Things to do in Branson, Missouri

Springtime in Branson

Enjoy the outdoors: Explore Branson’s forest trails and lakeside RV parks as a family. Enjoy Lake Taneycomo, Table Rock Lake or Bull Shoals Lake with pontoon rentals at State Park Marina or Indian Point Marina.

Experience lakes and landmarks from the comfort of a signature Jeep Wrangler with PINK Adventure Tours on an off-road ride that culminates with a mountaintop view of Table Rock Lake.

Ride the new Fire in the Hole rollercoaster at Silver Dollar City. The new groundbreaking $30 million indoor family roller coaster is the largest in the Midwest.

When night falls in Branson, Ozark Nights comes alive with history and mystery. Round up family and friends for a nighttime encounter through an exploratory walk along an illuminated path in the forest.

Something tasty: If you're looking for Southern comfort food and hospitality, Local Flavor is the spot for you. Start your meal with a true Southern treat, fried green tomatoes with homemade jalapeno ranch dipping sauce. 

Heroes Tastes + Taps embodies Branson's love for honoring special people. Armed Forces service members, teachers, farmers, and our first responders. Enjoy their New American Cuisine with a wide variety of menu items.

Book your stay: Whether you've got your sights set on an upscale resort, a budget-friendly hotel or a cozy cabin in the woods, you'll find a warm welcome wherever you choose to stay in Branson. Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing, Grand Country Resort & Waterpark, and La Quinta by Wyndham are perfect choices for your family. 

Your Vacation needs a world-class live music show. Branson offers entertainment the whole family will love. From country classics like Pierce Arrow and Down Home Country to variety shows such as Hamners' Unbelievable and Legends in Concert.

Start planning your next trip today at Explore Branson.

Branson Landing

Indulge in retail therapy and culinary delights at Branson Landing, nestled in a captivating open-air, waterfront setting. Explore a treasure trove of over 100 shops, attractions and restaurants, complemented by the luxury of two Hilton hotels. 

What’s unique: Brace for a mesmerizing $7.5 million water and fire spectacle, perfectly synchronized to a symphony of light and music. 

Everyone’s talking about: Be sure to check out the new Flaming Margaritas American Kitchen. Join them this summer for their Summer Concert Series. 

Get more info: For more information, visit the Branson Landing website.

Dolly Parton's Stampede 

Billed as Branson’s Most Fun Place to Eat, Dolly Parton’s Stampede is a restaurant and show like no other. Thirty-two magnificent horses and a cast of top-notch riders electrify audiences with daring feats of trick riding and friendly competition.

Everyone's talking about:  New for 2024, Dolly Parton’s Stampede takes the competition up a notch, high into the treetops! Don’t miss the exciting new feature, “Rumble in the Treetops,” showcasing the strength and agility of skilled lumberjack teams as they climb, chop, saw and log roll their way through a four-event relay.

Know before you go: Arrive early and enjoy a leisurely stroll alongside the open-air stables to sneak a peek at the horses. It’s your chance to meet the equine stars of the show up close and discover their flawless beauty.

Something tasty: As the show begins, you are served a delicious four-course feast meant to satisfy those home-cooked, country-style cravings. However, the whole experience is more than just dinner and a show. Dolly Parton’s Stampede is a cherished tradition that your family will always remember.

Level 2 Steakhouse

Delve into the world of culinary excellence at Level 2 Steakhouse, tucked within the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel. 

Try this: Savor the taste of Kansas City 28-day aged Certified Hereford Beef and fresh seafood sourced from around the world. Their secret? A 1600-degree radiant oven, sealing in the juices and creating the perfect steak. 

Everyone’s talking about: Try Level 2’s new menu items: G.B.D. Brie Cheese, Green Lip Mussels, Diver Scallops, Beef Short Rib and Chilean Sea Bass. 

Make a reservation: Be sure to secure a table for their Easter Brunch—make your reservation at Level 2 Steakhouse now.

Silver Dollar City

The new Fire In The Hole roller coaster takes off this spring and Street Fest dazzles with an America’s Got Talent finalist.

Thrills for all: Old-fashioned fun blooms at Silver Dollar City this spring with new food, new acts and a new $30 million Fire In The Hole. The record-setting, indoor family coaster—the largest in the Midwest—joins the park’s thrilling lineup of more than 40 rides and attractions. Centered in the new Fire District, Fire In The Hole is sure to be an instant classic for generations of families to enjoy together. The Fire District will also host two new additions in 2024: dining at Sadie’s Pretzel Cafe and Fire In The Hole merchandise at Flanders Dry Goods.

Can’t-miss events: Shake the winter blues at Silver Dollar City with Spring Break, March 9–24, followed by the Final Year of Street Fest, April 11–29. The jaw-dropping, awe-inspiring lineup of Street Fest entertainment includes the return of Kristy Sellars, an aerial acrobat who was a finalist on America’s Got Talent. Sellars’ exhilarating show will keep guests on the edge of their seats as she takes her act to new heights over the Opera House stage.

Check this out: The Living Garden returns to Street Fest during its Final Year in 2024 with new Living Marble Statues, the Living Fountain & Topiaries and the new Rock Man. Plus, the Amazing Anastasini Circus and the new 30-foot floral Pompon Parade. Throughout the rest of Silver Dollar City, find a creative mix of talents from around the globe and tastes that are just as unique like Cuban Sandwiches with Mojo, Bacon Jammin’ Fries, Cherries Jubilee Funnel Cakes and much more!

Get tickets today: For information on tickets, season passes, festivals and operating calendars, visit the Silver Dollar City website or call 417-336-7100.

Staff Picks

“Our families go-tos: cinnamon bread, candle making, Fire in the Hole, the giant pirate ship and the taffy shop.”—Megan Johnson, VP of Operations and Custom Publications

“Funnel Cakes, Bluegrass music and exhilarating rides.”—Ammie Scott-Motes, VP of Strategy and Senior Account Executive

Talking Rocks Cavern

Experience this unique vertical cavern from concrete walkways as knowledgeable cave guides share about the rich history and fascinating geology at Talking Rocks Cavern. World-class living crystal cave formations such as the awe-inspiring Cathedral, a flowstone and drapery mineral deposit that is over 85 feet tall and 50 feet in diameter, are viewed up close!

Take home a souvenir: The Rock and Gift Shop features hundreds of fossils, minerals and gemstones including amethyst, labradorite, iron pyrite and a variety of quartz. Find one-of-a-kind gifts like gemstone jewelry, stately onyx chessboards and gemstone lamps. Break geodes to reveal the stunning crystals inside.

Explore above ground: Pan for gemstones and keep any of the gems found, view amazing specimens in the Fluorescent Mineral and Blacklight Room, hike nature trails to the lookout tower and even conquer the SpeleoBox cave crawls. Find some shade by relaxing at one of the shaded picnic areas or playing Cave Country Mini-Golf. Young kids love exploring the Kids Play Area and young and old alike will enjoy the outdoor Family Games Area.

The whole family with love: Hour-long cave tours depart frequently throughout the day. With the cave’s constant 63° temperature, this is the ideal attraction to visit any season of the year!

The Butterfly Palace

At The Butterfly Palace, visitors discover over 1,000 live exotic butterflies from their native countries! This one-of-a-kind, interactive experience is great for all ages.

The whole family will love: Feed the butterflies with a nectar-filled flower! Release a butterfly for its very first flight. Pet a lizard during the critter encounter. Surrounded by beautiful live plants and peaceful live music, families will relish the serenity of the garden. Photo ops abound!

Know before you go: The Butterfly Palace is open year-round, and wristbands are good for three days. The aviary is always warm and humid inside, and butterflies love bright colors, so dress accordingly!

Everyone’s talking about: The Butterfly Palace is part of a much bigger story. The business imports butterflies from farms located in rainforests from Costa Rica to Australia. In turn, these farms are provided with a sustainable income that helps the farmers create preserves to protect the rainforest rather than destroy it. Visitors to The Butterfly Palace are helping to keep this industry alive and, in a very real way, helping to save the rainforest.

The Keeter Center

The Keeter Center® at College of the Ozarks® extends an invitation for a spring visit, encouraging guests to explore shopping, fine dining and exceptional accommodations at the award-winning lodge.

Don’t miss out: In the enchanting springtime ambiance of College of the Ozarks, visitors can take in the scenic campus from the private balconies of the guest rooms at The Keeter Center. The restaurant offers not only fine dining but also breathtaking views of green pastures and the chapel steeple.

Everyone’s talking about: Exciting changes are afoot at The Keeter Center as they unveil their fresh and vibrant spring menu. Elevating the culinary experience, the new menu boasts a delightful array of seasonal flavors and innovative dishes that reflect the bounty of spring. From farm-fresh ingredients to locally sourced produce, the dining room is set to dazzle taste buds with a fusion of colors and tastes. Guests can anticipate a blend of traditional favorites and novel creations crafted by the talented culinary team. The spring menu promises an immersive culinary journey, ensuring that every dining experience at The Keeter Center is a celebration of the season’s finest offerings.

Get away: Guests can unwind by taking leisurely walks around the campus, exploring the various points of interest that College of the Ozarks has to offer. From the historically accurate working grist mill—Edwards Mill—to the Stained Glass and Candle Shop showcasing candles and original art-glass creations, as well as the Ralph Foster Museum displaying collections from bygone eras. A stroll around the campus offers an opportunity to feed the swans gracefully swimming in Lake Honor, located at the heart of the campus. Gift cards are available for those interested in planning a visit. More information can be found at The Keeter Center website or by calling 417-239-1900.