Branson, MO Road Trips

Branson was named for Rueben Branson, postmaster and operator of a general store in the area in the 1880s. The population was almost 13,000 in 2020. If shows are not your thing then check out one of the three lakes Branson has to offer. Lake Taneycomo's clear cold waters provide some of the finest trout fishing available anywhere in the world. Table Rock Lake and Bull Shoals Lake offer a variety of recreational activities including hiking, sightseeing, hunting, skin diving, fishing, and water sports such as swimming, boating, and water skiing. Maybe it is golfing that swings your attention. Branson has an array of golf courses sure to please the newest beginner to the most professional golfer.

1 Hollywood Wax Museum, 3030 West 76 Country Blvd., ☏ +1 417-337-8277. The Hollywood Wax Museum is the only wax museum in the country devoted entirely to celebrity figures. Get close to some of the most famous people in show business and step right into the spotlight with icons of the silver screen, recreated faithfully. The Hollywood Wax Museum houses tons of uncanny replicas, from Hollywood stars to television personalities to characters from popular movies. Titanic Museum Attraction, 3235 W 76 Country Blvd., ☏ +1 877-974-0939. Where you can relive Titanic lore in exquisite detail in what is claimed to be the "world's largest museum attraction." $38.05. 2 Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, 2038 State Hwy 86, Lampe, MO, ☏ +1 800-456-4812. 10,000 acres of natural "commercialized" beauty, with a gristmill and host of attractions. $19.00. A beautiful stretch of crystal clear blue water, spanning around 50,000 acres (20,000 ha), Table Rock Lake is a reservoir that winds through the Ozark Mountains of northwestern Arkansas and southwestern Missouri. A favorite vacation spot for outdoor lovers of all types of activities, it has become a major tourist attraction of Branson. People from all over the United States come to the area in order to camp, boat, and fish. You can enjoy all sorts of water sports activities, including jet skiing, tubing, scuba diving, and swimming. Impounded by the Table Rock Dam, which was constructed on the White River by the U.S.

The Branson Scenic Railroad operates from the historic Branson Train Depot located downtown. The railroad takes you on a 40-mile (55-km) roundtrip ride through the beautiful Ozark countryside using vintage train engines and cars from the 1930s through 1960s. It also offers nightly dinner trips and a Polar Express tour during November and December. The Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Drama is one of the longest-running local attractions. See the events of Harold Bell Wrights classic novel reenacted by a huge cast of actors and stuntmen. During the day you can also visit a recreation of Old Matt's cabin and travel to the top of Inspiration Tower where you can see all the way into Arkansas on a clear day. Branson has over 50 live entertainment theaters. Shows range from singing (Andy Williams for example) to Chinese acrobats. One of the better and more popular shows is Six, 6 (now only five) brothers who do a variety show including accompanying their songs with the sounds of musical instruments produced by the voices of the brothers. Legends In Concert, 1600 W. Hwy. 76, ☏ +1 417-339-3003. Tu-Th 3PM and 8PM. Having entertained audiences around the globe for the past 28 years, Legends In Concert brings glitz, glamour, exciting choreography and high energy to the stage with tribute performances by Michael Jackson, Bette Midler, Alan Jackson, The Temptations, George Strait, Dolly Parton, the Blues Brothers, and Elvis Presley! 1 College of the Ozarks, Point Lookout, ☏ +1 417-239-1900.

Danna's Bar-B-Que, 963 St. Hwy 165, ☏ +1 417-337-5527. Su-Th 10:30AM-8PM, F Sa 10:30AM-9PM. Excellent pulled pork sandwiches and burgers. Burgers $4-8; barbecue plates $12-29. (updated Apr 2017) Grand Country Buffet, 1945 76 Country Blvd, ☏ +1 417-335-2434. A wide selection of well prepared food. Breakfast $13.99, Lunch $15.99, Dinner $19.99 (Jun 2023) Buzzard Bar, 612 Devils Pool Rd, ☏ +1 417-335-2777. Located at Big Cedar, this bar near Branson features live entertainment, specialty drinks, comfortable indoor/outdoor seating and a great selection of sandwiches and salads. Devil’s Pool Restaurant, 612 Devil’s Pool Rd, ☏ +1 417-335-2777. This casual dining restaurant, located at Big Cider, features southern home-style fare in a comfortable, rustic setting. Breakfast buffet and Champagne Sunday Brunch available. Sunday Brunch (10AM-2PM), Breakfast (7-11AM), Lunch (11AM-2PM), Dinner (5-9:30PM), Breakfast Buffet (Saturday/Sunday only) Fall Creek Steak & Catfish House, 997 Missouri 165, ☏ +1 417-336-5060. "Home of the Tossed Rolls". Full service dinner options: hand-cut steaks, hand breaded catfish, beef brisket, ribs. Worman House, 612 Devil's Pool Rd, ☏ +1 417-335-2777. This Missouri steakhouse at Big Cedar features USDA prime steak, freshwater fish and seafood and extensive wine list. Rooms available for small celebrations or family gatherings. Cantina Laredo, ☏ +1 417-334-6062. Upscale Mexican restaurant located at Branson Landing. Try the fresh guacamole made tableside.

St. James Winery, 405 State Hwy 165, ☏ +1 417-544-8283. (updated Jun 2021)

Branson has a plethora of condos. You can get a nice condo for $100/night or less. There are also many motel rooms generally for $25–40/night during the winter season. Red Lion Inn & Suites Branson, 1420 76 Country Blvd, Branson, ☏ +1 417-334-0611. The Brick House Hotel, 2651 Shepherd of the Hills Expy, ☏ +1 417-339-3000. Offers pet friendly and spacious discount lodging accommodations near attractions and the Strip. Days Inn by Wyndham Branson/Near the Strip, 2316 Shepherd of the Hills Expy, ☏ +1 417-337-5207. White Wing Lodge, 982 Indian Point Rd, ☏ +1 417-338-2223, toll-free: +1 877-575-5803. Located near Branson Theme park, Silver Dollar City, it also provides easy access to Branson's Music Strip. The Suites at Fall Creek, 1 Fall Creek Dr, ☏ +1 417-336-3611, toll-free: +1-800-510-7472. The Suites at Fall Creek offer fully equipped lakeside accommodations surrounded by the Ozark Mountains and the picturesque lakes of the White River Basin. Fully furnished rooms, studios, 1 bedroom and 2 bedroom condos. Honeysuckle Inn & Conference Center, 3598 Shepherd of the Hills Expy, toll-free: +1-800-942-3553. 210 rooms featuring king, queen & double beds, jacuzzi suites, indoor and outdoor pool, hot tub & spa, all you can eat breakfast buffet, complementary continental breakfast, conference facilities, ticket services, in-room coffee, remote cable television, high speed WiFi, free local calls, guest laundry. Located between the IMAX Complex and the RFD-TV Theater, only a block off the Strip. AAA and AARP discounts, children under 11 stay free.

1 Branson Airport (8 miles southeast of Branson). Branson's local airport, although as of 2024 it is served by a single carrier and only seasonally. (updated Aug 2024) Sun Country Airlines. Seasonal service with weekly nonstop flights from Minneapolis-St. Paul. 2 Springfield–Branson National Airport (50 miles north of Branson). The major airport in the area. (updated Aug 2024) Allegiant Air. Nonstop service to/from Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Orlando-Sanford, Phoenix-Mesa, and St. Petersburg-Clearwater. American Eagle. Nonstop service from Dallas/Fort Worth. Delta Connection. Nonstop service from Atlanta and Memphis. United Express. Nonstop service from Chicago-O'Hare and Denver. 3 Boone County Airport. Closer than Springfield-Branson Airport but has only one carrier (updated Aug 2024) Southern Airways Express. Nonstop service from Memphis and Dallas. 4 M. Graham Clark Downtown Airport (adjacent to Branson in Point Lookout, Missouri, next to the College of the Ozarks). For private plane traffic. (updated Aug 2024) Other options include NW Arkansas Regional Airport in Bentonville, 97 miles (160 km) or about a 2-hour drive away though the Mark Twain National Forest (includes some steep curves over hilly terrain—this is the only airport whose land route is through the forest). The nearest major airports are Tulsa 216 miles, Kansas City 233 miles, and St. Louis (Lambert) 255 miles. St. Louis has some international flights, as well as some major tourist attractions of its own to see. From most locations, take I-44 to Springfield, then south on US 65 (exit 82A).

In-spite of the mind-numbing number of activities here, and occasional bumper-to-bumper traffic, Branson should not be mistaken for a larger city, as it does not have a regular bus system. With this being said, one who is savvy could get around without their own vehicle. During the week, the congestion isn't that bad on Highway 76, and could be especially clear in the afternoons. After all, most shows are in the evening. When driving in weekend or evening traffic, be extra vigilant (lights could be distracting, and thus cause a wreck), consider alternate routes, and allow several minutes of leeway with schedules. Branson has special "colored" routes to make driving easier. Knowledge of these can make driving less stressful, and faster. One could ride the Branson Scenic Train around to out-of-town attractions, which runs on an hourly basis. 5 Branson Scenic Railway, 206 E Main St (close to intersection of Branson Landing), ☏ +1 417-334-6110. M-Sa 9:30AM-4PM. Scenic excursions to attractions just outside of town (updated May 2019) There are several taxis available, and many different types. On another note, limos may be seen around town as well, although taxis, usually yellow cabs, are the best bet, and are cheaper.