Planning your next Branson vacation and not sure where to start? With so much to see and do, narrowing down your itinerary can be one of the hardest parts. If you don't have time to experience it all, we've rounded up some of our favorite must-do activities to help you build your Branson bucket list.
See a Live Show
Branson is famous for its live shows, but you may be surprised to learn of the wide variety of entertainment Branson has in store.
In addition to the excellent traditional country music and variety shows such as Presley’s Country Jubilee, Branson’s Famous Baldknobbers and Clay Cooper’s Country Express, you can also enjoy shows that feature astounding magicians and illusionists, breathtaking acrobats and music from just about every genre.
Tribute performances from Legends in Concert honor stars from the past and present, including The Blues Brothers, Adele, Toby Keith, Elvis and more.
Dinner shows are also popular family entertainment choices. Be amazed by a cast of riders, dancers and 32 magnificent horses at Dolly Parton's Stampede Dinner Attraction while enjoying down-home fare. Come aboard the Silver Dollar City's Showboat for a three-course dinner and a special performance on the beautiful Table Rock Lake.
You can also find amazing seasonal productions at Silver Dollar City and The Historic Owen Theatre. Find a full list of live shows in Branson here.
Get Your Adrenaline Pumping
Prepare to have some fun at one of Branson’s many adrenaline-inducing attractions. Soar down the mountainside at The Runaway Mountain Coaster, Copperhead Mountain Coaster, or The Branson Coaster, or take a leap of faith on the 100-foot Skycoaster towering over Branson’s entertainment district at The Track Family Fun Parks'Track 4. In fact, The Track Family Fun Parks is home to several exciting attractions, including the Branson Ferris Wheel, multiple go-kart tracks, an arcade, bumper cars, laser tag, glow golf and more!
Go ziplining at Adventure Ziplines of Branson, the Vigilante Extreme ZipRider at Shepherd of the Hills Adventure Park, the Branson Zipline at Wolfe Mountain, or one of the many other ziplining adventures around Branson. At Snowflex Tubing Park, also located at Wolfe Mountain, visitors can hit the slopes year-round! The 400-foot synthetic snow surface allows up to eight tubes to ride at once, making it a fun activity for families and groups of friends.
Enjoy the Ultimate Theme Park Experience
Speaking of thrills, you can find plenty of adventure at Silver Dollar City, Branson’s nationally acclaimed 1880s theme park. Plan to spend at least a full day exploring the park, especially if you want time for the rides, shows, live crafts, shopping and delicious seasonal food (ask about their tasting passport). With more than 40 rides and attractions, there’s plenty to keep you moving, including record-breaking coasters like Time Traveler, Outlaw Run and WildFire, along with family favorites like the new Fire In The Hole.
When temperatures rise, head to White Water for 13 acres of water-filled fun. More than 2 million gallons of water fill the park’s slides, pools and attractions, including the 500,000-gallon Surf’s Up Wave Pool and the relaxing Aloha River. For a bigger thrill, take on Kalani Towers, with a 7.5-story drop, or brave the near-vertical KaPau Plummet.
Soak in the View
You'll be in awe of the beauty found in the Ozark Mountains. Even though you can appreciate the scenery from anywhere in Branson, some of the best viewpoints are high above ground.
Visit the Inspiration Tower at Shepherd of the Hills, where you can see panoramic mountain vistas, or explore Top of the Rock, where you'll find one of the most breathtaking views of Table Rock Lake. For the best view of Branson's city lights and entertainment district, hop on the Branson Ferris Wheel or The Skyscraper at The Track Family Fun Parks. You'll also find great views of the Branson skyline atop the lookout tower at Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area, from the outdoor seating at Steamy Joe Cafe, and at the 165 Scenic Overlook (especially at night) just across the road from the Vintage Paris coffee shop.
For more ideas, take a look at our favorite places to watch the sunset.
Shop ‘Til You Drop
Branson is home to a variety of shopping areas, each with its own mix of stores and local finds. Browse locally owned and boutique-style shops at The Grand Village Shops, or head to the Tanger Outlets to shop well-known brands at outlet prices.
For a more eclectic shopping experience, wander through Historic Downtown Branson, where you’ll find antique shops, flea markets, candy stores, resale shops and specialty stores. Be sure to stop at Dick’s 5 & 10, one of the last remaining nickel and dime stores in the United States, where the shelves are packed with thousands of unique gifts, souvenirs, candy, toys and other fun finds.
At Branson Landing, you can combine shopping with dining and entertainment alongside a waterfront view of Lake Taneycomo. With more than 100 specialty stores and restaurants, there’s plenty to explore before catching the Branson Landing Fountains, a daily show featuring water, music, lights and fire.
Learn Something New
Covering everything from natural history and science to automobiles and pop culture, Branson is home to museums for all kinds of interests. Browse genuine fossils, gems and minerals at Prehistoric Fossils, or come face-to-face with more than 45 life-size dinosaurs at the Dinosaur Museum. At The Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure, step inside a tropical aviary filled with more than 1,000 live exotic butterflies representing approximately 40 to 60 species.
Explore regional and American history at the Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum at Top of the Rock, where exhibits cover prehistoric creatures, Native American history and artwork, the American West and the Civil War. In Historic Downtown Branson, the Branson Centennial Museum explores the history of Branson and surrounding Taney County through rotating exhibits.
At the Titanic Museum Attraction, more than 400 authentic artifacts, interactive exhibits and detailed recreations help tell the stories of the passengers and crew aboard the RMS Titanic. Walk the full-scale recreation of the Grand Staircase, touch a growing iceberg and feel just how cold the 28-degree water was on the night the ship sank.
For something more interactive, Adventure Seekers combines a four-story collection of games and interactive experiences with FlyRide, an immersive flight attraction featuring motion seats, a four-story curved screen and sensory effects like wind, mist and scents. FlyRide takes passengers soaring over 22 destinations without ever leaving Branson. Nearby, WonderWorks is hard to miss thanks to its upside-down exterior. Inside, explore three floors with more than 100 hands-on exhibits covering science, technology, engineering, art and math.
Movie fans can pose alongside lifelike versions of famous stars at the Hollywood Wax Museum or check out more than 100 iconic vehicles, costumes and props from movies, television and celebrities at the Celebrity Car Museum. Car enthusiasts can keep exploring at the Branson Auto & Farm Museum, a 90,000-square-foot museum showcasing automotive history alongside tractors, farming implements and equipment.
With so many different subjects to explore, Branson's museums offer plenty of opportunities to learn something new between shows, attractions and outdoor adventures.
Get Out on the Water
Take advantage of the lakes surrounding Branson for fishing, boating and scenic views of the Ozarks. Spend the day on the water, cast a line for trout or bass, or simply enjoy a walk along the lakefront and take in the scenery.
Lake Taneycomo and Table Rock Lake each offer their own type of fishing experience. Taneycomo is best known for its trout fishing, with rainbow and brown trout making up the majority of the catch, while Table Rock Lake is a popular destination for bass fishing. Marinas around both lakes offer boat rentals and other ways to get out on the water. On Table Rock Lake, State Park Marina rents pontoons and other boats, while Lilley’s Landing offers bass boats, pontoons and Jon boats on Lake Taneycomo. Guided fishing trips are also available for visitors who want to spend their time on the water with an experienced angler.
For a more relaxed way to enjoy the lakes, climb aboard Silver Dollar City's Showboat for a cruise on Table Rock Lake that combines sightseeing, a meal and live entertainment.
Drive Down the Entertainment District
Branson's famous Entertainment District is full of attractions, shows, shopping, lodging, and food for all! Start your 5.2 mile drive at the intersection of 76 Country Blvd and Shepherd of the Hills Expy near The Butterfly Palace and end at Historic Downtown Branson, full of its own vast array of entertainment.
On your way, don't miss stopping in at Aquarium at the Boardwalk (even if just for a photo with the giant Octopus), grabbing a concrete sundae or seasonal treat at Andy's Frozen Custard, and visiting Fritz's Adventure for 80,000 square feet of explorable, climbable space for all ages.
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Ready to start planning your trip? Don't forget your FREE Visitor's Guide.
