The Ozark Mountains of Missouri are a big part of what makes Branson such an adventure for travelers, and it’s not hard to see why. Branson is not just a place for tourists. The town has a lot to offer residents and visitors alike. Scenic views, like the ones from Branson's Mountain Coaster, Hurricane Carousel, or chairlift rides in the wintertime, are just one component. But the locality has plenty more going on. Here are some of the top things to do in Branson, Missouri, that will make visitors happy to be there.

UPDATE: 2023/04/29 19:32 EST BY REENA JAIN

Discover even more things to do in Branson, Missouri

Branson has developed into a popular entertainment destination with a wide range of attractions and activities, including theme parks, live performances, interactive museums, and scenic attractions like lush hills and glistening lakes. This list has been updated to include more activities and accurate information to give visitors more options for what to do in Branson, MO.

Related: Branson, Missouri: What To See, Do, And Eat In This Historic Missouri Town

14 Ride The Ozark Zephyr

The Branson Scenic Railway (the Ozark Zephyr) provides leisure trips through the Ozark Mountains. Whether it's a day trip (March to November), a dinner train (Saturdays from April to October), or "The Polar Express" (after dark in November and December), boarding this vintage passenger train is unlike any other. Each one-hour and 45-minute journey allows passengers to experience the true wilderness of southwest Missouri and northwest Arkansas, making it a truly unforgettable must-do experience in Branson, Missouri.

• Where: 206 E. Main St., Branson, MO 65616
• Hours: Starts at 11:30 am
• Cost: Adult (13+): $31; Child (3-12): $20; Infant (under 3): $2

13 Explore The Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum

The Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum, located at the Top of the Rock, a 25-minute drive from Branson, is a real treasure trove of interactive exhibits, historical artifacts, and relics. Learning about the rich history of the Ozarks is unquestionably one of the best things to do in Branson, Missouri, for those interested in learning about different cultures and histories. The museum includes a Civil War gallery as well as exhibits honoring Native American culture. Visitors can also enjoy the breathtaking scenery and nearby attractions, including the Missouri Caves and the Chapel of the Ozarks.

• Where: 150 Top Of The Rock Rd, Ridgedale, MO 65739

12 Enjoy A Ride On The Branson Ferris Wheel

This 240-passenger Ferris wheel at The Track Family Fun Park is one of the best places in Branson to enjoy the panoramic beauty of the Ozark landscape and the whole town. It illuminates the night with the 16,000 LED lights on the wheel as part of the "Electrify" music and light show. Booking a ride just before dusk allows visitors to see the town's illuminated beauty. After the ride, they can eat and drink at the Fuel Fresh American Grill while watching the wheel's amazing Electrify show from a distance.

• Where: 3335 W. 76 Country Blvd, Branson, MO 65616-3552
• Hours: Daily, 10 am to 10 pm
• Cost: Adults (12+): $12.99; Children (4–11): $9.99

11 Visit The Butterfly Palace

The Butterfly Palace is a must-see attraction in Branson, Missouri for those looking for lush scenery as well as some fun. It's a structure that is home to more than one million butterflies. It also features a gift shop and an appealing restaurant. Although it's not right on the strip, it's worth visiting just to see all the different types of butterflies that are there. A vacationer can also get married there since the surrounding looks appealing. Overall, this spot is one of the more non touristy things to do in Branson, Missouri, especially for nature lovers and kids.

• Where: 4106 W 76 Country Blvd, Branson, MO 65616
• Hours: Daily, 9 am to 5 pm
• Cost: Adult (age 13+): $26; Child (age 4-14): $17

10 Shop At One Of The Many Stores Along Main Street

For a traveler who loves shopping, exploring Branson's main street can be fun. There are many stores where a visitor can find everything from clothing stores to jewelry stores and even unique fashion chains like Victoria's Secret PINK and Abercrombie & Fitch. For a vacationer looking for something more upscale, there are several high-end stores, such as Chanel, Burberry, and Gucci that a tourist shouldn’t miss. No Branson vacation itinerary would be complete without a bit of retail therapy here.

9 Have A Memorable Stargazing Experience

Whether one wants to chase the constellations or spend some memorable moments gazing at bright twinkling stars, there are multiple locations near Branson where one can have these magical experiences. Within a 30-mile radius of Branson, Hercules Glade is one such location. Here, visitors can set up camp and have a truly unique experience in peace. Alternatively, they can charter a boat for an evening trip and sail into the open lake to witness the clear Milky Way views and rural countryside surroundings. State Park Marina, Indian Point Marina, Long Creek Marina, Lilly's Landing, and numerous other marinas in Branson offer boat rentals.

8 Relax On The Showboat Branson Belle Riverboat

For those pondering about things to do in Branson MO during the holidays, the Showboat Branson Belle is one of the country's best floating dining and entertainment venues, with something for everyone. The cruise offers passengers a tranquil sailing experience through Table Rock Lake while passing by some of Missouri's most scenic locales, such as the Ozark Mountains. The family-friendly cruise includes a sumptuous three-course dinner and a variety show. Visitors can select between General Seating, which offers a delicious standard 3-course meal, and Captain's Club, which offers a premium dining menu.

• Where: 4800 Historic State Hwy. 165, Branson, MO 65616
• Hours: 12 pm, 4 pm, 8 pm (cruise timings depend on the days)
• Cost: Starting At Ages 12+: $63; Ages 4-11: $36

Related: The Only Guide You Need For The Best Breakfast In Branson

7 Visit Silver Dollar City Theme Park

The Silver Dollar City theme park is one of the most fun things to do around Branson for daredevils (and adventurous kids); it features over 30 rides and attractions. Some popular enticements include Wild West City (a Western Town), Haunted Mountain (a haunted house attraction featuring more than 300 animatronic characters), and Camp Snoopy (an outdoor adventure area featuring miniature golf courses, go-kart tracks, and more). This theme park is certainly not just for kids, but adults can enjoy as many rides as they wish.

• Where: 399 Silver Dollar City Pkwy, Branson, MO 65616
• Hours: Daily, 10 am to 6 pm
• Cost: Ages 12-64: $85; Ages 4-11 & 65+: $75

6 Check Out The Big Green Monster

Branson Hills Golf Club, an 18-hole miniature golf course, is a real throwback to the bygone days of amusement parks, but with top-of-the-line features and state-of-the-art technology. The holes are unique and challenging, and the scenery is adventurous and playful, so a vacationer is likely to have as much fun inside and outside. Golf enthusiasts looking to check out the most beautiful golf courses in the world can have a glimpse of what to expect here.

• Where: 100 N Payne Stewart Drive, Branson, MO 65616
• Hours: Daily, 7:30 am to 6:30 pm

5 Visit The Dick's 5 & 10

Visiting Dick's 5 & 10 in Branson is like a dream come true for all shopaholics. The store is a favorite place for visitors and locals alike and is a nostalgic trip through time for many. The store also carries some unusual goods, including collections spanning generations, vintage toys, home goods, games, and an aisle full of quirky and entertaining items. Dick's 5 & 10 is a must-stop for anyone visiting Branson and offers entertainment for all ages.

• Where: 103 W Main St., Branson, MO 6561
• Hours: Monday to Saturday: 8:30 am to 9 pm

4 Enjoy The Bing Splash Country Water Park

Now it’s time for some fun on the water. Splash Country Water Park is one of the most exciting things to do in Branson, MO. Every attraction here is epic, from the Grands Fort Treehouse to the wave pool, lazy river, and water slides. It has both indoor and outdoor parks where people of all ages can enjoy themselves. While the outdoor park is for having fun on hot summer days, the indoor one is climate-controlled and offers warm water activities in the winter and cool temperatures in the summer. Despite the fact that there is so much to do in Branson, no experience compares to this.

• Where: 1945 W 76 Country Blvd, Branson, MO 65616
• Hours: Sunday: 10 am to 8 pm; Saturday: 10 am to 9 pm; Monday to Friday: 1 pm to 8 pm
• Cost: Adults (Ages 12+): $45; Children (Ages 4-11): $25

3 Enjoy Branson Shows And Entertainment

Branson is known as the Entertainment Theater Capital Of The Ozarks, combining the outdoors with theaters playing some of the best shows and entertainment around, in part because there’s something for everyone. A traveler can go see a family-friendly show or check out one that’s rated “PG-13.” Some of the most popular things to do in Branson include watching performances by country music stars like Dolly Parton or Toby Keith.

2 Watch The Charming Branson Landing's Crown Jewel

On Lake Taneycomo's shores, in Branson's Historic Downtown, it's worth heading to Branson Landing for entertainment, shopping, and dining. With more than 100 storefronts, people will enjoy various activities to enjoy in this public space, featuring a charming promenade. However, the most beautiful thing to witness there is the Branson Landing Fountains which combine with music and pyrotechnics to create a breathtaking and dazzling show. These are known as Branson Landing's Crown Jewel and run every day on the hour between 12:00 PM and 10:00 PM.

• Where: 100 Branson Landing Blvd, Branson, MO 65616
• Hours: Daily, 10 am to 8 pm

Related: Here's How You Can Use Amtrak To Visit Branson, Missouri

1 Experience Subterranean Excitement At Talking Rocks Cavern

Heading 10 miles west of the Entertainment District of Branson, people will reach Talking Rocks Cavern, where they will enjoy a one-hour guided tour that takes patrons deep into the cavern, exploring ancient features and navigating stairs that have defined the region for thousands of years. Most members of the family can attend these tours. There are also aboveground activities to take part in at Talking Rocks Cavern, such as nature trails, mini-golf, and gemstone mining.

• Where: 423 Fairy Cave Ln. Branson West, MO 65737
• Hours: Daily, 9:30 am to 5 pm (hours change with season)
• Cost: Adult (13+): $26.95; Child (4-12): $16.95