Branson has been called “The Las Vegas of the Midwest.” But let’s get real: It’s the G-rated version of Sin City because there is absolutely no sin here. (Not the kind you find in Vegas, anyway.)
Cradled by Missouri’s Ozark Mountains, Branson is a family-friendly entertainment destination where cheesy humor and squeaky-clean fun are grounded in religious (read: Christian)values.
For this solo traveler, who spent a few days here on a detour off Route 66, I felt guilty each time a swear left my lips. I also felt slightly out of place not having children at my hips or being able to seize a senior citizen’s discount. But, only slightly.
I transcended my single and thirty-something city-slicker judgment by staying open to the charm and kitsch that Branson offers. After all, there’s a reason that this small town (population 10,000) welcomed 8.5 million travelers last year.
Even Sir Richard Branson, the self-made billionaire and founder of Virgin Group, gave this Midwestern mecca some high-profile love in the form of a coordinated April Fool’s joke in 2015. One where Branson, the town, was in on the joke.
Here’s what is f—ing cool about Branson … oops, I mean, here’s what makes this destination worth a visit:
Also: You should watch this video now. There are pigs. And there’s swimming.
Photo courtesy of Chateau on the Lake Resort
Accommodations
There’s no shortage of lodging options in Branson. From hotels and motels, to resorts and vacation homes, to camping and RV sites—take your pick. The Branson Lakes area boasts more than 18,000 rooms, many of them hugging “The Strip,” a.k.a. Highway 76. With all of these options vying for your tourism business, deals abound. Chateau on the Lake Resort and Spa is among the fancier digs in town.
Legends in Concert | Flickr CC: Branson Convention and Visitors Bureau
Shows, shows, shows
Branson loves to brag that it has more theater seats than Broadway, boasting more than 60,000 seats across 47 theaters. Just don’t expect to find mega-hits from the Great White Way such as “Hamilton.” Instead, expect homegrown, family-friendly shows with “jamboree” and “jubilee” and “stampede” in the title. I enjoyed a bit of Vegas (again, G-rated) at Legends in Concert at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater, where “Taylor Swift” and “Elvis” currently share the stage together.
Titanic Museum | Flickr CC: Branson Convention and Visitors Bureau
Attractions
“The Strip” is loaded with a menagerie ofattractions, some colorful, some cheesy and some just plain gaudy. The attraction sure to catch everyone’s eye: The Titanic Museum. The exterior is a giant replica of the doomed ship hitting an iceberg. While the exterior may raise an eyebrow, the museum itself is an educational and interactive walk through life aboard the vessel as one of its registered passengers and includes more than 400 artifacts from the original ship on display. At the end of the tour, you learn the fate of your assigned passenger.
Zip lining | Flickr CC: Branson Convention and Visitors Bureau
Aerial adventures
Soar over the Ozark forests on a zip line at up to speeds of 50 miles per hour. Several companies operate tours in the Branson area: Branson Zipline Excursion, Adventure Ziplines of Branson, Indian Point Zipline, Branson Zipline & Canopy Tour and Zip Line USA. Want to soar a different way? Head to the Track Family Fun Parks, which recently acquired the iconic Ferris wheel from Chicago’s Navy Pier. At 15 stories high, it will wow you with bird-eye views of Branson’s entertainment district and the Ozark Mountains.
Dick’s 5 and 10 | Flickr CC: Branson Convention and Visitors Bureau
Shopping
While Tanger Outlets is a popular stop for the shopaholics who adore the standard factory outlet fare, the quirkier place to explore is Dick’s 5 & 10. This old-fashioned store in downtown Branson hosts aisles and aisles of bizarrely wonderful things you didn’t know you needed: nostalgic candy, Marilyn Monroe cookie jars, John Deere oven mitts, pig-shaped drain covers, “Welcome” signs made from deer antlers … and much more. Allocate at least 30 minutes to browse and potentially make a few purchases that’ll inspire a laugh back home.
Lake Taneycomo | Flickr CC: Branson Convention and Visitors Bureau
Scenic drives
Beyond Highway 76 is an incredible natural setting, especially in summer and autumn. In fall, specifically, the foliage surrounding Branson erupts into a cornucopia of color. Wind along Highway 160 and 165 to coast past lakes, ridge-tops and river valleys. Head to College of the Ozarks to Point Lookout for sweeping views of Lake Taneycomo and Branson. Definitely bring your camera.
Table Rock Lake State Park | Flickr CC: Branson Convention and Visitors Bureau
The great outdoors
Hello, Mother Nature! A visit to Branson offers a springboard to three pristine lakes and more than 100,000 acres of wilderness to explore. A favorite is Table Rock Lake State Park, where you’ll find ample camping, hiking, fishing, boat rentals—even SCUBA diving excursions.
Also: Don’t forget to earn deep discounts by signing up for Orbitz Rewards