialty foods. At the top of every hour, you can also catch the famous Branson Landing Fountains in action as they perform a synchronized routine complete with music and fire.
8. Have a Hearty Breakfast at BillyGail's
With a full day ahead of you, there's no better way to start your morning than eating a filling breakfast. You’ll be amazed at the size and variety of down-home breakfast dishes served up at Billy Gail’s Cafe. We're talking steak and eggs, omelettes, stuffed French toast, and pancakes the size of hubcaps. Talk about serious fuel for your day! One of the area’s most popular eateries, Billy Gail’s is the epitome of country cookin'.
Thinking of extending your stay in Branson this fall? Check out more of our favorite fall activities here!