11 Things You Must Do if You're in Branson

11 Things You Must Do if You're in Branson

Branson, Missouri, is a popular tourist destination for its vibrant entertainment options. With over 50 live performance theaters, the city is home to various shows, including music, comedy, and magic, to keep you entertained throughout your visit.

Whether you are traveling with family or solo, Branson has something for everyone. The city also offers theme parks, museums, golf courses, spas, and more to fill your itinerary.

Branson also provides ample outdoor recreational opportunities for nature lovers, such as boating, fishing, hiking, and camping in the nearby Mark Twain National Forest.

Nestled in the Ozarks, Branson is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes and attracts over 8 million visitors annually.

With so much to see and do, here is the list of the must-do things while staying in Branson.

1. Indulge in Top-notch Entertainment

Branson is a city that truly lives up to its reputation as an entertainment hub. With rows of theaters to exciting dinner shows, Branson has something for every taste.

Dinner shows are one of the most engaging forms of entertainment in Branson. These shows offer a unique experience where you can enjoy a delicious meal while entertained by talented, world-class performers.

One of the most popular Branson dinner shows is Dolly Parton's Stampede. The show exhibits a friendly competition featuring various stunts and acts, including horseback riding, trick riding, musical performances, and aerial stunts. The show is set in a 35,000 square foot arena.

Meanwhile, a four-course family feast is served with various southern-style dishes, including rotisserie chicken, hickory-smoked barbecue pork, and creamy vegetable soup.

2. Explore the Silver Dollar City

Silver Dollar City is a 61-acre amusement park with over 40 rides and attractions, including roller coasters and water rides. Popular rides include:

  • Time Traveler – One of the world's fastest, steepest, and tallest complete-circuit spinning roller coaster
  • Outlaw Run - One of the world's most daring wooden roller coasters
  • Fire in the Hole - A thrilling roller coaster designed for the whole family
  • Grand Exposition Coaster - A junior roller coaster for younger children

3.Step Inside the Butterfly Palace

The Butterfly Palace and Rainforest Adventure feature a variety of exhibits that showcase the beauty and diversity of butterflies and other rainforest creatures. You can walk through the Butterfly Atrium, home to hundreds of live butterflies worldwide.

The atrium features a glass-enclosed butterfly emerging area where you can watch the butterflies emerging from their chrysalides.

The attraction also features several interactive exhibits, such as the "Butterfly Encounter," where you can learn about a butterfly's life cycle and how they are raised and released into the atrium.

4. Experience the Thrill of White Water Rafting

White water rafting is a popular outdoor activity that offers adrenaline seekers a thrilling and exciting experience. Branson is home to several white water rafting companies offering guided trips on the James River and other rivers.

The James River is the most popular spot for white water rafting, offering Class III and IV rapids suitable for experienced rafters. The rapids are created by the dam releases, which makes the river ideal for this engaging activity during the summer months.

Trips can range from half-day excursions to full-day adventures, and many companies also offer overnight camping trips.

5. Feed Animals at Branson’s Promised Land Zoo

The Promised Land Zoo is home to over 44 different animal species worldwide, including lions, tigers, bears, primates, reptiles, and more.

The zoo covers over 5 acres of land with interactive animal encounters, allowing you to feed some animals.

This zoo's conservation efforts are worth mentioning, including breeding programs for endangered species. The zoo also participates in animal rescue and rehabilitation programs, and many animals have been rescued from abusive or neglectful situations.

6. Wander into the Marvel Cave>

Marvel Cave is a National Natural Landmark that allows you to explore a limestone cave's underground world. The cave is famous for its large, cathedral-like chambers and impressive formations of stalactites and stalagmites. The cave also features a beautiful underground lake lit up during cave tours.

You can take a guided tour of the cave, which lasts about an hour. The tour includes a boat ride on the underground lake and a visit to the bottom of the cave, over 300 feet below the surface.

7. Shop Till You Drop at Branson Landing

Branson Landing is a popular shopping, dining, and entertainment destination located in the heart of Branson, Missouri. The development sits on the banks of Lake Taneycomo and features a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, as well as a large fountain show that takes place on the hour.

The shopping at Branson Landing includes a mix of national brands, specialty shops, and local boutiques. Visitors can find everything from clothing and accessories to home decor and souvenirs.

The dining options at Branson Landing are diverse, with a variety of restaurants offering everything from casual dining to fine dining experiences.

8. Take a Trip Through History at the Titanic Museum

The Titanic Museum is a replica of the RMS Titanic, the ill-fated ocean liner that sank on its maiden voyage in 1912.

The museum features a variety of exhibits that showcase the ship's history, including a replica of the Grand Staircase, the Promenade Deck, and the ship's bridge. The museum also offers interactive exhibits that allow visitors to learn about the passengers and crew on board.

9. Get an Adrenaline Rush With the Branson Zipline Adventure

The Branson Zipline Adventure is a popular outdoor activity that offers visitors the opportunity to fly at high speeds while enjoying the natural beauty of the Ozarks. The zipline course is located on a hilltop and features several different ziplines that vary in length and height, with some reaching heights of up to 65 feet.

10. Snap a Few Selfies at the Hollywood Wax Museum

The Hollywood Wax Museum features themed areas with a wide range of life-sized wax figures that include:

  • Hall of Presidents - It features wax figures of all the U.S. presidents.
  • Hollywood's Walk of Fame - Here, you can see the wax figures of classic Hollywood stars such as Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, and Clark Gable, as well as contemporary figures like Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, and Tom Cruise.

The museum also includes interactive exhibits and displays, such as a green screen experience that allows you to take photos with your favorite stars.

11. Enjoy the View From Atop the Branson Ferris Wheel

The Branson Ferris Wheel is a can’t-miss attraction, as it offers panoramic views of the city of Branson from above. The Ferris wheel stands over 150 feet tall and has 40 gondolas, each of which can hold up to 6 people.

The gondolas on the Ferris wheel are climate-controlled and offer a comfortable and enjoyable experience, even on hot or cold days. You can take a leisurely ride on the Ferris wheel during the day or at night when the wheel is lit with 16,000 colorful LED lights.

The Ferris wheel is a perfect spot to catch the sunset and take some excellent photographs.

Branson is a city that truly offers an unrivaled vacation experience. From amazing shows like Dolly Parton’s Stampede to taking pictures with your favorite celebs at the Hollywood Wax Museum, there’s something for everyone.