By Jill Leviticus
Branson, Missouri, is a major tourist destination known for its live shows and musical entertainment. Located in Southwest Missouri, just 40 miles south of Springfield, Branson is a picturesque small town that just happens to be home to more than 50 theaters and music venues. Although the large number of musical shows and performers distinguishes Branson, you find plenty of other activities and attractions in this Ozark Mountains town.
The Butterfly Palace and Rainforest Adventure
Walk among more than 1,000 tropical butterflies at Branson's Butterfly Palace and Rainforest Adventure. The tropical garden showcases a variety of plants and shrubs selected for their ability to produce nectar to feed the butterflies. The 3-D theater gives visitors the opportunity to learn about bugs and butterflies in the rainforest through the magic of a 3-D movie. After you've watched the movie, you might want to try your luck navigating the Amazing Emerald Forest and Mirror Maze.
The Butterfly Palace and Rainforest Adventure
4106 W. Highway 76
Branson, MO 65616
(417) 332-2231
www.thebutterflypalace.com
Ghost & Haunt Tour of Branson
Branson's ghostly residents are the subjects of the Ghost and Haunt Tour. The nightly tours take you to the sites where ghosts are reported to have been spotted. You'll hear their spooky stories during this 90-minute walking tour appropriate for all ages. Reservations are required and tours may be canceled due to bad weather.
Ghost & Haunt Tour of Branson
101 S. Business Highway 65
Branson, MO 65616
(417) 423-7812
www.bransonghosttours.com
Roy Rogers-Dale Evans Museum
You'll learn more about the cowboy/cowgirl team from movies and television at the Roy Rogers-Dale Evans Museum. Exhibits include artifacts from the stars' childhood days, photographs from films, costumes, movie and TV memorabilia, fan mail and even a replica of Trigger, Roy's famous horse.
Roy Rogers-Dale Evans Museum
3950 Green Mountain Drive
Branson, MO 65616
(417) 339-1900
www.royrogers.com
Silver Dollar City
Silver Dollar City celebrates 1880s America with rides, shows, attractions and pioneer crafts. You'll find 30 attractions and rides and 60 craft shops at Silver Dollar City. More than 40 shows are offered each day, featuring bluegrass, gospel, country and Cajun music. At the Culinary and Craft School, you'll get to see coppersmiths, silversmiths, carvers and potters in action. The park also has more than 12 restaurants, offering breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Silver Dollar City
399 Indian Point Road
Branson, MO 65616
(800) 475-9370
www.bransonsilverdollarcity.com
Ride the Ducks Branson
Visitors ride on special vehicles that are equally at home on the water or on the road during a tour of the Branson area. Ride the Ducks offers two tours: the Classic Table Rock Lake Adventure and the Branson Landing Adventure. The Classic Table Rock Lake Adventure takes visitors through the 76 Strip, Branson's entertainment district, and into Table Rock Lake. The Branson Landing Adventure tours downtown Branson and also features a trip into Lake Taneycomo.
Ride the Ducks Branson
2320 W. Highway 76
Branson, MO 65616
(800) 987-6298
www.bransonducks.com
Resources
About the Author:
Jill Leviticus has been a writer for 20 years. She writes business, health and travel articles for several online publications and worked as a writer for a hospital and a nonprofit research foundation. Leviticus has a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from Lock Haven University and works as a public relations writer.
