Branson, MO

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A Branson Vacation - Part 3: Shopping, Attractions & Museums

This article is part three of a complete Branson overview. In the previous section I covered shows and theaters, but in this section we will take a look at some of the other things to do in Branson besides the shows.

Most people do not spend every minute of their time in Branson at a show. That is partly because the shows are pretty expensive. Don’t worry, there is plenty more to Branson. There is more shopping than money, several amusement and water parks, museums, mini golf and regular golf, go-carts as well as several attractions that do not fit in any other category.

I do not mind shopping, but it is not my preferred way to spend the day. However, you may feel different. Branson is a shopper's dream. There are three huge outlet malls, a restored downtown area where shops line the streets, specialty shops of all kinds, several large antique and craft malls, as well as more unique gift shops than one could explore in a month. If you plan to shop, come with plenty of time and money.

My favorite way to spend an extra day in Branson is at a theme park. In Branson you have a choice between Silver Dollar City, Celebration City and White Water. In my opinion you will get the most for your money at any one of these parks. For little more than the price of one show ticket you get a full day of fun.

Silver Dollar City is a few miles west of Branson on Hwy 76. It is a step back to the turn-of-the-century frontier. The park is filled with shows, rides and shops. It is a very unique place to visit. One could not truly experience the park in one day, so plan for two days if you have time. SDC opens in late morning and does not close until the evening. A one-day ticket is between $30-$40, but once you are inside the park everything is free except food and souvenirs. I have a complete review of SDC under 'Heath’s Reviews'.

Celebration City is Branson’s newest theme park. For about the same admission price as SDC you will have a fun-filled evening. The park opens in mid-afternoon and stays open until late at night. The park has the feel of the 1950’s and 60’s. The focus is on rides, not shows, but there is still plenty of shopping. The park closes each night with an amazing water, laser, and fireworks display that many people say is the best show in Branson.

Finally, White Water offers a full day of wet and wild fun. The park is open all day and offers dozens of water slides and rides for all ages. They also have a wave pool, lazy river and huge section just for the little kids. This is a great way to cool off in the hot Missouri sun, but don’t forget the sun block.

All three parks are owned by the same company and have similar admission prices. However, you can buy multiple day passes or a City Hopper Pass that lets you into all three parks. This option will save you money.

Every family should plan to visit at least one of the parks while in Branson. The theme parks are not just for kids. With all they offer, especially Silver Dollar City, everyone will have a good time.

If you do not have enough time in your schedule for a theme park, but still like to play, there are plenty other opportunities in Branson. There are more than a dozen creative miniature golf courses. Most of them also offer high-speed go-carts and bumper boats. The problem is not finding a mini-golf course. The problem is trying to decide if you want to play among the animals of Noah’s Ark or in the lost treasure of a pirate ship.

As you drive through town you will see the Ducks. You can take a trip on a “Ride The Duck” sightseeing tour. The ducks are the only tour in town that drips on land then dives into the lake. The tour is under $20 and lasts about an hour and a half. It is fun for all and a great way to learn about Branson. Plus everyone receives a FREE souvenir.

Some of the other popular attractions include the IMAX theatre complex, Inspiration Tower at the Shepherd of the Hill Outdoor Drama complex and the Branson Balloon, a brand-new hot air balloon that takes passengers 500 feet into the air to survey the beautiful Ozarks.

Though I am not a golfer myself, there are more award winning golf courses than I could mention. The town would seem to be a golfer's dream.

No trip to Branson would be complete without a tour of one of the many museums. Two of the most popular museums are right on the strip. The Hollywood Wax Museum and the interesting Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum are a great time for adults and kids. A couple years ago the entire Roy Rodgers and Dale Evans Museum was moved from California to it's new home in Branson. It is located across from Celebration City and is complete with Trigger the horse. A museum dedicated to the Titanic is slated to open in 2006. Two additional museums that I have complete review of under Heath’s Reviews include the American Presidential Museum and The Worlds Largest Toy Museum. They are both fascinating to tour, especially for the adults.

There are still other fun ways to spend the day in Branson from lake excursions to zoos and caves. There is no way to cover them all in one column. I hope to visit many of them and write a review to share. Until then, I will just have to dream about all the fun to be had in Branson.

Stay tuned in for Part 4 of this column. I will discuss hotels, motels and the infamous timeshare package and tour.

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