Best things to do in Branson

With its 1,300 km (800 mi) shoreline, Table Rock Lake attracts those who like swimming, boating, diving, and fishing. In fact, with a large population of bass and 20 other species of fish, it hosts fishing tournaments every week. Set up camp at one of the sites nearby, have a picnic, or ride on amphibious vehicles that drive on land and float on the lake. The surrounding area has shops, restaurants, hiking trails, caves, golf courses, museums, and attractions for families.

College of the Ozarks is a private Christian college in Point Lookout, Missouri. The college has an enrollment of 1,426 and over 30 academic majors in Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science programs.
The college charges no tuition for full-time students due to its student work program and donations. The program requires students to work 15 hours a week at an on-campus work station and two 40-hour work weeks during breaks. A summer work program is available to some students to cover room and board costs. The college refers to itself as "Hard Work U" and places emphasis on "character" education.

Learn about old-time crafts like basket weaving, blacksmithing, and glass blowing at Silver Dollar City, an 1880s-themed amusement park packed with specialty shops, rides, shows, and restaurants. One of the region's top tourist destinations, this family-friendly park spans over 24 hectares (60 acres), and offers attractions ranging from roller coaster adventures and five-story water plunges to low-speed ladybug and spinning frog rides for young children. You can also choose from dozens of daily shows, including magic and comedy routines as well as bluegrass, blues, and country music performances. Check online for special offers, and be sure to consult the park's calendar for operating dates and times before you make the trip.

Pay tribute to one of the greatest tragedies of the 20th century at the Titanic Museum. Housed in a half-scale model of the Titanic, the museum features a 90-minute, self-guided tour that follows one passenger aboard the historic voyage and winds through 20 galleries with over 400 pre-discovery artifacts. Admire the beautiful detailing of the grand staircase and staterooms of what was considered the greatest ship in the world, or head to the top deck to practice steering with the captain. Don’t miss the chance to touch an actual iceberg and to find out what happened to the person whose boarding card you received when you entered the museum.

If you're looking for speed and thrill, make sure to visit The Track Family Fun Parks. With four locations in Branson, the parks offer a selection of go-cart tracks suitable for all ages and skill levels. The various tracks have different age and height limitations, and some require a valid driver's license. You also can try out a variety of rides, such as bumper car, or--if you don't mind getting wet--bumper boats equipped with water cannons. The ultimate thrill ride is the Skycoaster, a 30 m (100 ft) tall swing on which three people at a time can fly through the air at 112 km/h (70 mph). Mini golf courses, arcades, and other activities are also available. While the parks have no admission fee, each activity has its own, and you pay separately for the ones you choose.

Celebrate the legacy of U.S. artists and their work, from colonial to contemporary, at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Architect Moshe Safdie designed this museum to unite natural elements from the ravine where it was built with the structure of the museum itself, which opened in 2011. Spend time relaxing on the pavilion beside spring-fed ponds or gazing at masterpieces. From Rothko, Rockwell, and Lichtenstein paintings to Charles Willson Peale’s portrait of George Washington, the museum’s permanent collection does not disappoint. Travel through time and place as you move through the collection, which is laid out in chronological order, and enhance your experience by visiting the equally inspired temporary exhibits.

Learn about trout culture, fishing, and conservation at Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery. The trout-rearing facility includes a conservation center, as well as a network of paths for hiking, viewing wildlife, and access to fishing areas. The hatchery raises between 350,000 and 400,000 rainbow and brown trout each year. Examine the species on display in aquariums, catch an informative film in the auditorium, and learn more about the process of spawning and egg development in the conservation center. You can feed the fish by purchasing fish food from a machine, so come prepared with quarters. Guided tours are available daily during peak season.

Visit more than 100 stores, stroll by the river, dine at traditional and specialty restaurants, and watch entertainment shows at Branson Landing. Pick out designer apparel, try cosmetic products, or choose new furnishings. Check out outdoorsy equipment, such as camping gear, boats, clothing, and fishing and hunting supplies. You can head to the creamery for ice cream, visit the chocolate factory, or stop by the cafe specializing in carrot cake. Dine at one of the classic American venues, or go for an authentic Irish night. Don't miss the fire and water show at the lakefront.

We have some of the coolest animals around! Big cats, monkeys, kangaroos, camels, zebras, reptiles, birds and other unique rare & endangered species from around the world & much, much more to choose from in our multiple levels of admission.

Want to GET CLOSER to the animals? Try our VIP admission which includes everything in General Admission with the addition of the VIP Tram Feeding Tour in our climate controlled tour bus by traveling through the interior of the zoo and feeding all the animals in our drive thru portion as well as the VIP Encounter at the VIP Lounge where our professional staff brings out three more animals not on display for you to hold, learn and take photos with. VIP is our MOST POPULAR admission choice. VIP+ admission is also a popular choice and allows you to add on an Exclusive Encounter with our sloths, lemurs or owl!

Just want to view the animals? Try our General Admission where you get to see our Live Animal Show, Parakeet Paradise and the Foot Safari! New for 2017, our recently opened Drive Thru Safari is also a free addition to every admission where you can view animals from around the world from the comfort of your own vehicle (animals do not approach the cars in the general admission loop as per new federal regulations).

Want to do it all? The Ultimate Excursion will get you EVEN CLOSER than ever before with a personalized guided ATV tour through the heart of the zoo, so many feeding opportunities including a private Giraffe Feeding, two Exclusive Encounters, VIP Admission all day and enjoy all the offerings in the park! Prebooking is recommended by visiting our booking site at https://ultimatetour.youcanbook.com

Coming Winter of 2017, "Let There Be Lights" the longest drive thru lights display in SW MIssouri will sure to become your new Branson tradition with tons of great state-of-the-are lights displays, full Christmas Village with REAL LIVE REINDEER and lots to see in do. Visit the Stocking Stuffer Cafe & Gift Shoppe in the Christmas Village as well. As if that weren't enough, we are also offering VIP Santa's Safari Passes with a guided tour around the lights display by Santa himself! Check back for more details soon!

The Runaway at Branson Mountain Adventure Park is the only mountain coaster in Missouri. It offers a scenic thrill ride that is safe and fun for all ages. You control the speed to choose whether you want a more scenic ride or a speedy, thrilling trip to the bottom. Our closing time varies based on weather, daylight, and crowd levels. Please call if you have any questions about closing time on any given night.

Pricing:

$15 per driver, $10 per rider & get discounted re-rides during the same day for $10 each.

Requirements: Single drivers must be 9 years old & 52" tall. Double drivers must be at least 16 years old & 52" tall, passengers must be 3 years old & 36" tall. Each cart can hold up to 300 pounds/

We are located at 935 Hwy 165, south of the strip between the Titanic Museum & Table Rock Dam.

Surround yourself with more than 1,000 fluttering, colorful creatures at The Butterfly Palace. Your visit begins with an educational, 3-D video about the lifecycle of butterflies. In the aviary, admire the rare and exotic species from around the world as they sip nectar and fly--some might land on you. After your time with the butterflies, head to the rainforest section of the facility, where you can see other exotic species, such as frogs, lizards, and scorpions. The mirror maze and recreated banyan tree roots will give you the feeling of wandering a dense rainforest. Participate in interactive exhibits at the science center, which also hosts daily feedings. Tours are self-guided and you don't have to make reservations.