The Live Music Capital of the World is a moniker for Branson, a city in the southern Missouri Ozark Mountains. Branson’s Entertainment District, which stretches along Highway 76 in the heart of the city, offers a variety of carousels and vibrant businesses that encourage unforgettable trips and visits.
Pretty sure! There are several excellent things to do in Branson MO.
Surprisingly, Branson’s 100-year history is a result of its success in luring travelers from all over the country. A significant portion of what has drawn so much attention over the past century continues to be of great interest now.
Branson is teeming with live music venues, as well as water parks, museums, and enormous Ferris wheels, among other attractions. Both above and below ground, Branson offers a wealth of Ozark Mountain landscapes.
While various breathtaking natural settings are close by, caverns like Talking Rocks promote underground exploration. Summer is the best time to visit Branson for a wide variety of activities, while spring and fall are slightly less crowded.
Discover the greatest places to go with our list of Branson’s top attractions.
1. Catch the Subterranean Fun at Talking Rock Cavern
Talking Rocks Cavern is located in West Branson, about 10 miles west of Branson’s Entertainment District. This renowned family-friendly institution also has plenty of high-ground activities and is one of the fun things to do in Branson Missouri.
The one-hour tour of the namesake attraction, which is offered throughout the day, is the ultimate highlight of any visit to Talking Rocks Cavern. Visitors to Talking Rocks can take guided tours that go deep inside the cavern, climbing stairs and discovering the historic structures that have shaped the area for thousands of years. The tours are suitable for most members of the family, and there is no crawling of any kind.
Mini-golf, gemstone mining, and nature trails are a few of the aboveground activities available at Talking Rocks Cavern. The facility also has two difficult “Spelio-Boxes,” which are wooden box mazes built to mimic the confined spaces and are encountered while exploring the caves.
2. Catch Live Shows and Musical Performances
Branson is well-known for its live music concerts.
The concerts in the city are of the highest caliber, ranging from a cappella to musical theater. There are country and classic rock concerts too alongside unique Christmas events.
The downtown Entertainment District comes to life every night of the week throughout the summer with vibrant marquees promoting exciting performances. While on your vacation, catching a show is one of the best things to do in Branson Missouri.
Some of the most popular shows in Branson include the multi-ensemble Presleys Country Jubilee and The Haygoods’ special effects spectacle. Dolly Parton’s Stampede, is one of the most well-liked live shows in Branson, including live horseback riding, music, comedy, and food.
Other live performances include those by acrobats, illusionists, tribute acts, variety acts, and religious theater.
3. Table Rock State Park is a Natural Gateway into the Ozarks
Table Rock State Park is a fantastic Ozarks natural hideaway located just south of the city on the beaches of Table Rock Lake. This huge state park is home to second-growth oak woodlands, multi-use pathways, and expansive rivers.
Popular activities in Table Rock State Park include mountain biking, fishing, and camping out beneath the stars, and are among the best outdoor things to do in Branson Missouri.
The 2.25-mile Table Rock Lake Shore Trail is a terrific way to enjoy the lake from land.
This trail can also be enjoyed from the water, thanks to the State Park Marina and a full choice of boat rentals.
There are two campgrounds at Table Rock State Park with non-electric and electric campsites and showers. Don’t worry about extending your stay in the lap of nature, as there are flushing toilets too.
When renting a weekend camping in advance, a two-night minimum stay is required. Additionally, Table Rock offers a luxurious yurt with two beds, televisions, and a kitchen with an electric oven.
4. Silver Dollar City and Marvel Cave
Located halfway between Branson and West Branson, Silver Dollar City is a sizable amusement park and entertainment complex. The park is more than 100 acres in size and has more than 40 unique rides and attractions, and is among the top things to do in Branson this weekend.
Restaurants, entertainment venues, and retail stores are all included in Silver Dollar City. Additionally, the park hosts artisanal displays and other cooking lessons.
Silver Dollar City has the capacity to host sizable events. It also hosts seven top-notch festivals every year, including the Harvest Festival.
The discovery of Marvel Cave ignited initial interest in the region. The cave’s deep wonders ultimately spawned aboveground attractions, culminating in a thematic mining town equipped with costumed figures and amusement rides.
Marvel Cave was initially the only attraction, but as interest rose, roller coasters and top-notch amenities were added. Visitors can enter the cave today with a guide for a little fee.
5. Experience wild Thrills and Adventure at Bigfoot Fun Park
As its name implies, Bigfoot Fun Park is an amusement park that was inspired by the legendary creature.
It offers thrilling indoor and outdoor adventures for all ages, including those inspired by the enigmatic yet well-known Sasquatch.
The Bigfoot Action Tower, Bigfoot Discovery Expedition, and Bigfoot Adventure Golf are the principal highlights here.
Feel what it’s like to be a skillful primate free-falling from a 200-foot tower, or go out to the mountains and meet hairy animals while searching for Bigfoot. Experience Bigfoot’s footprints as you play each round on the adventure golf course!
Visit the park to experience even more of these thrills.
6. Fun for the Whole Family in Branson’s Entertainment District
In addition to the numerous live events and museums in Branson’s Entertainment District, there are other family-friendly things to do in Branson MO. Whether you want to knock the godspeed on a corkscrew go-kart track or hole the winning putt at the themed mini-golf course, Branson’s Entertainment District has it all.
The main highlight is the Bigfoot on the Strip featuring a 200-foot tower rollercoaster, which is plainly visible from the street. Summertime travelers love to visit the White-Water water park across the highway, as well as the close-by Track Family Fun Parks and their thrilling go-kart tracks.
7. Explore the true Ozark wilderness with Branson Scenic Railway
Visitors can ride the Branson Scenic Railway down historic railroad tracks and through the foothills of the Ozark Mountains. The Depot sits on the city’s east side, near the Historic Downtown District, and is one of the top Branson Missouri attractions.
The Branson Scenic Railway travels north or south from this historic 1905 Depot, through beautiful terrain complete with tunnels, bridges, and authentic Ozark wilderness.
The restored passenger cars are part of the Branson Scenic Railway’s history. During the nearly two-hour voyage, all ticket holders are urged to check out the connected collection of antique railcars.
The 40-mile round trip also includes a pleasant commentary that highlights the route’s most beautiful landmarks.
In addition to their daily trips, the Branson Scenic Railway hosts special events throughout the year, such as a Polar Express Train Ride during the holidays.
The railway also runs a dinner train every Saturday from April to October. Except on certain Sundays, trains leave the depot every day.
8. Enjoy the Outdoor Pursuits at Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area
Located just south of Highway 76 and Branson’s Entertainment District, it showcases the Ozark formations that define the region of southern Missouri.
Lakeside Forest spans more than 140 acres and is studded with hiking routes ranging from smooth pathways to enormous climbs.
Many of these routes lead to little underground caverns that are both fun and safe to explore and are among the best attractions at Branson.
Visitors to Lakeside Forest have the option of choosing the Owens Drive Trail, which leads to the ruins of an old farm.
The Lake Taneycomo Trail is another choice. It gains elevation which leads to unique rock formations, caves, and beautiful vistas of the lake’s expansive shoreline.
9. Marvel Aquatic Agriculture at the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery.
Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery is located below Table Rock Dam.
This is the only facility in the state where trout are raised and is one of the best places to visit in Missouri.
Visitors at Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery can witness aquaculture at its finest.
The viewing decks provide a fascinating view of the dam and lake. You can visit the nature center while taking a tour of the building.
A lot may be learned about conservation initiatives and how they may impact fish as well. Visiting Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery is among the top Branson activities.
You may see how fish are raised and what we can do to keep them in our ecosystem.
10. Take a Leisurely Stroll Alongside Branson Landing
Branson Landing, located on the banks of Lake Taneycomo in Historic Downtown Branson, is a one-stop shop for dining, entertainment, and shopping.
This interesting public area has over 100 stores next to a lovely promenade and is adjacent to the Branson Scenic Railway Depot.
The Branson Landing Fountains, located near the coast of Lake Taneycomo, are the most eye-catching feature and are one of the top Branson Missouri attractions.
These 120-foot geysers are accompanied by fireworks and music to create a spectacular performance. These family-friendly performances also referred to as Branson Landing’s Crown Jewel, take place every hour between midday and ten o’clock.
11. Experience the Whole New World of Excitement at The Butterfly Palace and Rainforest Adventure
The Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure offers a whole new level of thrill for the whole family and offers exciting learning opportunities for people of all ages. It features the Rainforest Science Center, close interactive exhibitions with exotic animals, and unique breeds of butterflies from all over the globe.
With each visit to The Butterfly Palace, visitors have a variety of activities to select from.
Regular butterfly releases are a perennially popular activity.
The interactive Great Banyan Tree Adventure and the Emerald Forest Mirror Maze are also the other main highlights here. The Butterfly Atrium offers an experience available nowhere else in Branson, no matter how you spend your time there.
12. Visit Branson’s Family-Friendly Museums
Family-friendly museums line Highway 76 and Branson’s Entertainment District. The various museum alternatives in Branson go beyond the usual and appeal to everyone who arrives, ranging from a large replica of the Titanic ship to a Hollywood-style Mount Rushmore. Visiting museums in the city counted among the top Branson activities.
There are ten exhibit rooms at the Veterans Memorial Museum that cover American conflict throughout the 20th century. The Ripley’s Believe It or Not Branson Odditorium is less than three miles down the road and showcases a vast assortment of unbelievable relics from throughout the world.
The Titanic Museum, which is accessible via a replica iceberg, and the Hollywood Wax Museum, which features a sizable collection of pop star replicas, are two additional well-liked museums in Branson’s Entertainment District.
The World’s Largest Toy Museum, the Celebrity Car Museum, and the Ozark-related Ralph Foster Museum at Lookout Point are among the other notable museums in Branson.
13. Explore the Titanic Museum
Former TV producer John Joslyn established two Titanic Museums, one of which is right here in Bronson, as a result of his infatuation with the ship that first sank in 1912.
The Titanic Museum transports you back to the early 1900s as you tour replicas of the cabins, massage parlors, and the renowned grand staircase of the luxurious cruise liner. It is home to over 400 objects from the legendary sunken ship itself.
The movie that was inspired by this tragic historical event makes a trip to this museum one of the most romantic things to do in Branson for couples.
To give you a real-time experience, a boarding card bearing the name of an authentic Titanic passenger will be handed to you as soon as you enter the ship-shaped museum. Explore the museum’s interactive exhibitions and kid-friendly exhibits.
14. Bring your Kids Along to Promised Land Zoo
When you’re searching for the top stuff to do in Branson with your family and friends, you should definitely head to Branson’s Promised Land Zoo.
Seeing all these creatures entertains visitors enormously, and you can see how much effort the zoo management puts into making sure they’re well cared for.
There are kangaroos, zebras, and antelopes among the species in this zoo.
A VIP experience is also available that enables you to interact closely with creatures like lemurs. At Promised Land Zoo, you may pet kangaroos, observe infant monkeys, feed giraffes, touch tortoises, and among other things.
Be sure to go on the Walking Safari if you like to feed or encounter wildlife. Prepare yourself for thrilling animal experiences at attractions such as Drive Thru Zoo, Parakeet Paradise, Foot Safari, and Animal Adventure Building. Promised Land Zoo offers fun for both adults and children, and is one of the prime attractions at Branson.
The zookeepers make every effort to educate visitors about the wildlife and how they interact with one another and with other members of their species.
15. Water Slides Plus Thrill at Branson’s White WaterPark
Water parks are a fun addition to any summer vacation.
The top ones provide guests with thrilling experiences while combining excitement and relaxation. One of the most enjoyable things to do in Branson is to visit this water park.
The water park’s season runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day, so you should be able to squeeze in a visit before the summer ends.
Water slide enthusiasts will be ecstatic to learn about the incredible speed slide.
Dive into the wave pool if you want to experience some powerful tides.
16. Tour the College of the Ozarks
You should pay a visit to the College of the Ozarks in Point Lookout, Missouri.
This university features a small campus, top-notch instruction, and a very distinctive educational philosophy.
If they work on campus, students can attend the College of the Ozarks without paying tuition. This helps kids develop into good scholars and decent people.
All college students would probably aspire to graduate with both a job under their belts and no debt to burden them.
One of Branson’s top attractions, even if you’re not a student, should be the College of the Ozarks. Visit places like the Ralph Foster Museum and Edwards Mill.
At Edwards Mill, you may observe students hand-weaving bags, sweaters, rugs, and more while also watching them grind whole-grain flour.
At the Fruitcake & Jelly Kitchen, where you can buy cakes, fruit spreads, and butter, you can also watch them bake.
There are exquisite greenhouses to visit, observation decks for panoramic views, a park for Vietnam War veterans, and a four-star restaurant serving farm-fresh cuisine.
17. Visit Ripley’s Believe It or Not Branson Odditorium
The Ripley’s Believe It or Not Branson Odditorium displays odd relics from all around the world and is three miles down the highway in Branson’s entertainment district.
It displays bizarre people, animals, and things from all around the world throughout history with more than 450 exhibits spread across 8 halls.
Even better, the odditorium offers fun interactive games for the whole family.
Visit this odditorium to be awed by the bizarreness of nature, people, and the world, and is one of the unique places to visit in Branson MO.
Witness unusual primordial skulls, shrunken heads, cannibal skulls, albino animals, a car coated in crystals, artwork produced from candy wrappers or matchsticks, amazing illusions, the tallest man, and countless other things.
18. Enjoy the Fun Exhibitions at World’s Largest Toy Museum
The World’s Largest Toy Museum, located on Country Boulevard, houses over a million toys and is one of the top Branson Missouri attractions. The museum appeals to both youngsters and adults because many of the vintage toys bring back memories for older visitors.
Many of the Marx toys in the Tin Toy Collection bear the name of Louis Marx, a 20th-century toy aficionado. The Train Collection includes toy automobiles, fire engines, jets, and numerous full-sized cars, including a 1927 Cadillac and a 1959 Rolls Royce.
Action Figures, Pull Gadgets, Roy Rogers, Games, and numerous other subjects are covered in further collections.
Best Places to Eat in Branson MO
Most visitors come to Branson to attend amazing live theatrical performances. This city has earned a reputation as the Live Music Capital of the World due to its fantastic scenery.
Following a night of soul-satisfying music at a concert, eating is something you’d be looking forward to. You don’t have to be concerned about that either because Branson has a variety of options that will satisfy your palate.
You may easily satisfy your hunger at one of the many family-friendly restaurants in Branson. The city is filled with infinite traditional options to satisfy your hunger, like croissants, burgers, pizza, and sweets.
Local restaurants, for example, feature one-of-a-kind meals that exemplify Branson cuisine.
1. Dobyns Dining Room at the Keeter Center
Located in the Keeter Center at the University of Ozarks, Dobyns Dining Room is a renowned eatery. Pasta lovers should try the barbecue mac, which features gouda cheese sauce and hickory-smoked ham for a delicious supper. The chicken and smoked mushroom alfredo is a fantastic alternative. Pair it with the chef’s daily-varying, hand-crafted soup. If you’re a vegetarian, try a plate of the house harvest salad, which includes fresh harvest from the school including peppers, celery, blueberries, and almonds.
Address – 1 Opportunity Ave, Point Lookout, MO 65726
2. Pickin Porch Grill
One of the neighborhood eateries, Pickin Porch Grill, will show you the dishes that Branson residents enjoy most. To sample one of the public’s traditional favorites, stick with the Anaheim Burger. It has charbroiled Angus, cabbage, avocados, jalapeno lime pesto, cheddar, chilies, and grilled onions within. The chorizo burger with candied jalapenos is ideal for those who enjoy a little spiciness.
Address – 694 Historic Hwy 165, Branson, MO 65616
3. Hungry Hunter Restaurant
Hungry Hunter Restaurant has a casual diner-style that is ideal for families searching for a spot to eat in the park. Start your day with a half-pound of chopped Black Angus ground beef and three eggs for maximum vitality. If you intend to spend the day kayaking, hiking, or fishing in Table Rock State Park, you will undoubtedly require it. This will help you maintain your energy level. Order the homemade soup kettle if you plan on coming at noon.
Address – 5753 Historic Hwy 165, Branson, MO 65616
4. Drafts Sports Grill
The cutting-edge Westgate Branson Woods Resort is home to the contemporary Drafts Sports Bar & Grill. Choose the Drafts Famous Burger, a handcrafted icon that comes with a double quarter-pound beef patty, lettuce, tomato, onions, and cheese. If you desire more ingredients, you may also include smoked bacon. To fully enjoy watching sports, serve it with a nice beer. If you haven’t already, try their amazing barbecue pulled pork dish.
Address – 2280 Shepherd of the Hills Expy, Branson, MO
Best Places to Stay in Branson MO
Check out our list of the top Branson hotels to discover a place to stay that meets your needs.
1. Hilton Branson Convention Center
This 4-star hotel is located in the city’s old quarter. It has a connection to the Branson Convention Center. It is located in the same area as shopping and entertainment. The suites and rooms are contemporary and vibrant. A restaurant, heated pool, hot tub, and fitness room are among the hotel’s attractions. The establishment is dog friendly.
Address – 200 E Main St, Branson, MO 65616
2. The Keeter Center at the College of the Ozarks
A nice mid-range option located on the college campus is around 10 minutes from the center of Branson. It features 15 suites of various sizes and designs. The Loft Suites boast towering ceilings made of hewn logs, luxurious wood and leather furniture, and a minimalist color scheme. One of the amenities is a fantastic restaurant with live music on the weekends and during Sunday brunch.
Address – 1 Opportunity Ave, Point Lookout, MO 65726
3. Savannah House
The Savannah House features lovely views of the Ozark Mountains and is located in a rural area not far from downtown. Families can choose between interconnecting rooms, which are contemporary and pleasant. Every morning a delicious breakfast is served, and in the evening a dessert spread with hot cobblers and soft-serve ice cream is offered. On-site amenities include a pool.
Address – 165 Expressway Ln, Branson, MO 65616
4. The Shady Acre Motel
An excellent low-cost option features fairly priced rooms that are cozy and clean with microwaves, refrigerators, and coffee makers. A short distance from Table Rock Lake, the motel is situated close to Silver Dollar City, an amusement park. On-site amenities include a swimming pool and barbecue grills. Kids are not charged.
Address – 8722 State Hwy 76, Reeds Spring, MO 65737
Plan your trip to Branson MO
If you’re seeking entertaining sights and activities, you should unquestionably consider traveling to Branson, Missouri.
Looking for things to do in Branson is simple, and it may be one of the top ten destinations to visit in the entire country.
Branson offers a wide variety of enjoyable activities, which keeps attracting celebrities and tourists.
Whoever is wondering, “What to do in Branson, MO?” They swiftly find an answer when they explore the numerous attractions.
It’s also noteworthy how much of the area’s beauty comes from nature.
Here you can experience two worlds: the vibrancy of the metropolis and the serenity of more rural locations.
