Located in the heart of the Ozark Mountains, Branson is a popular tourist attraction in Missouri. With a variety of activities and attractions, a Branson vacation is sure to be exciting for people of all ages and interests. According to BransomTourismCenter.com, Branson is "one of America's top vacation destinations and hosts over 7 million people each year." The town is known for its live music attractions. However, a variety of other Branson tourist attractions are available.
According to BransonAtAGlance.com, Silver Dollar City Theme Park is "one of Branson's top attractions." The theme park is decorated with an "1800s Ozark" theme and features a variety of activities and amusements. The park offers 40 live shows daily, along with live demonstrations by Branson craftsmen who create pioneer crafts. For visitors who enjoy cooking and baking, the park's culinary school offers both demonstrations and cooking classes. Silver Dollar City also features more than 30 rides and attractions, including roller coasters, water rides, giant playgrounds and spinning rides. A variety of festivals are hosted at the park throughout the year, including bluegrass, craft and gospel music festivals. If visiting during the Christmas season, Branson tourists should visit the theme park for its Christmas festival. With over 4 million lights, a five-story Christmas tree, holiday shows and holiday parades, the Silver Dollar City theme park is turned into a Christmas wonderland.
Silver Dollar City
399 Silver Dollar City Parkway
Branson, MO 65616
(800) 475-9370
silverdollarcity.com
Known as the most photographed building in Branson, Ripley's Believe It Or Not! is a well-known and popular tourist attraction. With over 400 exhibits, the museum introduces guests to a variety of odd and amazing collections. Interesting exhibits including an exact replica of the Roman Colosseum made out of playing cards, a replica of the U.S.S. Forrestal Navy Aircraft carrier made from over 48,000 matchsticks and toothpicks, a genuine shrunken head and a Cadillac stretch limousine with an electric bar and a heart-shaped Jacuzzi tub. The exterior of the building draws just as much attention as the interior. With giant cracks running through the building, from the Missouri earthquake of 1812, it looks as if it might crumble to the ground at any time.
Ripley's Believe It Or Not Museum!
3326 West 76 Country Blvd.
Branson, MO 65615
(417) 337-5460
ripleysbranson.com
For a more relaxed and intimate tourist attraction, visit the Butterfly Palace in Branson. Tourists can wander through the winding paths of the Rainforest Adventure, which is filled with tropical plants, floral gardens and pools of water. Within the Rainforest, over 1,000 live butterflies fly freely around the area. In this climate-controlled environment, visitors can observe, photograph and interact with live butterflies. After the Rainforest Adventure, visitors can make their way through the Emerald Forest Mirror Maze or watch a 3-D movie about bugs and butterflies. The Butterfly Palace also features the Insect Zoo, where a variety of bugs and insects can be seen, such as an African giant black millipede, emperor scorpions, tree frogs and basilisks.
The Butterfly Palace
4106 W. Hwy 76
Branson, MO 65616
(417) 332-2231
thebutterflypalace.com
