Branson, Missouri, is a Midwest city that most people have never heard of. It’s mostly known for its family-friendly atmosphere. Most of the visitors are made up of traveling families and elderly couples on vacation. It can be overwhelming for any first-time visitor since there is so much to see and do there.

From the Land of the Lake's beautiful, mountainous landscapes to world-class attractions, you can find plenty to do. It’s a wonderful place for families to go and relax and have some family fun.

Some of the Many Things to Do

You can see lively shows like the Showboat Branson Belle. It is an amazing dinner and musical performance on Table Rock Lake on the outskirts of Branson. The three-story paddle wheeler that holds 700 people provides stadium-style seating for great views of the magnificent stage show. It was complete with flashy neon and plenty of special effects. The boat will even take a small cruise on Table Rock Lake as the show is going on.

It concludes with a three-course scrumptious dinner. While you eat, you are entertained by a variety of shows made up of talented singers and dancers, featuring classic rock and roll, patriotic songs, contemporary country music, Broadway melodies, and finally concluding with a handful of religious hymns.

Other live shows in Branson currently include The Anthems of Rock at the King’s Castle Theatre and The Haygoods Live in Branson at the Clay Coopers Theatre.

Other family attractions include the Ripley’s Believe It or Not, The Titanic Museum, and the World's Largest Toy Museum.

Silver Dollar City includes over 40 rides! They have a new coaster, Time Traveler, which was dubbed the world’s fastest, steepest, and tallest spinning coaster.

Silver Dollar City has living history that showcases over 100 talented artisans like Potters, Wood Carvers, Soap Makers, and Glass Blowers.

They even have a Culinary and Craft School that’s sponsored by Midwest Living. You can even sign up for cooking and baking classes all year round. Even Debbie Dance hosts fun and informative classes where you can make things like Pecan Barbeque Chicken, Strawberry Salad, and Peanut Butter Pie.

Eating In Branson

You can find a variety of options when trying to find a place to eat. You can choose from family favorites, buffet style, grab-and-go-fast food joints, and more.

One Place is Botanas Premier Mexican is a local family-owned and operated restaurant that has partnered with the local farmers in Branson. They provide you with the best products from the area such as farm-raised chicken and pork, as well as grass-fed beef, and locally grown vegetables.

Another is White River Fish House is owned by the founder of Bass Pro Shops, Johnny Morris. Which is a local legend around those parts. It’s a floating barge off the shore of Lake Taneycomo one of the famous White Rivers of the Ozarks. The floor-to-ceiling glass gives you dramatic views of the beautiful waterway. Many of the guests arrive by boat, tying up to the pier to rest and enjoy dinner and drinks. There’s a variety of food that you can order from fresh seafood, steaks, chicken, and ribs, plus sandwiches and burgers. The White River Fish House provided you with a unique and memorable dining experience for all.

Where To Stay

Big Cedar Lodge is a remote haven of natural beauty and contemporary luxury in the most beautiful Ozark Mountains of Missouri. In history, the area has provided shelter to the native American Indian tribes, solace to the wealthy tycoons, and pleasure to the outdoor adventure seekers.

Today, the rustic lodge cabins nestled among the trees and offer the utmost privacy and comfort, while the grand lodges perch high atop the hillside to provide you with magnificent views of the beautiful Table Rock Lake below.

This resort has so many amenities included with your stay from a full-service marina to Canoes and Kayaks, to a miniature nine-hole golf course.

Many games include bingo, shuffleboard, horseshoes, and even Ridgetop Pickleball.
Take an evening stroll down the walking trail or even relax at the many pools, hot tubs, or even the lazy river and enjoy the view.

The Top of the Rock Lost Canyon Cave is a must-see during your stay. You must experience the unforgettable two- and half-mile trek on an electric cart as you explore the Top of the Rock Lost Canyon and Nature Trail. This breath-taking trail was created to highlight stunning rock formations, waterfalls, and views of Table Rock Lake.

You also don’t want to forget to stop by the Bat Bar for a quick little refresher.

A Secret Gem

Dogwood Canyon Nature Park

You must visit Dogwood Canyon, Nature Park. Owned again by the infamous Johnny Morris. Its located 30 minutes from downtown Branson in Lampe, Missouri.

A 10,000-acre nature scape is a photographer’s dream and nature lover’s oasis. From cascading waterfalls, and crystal clear trout streams, to flowering dogwood and evergreen trees. The natural beauty and rugged scenery are the perfect escape from reality.

It is the family destination for hiking, biking, wildlife tours, horseback riding, and even trout fishing surrounded by towering bluffs, waterfalls, creek beds, handcrafted bridges, and wildlife.

The wildlife tram tour includes a 2-hour narrated tour on an open-air tram to see Texas Longhorns, bison, elk, and white-tailed deer. The tour stops at Thunder Falls Crossing to feed the fish as well as Gory Hole, a blue-green pool where the golden trout live.

There are many educational activities for the family as well.

Segway tours are also available.

A sure must stop is the Hope Wilderness Chapel, which is a rustic replica of an 1800s church.

Branson, Missouri

The state has incredible scenery which I’m just starting to explore. Branson is a treasure trove of family-friendly adventures and attractions for all ages. Have you been?
If you haven’t, you need to visit this beautiful place!