America is dotted with incredible small towns from coast to coast. As someone currently planning a trip to the Show Me State, I find there are so many incredible things to do in Branson, Missouri, that I'll probably need more than a few days to accomplish everything I want to do, see, and eat! Branson is an amazing town, full of both natural and man-made attractions, including one of the best amusement parks in the country. While tourism makes up the heart of Branson, it's well worth wandering off the beaten path to discover some of the charming shops, restaurants, and beautiful sights that the locals enjoy every day. Whether you're just dropping into Branson for a weekend or considering relocating to this beautiful town of 12,600 residents, there's never a bad time to visit for the first time.

Looking for a weekend getaway in Missouri that's perfect for the whole family? Look no further than Branson, where there's something new to discover around every corner.

From the coast of Oregon to the mountains of Pennsylvania and everywhere in between, there are countless charming and captivating small towns across America worthy of a weekend getaway. Curated by our team of local travel experts, you’ll love our 2024 Small Town Getaways.

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History of Branson

Branson's history is tied to tourism from the very beginning, when it was founded by Reuben Branson in 1882. Back then, it was little more than a general store and post office, but it would be fully incorporated in 1912 and would get a huge boost when a dam was constructed that led to the creation of Lake Taneycomo.

The first main attraction here would be Marvel Cave, which was the first attraction managed by the Herschend family as they began their entertainment empire that now spans the country. But how did Branson become so well-known? Much of that credit goes to author Harold Bell Wright, who brought the town to public awareness with his novel "The Shepherd of the Hills." From there, Branson became a hub for theater, music, amusement, and nature.

Is Branson Worth Visiting?

There are a few small towns across this country where you don't even need to say the state and everyone knows what you're talking about. Wisconsin Dells, Hershey, Pigeon Forge... and Branson. Branson might be a small town in population, but it's become known as one of the most exciting, attraction-packed spots in the whole country. Downtown Branson often feels like an amusement park more than a town, so it's perfect for everyone who wants an exciting vacation without the overwhelming crowds of somewhere like Orlando.

But that's not to say Branson lacks the small-town charm you're looking for. Its locals are famously friendly, the town is full of wonderful independent restaurants and boutiques, and the environment is stunningly beautiful. Whether you want a vacation full of thrilling attractions, one full of unique cultural experiences, or one full of beautiful natural sights, Branson is a destination worth visiting and exploring.

How To Get To Branson

Branson is a highly rural destination – located about 44 miles south of Springfield, Missouri, and about 90 miles northeast of Fayetteville, Arkansas. The roads to access Branson should be easy to navigate, especially as you reach your destination. While options for non-drivers are limited, Greyhound and Jefferson Lines offer trips from Springfield to nearby Hollister.

Getting Around Branson

Branson is best navigated by car, as the metro area is fairly large, and certain key destinations like Silver Dollar City are along the outskirts. The downtown Branson area is walkable, with a free trolley serving 13 stops is available. However, many of the top attractions in Branson are pretty far-flung, especially if you're planning to go hiking! That helps give the whole area a much more spread-out, laid-back feel.

Best Time To Visit Branson

Is there a bad time to visit Branson? We don't think so. The town is very busy during the summer, so we love the idea of a late spring or early fall visit, when all of the attractions will be open but the crowds will be slightly smaller. Branson is a seasonal town and many attractions including Silver Dollar City are closed in the winter after the holiday season, but many indoor attractions and restaurants offer special deals during the off-season.

Of course, Branson is most famous for one season - Christmas. Many of the theaters have special holiday shows, the town is blanketed in colorful lights, and Silver Dollar City's Old-Fashioned Christmas event is considered one of the best in the world. The weather in Branson is relatively temperate in December, so outdoor activities are mostly open.

Where To Stay In Branson

Hotel Pick: Chateau on the Lake

The most famous and visually iconic hotel in Branson, Chateau on the Lake, is a sprawling convention center and spa overlooking Table Rock Lake and walking distance from the marina. It's an ideal spot for everyone - families, couples, and business travelers.

Close to both Branson's most beautiful natural sites and the bustling tourist district of the town, Chateau on the Lake is like a city in itself. You'll find 301 guestrooms and suites, all beautiful. The guests can enjoy the best spa in the Branson area, plus the signature Chateau Grille for dinner. Adults will enjoy the on-site wine bar, while kids will delight in the baked treats at the sweet shoppe. An indoor and outdoor pool means you'll have fun on the water no matter the time of year at the best resort in Branson.

Airbnb Pick: Grandma Beulah's in The Heart of Branson

Ever wanted to stay in an old-timey country cabin? Where better to make that dream come true than Branson? Grandma Beulah's is a rural four-person bungalow built into a 1910 farmhouse. Located not far from the Branson Landing and theater district, it's easily accessible by car and comes fully furnished with modern amenities.

The real charm of Grandma Beulah's is the decor – they really went all-out to make this feel like Grandma's home. There are countless great little details, like a hot beverage bar with everything you'll need to make the most indulgent cup of cocoa possible. There are two charming bedrooms, and the firepit in the backyard is perfect for an old-school country cookout. Is it any wonder that Grandma Beulah's has a five-star rating on Airbnb with more than 200 reviews?

Branson Sights And Landmarks

World's Largest Toy Museum

A massive 26,000 square-foot complex, the World's Largest Toy Museum is actually six museums and two gift shops in one. Dedicated to every plaything imaginable, it features more than one million toys including 80s icons like Garfield and Star Wars, plus toys dating back to the 1880s.

Among the specialty galleries in this museum are the National BB Gun Museum and the World of Checkers Museum. Special rates are available for groups, and it's common to take up to two hours to explore this museum.

Hollywood Wax Museum

Part of a chain of top-tier attractions with locations in Pigeon Forge and Southern California, the Hollywood Wax Museum is a thrilling destination featuring fun for all ages. The signature attraction is a massive gallery featuring hundreds of realistic figures of celebrities, historic figures, and politicians - as well as a chilling gallery filled with classic monsters, horror movie villains, and real-life infamous figures.

But that's just the beginning. There are actually four attractions here - families will love the Shoot For The Stars Mini-Golf Course and the enchanting Hannah's Maze of Mirrors, which takes you into a fantastical story as you search for a missing princess. Braver souls will take on the Castle of Chaos, an interactive 5-D theater experience pitting you against ghouls and goblins in a fast-paced thrill ride!

Branson's Promised Land Zoo

A unique private animal experience, Branson's Promised Land Zoo offers visitors the chance to get up-close and personal with some of nature's most adorable and exotic critters. You can meet sloths, zebras, and kangaroos here in a safe environment as experienced animal keepers will provide interesting facts about the many residents.

For animal lovers who want a more involved visit, available experiences range from a two-mile safari ride in a jeep to a VIP experience that not only allows a private tour, but allows guests to feed some of the more adorable residents. Our favorites are the sloths!

Branson Activities & Attractions

Silver Dollar City

Considered one of the best theme parks in the world, Silver Dollar City is the oldest Herschend Family Entertainment park and delivers an incredibly immersive Wild West theme. With dozens of attractions, guests can take a ride on some of the wildest roller coasters ever built, enter immersive dark rides like the Flooded Mine and the newly revamped Fire In The Hole, or take a relaxing train ride into the wilderness for a rustic day trip.

But that's just the start at Silver Dollar City. One of their newest rides, Mystic River Falls is one of the tallest flume rides in the world. This Branson park is considered one of the world's best.

But the rides are just part of the fun here. Silver Dollar City is known for its immersive western town theme, which allows guests to see old-style craftsmen at work. The food is also excellent, featuring an on-site buffet restaurant and some top-notch barbecue. Festivals throughout the year keep things lively, including a Christmas festival that defies belief with its dazzling light displays.

The Shepherd of the Hills Adventure Park

For those who like more adrenaline than even roller coasters can provide, Shepherd of the Hills is your ticket to fun. This adventure park is named after the novel that helped to put Branson on the map, and it's located in the beautiful Branson mountains. Just look at that view - you'll be able to see it from the most famous zip-line in Missouri.

The Zip-Line is just the start - this course offers thrilling ropes courses, as well as the new headline attraction - the newest mountain coaster in Branson, which offers incredible views as you zoom across the rails at breakneck speed.

For those seeking a less adrenaline-packed day here at The Shepherd of the Hills, there are historic tours, as well as a famous dinner show that offers a good old-fashioned chuck wagon revue while you chow down. Much like Silver Dollar City, The Shepherd of the Hills is famous for its Christmas shows.

Showboat Branson Belle

Theaters are the bread and butter of Branson, with countless revues and dinner shows available around town. But there's none more spectacular than the Showboat Branson Belle, a trip aboard an old-fashioned riverboat across Table Rock Lake. Owned by Herschend Family Entertainment, this cruise offers an old-school revue filled with magic, comedy, and music while you dine.

And the Showboat Branson Belle doesn't forget about the "Dinner" in dinner show either! As you take in the show, you'll enjoy one of two menus. The general seating menu offers a set meal of chicken, pot roast, and the famous ooey gooey butter cake for dessert.

For those who want a more upscale experience, the Captain's Club offers enhanced seating and your choice of a premium entree - steak, grilled chicken, grilled pork chop, or seared trout filets, as well as a choice of four desserts.

Shops & Boutiques In Branson

Shopping in Branson offers a wide variety for those who want to bring some souvenirs back from their vacation. You'll find plenty of themed shops geared toward tourists, but the town does have a rich downtown full of boutiques, specialty food stores, and a fantastic antiques scene. We have two favorites, which couldn't be more different - a vintage candy and novelty store and one of the most beautiful furnishings stores we've ever seen.

Dick's 5 and 10

Remember those days of old-fashioned corner stores where you could stock up on candy for coins? Well, one still exists in Branson. Dick's 5 and 10 is one of the largest variety stores in the United States, and it's an amazing spot to stock up on souvenirs.

This place has a reputation as one of the best candy shops around, and there's nothing better than hunting through the aisles for that one childhood favorite.

But that's just the start at Dick's 5 and 10. One of our favorite spots is the massive soda collection - in soda flavors you've never seen before, from bacon to sweet corn to peanut butter and jelly. Are any of them good? Only one way to find out!

This is also the best place to find those unique, kitschy souvenirs to bring back to your friends. The store really goes all out for the holidays, too.

417 Vintage Market

Branson has an amazing antique scene, and there's no better place to shop for that perfect item for your home than 417 Vintage Market. Far more than an everyday vintage store, this sprawling destination has two floors and features many items from small-batch, local, and indigenous vendors. There are many themed areas of the store, and no matter what you're looking for, the odds are good you'll find it. It's often called the crown jewel of the Branson antique scene, and we can see why! We could easily spend hours here on a shopping day.

Restaurants In Branson

Branson is a big tourist destination, so it's no surprise you'll find some great dining. Yes, it has plenty of the biggest chains that families love, but it also has some amazing independent restaurants. Fantastic barbecue, bountiful breakfasts, and even some surprising gems within top tourist attractions await hungry visitors to Branson!

Billy Gail's

Billy Gail's has got to be one of the most iconic restaurants in Branson - it has three locations, but this is the original. It serves three meals a day, but you'll usually see the biggest crowds at breakfast.

The decor is quirky, with offbeat signs all around the place. But make no mistake – they take the food seriously here!

Billy Gail's is known for one thing: the biggest pancakes you've ever seen! These sweet cakes take up the entire plate and then some and are served with your choice of classic breakfast sides. This is the kind of meal that fills you up for the day - even if it's only 7 a.m.

But if you still have room, the giant food doesn't stop at lunch. The fried pork tenderloin here is delicious and massive, and the fried basket containing chicken, fish, and shrimp is perfect for the indecisive.

Mel's Hard Luck Diner

Branson is a theater town, so it's no surprise it has one of those iconic Broadway traditions - a diner staffed by young and hungry actors looking for their big break! At Mel's Hard Luck Diner, it's time to go back to the 50s for a show.

The atmosphere here is straight out of classics like Grease, and they don't hold back - you might find yourself humming "Summer Nights" while waiting for your food!

That is, if you're not humming along to whatever the waitstaff is singing! It's all part of the show here - the talented staff are often seeking their big break in one of the town's shows, and what better way than giving you a show?

Oh, right, the food! Mel's Hard Luck Diner does diner classics right. The burgers are top-notch, but you'll want to save room for dessert - the massive sundaes are both eye-catching and delicious.

Gettin'Basted

Is there a food more iconic than barbecue? We don't think so, and Missouri is at the center of this USA tradition - after all, Kansas City is known for having fantastic 'cue. We're very excited that's made it's way over to Branson with Gettin' Basted - which has two locations in Branson and Nixa - and gets the highest reviews of any BBQ joint in Branson.

Gettin' Basted specializes in over-the-top food, serving up new and massive ways to enjoy your 'cue, like Basted Nachos or a sandwich that combines four kinds of pork into one bun. But we think there's no better way to enjoy the meats here than on the massive Judges Plate, which offers samples of every meat here and is big enough to feed the whole table - or just you if you're really hungry!

Molly's Mill

When it comes to visiting a theme park, the food isn't often at the top of people's lists. But is it any surprise that Silver Dollar City is the exception to the rule? Molly's Mill isn't just any theme park restaurant - it's a buffet, serving all-you-can-eat southern classics for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Keep in mind that this is within the theme park, so you will need to have an admission ticket to the park for the day to enjoy this feast.

If you visit Molly's Mill for breakfast, you'll enjoy a spread of bacon, sausage, eggs, pancakes, home fries, fruit, and breakfast pastries - plus that Southern favorite, Biscuits and gravy!

But the lunch and dinner feast may be even more impressive. The headliner is crispy-fried chicken, joined by meatloaf, fried catfish, and pulled pork. If you still have room, enjoy mac-and-cheese and other classic southern sides, plus a dessert bar.

Coffee, Wine, & Dessert In Branson

St. James Winery

The Branson branch of one of the area's most acclaimed wineries, St. James Winery, is a grown-up destination popular for gatherings of friends. The menu includes an extensive collection of local wines and beers, as well as some unique crafted cocktails. These pair perfectly with the casual menu - which features charcuterie plates and some of the best brick-oven pizzas in Branson. There is an extensive indoor dining area, and a beautiful patio for nice days.

Mr. B's Ice Cream Parlor

Mr. B's Ice Cream Parlor is one of those old-school places that feels like it's been around forever. Not only do they have a huge selection of hard ice cream flavors – including some old-school treats that are hard to find anywhere else – but that's just the start of the sweet treats. The sundaes, banana splits, and malt shakes are all delicious, and the recipes haven't changed in decades.

Do you feel like making dessert the main course when you visit? You can come right here, because there's a menu of savory treats as well – including chili dogs, nachos, soft pretzels, and Frito pie.

Sugar Leaf Bakery, Cafe, and Espresso

A coffee shop and bakery that feels more like a boutique restaurant, Sugar Leaf Bakery, Cafe, and Espresso is one of the most unique casual meals in Branson. The stunning garden-themed atmosphere is incredibly peaceful, and the cafe offers a full menu of baked goods and sandwiches, as well as homemade soups. It's pretty easy to put together a great meal here.

But the real headliner is definitely a coffee. Branson doesn't have too many gourmet coffee shops, but this one really delivers with flavor. The skilled baristas can create countless drinks, including a unique "Cookie of the Month" flavored latte.

Nature In And Around Branson

Branson is a densely packed town thanks to the number of attractions around it, but residents and visitors are lucky enough to have the best of both worlds. Branson is set near the spectacular Table Rock Lake and is full of family-friendly beaches and hikes to explore when you need a break from the hustle and bustle. And, of course, we can't forget about the very first attraction that put Branson on the map decades ago...

Marvel Cave

Marvel Cave is actually the very first attraction owned by Herschend Family Entertainment and is the third pillar of the company's presence in Branson. Discovered in the 16th century, this cave is found 505 feet underground, and you can explore it on the most unique cave tour in Missouri.

This tour starts with a steep descent into the cave via steps, and that's where you'll see a stunning underground waterfall along with some unique rock formations. You'll travel more than 600 steps down in total through the tour, so guests should be in good physical shape. Don't worry about climbing up, though - you'll take a funicular back up to the surface!

Moonshine Beach

There are many beautiful stops along Table Rock Lake, but Moonshine Beach might just be our favorite. A beautiful public beach, this manmade destination is like a little slice of the tropics in the middle of Branson. This is a great spot for families, as it features a playground and facilities to make a day at the beach much easier.

One of our favorite things to do at Moonshine Beach is to explore for seashells and sea glass. This is a great spot for a laid-back day in Branson, and the rates are low – $5 per vehicle or $2 per guest walkup.

Homesteader Trail

There are many great hikes around Branson, but Homesteader Trail might be the best for families. This charming hike in the Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area is about fifteen minutes from Branson by car and is a 5.7-mile trail rated moderate. There are some spectacular waterfalls and viewing platforms along the way, and the whole thing is a great way to see the more rustic side of Branson. Bring good shoes, keep an eye on the terrain, and prepare for an adventure in the great outdoors! Dogs are welcome if they're on a leash, and the trail is open and beautiful to visit all seasons of the year.

Have you visited Branson, Missouri before? What are your favorite things to do in Branson? Let us know in the comments section! If not, we hope we've put together a guide that will help you make your first visit to Branson one to remember. The more I look at all there is to do and see in Branson, the more I can see it being one of my favorite travel destinations in the country - and I hope to see you there! If you're planning a road trip to Branson or anywhere else soon, check out our road trip packing guide and pay a visit to RV Share to see if the perfect vehicle is waiting for you!