OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES IN BRANSON
Branson is not only the Midwest’s greatest family vacation destination with limitless big city entertainment, award-winning theme parks and endless man-made attractions to delight visitors of all ages – Branson is perfectly placed in the majestic Ozarks, home to three crystal clear lakes, a landscape of pristine wilderness and Missouri’s finest scenery. Within minutes of the bright lights, visitors are enticed into a world caves and canyons, soaring treetops, rushing waterfalls and national sanctuaries. We encourage you to step outside and discover the natural beauty that surrounds you on your visit to Branson and the majestic Ozarks.
Biking
Many of Branson’s trails are bike friendly yet a favorite for the kids is Table Rock State Park where you can cycle the steep, rocky Ozark hills or opt for an easier ride. There are miles of smooth backcountry roads in and around Branson to explore. The Busiek State Forest is a great favorite for miles of cycling trails.
Branson Scenic Railway
Enjoy spectacular views of the Ozark foothills as you embark on a journey aboard the Branson Scenic Railway, a 40-mile round trip excursion along historic train trestles and through mountain tunnels. Be sure to make your reservations in advance as this is a popular Branson attraction.
Branson’s Wild World
A jungle of wonderful creatures are waiting to meet you at Branson’s Wild World. Feed the bull sharks, mingle with creepy crawlers and venomous snakes and take the ultimate animal safari at Wild Valley Adventure Park where you will experience big cats, wolves, kangaroos and so much more.
Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure
Enjoy a unique tropical experience that is interactive, educational and entertaining for the whole family at the Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure. Play with the beautiful butterflies as you make your way through the 7,000-square foot butterfly exhibit, twist and turn through the Emerald Forest Mirror Maze and discover critters of all sorts at the Living Rainforest Adventure.
With over 6,000 caves dotting the landscape, it is no wonder Missouri has been dubbed “The Cave State”. Spelunking, the exploration of caves, is one of Branson’s top outdoor activities. Discover new depths at the Marvel Cave, Branson’s most famous and Missouri’s deepest. Marvel at the dramatic rock formations and waterfalls as you approach the Lost Canyon Cave where you are greeted by a four-story cascading waterfall. Admire the glistening crystal caves at the Talking Rocks Cavern or travel in a jeep-drawn tram to the Fantastic Caverns in nearby Springfield.
Golf
Get into the swing of things with a scenic game of golf in Branson, one of Branson’s main outdoor attractions. There are many award-winning championship courses close by offering an incredible golfing experience amidst the natural beauty of the Ozarks. Enjoy a challenging game with awe-inspiring views at Ledgestone County Club, look out over Table Rock Lake as you tee off at Top of the Rock, a favorite with challenging water play, or encounter buffalo as you practice your A game at Buffalo Ridge Springs Course, rated one of the top in the country. For the ultimate challenge, Branson Hills Golf Club is a rewarding day on the rolling fairways.
Fishing
Take to the waters alone or embark on a memorable fishing trip with one of the many local fishing guides as you explore the waters of Branson’s scenic lakes. Once a hideaway of Al Capone, Lake Taneycomo is one of Branson’s best fishing spots, known for world-class trout fishing and record-breaking trophy Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout. Table Rock Lake is a bass fisherman’s dream where boats dot the waters and line the rocky bluff shoreline in search of catfish, bass and large bluegill. The calm and crystal-clear waters of Bull Shoals Lake, nicknamed “The Caribbean of the Midwest” is another popular fishing destination famous for its white, large-mouth and spotted bass. Warm waters allow it to be open year-round. Only six miles southwest of Branson is the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery, a fantastic trout rearing facility with a nature center, viewing decks, picnic areas, hiking trails, bird watching, trout fishing and guided tours. A favorite Branson outdoor attraction for the whole family.
Gemstone Mining
With over 6,000 caves surrounding Branson there is plenty opportunity for Gemstone Mining in Branson. Pan the old-fashioned way as you learn the about geology and mining history and discover the treasure of gems, rare minerals and fossils. Gemstone Mining can be found at Wolfe Creek Preserve, Talking Rocks Cavern and Cave Spring Park. A fun outdoor activity for the entire family.
Henning State Forest
Take a guided tour with a naturalist through the Henning State Forest, or explore on one of the many hiking trails through the scenic Ozark backcountry. The rest area offers spectacular views of the countryside from the lookout and observation tour.
Hiking
There are over 200 miles of unique hiking trails in and around Branson, a great free family activity to get you into the great outdoors. Explore the woodlands, creeks and waterfalls of Branson, get up close and personal to the wildlife that call it home such as wild turkeys, foxes, bald eagles and lizard keeping an eye out for the Eastern Bluebird, Missouri’s state bird. A great place to start to experience the natural beauty of Branson is the pet-friendly Waterfall Trail, right in the middle of town following the creek-bed of a tributary of Roark Creek bringing you to several small waterfalls before reaching the top of the final waterfall. Witness the beauty of Ozarks Park on the Murder Rock Trail at Branson Creek where legends say the gold and silver of famous robberies are buried in a cave. Traverse the scenic bluffs on the White River Bluffs Trail, trail through the wildflowers on the trails from the Dewey Short Visitor Center to the shores of Lake Taneycomo or get lost in the Mark Twain National Forest.
Horseback Riding
Capture the beauty of the Branson area on horseback as you play cowboy for a day in the mountains. There are several accessible horseback trails in the area for guided rides. Trot through the wooded areas and waterfalls of Bear Creek, ride along the ridgetops of Dogwood Canyon with breathtaking views of the Ozarks or ride a show horse through the rolling hills of the historic Shepherd of the Hills Homestead. The Busiek State Forest, a few miles north, also offers 18 miles of horseback trails.
Hunting
Branson is surrounded by three pristine lakes and tens of thousands of acres of national and state forest making it an ideal habitat for whitetail deer and wild turkey, as well as quail, pheasant, rabbits and squirrel, a destination of world-class hunting for the avid hunter. There are many outfitters offering hunting tours from mid-September through January so add Branson to your bucket list for your next hunting vacation.
National Tiger Sanctuary
Visit the National Tiger Sanctuary in nearby Saddlebrooke, to see big cats like you’ve never seen them before. Only 15 miles north of Branson, this unique sanctuary is home to many exotic and domestic animals staying in a habitat as close to their home in the wild as possible. Experience feeding the animals and many educating and entertaining tours knowing your money is going to a wonderful cause.
Promised Land Zoo
Take a walking safari through the Promised Land Zoo to get up close and personal with the animals, learn about their habits, feed them and enjoy many great interactive shows throughout the day. A fantastic zoo encounter for all ages.
Ride the Ducks
Ride the Ducks is Branson’s unique amphibious vehicle ride, a ‘quack-tastic’ adventure that includes a trip down Country Music Boulevard up to the top of Baird Mountain for views over Branson and on to the waters of Table Rock Lake.
Silver Dollar City
Silver Dollar City may not be a natural attraction but it is a great way to spend the day outdoors with the kids. Step back to the 19th century at one of the “Top Theme Parks in The World”, ride Outlaw Run, ‘The World’s Most Daring Wooden Coaster’, watch the demonstrating craftsman and artisans handcraft their works of art before your eyes, tour the caves and cool off in 13 acres of family water park attractions.
Top of the Rock
Top of The Rock is located on a spectacular bluff overlooking Table Rock Lake. Perfectly crafted into the Ozarks landscape, Top of the Rock is rich with folklore and natural history. Enjoy Missouri’s finest scenery, explore Ozark heritage at the Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum, tee off on one of two world-class championship golf courses and hop aboard an electric cart for a thrilling adventure along the Top of the Rock Lost Canyon Cave and Nature Trail. If anything, be sure to experience the ultimate in sunsets as the night skies are illuminated by a canopy of stars.
Trap & Skeet Shooting
Master the art of traditional trap and skeet shooting at one of the many facilities near Branson, with a variety of courses, wobble traps, sporting clays and facilities for all ages! A fun outdoor adventure for the entire family.
Walking Tour
Discover the history and attractions of Branson on a self-guided walking tour. The tour begins on Main Street and takes about two hours past the world-famous Dick’s 5 & 10, Patricia’s Victorian House (the first bank building), the Old Branson Cemetery, Plum Bazaar (the oldest commercial building in Branson), across the railroad tracks and through Branson Landing to Lake Taneycomo. From there you head to the home of the Branson Scenic Railway and on to the Centennial Museum. Stop at the Lightning Pawn & Music shop where the August 1912, a fire began and on to the Circle of Waters metal sculpture and Legends of the Ozarks statue. Other attractions on route include Branson’s first movie theater, Owen Theater, the historic Liberty Plaza and Branson’s oldest restaurant, the Branson Café.
Watersports
There are three lakes in the Branson area that are a popular attraction amongst visitors with full service marinas to provide you with all you need for a fun day on the water. Lake Taneycomo, Table Rock and Bull Shoals lakes provide miles of rugged, scenic and relatively undeveloped shoreline perfect for all kinds of watersports including boating, water skiing, kayaking, paddle boarding and even sailing. The crystal-clear waters are teeming with abundant fish life, spectacular geology, swimming holes and unique scuba dive spots.
Ziplining
Pump up the adrenaline on a zipline adventure in Branson’s great outdoors. Soar above the lake waters, fly through the forests and reach dizzy heights above the treetops as you take a ride on some of the best ziplines in the world. From relaxing rides to extreme heights and daring speeds, there is an adventure for all ages when you zipline in Branson.
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