With a huge variety of entertainment types for both young and old, Branson Missouri remains a destination for more than 9.1 million annual visitors as of 2019 according to the Branson Convention and Visitors Bureau. Appropriately, this was a record and continued a multi-year growth trend in the year before Covid-19. Additionally, it is also a remarkable number for a town with a permanent resident population of under 12,000!
Approximately 50% of the population of the United States lives within a one-day drive of Branson, and most tourists arrive by car, RV or motorcoach. Further, two-thirds come from over 300 miles away. Therefore, what is it that brings an average of 25,000 (as many as 65,000 on a peak day) visitors a day to this southern Missouri town in the Ozarks? Let’s take a look at what brings people to Branson, Missouri.
Branson has a variety of entertainment for all ages
No matter your age or interest, with the entertainment choices in Branson, Missouri, you are almost certain to find something to your liking. Are you the outdoor type? Appropriately, Branson is surrounded by three lakes and has multiple golf courses. In addition, it is in the Ozark Mountains of southwestern Missouri.
Shopping your thing? Fittingly, Branson has a huge outlet mall, a downtown shopping area and lakefront development, as well as many shops and antique and craft malls.
What about shows? Consequently, Branson became what it is today because of shows that led to its designation as “The Live Entertainment Capital of the World.” As a result, there are over 30 theaters in Branson with a seating capacity that exceeds that of Broadway. In addition, many of these theaters host multiple shows As a result, at any given time of the year, there are 50+ shows available.
And the kids? There is plenty to do for kids of all ages. First, Branson, Missouri has a water park and a theme park. Secondly, there are numerous go-kart tracks and miniature golf courses, thrill rides, and ziplines. Additionally, there are water sports at the surrounding lakes in the area.
The three lakes of Branson, Missouri are a center for water enthusiasts
Surrounded by three lakes, the Branson area is aptly called “The Tri-lakes Region.” With two massive lakes, Table Rock and Bull Shoals, and the smaller, cold-water, Lake Taneycomo, water lovers will find plenty to do.
First, located just outside of town, Table Rock Lake is visited often by Branson visitors for boating, fishing, jet skiing, and swimming. The lake has over 750 miles of shoreline in Missouri and nearby Arkansas to explore. Subsequently, there are a number of marinas that rent boats and personal watercraft in the area. In addition, for those who like hiking, there are a number of hiking trails and several swimming and picnicking beaches nearby.
Finally, for a unique experience, take a lunch or dinner cruise on the Showboat Branson Belle, a paddlewheel showboat. Enjoy a meal, show, and views of Table Rock Lake while on this two-hour cruise.
Secondly, Lake Taneycomo begins at the Table Rock Lake dam and runs through downtown Branson. The water in the lake comes from the bottom of Table Rock Lake. As a result, Taneycomo is a cold-water lake and a perfect habitat for trout stocked from a nearby hatchery. Consequently, this makes Taneycomo a hub for trout fisherman as well as boaters. In addtion, Lake Taneycomo is a long, narrow lake, winding its way along the surrounding hills. As a result, it a very scenic lake for casual boat cruising.
Finally, Bull Shoals Lake is actually the largest of the three lakes. However, it is seldom visited by Branson tourists. Therefore, this ensures that someone who is seeking a quite place for fishing or just solitude on the lake will find Bull Shoals to their liking.
Branson, Missouri is a hiker and golfer paradise
In addition to the lakes, there are numerous hiking trails both in town and outside of town. First, is a popular area located right in town; Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area. Therefore, with it’s numerous hiking trails, anyone can easily find a nearby hiking trail to their liking. Secondly, located just west of town, the Ruth & Paul Henning Conservation Area is another popular hiking area. Finally, for less strenuous hiking, there are walking trails in the Branson city parks.
Lastly, for those not quite into hiking or water sports, but looking to get outdoors for a game of golf, there are numerous golf courses located in and around Branson, Missouri. First, Thousand Hills located in the heart of Branson is a par 66 18-hole golf course open to the public and is popular among visitors and locals alike. Secondly, Branson Hills is a challenging par-72 course located on the north side of town. Finally, there are numerous public and private courses located just outside of town as well.
Shoppers will find what they are looking for in Branson
If you’re one of those people who’s idea of hiking is walking from one store to the next, Branson is for you! Start with the Tanger Outlet Mall; over 70 stores representing your favorite brands. Then try the Branson Landing; a mix of lodging, retail and restaurants built along the lakefront in downtown Branson. If crafts are your thing, try the Branson Craft Mall along with many other craft malls and shops in Branson. For unique shops and eateries, try the Grand Village Shops. Here you’ll find a Christmas store and a Thomas Kinkade gallery along with the popular Mel’s Hard Luck Diner and the Sugar Leaf Bakery when hunger strikes. Not to be missed is Dick’s 5 & 10 in downtown Branson. It’s an old-time 5 & 10 store that’s packed with unique items. Finally, for the souvenir shopper, there are countless places to buy Branson, Missouri t-shirts, caps, and collectibles.
Plenty to do for the kids to do, starting with theme parks
Although known for music shows, Branson has plenty of entertainment for children, teenagers, and adults alike. If you are looking for an all-day experience, check out Silver Dollar City. Silver Dollar City is a popular Theme Park with an 1880’s setting. It features over 40 rides for all ages, live shows, and 100+ craftsmen demonstrating their crafts live.
In the summer, the kids will love Branson’s White Water. White Water is a 13-acre water park on the Branson strip featuring water rides, slides, and a surf pool. It also features Coconut Cove, a splash park for the younger kids in your family.
Branson Missouri entertainment is more than just theme parks
Branson, Missouri has a multitude of go kart tracks for kids of all ages. These range from the high rise metal and wooden tracks to tracks for younger kids. First, Xtreme Go Karts features Branson’s fastest go karts. In addition, Branson Tracks features a variety of Go Karts in multiple locations around Branson.
If zip lines are your thing, you will find several in and around the Branson, Missouri area. First, Adventure Ziplines is located in Branson while Parakeet Pete’s Waterfront Zipline is located downtown at the Branson Landing. Additionally, Just west of town is the Shepherd of the Hills and Vigilante Extreme Zipline. Finally, head north towards Springfield a few miles and you will find the Branson Zipline at Wolfe Mountain.
Let’s not forget the mountain coasters. Branson is home to three as of the summer of 2021. First, located on the “strip” in Branson is the Branson coaster. Secondly, and just a short distance off the strip is the Runaway Mountain Coaster. Finally, Beginning operation in 2021 is the Copperhead Mountain Coaster at Shepherd of the Hills west of town.
Lastly, looking for a little more “laid back” adventure? Try one of the many miniature golf courses in town. There are a number along and near the Branson strip and several more off the strip. In addition, there are even a few that are indoors for those days when the weather is not quite so pleasant.
More theater seats in Branson, Missouri than on Broadway!
After a busy day of boating, shopping, or just trying to keep up with the kids, it’s time to relax! Consequently, what better way than to spend time doing what made Branson famous? Therefore, choose a show and settle into a comfortable theater seat for some musical entertainment.
Although Branson’s show scene was originally dominated by country stars, the show variety now ranges from country to rock, from tribute shows to production shows, and from small casts to large. In addition, most shows use live bands and feature high quality sound and light production. Further, there are generally shows in the afternoons and evenings as well as a few in the mornings. Finally, the cost is very reasonable and some of the most popular shows sell out early so reservations are needed.
Personal thoughts in conclusion
First, I have been visiting Branson, Missouri multiple times per year for more than twenty years now. Subsequently, I have observed Branson change from an older, retired visitor base to a far more family visitor base. In addition, the things discussed in this article only touch the surface of things to see and do in and around Branson.
Secondly, in this article I did not even discuss the many choices of unique places to eat or stay. As a result, in Branson, you will find all types of restaurants, serving all types of food, from local establishments to national chains. In response, I hope to write more in the near future about the food in Branson. In addition, accommodations vary from national hotel and motel chains to local hotels and motels to condominiums and timeshares.
Finally, I have spent most of my time in Branson staying in a condo not far off the strip. Consequently, I liked it so much that I bought it a couple of years ago! As a result, I rent it out through a property management company when I’m not using it and it stays booked for much of the year. Therefore, if you’re interested, you can click this link for booking information.