One of the top family vacation destinations in the country is just a 5-hour drive from Memphis, making for a great, fall break getaway. An estimated 7 million people visit Branson, Missouri every year. Despite Branson being known as the “live entertainment capitol of the world” with over 100 live shows, this city tucked into the Ozark Mountains in Missouri offers so much more. The family-friendly entertainment ranges from natural attractions like the three lakes near Branson: Table Rock Lake, Bull Shoals Lake and Lake Taneycomo to cave tours and golf designed for the entire family to play. Check out below a sampling of what Branson has to offer:
Lodging
Edward C. Robison III
From campgrounds and RVs to hotels, motels, cabins and upscale lodging, there are hundreds of options that fit virtually any style or budget. A popular destination with a lot of visitors is Johnny Morris’ Big Cedar Lodge. It was voted the best resort in the Midwest by Travel + Leisure readers. The sprawling resort includes a marina for fishing, canoeing, swimming, water skiing, nature trails and more. It’s also home to two golf courses on which the PGA TOUR Champions Legends of Golf is played each spring – one authored by famed golfer, Jack Nicklaus. The new family-friendly Fun Mountain and its Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum is a must-visit.
Outdoor activities
Three lakes (Table Rock Lake, Bull Shoals Lake and Lake Taneycomo), boating, water sports, bass and trout fishing, zip lining, hiking, biking, rock climbing, shooting clay targets, camping, traditional and mini golf, go-cart tracks, and more await. Outdoor adventure and nature lovers flock to the Branson/Lakes Area, a place where there are so many options that it’s impossible to do it all.
Diverse Options
Branson/Lakes Area charm extends to attractions like Silver Dollar City, an 1880s themed amusement park that is nearly 55 years old and lost none of its popularity, regularly adding new attractions; Ballparks of America, where replica MLB stadiums welcome thousands of players and games annually; live entertainment theaters with music, comedy, acrobatics and drama shows; stunning Titanic Museum; historic downtown including Dick’s 5 and 10 and the 105-year-old BransonDiner; and modern amenities like Branson Landing, the waterfront town center style shopping and upscale F&B venue.
For more information visit explorebransom.com