The Branson Scenic Railroad (bransontrain.com) takes travelers on a 40-minute round-trip excursion through the Ozark foothills in southwest Missouri or northwest Arkansas. Trains travel north or south, depending on rail traffic on the line. Regardless of the direction, visitors traverse bridges and trestles and pass through tunnels on the scenic 40-minute journey. Passengers travel on vintage trains departing from the rail depot in Branson, a historic building that opened in 1905. At the time of publication, an adult ticket was $24.50 plus tax and $54.25 plus tax for excursions including an onboard dinner.
Opened in 1960, Silver Dollar City (silverdollarcity.com) is a theme park celebrating the Ozark Mountains as it was in the 1880s. Blacksmiths and other craftsmen demonstrate various trades, including glass blowing, pottery, candy making, and candle making. The park is located six miles north of Branson and features approximately 30 rides and attractions, 60 shops and restaurants and 40 daily live shows. Visitors to the park can also take a 60-minute hike through a cave explored by local Native American tribes and Spanish explorers.
Outdoor performances at the Shepherd of the Hills (oldmatt.com) began in 1960 and showcases the history and culture of the region. Plays take place from May to October. Set among rolling hills, guests can also enjoy a guided Jeep tour with highlights including Old Matt's Cabin, a National Historic Landmark, and the 1901-built Morgan Community Church. Visitors can also ride on horseback through the Ozark hills or gaze out to the surrounding wilderness from an observation deck at the top of the 230-feet Inspiration Tower.
Seven miles north of Branson is the Wolfe Creek Preserve (bransonzipline.com), an eco-adventure attraction. Visitors to the Wolfe Creek Preserve learn about the history and natural setting of Wolfe Mountain through zipline canopy tours. Various daily adventures are offered for explorers of different abilities from March to December. Local Amish have been involved in the construction and the development of Wolfe Creek, including the trail for the Wolfe Creek Photo Safari that highlights the flora and fauna of the preserve.
Ranked as one of the top 25 best new courses by Golfweek, Murder Rock Golf and Country Club (murderrock.com) is an 18-hole golf course that is open to the public. Located south of Branson in Hollister, the course opened in 2007. The clubhouse offers outdoor verandas with scenic views, as well as a restaurant, lounge, pro golf shop and fitness center. The course is open from March to December and daily rates in 2011 ranged from $42 to $72 depending on the time of the year.
