Branson, Missouri is well known as a family vacation destination, and it isn’t any wonder why. The whole area is lined with nothing but theaters, live performances, amusement parks and plenty of outdoor activities. If you’re considering this spot to travel to next, or you’re in the area now, keep reading. You will find some of the top attractions you won’t want to miss!
Silver Dollar City
Celebrate America in one of the world’s top amusement parks; Silver Dollar City. This 1800s-themed amusement park is always alive with bluegrass pickers, storytellers, great food, and thrilling rides. It’s open from mid-March to December. Some things to look forward to inside are Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede dinner attraction and The Marvel Cave, one of the oldest caves in North America. At Dolly’s dinner, a friendly rivalry between the North and South ensues over a four-course meal. Meanwhile, back at the cave, you will discover what is considered to be a National Natural Landmark and also the area’s first-ever tourist attraction.
Sight & Sound Theatre
Catching a show at the Sight & Sound Theatre is one of the top recommended things to do in Branson! If you love all things singing, dancing and music, be sure to take a peek at their website for a list of upcoming plays. The theatre is family-friendly, allowing children ages 3 and older to sit in their audience. But, they also have a glass-encased family room, which will enable parents to watch after their young ones while still enjoying a show.
Table Rock Lake
Take a little break from the bright lights and center stage with a much-needed dose of Mother Nature. Here you can find all types of water activities on the lake, including swimming, boating, fishing, and even scuba diving in designated areas. Some spots are not suitable for swimming due to the amount of boating traffic that comes through. The good news is, with more than 50,000 acres and nearly 800 miles of shoreline, you shouldn’t have trouble finding the perfect area to hang out.
Lost Canyon Nature Trail and Cave
For a view of the Ozarks like no other, take the two-mile trek up the Lost Canyon Nature Trail, where you will see natural rock formations, breathtaking waterfalls, and a unique look over the top of Table Rock Lake. As a bonus, plan to make a trip in the evening, just before sunset. In the evenings there is a big Sunset celebration, as well as dining options.
Branson Landing
Head to Branson Landing to get your fix of outdoor shopping. You can do a little shopping, stop inside one of the many restaurants for dinner, and then take a stroll around the lakeside boardwalk. You will see water fountains set to lights, fire, and music. If you hang around awhile, you will catch some of the nightlife in the area also.
Titanic Museum
Hop onboard this replica of was once known as The Unsinkable Ship, where you will be given real passes with actual names of those were present on the Titanic. Visitors can take a self-guided tour, with winding staircases and hundreds of authentic artifacts from the ship. There are several interactive exhibits where guests can touch a real iceberg, dip their hands into 28-degree water (the same temperature as the night Titanic sank into the ocean), and they check their nametags to find out if they were one of the survivors.
Wine and Whiskey
If you’re of legal drinking age, you’re in luck, because there are several local wineries and distilleries in Branson. If it’s authentic, small-batch whiskey and moonshine you’re after, head to the Ozarks’ first legal distillery since Prohibition; The Copper Run Distillery. Some favorite wineries in the area worth checking out are the Curling Vine Winery, Lindwedel Winery or Mount Pleasant Winery. Call each location in advance to find out about reservations and tastings.
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