Branson, MO

Address:Branson, Missouri

A visit to Branson, Missouri is like stepping into a world of nonstop fun and entertainment for the whole family that will have you coming back for more.

Visit three major amusement parks; choose from 52 live-performance theaters - where you will see comedy and magic shows - to dancing and music that caters to all tastes. Experience dozens of attractions and activities. See Branson from up high on a helicopter tour and enjoy a number of water tours and rides. Treat yourself to cruises and a free winery tour and visit interesting and educational museums. If that isn't enough you can shop 'til you drop in three huge outlet malls, gorge yourself on a full range of dining options and choose from a host of hotels, motels and resorts - all of which have their own treats waiting for you. Because there is so much to do in Branson, perhaps avoid visiting on weekends when lines are the longest.

Originally envisioned as a center for lumber shipment from the surrounding Ozark Mountains, the city began to develop tourism in the 1930s. Today, Branson is a major, growing tourist destination with new attractions being built nearly every year. Branson is sometimes referred to as a "Family-Friendly Las Vegas" because of the numerous shows and attractions, in addition to the flashy building decorations, neon lights and Vegas-style neon road signs. Branson is such a popular destination it made its way onto the Simpsons TV show! When talking about Branson, Bart says, "My dad says it's like Vegas - if it were run by Ned Flanders."

Everyone will love Silver Dollar City, an1880s-themed park with live craft demonstrations, live daily shows, and the newly added GIANT Swing, which soars seven stories into the sky! There are also a dozen delicious restaurants in the park to choose from if you get hungry. Take part in any of the six exciting festivals from April through December, among them the National Kids' Fest featuring The Circus of the Century. Silver Dollar City was voted the number one theme park in the world by the International Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions.

Don't expect the kids to sleep much because they will be too busy enjoying themselves at Celebration City, a nighttime family fun park. Feel the rush on the eight-story Ozark WildCat wooden rollercoaster, race each other in go-karts and compete in mini-golf and midway games. The kids will get to see their favorite characters in the Sea Lion Silly Sing-Along, with appearances by Bob the Tomato and Larry the Cucumber. Take a break from the action to enjoy Celebration City's amazing nighttime special effects show and relive great American moments with mountainside video projections, colorful lasers, a massive water screen and pyrotechnics. The show is a fun way to educate the kids.

The fun continues at Branson's family fun factory with laser tag, miniature golf and a game room.

Visitors of every age and interest have more museum options than ever before. Museums offer guided and self-guided tours, gift shops and snack bars.

Visit the world's largest Titanic exhibit. Unlike any Titanic exhibit you may have seen before, Branson's Titanic Museum, which is anchored in the water, is an actual sized replica of the Titanic. You will feel as if you were on the ship in 1912. Uniformed crew members hand you your ticket aboard as you enter through an iceberg. Inside you will see the ship exactly as it was, from the Grand Staircase to the smallest artifacts. Personal audio players will guide you along the 90-minute narrated tour, featuring stories told by Titanic survivors. See clothing, documents and photographs from George Washington to George W. Bush at the American Presidential Museum. Visit the Toy Museum and see the toys Branson city once had and the toys they wish they had.

Fishing aficionados will love fishing at Table Rock Lake, the nationally recognized top bass fishing lake. Largemouth, smallmouth, Kentucky spotted bass and white bass thrive in its diverse underwater structure and huge forage base. Bass, crappie and large bluegill dominate the lake. Catfish of all sizes also roam the lake bottom. Many area resorts and marinas can hook you up with an experienced fishing guide to help make the most of your Table Rock Lake fishing experience. If you enjoy tournament fishing, there are hundreds of regional and local tournaments held on Table Rock Lake each year, including a major B.A.S.S. tournament.

Choose from 100 live music shows and see performers like B.B. King, Ronnie McDowell, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Ray Price and Crystal Gayle and Lee Greenwood together. Enjoy shows filled with magic, comedy, special effects, animals, acrobats, lumberjacks, trick-riders, water displays and pyrotechnics. Broadway-style productions, original musicals, dinner shows and themed productions provide even more diversity.

Meet the stars! Many will sign autographs and pose for pictures wherever they are. Most performers live in the area full-time and can often be seen enjoying the same shows and attractions as you. If you run into a Branson celebrity, feel free to go up and say hello. They'll be glad you did.

Go on a shopping spree! Tanger Factory Outlet Center, The Shoppes at Branson Meadows, and Factory Merchants Branson are the town's three outlet malls, with more than 200 stores, hundreds of boutiques, craft and hobby shops, antique stores, toy stores, jewelry stores, art galleries and gourmet food markets.

Spending the night in Branson is an experience in itself. No matter what your budget or taste, there's something for everyone. Choose from a wide selection of golf-front condos, motels, hotels, lakeside resorts, cabins or bed and breakfast inns. Many area properties stay open year-round and offer reduced rates in January, February and March during "Hot Winter Fun." Accommodations include everything from full-service marinas to deluxe spas, health and fitness clubs, business centers, retail shops, lounges, restaurants, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, daycare, horseback riding, tennis, volleyball, golf, laundry facilities and dump stations for motor coaches.

Branson is very pedestrian friendly with plenty of sidewalks and promenades. Many hotels and condos are close enough to the theaters and shopping centers to walk from one attraction to another.

Most of the attractions are located on or near the Highway 76 Strip. When you get to Branson get a map of the colored route system so you can find your way easily and quickly.

If you don't want to drive in Branson there are reasonably priced shuttle/taxi services that can take you where you need to go, including the Springfield/Branson Regional Airport. In addition, a new FREE trolley has been added to the Historic Downtown area that will take you from the Branson Landing to downtown and back. Located on a lakefront, The Landing has a boardwalk and a fountain that performs hydro-te