Travel Guides > Branson, MO

Branson, MO Travel

It's not often that a little backwoods town turns into one of the country's most visited vacation destinations but that's exactly what happened to Branson, Missouri. Still a town of only about 6,000 inhabitants, Branson has developed a reputation as the place to go to enjoy big names in entertainment, especially country music, and plenty of outdoor recreation.

Located amidst the Ozark Mountains in southern Missouri, Branson is surrounded by three lakes, making it particularly attractive to those who love watersports like boating and fishing. The sheer beauty of the area seems to attract a vast number of retirees, many toting RVs, beckoning them to come and relax, enjoy the scenery, and take in some foot-stomping music.

The shows here in Branson are certainly the major attractions and while this town has long been known as a center for Country Music, in the last several years, there's been an increase in other styles, including Las Vegas-type variety shows. Visitors will also find nostalgia shows, comedians, and even Cirque du Soleil and the Incredible Acrobats of China.

One of Branson's most highly-attended productions takes place at the Shepherd of the Hills Homestead and Outdoor Theater. For the past 45 years, this ampitheater has been presenting the same play, based on the 1907 mystery/love story The Shepherd in the Hills, set in the Ozarks. The cast, of course, changes now and then.

Dolly Parton has also made her mark on Branson with the opening of her Dixie Stampede Dinner and Show. One of four such shows in the nation, Dixie Stampede is an action-packed extravaganza where diners enjoy a hearty four-course finger-lickin' meal - sans silverware - and watch a show featuring horses, buffalo, stunt riders, ostrich races and much more.

Branson is also home to three theme parks - Celebration City, White Water Park, and Silver Dollar City. Celebration is the newest and is modeled around popular events of the 20th century. It offers lots of family-friendly rides. Silver Dollar City is the largest of the parks, with tons of thrills rides and the unique Marvel Cave, which guests can explore via a guided tour. White Water is a 12-acre water park with attractions for the whole family.

The Branson Scenic Railway provides an excellent way to enjoy the beauty of the Ozark region. Book a 40-mile roundtrip ride through the mountains and learn about the history of the area.

If you love old cowboy stars, make a stop at the Roy Rogers-Dale Evans Museum, where you can view memorabilia pertaining to the life of this famous pair as well as personal objects that belonged to the couple, including life-size models of horses Trigger and Buttermilk.