Things To Do In Branson MO: 15 For Your Bucket List

Are you looking for things to do in Branson MO? Great, you are in the right place.

In this article, I will walk you through Branson attractions and the best things to do in Branson. I’ve done the work so you don’t have to. 

When it comes to things to do and enjoy, Branson delivers. Given the nickname ‘Live Entertainment Capital of the World’, it sure does deliver.

Nestled in the Ozark Mountains nature plays a part in wowing visitors here too.

The area around Branson is beautiful and offers many outdoor adventure opportunities. 

The city was named after a postmaster and general store owner, Reuben Branson. Ruben’s post office and store attracted settlers to the area and the town was named after him.    

 Start packing your bags, and let me walk you through attractions in Branson Missouri.

Things To Do In Branson MO: 15 For Your Bucket List

Have Fun At Silver Dollar City

No trip to Branson would be complete without a day out at Silver Dollar city. Put this at the top of your things to do in Branson MO list!

This is a theme park with a difference. The difference is it’s an 1880’s themed experience.

Opened in the ’60s the park is 61 acres of time travel. With steam trains, vintage cabins, blacksmiths, and good old-fashioned cooking it’s a place not to be missed.  

It’s one of the popular attractions in the area and you will see why when you visit.

It has everything from the thrills of a 10-story 90-degree vertical drop rollercoaster to the old-time crafting demonstrations and a 13-acre water park it has everything.

When it comes to attractions in Branson MO, Silver Dollar City tops the list.

Things To Do in Branson MO: Marvel At WonderWorks

In the heart of Branson’s entertainment district is a huge upside-down house. WonderWorks is a must on your things to do in Branson Missouri list.  

The museum offers 48,000 square feet of brain entertainment. There are four stories of interactive experiments and activities for all ages.  

You can lie on a bed of nails, become a human lightning rod, experience a hurricane, and dig ocean trenches. 

This Branson Missouri attraction is a real experience you won’t forget.

Getting Weird At Beyond The Lens Is One Of The Best Things To Do In Branson MO 

Do aliens exist? Is Bigfoot real? Who killed JFK? If you love a good conspiracy and mystery Beyond The Lens is the place for you. 

This attraction in Branson is an immersive experience that delves into popular culture from the late 20th century into the 21st century. 

There are also some incredible virtual reality experiences and some top-of-the-line gaming systems. And for the less adventurous you can walk a red carpet or soar over some national landmarks.

This is a great attraction in Branson Missouri for a rainy day. And a perfect Midwest weekend getaway!

One Of The Fun Things To Do In Branson Missouri Is Step Back In Time At The Titanic Museum Attraction 

Calling this a museum does not do it justice. Like everything in Branson, it is more of an experience than a museum. 

As you enter the museum, shaped like a ship, you get a boarding pass with the name of a real Titanic passenger. From this point on you know this is different.

You can walk down the iconic grand entrance, visit recreated cabins, touch an iceberg, and dip your hands into water as cold as the sea the passengers were plunged into.  

Home to over 400 original artifacts from the ship, it is a very interactive immersive experience.  

Another great rainy day activity for your things to do in Branson MO with kids list.

Things To Do In Branson MO: Escape To Table Rock Lake 

If you love the great outdoors a trip to Table Rock Lake should be top of your things to do in Branson MO list. 

With over 50,000 acres of hiking and biking and 800 miles of shoreline with crystal clear water, the area is beautiful.

There are also Missouri campsites in the park to get away from it all. For those who like water activities, the park won’t fall short.  And there is plenty of wildlife to be spotted too. 

It’s a perfect place for a romantic getaway or a Missouri road trip.

Get Enchanted At Talking Rocks Cavern 

Did you know that there are over 7000 caves in Missouri? MO is known as the cave state. 

And one of the best caves in the state is right here in Branson. It is so incredible it was originally named Fairy Cave, which gives you a good idea of how beautiful it is. 

The one-hour-long trip down 150 steps leads you to another world. Where stunning rock formations seem to glow and shine. 

The cave is magical and I recommend a visit if you can. Once on the surface, you can go hiking, gem mining, and get lost in the maze.

Things To Do In Branson MO: Ride The Branson Scenic Railway 

Located in downtown Branson the railway has been running since 1905 and it is well worth a visit. Take an old-fashioned train ride through the surrounding countryside. It’s stunning.

The 40-mile ride twists and turns through foothills, mountain tunnels, and bridges through the Ozarks and it truly is beautiful. 

The journey takes two hours and if you go on the dinner excursion dinner is served on the train. And during the holidays it turns into the Polar Express which is great if you have children.

It is one of the things to do in Branson MO with kids!

Attractions In Branson MO: Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area

If you want to get away from it all this is the place to go. 

The scenic trails for hiking around here are amazing and the woodland trails wind through forests and meadows.

You will also find a waterfall, cave, and the beautiful Lake Taneycomo to enjoy. 

Visit The Veterans Memorial Museum

This educational museum was funded and built by Fred Hoppe after he became enthralled with his father’s tales of WW2.  

He cut the logs that built the museum, personally interviewed veterans for over 25 years, and traveled the world to collect artifacts to go into the museum. This museum is a passion project. 

He has collected over 2000 artifacts and has documented hundreds of personal stories that he shares in the museum.

There is a beautiful mural that Fred Hoppe created for his Dad.

Going Shopping Is One Of The Fun Things To Do In Branson Missouri  

Whether you want an antique, something unique, or outlet malls Branson has it all. 

You will find some great antiques on the Branson strip in the entertainment district.

The historic district has some charming boutique shops.

Branson Landing has every type of store with a lot of big-name stores. For outlet shopping, the Tanger Outlets are located on the strip.   

The historic downtown has some unusual shops.  Dick’s 5 & 10 is like a traditional five-and-dime store. Peter Engler Designs offers unique products from over 150 artists.  

Put some shopping on your things to do in Branson MO itinerary.

Take A Trip On The Trolley 

If you want to explore the downtown area a little more how about a trip on the downtown trolley?

It offers free rides between downtown and Branson Landing. 

It operates every day until 6 pm from March to December and has a more limited schedule in January and February.

They run on a constant loop so you shouldn’t have to wait more than 25 minutes for one.

It is fun to ride if you are celebrating Christmas in Branson!

Have An Instagram Moment 

Branson is littered with some incredible murals but the two most iconic ones are the Star-Spangled Banner and the Branson Mural. 

The Star-Spangled Banner mural is located on the west side of Empire District Electric Co in historic downtown Branson, near the corner of Business 65 and Main Street.

This mural pays tribute to the writer of the US National Anthem and his inspiration. 

The Branson Mural is located on the corner of Main Street and Sycamore on Cadwell’s Flea Market wall facing the Hilton Convention Center hotel.

This mural showcases the different experiences Branson has to offer. And it’s a colorful backdrop to any tourist photo.

Enjoying A Live Show Is One Of The Best Activities In Branson MO

Branson is known for its amazing live entertainment and has over 100 shows for you to choose from.

There is every type of show you could ask for and you can see shows morning, noon, and night. 

Perhaps attend a comedy jamboree or a dinner show like Dolly Parton Stampede. Or take the kids to see amazing pets or hop aboard the Branson Showboat Belle.  

Whatever you love Branson has probably got a show celebrating it!

Learn at the Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum 

At Top Of The Rock, The Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum is a 35,000-square-foot treasure trove of Ozarks history. 

You’ll find interactive exhibits, historical memorabilia, and a huge collection of artifacts and relics.  

A wooly mammoth welcomes you in the entrance and you can also rub shoulders with a giant ground sloth, saber-tooth cats, a short-faced bear, and the terror bird which sounds petrifying. 

Native American culture is celebrated with great artifacts from this era. There is also a whole gallery dedicated to the Civil War.  

Top Of The Rock also has other things to enjoy including Missouri caves and nature trails, the Chapel of the Ozarks, a golf course, and some incredible dining experiences.

The views are also stunning from up here.

Enjoy A Fountain Show At Branson Landing 

The fountain show at Branson Landing was designed by the same company hired by Bellagio in Las Vegas. So now you know why this is one of the best things to see in Branson MO.  

Branson Landing is an urban entertainment center on a 1.5-mile Lake Taneycomo shoreline. At the heart of the Landing is a bustling town square that terraces down to the water attraction.

The dazzling displays start at noon and run every hour until 9 pm or 10 depending on the time of year.

Every show has a different theme so look at the schedule and pick one that suits you. If you can, catch one of the shows after dark because it truly is spectacular.

Packing List For A Trip To Branson Missouri

If you will be traveling by plane or car to Missouri, here are some tips on how to pack lightly.

This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors.

These RFID sleeves D are another option.

This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.

My daughter gifted me this FugeTek selfie stick and tripod setup for my birthday. It is made of lightweight aluminum and is so easy to use.

I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for me.

And the replaceable carbon filter ensures fresh clean water whenever you fill the Bobble.

You will want a backpack or daypack with you to store snacks, your water bottle, phone, extra clothes, etc.. when hiking This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great

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