Branson, Missouri, is home to a host of exciting activities and attractions for the entire family. Enjoy shopping and dining in Branson Landing on Lake Taneycomo, or view more than 400 artifacts from the Titanic in the Titanic Museum. Sample wines at the Stone Hill Winery or experience a thrilling adventure in the Castle of Chaos. Take a 40-mile round-trip excursion through the Ozark foothills on the Branson Scenic Railway, or view the Ozark hills on horseback.
"The Shepherd of the Hills," written in 1907, was one of the first books in the United States to sell a million copies. Based on actual and fictional events that took place in the area of Branson, Missouri, the book led to the beginning of tourism in the area and the Ozark Mountains. On a 30-minute ride with Shepherd of the Hills Trail Ride, you'll see areas mentioned in the book such as the Ozark hills and The Trail Nobody Knows How Old, and ride in the Holler. Rides run from Mondays through Saturdays and on some Sundays. To ride on horseback, visitors must be at least 7 years old, at least four feet tall and no more than 250 lb.
Shepherd of the Hills Trail Ride
5586 W. Highway 76
Branson, MO 65616
800-653-6288
oldmatt.com/trail_ride.php
Ride through the Ozark hills on trails that date back to the 1800s with Uncle Ike's Trail Ride. Rides through a shaded nature trail, taken single file at a walk, last about 40 to 50 minutes. On meal rides, groups of 12 or more can ride and stop for breakfast; groups of eight or more can ride and stop to have dinner. Meals are brought out to camp at the end of the trail. Private romantic rides and special birthday rides are also available. It's best to sign up for the rides in person at least 48 hours in advance.
Uncle Ike's Trail Ride
8393 State Highway 76
Branson West, MO 65737
417-338-8449
uncleikestrailride.com/
Dogwood Canyon Nature Park offers scenic, leisurely rides through ridges and hollows on horseback trails. The one-hour ride shows visitors areas that are often not viewable by tram or from hiking and biking trails. Riders must be at least 10 years old and weigh no more than 260 lb. Reservations are strongly recommended. Dogwood Canyon also offers a 15-minute junior horseback ride for children age 3 to 9. Hours of operation vary depending on the season.
Dogwood Canyon Nature Park
2038 W. State Highway 86
Lampe, Missouri 65681
dogwoodcanyon.com/
