Visiting Branson? These Are the Seven Things You Need to Know Before You Go
Branson is among the most beautiful cities in the American Midwest. Located in southern Missouri, the city offers something for everyone.
Branson is a small place, but it has a lot to offer. For a romantic dinner for two or a family lunch, Branson Landing is the place.
Theme park fans can look forward to Silver Dollar City. This amusement park will give you an adrenaline shot and transport you to the 19th century.
If you still have the song “My Heart Will Go On” as your ring tone, make sure to visit the Titanic Museum. And if you’re into cars, the Celebrity Car Museum will delight you.
Here are the seven things to know about Branson before you go.
1. Silver Dollar City
Do you crave theme parks and hair-raising rides? Branson’s Silver Dollar City is what you’re looking for. But it’s not a run-of-the-mill amusement park. Everything on the grounds takes you back to the 1880s, including the newest rides.
The Frisco Silver Dollar Line Steam Train has been a crowd favorite for years on end. Also, you wouldn’t want to miss getting on the Fire-in-the-Hole coaster that’ll take you through a burning coal mine at a breathtaking speed.
You’ll also find many shops on the grounds sell mainly handmade goods. The homemade candies are the amusement park’s highlight.
If you’re lucky, you might even catch a concert when you’re at the park. You can expect anything from bluegrass to gospel.ing
Also, keep in mind that many of the rides have height requirements. If your children are still under 36 inches or 3ft tall, it might not be a good idea to take them to the amusement park.
2. Celebrity Car Museum
Have you ever wondered where movie cars go after filming? Some get sold, some end up in the scrapyard, and some get sent to museums. You can find them in museums around the world. However, Branson’s Celebrity Car Museum only collects celebrity and movie vehicles.
If you visit this unique museum, you will see the Mystery Machine Wagon from Scooby-Doo, General Lee from Dukes of Hazzard, and many more. A 1990s Batmobile is also there, as are the cars used in Men in Black, Fast & Furious, and the Terminator franchise.
That said, one of the DeLoreans from Back to the Future is also in the museum. And, if your children like Transformers, they can see Bumblebee and his friends there.
3. Clay Cooper Theater
Those who want to explore Branson, Missouri, in more depth should pay a visit to the Clay Cooper Theater. The theater plays several shows throughout the year, and you will surely find something for you and your family.
Some of the crowd favorites include Clay Cooper’s Country Express and Hot Rods & High Heels. The #1 Hits of the 60s and The Haygoods also get their fair share of admissions.
This family-friendly theater offers a discount to those who visit more than once in the same year. (You’d have to save the ticket stub from the first visit.)
4. Branson Scenic Railway
The Branson scenic railway is probably the city’s number one attraction. It’s definitely among the things to know about Branson, that’.
If you decide to steep in Branson’s history, your journey will start at the old Branson Depot at the heart of the city. The route will take you past some of the most beautiful vistas in Ozark County. You will also pass through a number of century-old towns.
The ride is complete with a vintage train and all, as you’ll be riding on a restored Ozark Zephyr. This diesel locomotive will take you around Ozark in restored dome cars and classic coach seats.
Expert guides will also be on board. Find out more about the wildlife, historic landmarks, and best places for taking photos.
If you want to make the most of it, book your ride in the fall. That’s when Ozark and Branson are at their most beautiful.
5. Titanic Museum
Among its many attractions, Branson is also home to the Titanic Museum. Yes, Titanic the supposedly “unsinkable” ship.
It’s interesting to point out that the owner of the museum took part in the 1986 expedition that visited the wreck of the real Titanic.
If you go to the museum, you will see genuine items from the historical Titanic. Their total worth’s estimated at well above $4 million. Also, you’ll get a chance to dip in freezing water, if you so choose. The same temperature as when the Titanic went down. You’ll also get a chance to steer the massive ship.
6. Branson Landing
Is fine wine and dining your idea of a perfect vacation? If yes, then you’d want to know about Branson Landing. It’s a classy downtown district with restaurants, gift shops, and boutiques.
Some of the highlights of the area include the Belk Department Store, Hilton Promenade, and Bass Pro Shops.
If you’d like to stretch your legs after dinner, you can enjoy a walk by the scenic Taneycomo Lake.
7. Dinosaur Museum
All kids love dinosaurs. And if you’re bringing your children to Branson, you’re going to have to visit the Dinosaur Museum. You’ll find it at 3619 W 76 Country Boulevard. The Bigfoot Fun Park and the Branson Ferris Wheel are also nearby.
The museum has more than 50 sculptures of dinosaurs. They’re all life-size replicas of dinosaurs from Microraptor to a T-Rex. There’s even a sculpture of the fierce Allosaurus. The museum also displays bones, replica skeletons, and skulls of dinosaurs.
It’s interesting to point out that this museum is among the biggest of its kind. Also, there are educational videos about these wonderful prehistoric creatures that are perfect for the young ones.
The Biggest Small Place in the Midwest
It might not be all that big of a place, but you’ll never run out of things to do in Branson. Your children will love the Dinosaur museum, which is among the biggest of its kind in the world. They’re also likely to relish every moment at Silver Dollar City.
You and your partner might enjoy a ride on the Branson Scenic Railway. It’s perhaps the city’s most beautiful attraction.
Fans of Titanic the movie would definitely want to visit the Titanic Museum. And you might find your favorite on-screen car at the Celebrity Car Museum.
