ZipRider Attraction Sails onto Branson Attraction Scene

The Shepherd of the Hills is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a big announcement – the addition of the “Vigilante Extreme ZipRider.” The announcement of this new attraction has already generated a lot of buzz as it brings an entirely new experience to the Branson attraction scene.

Set to open by Memorial Day weekend, the ZipRider will allow guests to experience a ride from atop the Inspiration to a landing point a half-mile away. Visitors will travel up the glass elevator of the Inspiration Tower to the top observation deck. From the open-air observation deck, guests will board one of four seated zip lines that will send them sailing across the 160-acre park at speeds up to 50 mph.

Unlike traditional zipline experiences, the ZipRider has a patented trolley retrieval system, so with the push of a button the seats are brought back and are ready for the next rider.

Currently, there are 10 ZipRider attractions in the world. The Branson location at Shepherd of the Hills will have the highest tower launch of any ZipRider attraction, as Inspiration Tower is 230 feet in the air.

The ride will be open to guests weighing between 75 and 275 pounds. The first ride will cost $29 and each additional trip will be $20.

Branson Trail of Lights a Christmas Tradition

Branson fully embraces the spirit of Christmas with fantastic live shows, beautiful decorations and one of the nation’s most spectacular Christmas events – An Old Time Christmas at Silver Dollar City. There are also many lighting displays throughout the area, but none are as large as the Shepherd of the Hills Trail of Lights.

The Trail of Lights in Branson, Missouri is a drive-thru animation display that winds through the historic 160-acre Shepherd of the Hills Homestead. Guests travel through a variety of different lands, each with its own themes, from fantasy to religious to patriotic.

The Trail of Lights utilizes millions on multi-colored Christmas lights to give the trail a life of its own. There are hundreds of amazing light displays, as well as animated scenes. There are also life-size, and some larger than life, three dimensional characters to explore. For 2009, there is a new Victorian-themed Christmas display.

Each display also features holiday music.

Trail of Lights tickets also include a trip to up Inspiration Tower, which is also twinkling with lights, provides guests a 230 foot-tall birds-eye-view of Branson. To cap off the experience, guests can visit Aunt Molly’s Mercantile and get treated to free hot cocoa or hot apple cider.

The trail takes guests approximately 45 minutes to an hour to go through, depending on traffic.

For even more Christmas fun, reserve tickets to Christmas on the Trail, a cowboy Christmas event featuring a chuckwagon dinner.

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 for 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.