Branson, Missouri - What to do???

[preslove]

OP, are your parents or in-laws going to Branson and having you come along? Do you like freshwater fishing? If not, there are other places you can go that provide better entertainment.

Though, those lakes are supposedly amazing for fishing, according to an old boss from Missouri. She didn't like branson, much.

You could drive to Bentonville Arkansas and see the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and the Wal-Mart visitor center.
Branson got famous because the country stars got tired of living on buses and bought homes and theaters there. The point of Branson is that you travel to the entertainers.Like Vegas but without the sinful casinos.

Yeah, unless you like old country music, or just have terrible taste in entertainment (judging by the non-concert entertainment, there's not much point.

 

[Gardener]

I am going to Branson, Missouri for a week in July.

What is there to do? Any sightseeing, biking, trekking, etc???

Please give me some tips regarding this place

Blend in with the locals and swindle the busloads of senior citizens who are drawn there like flies to shit Branson.

Are you driving a bus, or a motorhome?

 

[trmiv]

Since you have a Simpson's quote in your sig, OP Bart once said that Homer described Branson "like Vegas if it was run by Ned Flanders"

 

[bigi]

Since you have a Simpson's quote in your sig, OP Bart once said that Homer described Branson "like Vegas if it was run by Ned Flanders"

I remember that.... "Andy Williams!" Yes we do!

Thanks all for great responses.

I will have to go there, no other options available. Fishing is fine.
We'll have 3 kids with us for total of 4 adults and 3 kids ages 5, 6 and 8.

It is only for a week, so I am sure we'll be fine.

 

[Krazy4Real]

I'm not so sure that the responses were great, but I hope you somehow stumble into fun while you are there.

 

[preslove]

If I had to go, I'd stick to the lakes, maybe do a water park, hiking.

The actual shows sound terrible.

 

[Pr0d1gy]

Don't forget to tell Marnie she sucks before you go.

 

[rifken2]

When are you going?

There is some decent shopping at the landing.

There is an IMAX theater on Shepard of the Hills parkway.

My 2 year old son really liked the butterfly palace, right by Shepard of the Hills Parkway.

Closer to the landing there is more "modern" stuff, but other than the shopping most of the attractions are older.

Titanic is not as bad as they make it seem. Pretty cool if you like to experience a little of what the passengers experienced. The "how long can you last in the water" was a bit fun. I didn't last that long!

There is lots of Putt-Putt... lots!

There are a few outdoor go-kart tracks that the kids should love.

There is a Segway park, but is mostly riding on a sidewalk with a few corners. Not exciting overall.

I am not sure when Silver Dollar City will open up, might want to check in to that.

There is fishing, but not sure about rentals for doing that... surely there is... but can't confirm.

There is a zip-line attraction outside of town. Looks fun.

There is a huge watchtower around the zip line as well.

There is always the talking caverns outside of town.

The water park will not be open for a few more months.

There is a small indoor water park at one of the hotels.

As far as dinner shows, my family always enjoys Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede. Think Medieval Times but with horses and the Civil War. The show is ok, for Branson, and the food is good. If your kids love horses this is sure to please.

Dining is a mixed bag. There are good places and bad places. As far as things you are familiar with, Olive Garden, Cracker Barrel, Fudruckers (I think), IHOP, Joe's Crab Shack, Panera Bread, etc... there are not a ton of places you may be familiar with. For the local flavor, there are a lot of places that have dinner shows but we haven't tried many. There are also places that just do dinner that are local as well. Hit up some reviews is the main advice I have.

They have a local Wal-Mart for your needs, but not a lot else if you forget a toothbrush.

They have the "vintage western photographs that always a hit with the kids.

What else...

The have helicopter tours of the town, but I don't know if I would go for that unless the kids are from a place that doesn't have many tress... the scenery is beautiful, but if you have seen where I grew up, it isn't all that jaw-dropping...

There is an outlet mall there for shopping as well, Tanger outlet mall.

I am sure I am missing a few things.

For us, we live about a hour and fifteen minutes away. We go a few times a year for the waterpark and SDC (Silver Dollar City). We typically stay a Friday and Saturday night and return on Sunday. We always have a good time, but it is for a long weekend, not a vacation where you travel a ways to get there.

If you keep your expectations in line it isn't a horrible place. Are there better, sure, but not 75 minutes away... (Actually, I like Tulsa and Springfield better, but Branson is not too bad)

Re-read your post... going in July... White Water will be open, and is a fun water park. It will be crowded so standing in line for 15+ minutes for the main rides is not uncommon...
Sun-block... use it. July will be hot. Silver Dollar City will be in full swing as well. Lots of vintage atmosphere if you are in to that kind of thing.