Branson, Missouri Attractions
Updated Spring, 2009
Note: Attractions especially
recommended or offering coupons on this website are marked in
RED.
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Silver Dollar City Theme Park Thrilling rides abound (runaway mine trains,
rafting, roller coasters ",explosive", rides-&, more!) Also: rides of a ",kinder,
gentler", nature for kids and grandparents. Then there's Wildfire, a high-flying
coaster that drops 15 stories, then loops, half rolls, corkscrews and spirals at
66 mph!. Truly one of a kind, Branson's 1880s theme park has been named one of
the top six in the world! Highlighting the cultural heritage of the Ozarks,
Silver Dollar City's streets are filled with music, food, and fun. Much live
entertainment, (both in theaters and in shaded, street side venues,) plus arts,
crafts, fabulous eats, historic and natural wonders, (like Marvel Cave).
Seasonal festivals are held throughout the year (World Fest, (April) ,
Bluegrass &, BBQ Festival May 13-31 with Rhonda Vincent, Dailey &,
Vincent, The Grascals, Nothin' Fancy &, scores of more bluegrass
groups. National KidsFest June 6-Aug 9 starring VeggieTales The
Invention of Silliness, Swedish Super group JEERK,
Magician Peter Gossamer &, more, Southern Gospel Picnic (Aug
27-Sept 7) , starring Brian Free &, Assurance and scores of the top names
in southern gospel music. National Harvest Festival Sept 12-Oct 31, this
year featuring a salute to the great American CowGIRL! and the signature stage
show Headin' West! And Old Time Christmas Nov 7-Dec 27
featuring A Dickens' Christmas Carol and The Living Nativity,
the 5-story Special effects Christmas tree, Holiday Light Parade, and millions
of lights! ALSO culinary and craft school, Family Spring Break
Days, Young Christian Weekend!
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Branson Convention Center &, Hilton Hotel Complex at Branson Landing With a
view of mountains and water, conventioneers can step outside the center, walk
two minutes to the waterfront, take sightseeing cruises, fish for rainbow trout,
or stroll the lakeside shopping district. , The festive atmosphere is alive
with street entertainment, irresistible eateries and fabulous stores!
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Branson Landing Branson's spectacular $350 million lakeside shopping
attraction! , Over 100 name brand stores, a 1.5 mile boardwalk along the
lake, San Franscisco style streetcars, street entertainment, an $8 million fire
and water show, amphitheater, free outdoor concerts, condos, a convention center
Hilton Hotel, and fun! , Along Lake Taneycomo in old downtown Branson.
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Branson Scenic Railway Two-hour rides throughout the Ozarks on restored
luxury cars from the 40's and 50's.
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Moonshine Beach Beautiful beach, newly renovated, with complete facilities,
(changing areas, showers, bathrooms), covered picnic area, beach area, grassy,
tree-shaded areas, and plenty of parking. Right
next to Table Rock Dam.
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Shepherd of the Hills Historic Homestead Features outdoor theater spectacle,
Inspiration Tower, rides, shopping, food, shows. Original setting of world
famous novel and John Wayne movie.
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Spirit of America Sailing catamaran cruises on Table Rock Lake.
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Splash-A-Torium Indoor Outdoor Water Park, free to all guests at
Branson's Welk Resort! Offering Coupons on this
website.
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Showboat Branson Belle Majestic, 1890's style sternwheeler (America's
largest inland vessel). Romantic riverboatin' days come to life as you cruise
lovely Table Rock Lake. Enjoy a sumptuous meal and a sensational new show.
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White Water Branson's ",splashtacular", 12-acre water park.
Plan to explore Branson's
other fine attractions!
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Antique Toy Museum Fascinating collections from childhoods past.
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Area 57 Outdoor events featauring live concerts, car cruise-ins, motorcyle
rallies and more!
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Avenue of Freedom is the two-mile stretch of Gretna Road from Missouri 248
west to the bridge at Roark Valley Road in Branson where 92 American flags fly
promoting pride in the flag, our veterans and our nation.
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The Bible Factory Outlet located in Tanger Mall
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Bonniebrook Park Kewpie Doll Museum, and Victorian mansion of Kewpie Doll
creator Rose O'Neill.
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Branson Ballknocker - a 12-foot tall round clear ball with a 6-foot inner
chamber where one, two or three people may ride. There is a 3-foot cushion of
air in between the outer and inner chamber. Or ride the Branson Wet Ballknocker
with up to 3 people riding unharnessed with up to 5 gallons of water. Ballls are
loaded atop a hill and pushed off a launching pad to a 550 foot run.
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Branson Carriage Company Horse-drawn carriage tours along Lake Taneycomo and
old downtown Branson.
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Branson Convention Center &, Hilton Hotel Complex at Branson Landing With a
view of mountains and water, conventioneers can step outside the center, walk
two minutes to the waterfront, take sightseeing cruises, fish for rainbow trout,
or stroll the lakeside shopping district. , The festive atmosphere is alive
with street entertainment, irresistible eateries and fabulous stores!
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Branson Dinosaur Museum ,Over 50
life-sized dinosaurs are display amidst fauna, from the very smallest creature -
a 1-foot micro-raptor to towering 42-foot tyrannosaurus rex that stands about
two stories high. The models were created by paleo-artists who copied the molds
off of the original dinosaur skeletons and then created the bodies. Access to
Haunted House and Monster Asylum. , Combo tickets available.
Offering Coupons on this website.
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Branson Entertainment Hall of Fame and Museum at the Branson Mall
celebrates Branson’s unique entertainment history and recognizes those who have
had a significant impact on the Branson entertainment industry. Admission is
free of charge. Donations are gratefully accepted. An exceptional family
experience!
nBranson
Family Fun Factory, a youth and family oriented business located on Hwy 165
just south of the Welk Family Complex with glow-in-the-dark miniature golf,
laser tag and game room.
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Branson Landing Branson's spectacular $350 million lakeside shopping
attraction! , Over 100 name brand stores, a 1.5 mile boardwalk along the
lake, San Franscisco style streetcars, street entertainment, an $8 million fire
and water show, amphitheater, free outdoor concerts, condos, a convention center
Hilton Hotel, and fun! , Along Lake Taneycomo in old downtown Branson.
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Branson Landing Cruises at Branson Landing in historic downtown Branson
includes the Lake Queen, a modern day riverboat replica, or the Landing
Princess, a 100' luxury yacht. The cruise experience includes a variety of lake
cruises from delicious Lunch Cruises to romantic Dinner Cruises, from historic
Sightseeing Tours to Special Events and Holiday Cruises.
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Branson Meadows Cinema An 11 screen movie theater, it is located in Branson
Meadows outlet mall.
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Branson Segway is the only Segway establishment in the United States that
rents Segways to the public, Features a half-mile track complete with hills,
turns, bumps and a slalom and offers on-track instruction on the Segway. Safety
gear provided. For ages 12 &, up, and age 12-16 must be accompanied by an adult.
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Brookside Mini Golf A mini-golf heaven of cooling mists, lush greenery and
bubbling waters, on Shepherd of the Hills Expressway.
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Bumper Boats Water attraction on the strip
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Butterfly Palace and Rain Forest Adventure - Walk among 1,000+ live tropical
butterflies, enjoy a 3-D butterfly movie, visit the Rainforest Critter Center,
and wander through the Emerald Forest Mirror Maze. Interactive, educational and
entertaining. Open year-round. White Flight, a unique holiday exhibit featuring
thousands of white butterflies. ,
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Caverns: Marvel Cave, (inside Silver Dollar City), Talking Rocks Cavern,
Branson, and Fantastic Caverns, (near Springfield).
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Christ of the Ozarks Statue Towering over a mountaintop in nearby Eureka
Springs, Arkansas, 40 miles from Branson.
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Christmas Lights Display By the first of November, the Branson area turns
into a Holiday fantasyland. Just drive around the area in your own vehicle, the
Jolly
Trolley or one of the Ducks. It doesn't matter how you get there, just don't
miss Kimberling City's Port of Lights, Branson's Festival of Lights or Trail of
Lights at Shepherd of the Hills.
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Chopper Charter – Scenic Helicopter Tours at the Taney County/ Point Lookout
Airport - Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Branson area from the air.
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Cool Off Water Chutes Fun water slides on the Branson strip.
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College of the Ozarks Ralph Foster Museum The ",Smithsonian of the Ozarks.",
See the original Beverly Hillbillies car and a fabulous collection of Ozarks
history and culture.!
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Dewey Short Visitor Center Gift Shop and Bookstore at Table Rock Lake State
Park.
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Dixie Stampede Dolly Parton's ",most fun place to eat",. A
mouth-watering Southern feast and a western spectacle of horse stunts, live
buffaloes, ostrich races, magic tricks and heartwarming patriotism!
Offering Coupons on this website.
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Dogwood Canyon Nature Park , Nature Park trails, bicycling, horseback
riding, tours. Waterfalls, caves, historic sites, buffalo, deer, elk.
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Dogwood Lanes Fun for the entire family. A bowling lane conveniently located
on East State Highway 76.
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The Ejection Seat Two 145' ejection towers available. Upon ejection,
'victim' shoots up to an additional 30' in the air in two seconds - 3 G's.
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Elite Cinema III While in the IMAX Complex, why not drop in at the Elite
Cinema to see a motion picture on one of their three screens.
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'57 Heaven at Dick Clark's American Bandstand The world's largest collection
of showroom-pristine 1957 automobiles and memorabilia-showcased in a recreation
of Main Street America, circa 1957.
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Elite Cinema III While in the IMAX Complex, why not drop in at the Elite
Cinema to see a motion picture on one of their three screens.
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Engler Block Car Museum – the traditional Engler Block has changed to the
only museum of this type in the central United States. Visitors can view the
automobiles and will actually have the option to purchase.
nGage's
Branson Landing Shoppes, adjacent to Branson Landing Cruises, is the largest
floating platform in North America and home to Shorty Small's restaurant, Ben &,
Jerry's ice cream scoop shop, and Denney's Harley Davidson store. Open year
round.
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Ghost Haunt tours of Branson offers a hair-raising ninety-minute tour into
the spirit realm on a leisurely stroll and search along the shadowy streets of
the historic downtown area of Branson. Hear stories of the strange and
unexplained. Age appropriate for all.
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Go-Karts All over Branson.
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Golf Ten scenic courses throughout the Branson area, including links
designed by Jack Nicklaus and Tom Fazio. The Branson area golf courses boast a
remarkable list of honors and awards by GolfDigest, Golfweek and
Travel and Leisure Golf Magazine among others. The courses integrate
inspired design by the likes of Tom Fazio and Jack Nicklaus with rugged Ozark
Mountain topography. The Branson Area Golf Council is a great source of
information about the area's courses. For more information visit
www.golfbranson.com.
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Grand Country Square Indoor mini-golf, theater with live shows, arcades,
restaurants, eateries, gift shops, specialty shops, and ",the world's largest
banjo", and ",world's largest fiddle!",
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The Great Passion Play America's most attended outdoor drama, which depicts
the last days of Christ on the earth. , A cast of hundreds, including
camels, sheep, Roman charioteers, and a recreation of Jerusalem depicts the
",greatest story ever told", in up close, exciting realism. , The Great
Passion Play Park includes 16 Bible-based attractions, including a living
history tour through the Bible, a museum of ancient Bible manuscripts, The
Museum of Earth History (Dinosaurs!), a world-renown gift shop, plus eateries
and a full service restaurant on site. , In Eureka Springs, Arkansas, 40
miles from Branson.
nGreatest
Adventures Mini Golf Fantastic 36-hole course built 2008 with 2 separate
themed 18-hole courses which features the Waterfall Cave, Smokin Dragon, Castle,
Knights, Bridges, Fountains, Gorilla, Egyptian Artifacts.
n Haunted House &,
Monster Asylum ,Monsters, ghouls &, creepy things haunt Hwy 76! ,
Cutting-edge animatronics and Hollywood style creepy scenes, castles, crypts, a
mirror maze and (gulp) surprises! , Travel through the Ozark Cemetery,
monster asylum, ghostly castle, crypts, and more. Things go bump in the night
and creepy ghouls scare you! It’s great fun and really gets your heart racing.
Access to the Dinosaur Museum. , Combo tickets available. ,
Coupons on this website.
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Historic Downtown Branson Pick up a map and take a walking tour of Downtown
Branson, or explore on your own. Shop, see a show or have a meal, there's always
something to do Downtown.
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Hollywood Wax Museum Great scenes from classic movies, TV, and the music
world, brought to life with dramatic, up-close realism.
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IMAX Entertainment Complex IMAX is the ultimate movie experience. With
crystal clear images six stories high and 83-feet wide, wrap-around digital
surround sound IMAX takes you places you only imagined! Technically advanced and
visually stunning, The IMAX Experience is the world’s most powerful and
immersive movie experience ever created! , The Imax Entertainment Complex
includes two other on-site movie theaters, live productions in the Little Opry
Theatre, restaurants, stores, eateries and fun!
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Indoor Mini Golf Keep cool in the summer and warm in the winter, meandering
indoor streams and hazards in a relaxing, night-like setting at Grand Country
Square.
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Inspiration Tower Located at Shepherd of the Hills, it offers area's best
view of Ozark Scenery.
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Jim Stafford's Jolly Trolley Company Laugh-filled sightseeing tour of the
hills around Branson (during Christmas season only, Nov-Dec).
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Kids Country Go karts and amusements on the strip
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Lost Treasure Miniature Golf Conveniently located on W. Highway 76, easy
'in' and 'out' when the mood for fun strikes.
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Mount Pleasant Winery, with award-winning wines, is a wine shop, art gallery
and hands-on bottling experience all rolled into one.
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Museum of Earth History Dinosaur Museum from Creationists point of view,
located at The Great Passion Play in nearby Eureka Springs, Arkansas. The museum
consist of 3,000 square feet of high-quality, scientific exhibits displayed in a
totally biblical setting. Viewers journey through three epic periods of ancient
history often overlooked by modern historians: life before the fall, the
post-fall world, and life after the devastating effects of the great Genesis
Flood.
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Museum of the Unexplained (in Reeds Spring) As seen on TV, ghost lights,
UFOs, miracles, &, mysteries.
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Ozark Shooters Sports Complex Shoot those clay pigeons just North of town on
Hwy. 65.
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Pirates Cove Adventure Golf ",Meet the Challenge and Discover the Fun", on two
elaborately designed miniature golf courses filled with seafaring hazards.
Arcades and snacks inside.
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Precious Moments Chapel The ",sistine chapel of the Ozarks",, decorated
with original frescoes painted by Samuel L. Butcher, creator of the famous
",Precious Moments", characters. , Located at the Precious Moments Park. ,
World Famous gift shop, museum and Visitors Center showcasing the Precious
Moments merchandise. , Exit I-44 at Carthage, MO.Coupons
on this website.
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Ride the Ducks ",Quack-tacular", fun. , Branson sightseeing fun from a
duck's eye view on Branson's only duck tour on land and water in the amphibious
vehicle based on the famous WWII DUKW amphibious design. 2 fun-filled Branson
Adventures: the Classic Table Rock Lake Sightseeing Adventure and the New
Branson Landing Sightseeing Adventure.
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Ridge Runner Branson go-kart tracks.
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Ripley's Believe it or Not! Museum of Amazement A fascinating tour of
the bizarre, the mysterious, the unusual. Ripley’s Believe It or Not! is
one of the “oddest” places to visit in Branson with its Ripley’s Odditorium. A
walk through Ripley’s is like walking in Robert Ripley’s shoes. Artifacts from
his journeys form the heart of the greatest collection of oddities ever with
more than 400 of these exhibits.
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River Run Outfitters Complete outfitters for fly fishing excursions.
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Roy Rogers-Dale Evans Museum &, Happy Trails Theater The complete collection
of Roy and Dale's personal possessions, plus Hollywood memorabilia and artifacts
from their long running TV show, including Roy's beloved horse Trigger and dog
Bullet, and Pat Brady's famed Jeep ",Nellybelle",. , Roy's son Roy Jr. &,
Grandson Dusty appear live in the theater's Western Show Roy Rogers Jr. &, The
High Riders.
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Scotty's Trout Dock In-city campgrounds with fishing boat and pontoon
rentals
available (including fishing rods).
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Scenic Overlook For one of the most breath-taking views - day or night - of
Lake Taneycomo, stop at the scenic overlook on Hwy. 165, between Highways 76 and
165, or check out the view at Point Lookout on the campus of the College of the
Ozarks.
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Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery One of the most popular stops in
Branson. Come see the incredible operation that raises rainbow trout for
stocking all over the country.
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Shepherd of the Hills Homestead Site of the turn-of-the century novel and
John Wayne movie. Attractions, horseback riding, wagon rides.
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Skate World It's healthy . . . It's fun for the whole family . . . If you
haven't done it lately, why wait any longer. Once you get out on the rink,
you'll wonder why you waited so long.
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Splash Country Indoor/Outdoor Interactive Water Park at Grand Country
Square.
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State Park Marina Rent ski boats, pontoons, bass boats, watercraft, go
parasailing, or scuba diving. On Table Rock Lake.
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Stone Hill Winery Home of Missouri's award-winning wines. Free tours,
folklore, fun. Free wine tasting (grape juice for the kids). Free tours every 15
minutes! Learn how cream sherry and spumantes are produced. After the hour-long
tour, sample a number of the award-winning wines and juices in one of six
tasting rooms. The gift shop offers the most unique of wine-related products.
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Table Rock Helicopters Thrilling, high-flying view of the Ozarks.
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Table Rock Houseboat Rentals Do some sightseeing your own way. What could be
better than enjoying the view from the water.
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Table Rock State Park Beautiful park area, campground and marina.
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Titanic: World's Largest Museum Attraction A fabulous recreation of
the world of 1912. , Hundreds of original artifacts from the storied vessel,
historically reproduced portions of the ship, from The Grand Stairway, to the
cabins and decks from first class to lower class, all presented in Disney-esque
proportions, with interactive displays and costumed characters speaking with
English accents. , Special events throughout the year. Towering over 100
feet above street-level, this ship-shaped family adventure is located on Hwy. 76
and is this season’s must see attraction! View over 400 artifacts, touch an
iceberg and Walk the Grand Staircase. Coupons on
this website.
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Top of the Mountain", Gospel Music Dinner Theater featuring the TEXANS at
the Great Passion Play site: a sit down meal and a variety of music and comedy
for the whole family from a family who has dedicated their lives to Gospel Music
and service to the Lord. At The Great Passion Play Park in nearby Eureka
Springs, Arkansas.
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The Track Family Fun Parks Go-Karts, mini-golf, amusements, and the giant
wood
track Wild Woody! 5 locations along the Branson strip.
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Tractor Museum Located at the College of the Oxarks, the museum displays a
collection of tractor parts and other collector items. See College of the
Ozarks.
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Trek the Ozarks Outdoor Adventures (check out their website at
trektheozarks.com.
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Trail Rides at riding stables throughout the area.
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Veterans Memorial Museum A powerful experience, and a legacy to 20th century
veterans. Look for that life-sized WWII P-51 Mustang fighter landing on the
Branson strip!
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Wings of the World Located at Talking Rock Cavern, the bird aviary has over
100 birds on display and offers scheduled bird shows.
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World's Largest Toy Museum Room after room of toy displays, including dolls,
trains, bicycles, and window scenes.
Nearby Attractions
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Bass Pro Shop and Outdoor World (Springfield) ",World's Largest Sporting
Goods Store.", The store has giant aquariums, an indoor trout stream and
waterfall, and
retail departments, including hunting, fishing, shooting, outdoor goods,
clothing, boats and more. One of the top attractions in the Midwest.
Inside:Hemingway's Restaurant (great seafood!) and McDonald's.
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Discovery Center of Springfield ",Great minds at play", Three floors of
interactive, hands-on exhibits, exploring health, chemistry, physics, art and
the environment. Reservations available for field trips and special touring
programs.
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Dickerson Park Zoo Fabulous collection of animals, both from around the
world and those native to Missouri. In Springfield.
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Exotic Animal Paradise (Strafford) 9 mile auto tour. See 3,000 wild, exotic
animals and rare birds in a 400-acre natural habitat.
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Fantastic Caverns (N. of Springfield) America's only drive-thru caverns.
Near Springfield, MO.
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General Sweeny's Museum (Republic, near Springfield) One of the foremost
Civil War museums in the country. Rare uniforms, flags, John Brown's personal
effects, and more. Next to Wilson's Creek National Battlefield.
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The Great Passion Play in nearby Eureka Springs, Arkansas. , (See listing
above.)
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James River Outfitters (Galena) Guides are available for hunting, fishing
and eagle watching, or ask them about float trips, RV parks, tent camping, cabin
rentals or other accommodations while in the Galena area.
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Laura Ingalls Wilder Home and Museum (Mansfield, MO, 40 mi. E. of
Springfield) Home of the author of The Little House on the Prairie and other
",Little House", books about her pioneer childhood. Tour the original home where
she lived and wrote her books. Museum, gift shop. In Mansfield, MO. on Hwy 60,
just 40 miles
from Springfield.
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Precious Moments Chapel The ",sistine chapel of the Ozarks",, decorated
with original frescoes painted by Samuel L. Butcher, creator of the famous
",Precious Moments", collectables. , Located at the Precious Moments Park.. ,
World Famous gift shop, museum and Visitors Center showcasing the Precious
Moments collectables. , Hotel and RV park nearby. , Exit I-44 at
Carthage, MO. Coupons on this website.
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Springfield Cardinals Baseball Double AA Professional Baseball team owned by
The St. Louis Cardinals. , See Baseball's up and coming stars in their
state-of-the-art stadium in Springfield. (35 miles North of Branson.)
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Springfield Missouri 35 miles No. of Branson on US Hwy. 65. , Shopping,
eateries, attractions, including Battlefield Mall, and historic downtown
Springfield, locale for shops, art galleries, restaurants, eateries, cafes, and
dozens of night spots offering live entertainment.
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Top of the Mountain", Gospel Music Dinner Theater featuring the TEXANS at
the Great Passion Play site: a sit down meal and a variety of music and comedy
for the whole family from a family who has dedicated their lives to Gospel Music
and service to the Lord. At The Great Passion Play Park in nearby Eureka
Springs, Arkansas.
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Wilson's Creek National Battlefield (Republic, near Springfield) Site of
major Civil War battle in August, 1861. Park, Museum, Visitor's Center. Living
history tours and demonstrations.
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Wonders of Wildlife (Springfield) (closed temporarily) Spectacular wildlife
museum, located as part of the Bass Pro Shop and Outdoor World, (see above).
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Titanic: World's Largest Museum Attraction!
Welk Resort Branson
The Great Passion Play
Branson's Dinosaur Museum
Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede
Precious Moments Chapel