(BRANSON, MISSOURI) — Who’s to say the Midwest doesn’t have some of the best entertainment around?
The center of the country can arguably be referred to as the heart of the country, one with a Midwestern charm and fantastic places to stay, eat and play.
We recently traveled to Branson, Missouri for a multi-day trip full of roller coaster rides, world-class BBQ, family-friendly attractions and free events you can’t pass up. When I say there’s fun for all ages, I mean it. From the littlest toddlers around, to the parents and grandparents, we were lucky to take a trip together. Everyone enjoyed it so much, we’re already talking about going back!
I hope you enjoy the ride as I take you through our adventure.
What To Do & Where To Eat
Where to start? I feel like we barely scratched the surface on everything there is to do in Branson. And we did A LOT! So let’s dive in.
1: Silver Dollar City
Attracting roughly 2 million visitors each year, Silver Dollar City’s 1880s mine town swagger keeps pulling in visitors from all over. From fantastic roller coaster rides, to food passports, themed shows and more, SDC has it all. My favorite ride of the day was Wildfire! I’d recommend getting a “fast pass” as some of the fan-favorite rides (especially on weekends) tend to have longer rides. I’m already looking forward to our next adventure here, possibly closer to Christmas! I hear SDC goes all out for the winter holidays. Make sure to get the food passport so you can try all sorts of food & treats.
2: Branson Aquarium
This is a great last day of the trip adventure. We were thoroughly impressed by the Branson Aquarium. It was full of all kinds of fish, sharks, sea turtles, jellyfish and stingrays. You can pet stingrays, sharks, starfish and sea anemone along the way. The Bloom Room is SO COOL. Get immersed in the lights and mirrors while seeing the jellyfish tank. The stroll through the aquarium took us roughly an hour, but I’d say that’s mainly because we had toddlers who just keep running and wouldn’t stop to look at everything. One of the coolest things I saw… was a pine cone fish!
3: Shepherd of the Hills/Ozarks Aglow
We visited during The Shepherd of the Hill’s springtime lantern festival, called Ozarks Aglow. So we were able to enjoy the amusement park in the day, leave for dinner, and come back for the lantern festival at night. The Copperhead Mountain Coaster was amazing! You get to take yourself through a wooded area, riding a mountain coaster. Hard to beat the fun of that. You can also go up into the Inspiration Tower which overlooks the Ozark hills. The Ozarks Aglow was a beautiful journey at night.
4: Wonderworks Branson
Ever seen a massive building that looks like it’s about to crumble? Then you’ve probably seen Wonderworks! This science-based amusement park has three levels, all of which have unique adventures for you to take. Whether you’re really into science, or roller coaster rides, or space – Wonderworks has got it all. It’s truly fun for all ages!
5: Talking Rocks Cavern
If you’ve read any of my articles, then you probably know that I’m a big fan of caves. Batman was my favorite character growing up (and still is, if we’re being honest), so anytime we have a chance to explore underground – I’m in. Talking Rocks will take you 100-feet underground, and you’ll have a lot of steps ahead of you. So, be prepared for an adventure! This beautiful underground journey is coupled with a fun, outdoor playground and mini golf course.
6: Gettin’ Basted BBQ
When I tell you this was some of the best BBQ we’ve had, I mean it. Right next to Wonderworks, you’re gonna have to put Gettin’ Basted onto your Branson travel list. The St. Louis style ribs are delicious, and the burnt ends are award-winning. Yes, I had some of both. They also have a creme brulee corn that is so unique and fantastic! Any place I can get fried okra, I’m getting it and this was some of the best fried okra I’ve had. Just ask my wife, I’m a big fried okra snob.
7: Ozark Mountain Pizza
Located just a few minutes from Silver Dollar City, this is the perfect place to grab some slices of pizza and salad and pick it up on your way home. They’ll deliver, but it’s not out of the way at all to just pick up, especially if you’re staying at… (keep reading).
8: Outback Steak & Oyster Bar
Steaks, fried seafood… including alligator, and specialty cocktails! This was a really fun restaurant just minutes away from Branson Aquarium and Wonderworks.
Where to stay
One thing I love about Branson, is it’s full of some of the most unique places you can stay. If you want a regular hotel stay, sure, they’ve got it. But looking for something you won’t find anywhere else? Branson has got you covered.
Introducing The Chill Pickle. A beautiful rental home with six bedrooms, three bathrooms and YES, a pickleball court right outside! Not to mention a hot tub out back, a sauna downstairs, and an arcade room in the garage. This is the perfect place for a family gathering or friends trip. There’s so much space, and everything inside is so nice. The pickle theme is perfect with the pickleball court, and they’ve got plenty of paddles and balls for you to play some matches.
Free activities to do
Another great thing about Branson? There are so many free things you can to do. Especially if you have toddlers like we do, you’re going to want to save these ideas for your next Branson trip. It’ll be a great time for you, and help you save a little money.
- Dewey Shore Visitor Center: Learn about the animals of the Ozarks, get the best views of Table Rock Dam, and get free items your kids can take home.
- The Landing: Yes, you can spend some money while shopping. But – you can walk around The Branson Landing and check out the fire & water show, take the free trolley, stop by Bass Pro Shops, and walk past Lake Taneycomo.
- Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery: It’s just a quarter to get some fish food and feed the tens of thousands of trout! But they have a conservation center where you can park (for free) and walk through for free also. See a two-headed snake, fish and other creatures along the way.
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Matt Sheehan Official 