Nestled in the heart of the Ozarks in Missouri, the city of Branson is a popular vacation destination in the Midwest. Make a splash at Tablerock Lake, or ride roller coasters at Silver Dollar City and see how historic miners lived. Staying at a Branson vacation rental allows you to conveniently frequent toe-tapping musical performances and experience fine dining. Whether you prefer enjoying a day of fishing or embarking on a water adventure, these 10 Branson activities will give you plenty of ideas for your trip itinerary.
1. Enjoy the Sights and Sounds at the Sight and Sound Theatre
With more than 2,000 seats available at the Sight and Sound Theatre, it’s easy to get a ticket for everyone in the family to enjoy a Christian Broadway play or musical performances by local groups. This facility also features a glass-encased family room for little ones to enjoy the shows, too. Stop in at the snack bar for some beverages or popcorn and chomp away while viewing the choreography of the dancers and actors.
2. Shop Until You Drop at Branson Landing
Bring back a souvenir from your Ozark vacation when shopping at the specialty stores lined up along the 1.5 mile stretch of Lake Taneycomo. Window shop more than 100 stores or walk along the boardwalk to see the water fountains. When hunger strikes, stop in at the White River Fish House for fresh seafood or Cantina Laredo for Mexican fare.
3. Visit the Titanic Museum
It’s easy to spot this local attraction, as it is shaped just like the Titanic ship. Purchase a boarding pass for the Titanic Museum that provides you with a real name of one of the ship’s passengers and take a self-guided tour that includes more than 400 artifacts from the vessel. Let the kids touch a real iceberg or dip their hands in the 28-degree water pool on deck that represents the temperature of the ocean the night the Titanic sunk.
4. Experience Silver Dollar City
Take a trip back in time when exploring Silver Dollar City, an amusement park complete with artifacts from the Wild West. Watch as the staff operates old equipment, makes pottery, and demonstrates how to shoot cannons or hop on one of the many roller coasters for a thrilling adventure. Silver Dollar City is also home to many food vendors serving up turkey legs, funnel cakes, and hot dogs. Once the thrill of the rides is over, take a seat in one of the theme parks’ theaters for some bluegrass performances.
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5. Make a Splash at White Water
Within minutes of your vacation rental, you can get wet and wild at one of Branson’s most popular water attractions. White Water Branson offers a complete day of swimming or floating in the 500,000-gallon wave pool or an adventurous slide down the speed slide. Kick back in the lazy river on those warm summer days and grab a hot dog or order of toasted ravioli at one of the snack bars in your downtime. Winter tourists can still get wet and wild when visiting Splash Country Waterpark, an indoor facility with dozens of slides and swimming holes.
6. Get On Board the Branson Scenic Railway
Wind through the foothills of Branson’s Ozark Mountains when hopping on board the scenic railway. Boarding begins in downtown Branson at the historic depot, and the 40-minute ride offers breathtaking views of Tablerock Lake. When opting for a Branson vacation rental in the winter months, you’re in for a treat as the scenic railway transforms into the Polar Express, complete with a visit from Santa Claus.
7. Ride the Ducks on the Lake
Take a guided tour of Tablerock Lake and then experience a splash like no other when on board the Branson Duck Tour. This interactive boat tour offers a splashdown on the bumpy boat ride and even features a “captain” guide who offers tidbits about the area’s history.
8. Catch Some Trout with Chartered Waters
Whether you are an avid fisher or a newcomer to the sport, a fishing excursion with Chartered Waters Trout Shop and Guide Service exposes you to the tricks of catching trout in the Ozarks. Expert guides supply you with the bait you need and then take you out on the lake to lower your rod and reel in some fish. You might even catch enough fish to take back to your vacation rental for dinner.
9. Tap Your Feet at Dixie Stampede
Make dinner time much more entertaining when making a dinner reservation at Dixie Stampede. This interactive dinner attraction not only serves Southern food, but it also provides live music, a stampede of the buffalos, and racing pigs. Sit near the arena area to see the wranglers ride and see the stunt dog on an agility course. The adventures continue at this dinner theater, owned by country music artist Dolly Parton, with a carriage room pre-show.
10. See the Stars at the Hollywood Wax Museum
You don’t have to travel to Hollywood to see stars such as Julia Roberts, George Clooney, or Brad Pitt. Instead, just minutes from your Branson vacation rental, you can see the stars up close and personal in wax form at the Hollywood Wax Museum. Pose for photos with the life-like wax figures or walk on the red carpet alongside the stars while touring this museum.
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