Known as the “Live Entertainment Capital of the World,” Branson lies in Southwest Missouri within a day’s drive of more than half of the population of the United States. Nestled within the heart of the beautiful Ozark Mountains, Branson has evolved into one of the most popular family vacation destinations in the United States. Visitors to Branson can choose from more than 50 state-of-the-art theaters and approximately 100 spectacular live shows – from country music, rock ‘n’ roll, swing, jazz, gospel and blues to magic, comedy and Broadway-style musicals. Branson also boasts award-winning theme parks such as Silver Dollar City, water parks, eclectic attractions, world-class dining, outdoor recreation, outlet malls, championship golf courses, caverns and much more! Branson was named after Rueben Branson, who opened a general store in the area that became the town’s post office in 1882. Ozark tourism originated with the Shepherd of the Hills outdoor drama, which brought to life Harold Bell Wright’s famous 1907 novel of the struggles and triumphs of early Missouri settlers. The Shepherd of the Hills outdoor drama, which first opened in 1959, continues to be performed today. A variety of live theaters started to populate the area along Highway 76 (a.k.a. Country Music Boulevard) during the late 1960s. In 1967, the Presley family constructed the first theatre (Presley’s Country Jubilee) along “The Strip.” Today, Branson draws approximately 8.3 million visitors annually. The Associated Press has named Branson one of the top 20 family vacation destinations in the United States.
In addition to world-class live entertainment, Branson features fun-filled theme parks such as Silver Dollar City, which first opened its doors in 1960. The award-winning Silver Dollar City boasts 30 thrilling rides and attractions, more than entertaining shows daily and six spectacular annual festivals: National KidsFest, Southern Gospel Picnic, National Harvest Festival, An Old Time Christmas, World-Fest and Bluegrass & BBQ. In addition, visitors to Silver Dollar City can take guided tours of Marvel Cave, Missouri’s deepest cave, which has been designated a National Natural Landmark by U.S. Department of the Interior.
Silver Dollar City’s operating season runs from mid-March through late December.
Branson water parks include Splash Country at Grand Country Square and White Water – the “hottest beach in the Ozarks!” Other popular Branson attractions are the American Presidents Museum, Branson Scenic Railway, Hollywood Wax Museum, IMAX Entertainment Complex, Ride the Ducks, Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!, Roy Rogers-Dale Evans Museum, Stone Hill Winery, Talking Rocks Cavern and Veteran’s Memorial Museum.
In addition, a variety of day trips lie within a short drive of Branson such as the Battle of Carthage State Historic Site (Carthage), Big Sugar Creek State Park (near Pineville), Dickerson Park Zoo (Springfield), Fantastic Caverns (Springfield), George Washington Carver National Monument (Diamond), Harry S Truman Birthplace State Historic Site (Lamar), Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Home & Museum (Mansfield), Nathan Boone Homestead State Historic Site (Ash Grove), Osage Village State Historic Site (near Nevada), Prairie State Park (Mindenmines), Roaring River State Park (Cassville) and Wonders of Wildlife Museum & Zooquarium (Ash Grove).