Branson, Missouri is a top vacation destination for thousands of tourists each year, as this relatively small town boasts hundreds of exciting attractions, activities, and sights for everyone to enjoy.
Of course, every successful trip starts with great planning. If you’re looking to pay Branson, Missouri a visit in the coming months, here are seven important travel tips to consider as you flesh out the details of your getaway!
1. There are plenty of lodging options
While Branson has a population of roughly 11,000, this small tourist town is well-equipped to accommodate thousands of visitors each year.
Beyond there being hundreds of stores, restaurants, and attractions for visitors to enjoy, Branson also has plenty of lodging options—from hotels and resorts to inns and cabins.
What’s more, there are lodging options for all budgets. Spend as little as $50 – $60 per night for a room at a motel or inn, or spend upwards of $120 for a luxurious room at a beautiful Branson resort!
Location is another factor to consider when choosing a place a stay. If you value convenience, book a hotel in downtown Branson. If you’re on a road trip and Branson is just one of your stops, it might be in your best interest to book a hotel or cabin that is located near the highway.
2. You can travel by plane or car
Depending on where you live, some vacation spots are more difficult to reach than others. Because the town of Branson is fairly central to the rest of the nation, however, you can fly or drive into Branson from most areas of the country.
For those who prefer to fly, there are a handful of airports to consider. Branson’s closest entry point is Branson Airport (BKG)—a small airport positioned in the Ozark Mountains, just 10 miles south of the town. Slightly further out is Boone County Regional Airport (HRO), located 32 miles south of Branson.
If flights into these airports are limited, there are two larger airports that are more likely to have the flights you need. Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF) is located approximately 50 miles north of Branson, while Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport (XNA) lies roughly 98 miles southwest of Branson.
If you prefer a road trip, you can drive to Branson without having to make a cross-country trek. There is also plenty of open space and green grass in the American Midwest, so you should enjoy a relatively traffic-free journey!
3. It’s very family-friendly
If you’re a parent with young children, you’re always looking for activities that will keep your kids engaged and occupied. Fortunately, Branson is a town that has something for all ages—children included.
Leading the list of Brandon’s kid-friendly attractions is Silver Dollar City. This massive theme park features all sorts of thrill rides, water rides, shows, and exhibits that are sure to keep your children amused for hours on end.
Beyond pure entertainment, Branson also offers educational experiences—such as the Titanic Museum, an enormous recreation of the famous ship that contains more than 400 genuine artifacts.
The Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! museum is another Branson favorite. This facility is loaded with all types of wacky exhibits that will fascinate the entire family and get the creative juices flowing. There’s also the Promised Land Zoo, a park that hosts 50 different animal species across 75-acres of natural Ozark topography.
4. Check the forecast before you pack
While many southern states enjoy relatively warm weather year-round and northern states tend to see cooler weather, the American Midwest is known to experience a wide range of temperatures throughout the year.
During the summer, Branson sees temperatures upwards of 90 degrees. During the winter, on the other hand, temperatures can drop to below 20 degrees. You will want to make sure you pack for the specific time of year when you’ll be visiting.
The summer months call for t-shirts, shorts, and plenty of sunscreen, while the winter months will definitely require warm coats and pants!
5. Be sure to catch a dinner show
Like cheesesteaks in Philly and Broadway in New York City, no one does a dinner show quite like Branson. In this small town, shows are constantly playing across multiple theaters.
Catch Dolly Parton’s Stampede for a western-themed racing show that features horseracing, pyrotechnics, and all sorts of stunts. Check out Funny Farm Dinner Feud and take part in a comedic battle between two families. Book a ticket to the WhoDunnit Hoedown and see if your investigative skills are up to scratch!
Regardless of which show you choose, make sure you dedicate one of your evenings to top-notch entertainment over a delicious meal!
6. Pack your hiking and swimming gear
While Branson offers its fair share of indoor attractions and activities, there are plenty of opportunities to explore the great outdoors as well. As the town is nestled in the scenic Ozark Mountains, breathtaking mountaintop views and recreational activities abound.
One of the best ways to experience all of the outdoor activities that Branson has to offer is to visit Table Rock State Park. Here, you’ll be able to enjoy a casual walk, a strenuous hike, or a challenging bike ride on one of multiple trails.
What’s more, the park has its own marina that overlooks Table Rock Lake. Cool off with some swimming, boating, skiing, or fishing! Finally, the park features multiple picnic sites across the lakefront—break up the day’s exhausting activities with a peaceful lunch.
7. Prepare to indulge your inner foodie
Like any great tourist town, Branson has a thriving food scene. Take a stroll through Downtown Branson and you’re bound to come across top-rated restaurants with various types of cuisine, from Indian and Japanese to American and Italian.
If you’re feeling adventurous, stop by Mitsu Neko Fusion Cuisine for some of the best Asian food you’ll find in Missouri. If you prefer traditional American cuisine, visit The Keeter Center or The Hungry Hunter for a mouthwatering burger and fries.
For dessert, treat yourself to a freshly-baked cinnamon roll from Grandma Ruth’s, or wash down a slice of cake with a cup of Joe at Sugar Leaf Bakery!
