Top 7 Outdoor Activities in Branson

Branson is known for its dozens of activities to enjoy in the great outdoors! Here is a list of the fun outdoor activities to do during your visit.

1. Spend the Day on the Lake

Did you know Branson has almost as much shoreline as the entire state of California? Among the gorgeous Ozark forests, you’ll find 3 pristine lakes with incredible places to hike, swim, relax, or fish. Not only does Table Rock offer great trout fishing all year long, it’s also one of the top bass fishing lakes in the country. Lake Taneycomo, home to the Branson Landing boardwalk, provides beautiful lakeside views while shopping and dining. Moonshine Beach or Dewey Short are popular locations to enjoy the water. You can rent a kayak for a more up-close experience, or Branson Jet Boat and the Lake Queen Sightseeing Cruise are also great ways to explore Lake Taneycomo. Bull Shoals' clear waters are ideal for scuba diving adventures and it’s well-known for great fishing too, with several Show-Me State record catches coming from the Missouri side of this lake.

For kayaking, canoeing or stand-up paddleboarding, check out Kayak Branson, near Table Rock Lake. White River Kayaking and Outdoors offers amazing rentals for Lake Taneycomo. 

Want something even more exciting? You can rent a boat to go tubing from Table Rock Lake Pontoons, Inc. or State Park Marina. If you want to spend time on the lake without having to rent a boat for the day, just enjoy a ride on Branson Jet Boats.

2. Golfing in Branson

Branson is one of the most extraordinary golf destinations in America. Check out new, recently-opened courses that include designs by Tiger Woods, Gary Player, Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. Branson has many other world-class golf courses for you to choose from, including Mountain Top Course, Branson Hills Golf Club, Holiday Hills Golf Resort, and more. Enjoy panoramic views of the Ozark Mountains, valleys and rolling hills as you tee off. To see the full list of Branson golf courses, click here. 

3. Ride A Mountain Coaster

You will experience the rolling hills of the Ozarks in a whole new way when you ride a mountain coaster. The Runaway Mountain Coaster, Branson’s first mountain coaster, uses gravity to pull you downhill and through two 360-degree loops over 5,000 feet of tracks. Race to the finish on North America’s first double mountain coaster, The Branson Coaster at the Branson Sawmill, where the tracks twist and turn so close you’d think you were going to collide!

4. Take a Hike

Home to more than 200 miles of publicly accessible trails, Branson has ample options to get the whole family outside and moving. With trails of all lengths and difficulty levels, all that's left is picking which is the best fit for you and your crew. Advanced hikers enjoy the challenging treks hidden inside the Ozarks region and those out for a daily stroll enjoy the more leisurely trafficked pathways. You'll find some of the most beautiful places to experience nature right here in Branson. Check out Lakeside Forrest Wilderness Area, Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area, Dogwood Canyon, and many more here. 

5. See the Sights while Ziplining

You will feel like you are flying through the trees when you zipline in Branson. With many great places to choose from, such as Vigilante Extreme ZipRider at Shepherd of the Hills and Adventure Ziplines of Branson, it is not difficult to see that ziplining is a great way to spend your day. If you are looking for a lake view during your zipline tour, Parakeet Pete’s Waterfront Zipline is the perfect choice.

Click here to check out more zipline adventures!

6. Visit the Zoo

Branson’s Promised Land Zoo is the “#1 Animal Adventure” in Branson and a great opportunity to see animals from around the world up close. There are many ways to experience the 75-acres of natural Ozarks landscape, such as: Foot Safari, Parakeet Paradise, 2-Mile Drive Thru Safari, Guided Tram Tour, VIP Animal Encounters, Bottle Feeding and more! Interactions with animals fosters a love for wildlife while educating visitors of all ages.

7. Outdoor Attractions

Outdoor attractions in Branson range from thrilling adventure parks to tubing down a snowy hill. At Bigfoot Fun Park, choose between the 200 foot free fall of the Gravity Bomb, 200 foot Super Sling ride, themed mini golf course, or an extensive maze. The Track Family Fun Parks has everything from go-carts, bumper cars, laser tag, a ferris wheel, and more. If you are in search for a unique way to race, Snowflex Tubing Park at Wolfe Mountain has a 400-ft tubing slope that feels like tubing down a snowy hill, even in the middle of summer! Don't forget Shepherd of the Hills, which was recently voted USA Today's Best Aerial Adventure Park in America! For a full list of Branson attractions, click here.

Looking for more outdoor inspiration? Check out 8 best places to watch the sunset in Branson!