Michael & Paula's Guidebook
City/town information
Attracting visitors for more than five decades, Branson is often described as a "family-friendly Las Vegas" for its abundance of kid-approved attractions. This southwest Missouri city, which is nestled in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, was named after Reuben Branson, the postmaster and the proprietor of the area's general store in the late 19th century.
More than a century later, Branson retains some of its old-timey charm, especially in Silver Dollar City amusement park, which was modeled after a mining town in the 1880s and is considered one of the top theme parks in the USA. Even the Branson Strip, which glows with neon lights and is lined with dozens of theaters performing shows that range from country western family acts to comedy routines, possesses a yesteryear ambiance. That's not to say that Branson is a sleepy Midwestern city – amusement parks, shopping centers, museums and natural attractions like Table Rock Lake and Lake Taneycomo pepper the area, giving visitors more than enough to fill a weeklong vacation or even a quick daytrip from nearby Springfield, MO. In fact, many of Branson's visitors find themselves coming back year after year.
193 locals recommend
Branson
Attracting visitors for more than five decades, Branson is often described as a "family-friendly Las Vegas" for its abundance of kid-approved attractions. This southwest Missouri city, which is nestled in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, was named after Reuben Branson, the postmaster and the proprietor of the area's general store in the late 19th century.
More than a century later, Branson retains some of its old-timey charm, especially in Silver Dollar City amusement park, which was modeled after a mining town in the 1880s and is considered one of the top theme parks in the USA. Even the Branson Strip, which glows with neon lights and is lined with dozens of theaters performing shows that range from country western family acts to comedy routines, possesses a yesteryear ambiance. That's not to say that Branson is a sleepy Midwestern city – amusement parks, shopping centers, museums and natural attractions like Table Rock Lake and Lake Taneycomo pepper the area, giving visitors more than enough to fill a weeklong vacation or even a quick daytrip from nearby Springfield, MO. In fact, many of Branson's visitors find themselves coming back year after year.
Entertainment
World-class adventure with record-breaking coasters at the Home Of American Craftsmanship. Experience record-breaking thrills, discover a world of surprises, and create memories.
390 locals recommend
Silver Dollar City
399 Silver Dollar City PkwyWorld-class adventure with record-breaking coasters at the Home Of American Craftsmanship. Experience record-breaking thrills, discover a world of surprises, and create memories.
Runaway Mountain Coaster & Flyaway Ziplines at Branson Mountain Adventure
935 MO-165Branson Ferris Wheel
3335 76 Country BlvdRipley's Believe It or Not! Branson
3326 76 Country BlvdShowboat Branson Belle
4800 MO-165The Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure
4106 76 Country BlvdDolly Parton's Stampede
1525 76 Country BlvdFritz's Adventure
1425 76 Country BlvdSight & Sound Theatres
1001 Shepherd of the Hills ExpyBranson Scenic Railway
206 E Main StSightseeing
Titanic Museum
3235 76 Country BlvdHollywood Wax Museum®
3030 76 Country BlvdCelebrity Car Museum
1600 State Hwy 76Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum
150 Top of the Rock Rd
DOGWOOD CANYON NATURE PARK
City advice
Getting around
Two Nearby Airports
Branson Airport (17 miles), Springfield-Branson National Airport (57.7 miles), Northwest Arkansas National Airport (98 miles)
Don't miss
Silver Dollar City
World-class adventure with record-breaking coasters at the Home Of American Craftsmanship. Experience record-breaking thrills, discover a world of surprises, and create memories.