Branson has been called a ‘mini Vegas’ without all the casinos and temptation. Branson has built its reputation on providing a welcoming environment and good, wholesome family fun. The unbelievable amount of live entertainment is the city’s main draw. The city puts on more than 100 live shows every year in more than 52 venues. Although, the city has a reputation as a country music hotspot, in the past ten years or so many of the entertainment establishments have taken on a new direction offering everything from magic and comedy to acrobatics and Irish dancing. Branson’s venture into show business began back in 1959 with the Baldknobber’s Jamboree, four brothers who performed twice a week in an old converted building. In 1968, the second big show came to town when the Presley’s Country Jubilee opened the first theatre. Decades later, both venues are going strong and well worth seeing. Nowadays, some of Branson’s most popular shows include the Kirby VanBurch magic show, comedy by Yakov Smirnoff, the Shoji Tabuchi family show, the Incredible Acrobats of China, the Dixie Stampede Dinner and Show owned by Dolly Parton, Andy Williams shows, and Legends in Concert. And that is just the beginning. Whatever your tastes, chances are there is a show in Branson that you are going to love.

Branson may be the last place you would think to find not just one but three amusement parks. Silver Dollar City is a family theme park designed to resemble a late 1800’s Ozark town. The park has all kinds of rides and of course music shows too. Craftspeople throughout the park demonstrate the arts of glass blowing, blacksmithing and more. Your park admission also includes access to Marvel Cave, Missouri’s deepest cavern and oldest attraction. This is a great place to spend a day with the family. Celebration City is Branson’s newest theme park with areas based on major events and eras in America’s recent history. The nightly laser and fireworks show is absolutely the highlight of this park. White Water Park is a great place to spend a hot summer afternoon with over 12 acres of slides, rides and waves and even an area just for the little ones. Another great place that everyone will enjoy is the beautiful Butterfly Palace and Rainforest Adventure which offers interactive adventures with nearly 1,000 butterflies and other creatures, as well as an insect zoo, a 3-D maze and an IMAX theatre. The maze is super cool and the kids will love it.

Branson is surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Ozark Mountains and three glistening lakes which provide outdoor adventurers, anglers and nature lovers with the playground of their dreams. There are all kinds of ways to explore the wilderness here. The Showboat Branson Belle combines the best of both worlds, offering a stunning boat cruise on Table Rock Lake with dinner and a show. The Spirit of America offers 90 minute catamaran cruises on the lake as well so you can take your pick. The sunset Spirit of America cruise is just breathtaking. The Branson Scenic Railway allows visitors to travel through the Ozarks from the comfort of glass domed cars so you won’t miss a thing. For biking, hiking, horseback riding, jeep tours, wildlife viewing or kayaking, Dogwood Canyon Nature Park is fantastic. This 10,000 acre park is a stunning private wildlife refuge with elk, bison, Texas longhorns and all kinds of other wildlife. Do not forget your camera for this trip. No matter what you are looking for in a vacation, Branson will surely exceed your expectations in every way.