17 Free Things To Do in Branson Missouri

Branson, Missouri offers visitors a tremendous amount of things to see and do. Home to a variety of live stage shows, the exciting Silver Dollar City theme park and the beautiful outdoors of the Ozark Mountains, Branson is teeming with activities for visitors. Plus, there are plenty of FREE things to do in Branson that are fun for those of all ages. In Branson, visitors can have fun without spending a fortune to do so. The FREE Branson activities make Branson a great a place to discover your next vacation.

1. College of the Ozarks: This picturesque campus is resplendent with lovely landscaping, fountains and walking paths. Visitors will also want to experience the Keeter Center Restaurant, the free tours at Edwards Mill and the Ralph Foster Museum, which houses the area’s best collection of Ozarks history. (Slight fee for museum admission.)

2. Table Rock Lake: The waters of this outdoor wonderland have become a haven for visitors nationwide. Take advantage of water activities such as boating, fishing, water-skiing, swimming, scuba diving, hiking and camping.

3. Table Rock Lake Dam: This massive engineering structure was completed in 1958 and created Table Rock Lake. Crowds gather to watch the powerful structure hold back the waters of the White River.

4. Dewey Short Visitor Center: Just across the dam, the Dewey Short Center, located on the shores of Table Rock Lake, offers exhibits about the dam's construction, displays of native wildlife, and interactive displays. The grounds offer picnic areas and sites for fishing or swimming, all at no cost.

5. Table Rock State Park: Located on the shores of Table Rock Lake, the park is ideal water activities and is outfitted with a marina, boat rentals, campsites and picnic areas.

6. Moon Shine Beach: Moonshine Beach is a great place to relax with the family. Visitors can enjoy the sandy beach, located on the shores of Table Rock Lake that allows families to swim, sun and enjoy beautiful views. There is a small fee of $4 per vehicle to access Moonshine Beach.

7. Stone Hill Winery: Experience a sparkling tour of wine making on this free tour, which ends with some fine wine tasting. Kids receive grape juice.

8. Henning State Forest: This 1,534 acre-park offers spectacular views, nature trails and nature studies. There is a naturalist on hand to answer questions and a beautiful scenic lookout area that provides an incredible view of the countryside.

9. Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery: One of Branson’s most popular tourist sites, the fish hatchery is located below Table Rock Dam. The center has several beautiful aquariums showcasing Missouri’s native fish. Families love to walk through the fish hatchery and learn more about the world around them. Self-guided and conducted tours are available.

10. Lakeside Wilderness Area: Lakeside provides a great trail that leads to the shores of Lake Taneycomo. This is a surprising, remote area that reveals the gem that is Branson’s beautiful outdoors.

11. Free Sunday Shows in Branson: Several Branson theaters open their doors Sunday morning for gospel singing and praising. For instance, at the Starlite Theater, Barbara Fairchild holds a Sunday Gospel Praise Service at 10am.

12. Branson Landing: The Landing has a beautiful boardwalk visitors can stroll while enjoying scenic views and Lake Taneycomo. Plus, there is a $7.5 million light, water and sound show at the top of each hour. At night, the show adds fire to the mix, for a sizzling display. It’s a world-class show and is completely free.

13. Lake Taneycomo: This downtown Branson lake is a fishing enthusiasts dream! Other activities in and around this like include boating, hiking, scuba diving, and picnicking.

14. Shopping in Branson: Branson is a great place to shop and it doesn’t cost a thing to look! Explore the many outlet malls and the new addition to the Branson scene, Branson Landing.

15. Historic Downtown Branson: A small-town, charming glimpse into historic Branson This popular area is filled with shops, restaurants and quaint stores filled with treasures. Now, visitors can take advantage of the Discovery Trolley, which runs a 15-minute loop through downtown Branson, including stops at the Branson Landing.

16. Lindwedel Wine Garden: This winery is located in the Ozark Mountains, high on a hill overlooking beautiful Branson. Guests are invited to tour the winery, sample the wines and relax on the veranda while absorbing the terrific scenic views.

17. Inspiration Tower at Shepherd of the Hills: Spectacular scenic views also await visitors to the Inspiration Tower at Shepherd of the Hills. The 230 foot tall tower provides some of the best panoramic views in the area, and is a great way to see Branson. There is a slight fee for admission (Adults 17 and older are $8; Children 17 and under are $3.50).

With 17 free things to do in Branson, visitors can experience a fun and unforgettable vacation experience without breaking the budget. Visit today to see firsthand why Branson is the Midwest’s #1 vacation destination.

U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree coming to Branson

The nation’s U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree provided by the National Park Service will again stop in Branson on its way to be lit in front of the U.S. Capitol building in Washington D.C. See the tree at 3 p.m. on Nov. 23 in front of the Sight & Sound Theatre, which is currently performing Miracle of Christmas.

Mayor Raeanne Presley will greet the tree, and there will be entertainment by Yakov Smirnoff, the cast of the Circle B Supper Show, New South of the Grand Jubilee Show, Doug Gabriel, the Haygoods and the Highway 76 Trombones. Also, actors and animals from Sight & Sound’s “Miracle of Christmas” will be on hand, according to producer Bill Lennon.

Each year, a tree is provided from a national forest for the honor. This is an 85-foot blue spruce from Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests near Alpine. Arizona. The tree will be decorated with 10,000 handmade ornaments.

Neal McCoy Returning to Branson for 2010 Season

After a successful engagement in Branson during the 2009 season at the Yakov Smirnoff Theater, Neal McCoy is planning to return to Branson for the 2010 season at a new venue.

The new Clay Cooper Theater, which is currently billed as The Osmonds Theater, will feature Neal McCoy in at least 50 headlining shows next year. McCoy plans to perform several shows during the spring and summer months, although the majority of his shows will be performed between October & December. The format will remain similar to the shows he performed during the 2009 season.

McCoy is best known for his hit songs “No Doubt About It,” “Wink,” “The Shake,” “For a Change,” “You Gotta Love That,” "Billy's Got his Beer Goggles On" and “They’re Playing Our Song.”

Silver Dollar City Celebrates 50 Years in 2010

Silver Dollar City is currently celebrating an Old Time Christmas this November & December. However, this spring they will launch its 50th year anniversary celebration, complete with a new $7 million ride, special birthday events, live entertainment and new shows for each of the park’s six festivals, along with a $50,000 prize giveaway.

Silver Dollar City, located in Branson, Missouri, unveiled plans for the new ride on November 7. The name – Tom & Huck’s RiverBlast – is central to the ride’s theme, as the water raft ride is themed around the adventures of Mark Twain’s Tom Sawyer & Huck Finn. Raft riders, armed with water soakers, will battle other rafts and those on shore. RiverBlast will replace the area currently known as Splash Harbor.

The ride aims to be one big water fight, with the storyline being that Tom & Huck have taken over a riverboat and are causing mayhem in the middle of Silver Dollar City.

A similar ride is already in place at the park’s sister park, Dollywood, in Pigeon Forge, TN.
Tom & Huck’s RiverBlast will hold six to eight people each. The riders will spend more than 5 minutes on the raft, shooting water cannons at other rafters and people on the shore, who will also be able to shoot water ack. Riders will exit onto an “island” where they will be able to continue the water fight before crossing a bridge to exit the ride.

Silver Dollar City in Branson is a theme park that continues to focus on heritage and tradition, and during their 50th anniversary celebration that focus will remain steadfast. Throughout 2010, the park will host an online memorabilia search and showcase, craftsmen reunions and the presentation of the top country hits of the past 5o years at the evening show at Echo Hollow. Change will also be given in dollar coins, the same way it was done in 1960.

May 1 will begin the official birthday celebration weekend, including a parkwide birthday party, concerts with the Ozark Mountain Daredevils, fireworks, the debut of the new Great American Country Nights evening show and a Night of Praise concluding the events. A recipe contest, hosted by Taste of Home, has already been announced to find Silver Dollar City’s official birthday cake. The season –long Take Time to Celebrate Sweepstakes will conclude in the fall, with $50,000 in prizes being given away to season ticket holders.

November & December Events in Branson

Shepherd of the Hills Trail of Lights
November 1 - December 31
This 2-1/2 mile Christmas Adventure includes 3 dimensional mechanical displays with themed music and story lines. Once you drive onto the property untiil you leave, you will be in a wonderland that will bring back the magic of Christmas you had a a little child.

Branson Area Festival of Lights
November 1 - January 2
Join the community-wide celebration as all of Branson is aglow for the holidays. Special holiday shows, drive through light displays and spectacular shopping and dining provide all the reasons to celebrate the holidays in Branson. Included is the Branson Area Festival of Lights Drive-Though Display, more than 1 mile of Christmas lights on display.

White Flight at The Butterfly Palace
November 1 - January 15
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily
Thousands of white butterflies flutter like living snowflakes amid a rainforest sparkling with thousands of twinkling lights . . while fantastic holiday music fills your soul. Simply unforgettable! Back for the 2009 holidays - Living Statues! These breathtaking angels will amaze you with their quiet beauty and joyful peace . . and will stun you when they suddenly come to life! Each self-guided holiday journey also includes a 3-D movie about butterflies, a sneak peek at some amazing creatures inside the Living Rainforest Science Center, and a chance to get lost inside the Emerald Forest Mirror Maze.

Veterans Homecoming - Branson Veterans Task Force
November 5 - November 11
America’s Largest Veterans Day Celebration, this seven-day tribute honors the veterans who have served as the stewards of freedom. Please take time to register at one of our Veterans’ Registries.

Santa Claus at Town Square in Branson Landing
November 5 - December 24
Santa Claus is coming to town - Branson Landing’s Town Square that is! Don’t miss your chance to visit Santa Claus in his very own 50-foot Christmas TreeHouse, complete with a cozy fireplace, holiday cheer and memorable photo opportunities. Visit the Branson Landing Website to view Santa’s 2009 Schedule at Branson Landing. Mark your calendars and be sure to join us as we welcome Santa Claus back to Branson Landing this holiday season with a very special Santa Arrival and Tree Lighting Ceremony produced in conjunction with our friends – The Twelve Irish Tenors and The Spirit of Christmas Dancers from the Branson Variety Theater. It’s Winter WonderLanding at Branson Landing and it kicks off on Thursday, November 5th!

Polar Express Train Ride
November 6 - December 19
The Branson Scenic Railway is proud to bring the officially licensed Polar Express Train Ride event to Branson this holiday season! The Polar Express Train Rides are based on the holiday feature film from Warner Bros. Pictures and the beloved children’s book, by Chris Van Allsburg, about a doubting young boy who takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, pajama clad passengers will relive the magic of the story as this nighttime train whisks families away for an unforgettable ride to the North Pole. During the journey, the Conductor will punch tickets and chefs serve hot chocolate, followed by a reading of Van Allsburg’s classic. At the North Pole, Santa will board the train, greet the children and give a gift for those who truly believe — a silver sleigh bell. For tickets and event information, call the Branson Scenic Railway at 800-287-2462 or visit www.bransontrain.com or www.polarexpressride.com. Be sure to make your reservations early as these trains are expected to sell out quickly.

An Old Time Christmas at Silver Dollar City
November 7 - December 30
See all your family’s favorites along with new surprises amidst the glow of over 4 million dazzling lights. You’ll create special holiday traditions, celebrate the true meaning of this magical season and take home memories that will last a lifetime!

A Bonniebrook Christmas
November 7 - November 28
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Starting with an open house 1 - 4 p.m. Saturday, November 7, Bonniebrook Historical Society presents A Bonniebrook Christmas at the home of American artist Rose O'Neill. There will be holiday decorations at the Victorian style home and visitor center at Bonniebrook. There will also be music, refreshments, and free tours during the open house. O'Neill created the Kewpies at Bonniebrook in 1909 to illustrate a Christmas story for children. Some of her Christmas Kewpie drawings will be on display at Bonniebrook November 7-28. A museum, gallery, and research library dedicated to O'Neill are part of the visitor center maintained by the Bonniebrook Historical Society on the homestead property. Walking trails are open to the public all year. The museum, gallery, and reconstructed home are open to the public for tours Tuesday through Saturday from April 1 through November. Bonniebrook is 10 minutes north of Branson and 30 miles south of Springfield off U.S. Highway 65, at 485 Rose O'Neill Road in Walnut Shade. For more information, visit www.RoseONeill.org or call the Bonniebrook Historical Society.

Christmas in the Ozarks
November 25 - November 29
This Christmas show at the Branson Convention Center features live entertainment, free pictures with Santa, unique gifts and cash prizes.

Christmas Run for CAM
Saturday, November 28
"Christmas Run for CAM" (benefitting Christian Action Ministry) is a run/walk (1 mile or 3 mile) and all proceeds will go to CAM. For further information, please contact Becky Lowrance at 294-4775 or email at Becky@sweetmagnoliatours.com. Race entry form and link will also be posted on http://www.omrr.org/

Santa's Reindeer at the Titanic
December 4 - December 5; December 11 - 12
Titanic’s parking lot will turn into a winter wonderland again when Santa and his reindeer stop by for two special weekends. Last year’s visit was a magical holiday experience for hundreds of boys and girls, and this year’s Christmas visit promises to be even more exciting. This free family attraction gives parents and kids the chance to pat real-live reindeer while having their pictures taken with these relatively rare creatures.

61st Annual Adoration Parade & Lighting Ceremony
Sunday, December 6, Lighting ceremony 5:30 p.m.
Festive night-time parade and Adoration scene lighting ceremony.

Branson Area Festival of Lights Opens to Guests

Experience the magic of the season during the Branson Area Festival of Lights 2009 as all of Branson is aglow for the holidays. From fabulous shows and dazzling lights to spectacular shopping and breathtaking scenery, Branson is a special gift for everyone in your family during this special time of year.

The centerpiece, Branson Area Festival of Lights Drive-Through, will delight children of all ages. Your journey begins with a magical one-mile drive along a path illuminated with more than 175 displays. Conveniently located off Shepherd of the Hills Expressway and Roark Valley Road, this one-of-a-kind family experience promises to be spectacular.

Branson Area Festival of Lights Drive-Through is open daily Nov. 1 – Jan. 2, 2010, from dusk until 11 p.m.

Admission Fees for 2009
Family Vehicles - $10

Family Season Pass - $20

Mini-Coaches (12-28 seats), Church Vans and Limos - $25

Full-Size Motorcoaches - $50

Mondays - The 50th family at the drive-through each Monday evening will receive a holiday gift bag.

Tuesdays & Wednesdays - Get a season pass for only $15 when you donate a children's toy to benefit Love INC. or when you donate canned food items to benefit needy families through Christian Action Ministries.

Create your own tradition during Ozark Mountain Christmas with the Branson Area Festival of Lights.

For a map of the drive through displays, click here.

Santa's Reindeer Celebrate the Season at Titanic Branson

The Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson is hosting Reindeer Days December 4, 5, 11 & 12.

This event was a surprise hit with visitors last year, so the Titanic Attraction brought the event back by popular demand. Santa Clause and his reindeer will be on hand to entertain families the first two weekends in December and the event is completely free to guests.

The event takes place at the Titanic Museum’s parking lot and guests will have the opportunities to pet the reindeer and have their picture taken with them and Santa.

The 21st Annual Ozark Mountain Christmas event kicked off November 1st. The city of Branson is now aglow with holiday light displays and filled with holiday cheer. This special event attracts thousands of visitors as Branson is rated one of the Top 10 Christmas destinations in America by media outlets like the Travel Channel, Good Morning America and Regis & Kelly.

Titanic Museum tickets are on sale now.

Branson Holiday Promenade of the Stars Features Andy Williams

The 3rd Annual Branson Holiday Promenade of Stars Parade will usher in the Christmas season on world famous Hwy 76 at 10:30am on November 7 in Branson. Mr. Christmas, otherwise known as Andy Williams, is set to be the grand marshal of the parade.

The 1.4 mile-long parade route begins at White Water and ends at the Grand Village shoppes, with a few stops along the way to allow stars to perform on stage in front of the Titanic Museum. Branson celebrities, marching bands and floats will all be included in the Branson Holiday Promenade of Stars Parade.

In addition to Andy Williams, other celebrity performances include Cathy Rigby as Peter Pan, the Lennon Sisters, the Osmonds, Tony Orlando, Broadway’s Spirit of Christmas dancers, the cast of "A Dickens’ Christmas Carol” from Silver Dollar City and a special appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus.

The parade is being recorded for a television special that will broadcast Thanksgiving Day and rebroadcast Christmas Day. The special will air on KSFX Ozarks Fox and The Vacation Channel in the Springfield/Branson area. National Broadcasts will air on RFD TV and Retro Television Network (RTN). Hosts for the television special are Debby Boone and Jimmy Osmond.

Kirby VanBurch Show Re-Opens November 1st

Official Press Release from Kirby VanBurch Theatre:

The Kirby VanBurch Theatre announced today that the Kirby VanBurch Show will be opening with a BRAND NEW SHOW on November 1, 2009 at 8pm. "Kirby has put time and great energy into developing the new show and advertising campaign," says Kelly Holman, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Kirby VanBurch Theatre.

The Kirby VanBurch Theatre on Highway 248 in Branson, Missouri re-opened the box office on October 19 at 9am. With 17 years under his belt and the numerous calls and letters, Kirby believes that he will continue to be supported by the Branson community. He says of his new show that" it is an amazing show that Branson audiences have come to expect." More Magic! More Comedy! More Variety! As promised!

Plans are also on track for Kirby's New Year's Eve Spectacular. New Show...Great Food...Party Favors...Plan to ring in 2010 with Kirby VanBurch, his amazing cast and Exotic Cats.

All Stone and Taney County tourism employees are invited to see the new show when they can. As always, tourism related employees are admitted to the show and Magical Mystery Backstage Cat Tour free of charge. They are allowed to bring one guest or their immediate family living at home, 30 minutes prior to show time. Stone and Taney County residents also receive a discounted admission rate

Mel Tillis Returns to Branson

Mel Tillis is returning to Branson for a limited engagement November 3-18, at the Tri-Lakes Center, the theater Tillis used to call home.

Carrie April Tillis and Sonny Tillis will be joining their father on stage during his performances. Sonny Tillis is best known for writing hits for some of country music’s biggest stars, including Reba McIntire, Trace Adkins and Jamie O’Neal. Carrie Tillis has appeared in various off-Broadway productions throughout the country. She will be appearing in the Tennessee Repertory Production of “Big River” this spring and her talented vocals will be on display in numbers like “Ava Maria” and “O Holy Night.”

Tillis performed in Branson for 12 years (from 1990-2002) before he resumed touring on the road. He is famous for hits such as “Ruby,” “Detroit City,” “Coca Cola Cowboy,” “I Believe in You” and many others.

Mel Tillis tickets are on sale now.