Fun Things to Do in Branson, MO from the Stage to the Mountains
Branson Fun Takes Center Stage
Some of the world’s most talented performers join mother nature to provide an entertaining and relaxing vacation in Branson, Missouri.
This gem of the Ozarks is one of the few vacation destinations that truly has something for the whole family. Whether you’re an outdoors-y person looking to be closer to the Earth, or more of a sit-and-be-entertained sort, unforgettable memories are guaranteed for your whole party, young and old.
EMBRACE THE OUTDOORS IN THE MISSOURI OZARKS
Lace up your tennis shoes and get ready for a picturesque adventure. Visit Table Rock State Park for a paved, 2.7-mile-long shoreline hiking path, as well as numerous biking and mountain biking trails. Take your adventures to the water and rent a fishing boat, ski boat, or paddleboard. As the home of retail giant Bass Pro Shops, be sure to pack your fishing gear so you can catch the store’s namesake fish.
Amateur spelunkers can enjoy an hour-long underground tour of Talking Rocks Caverns, where it’s always a comfortable 63 degrees. Photo-ops are plentiful as the natural limestone and crystal formations create remarkable pictures in various lights. Above ground, be sure to hike the gentle nature trails to appreciate the geology and geography of the Missouri Ozarks.
TAKE IN A SHOW OR 10
Boasting over 40 theaters and almost 80 shows each week, there is no lack of entertainment choices in Branson. You can attend a concert featuring nearly every music genre, from country and bluegrass to gospel and rock. Not in the mood for music? Laugh during a comedy show or marvel at high-flying acrobats.
One of America’s most beloved entertainers, Dolly Parton, lends her name to Branson’s most popular dinner show. Dolly Parton’s Stampede features 32 horses and a cast of trick riders, paired with a menu of down-home dishes like pork barbecue and homemade biscuits.
ENJOY SILVER DOLLAR CITY
Built around Marvel Cave, one of Missouri’s many caves open for public tours, Silver Dollar City celebrates the Ozarks’ culture through rides, programming, restaurants, and craft artisans. A tourist destination since the late 1800s, Marvel Cave boasts a magnificent cathedral room and a cable train.
At Silver Dollar City, you can weave a basket and dip candles the traditional way and follow it up with a roller coaster or carousel ride. The restaurants showcase family recipes from their staff members who have lived in this region for generations — it is also the only theme park in the U.S. to have its own cooking school. The attraction also programs six indoor theaters with a mix of bluegrass, country, gospel, and comedy shows.
RIVER CRUISE
Another way to experience Table Rock Lake is aboard the Showboat Branson Belle. This traditional paddle-wheel boat offers daily lunch and dinner cruises. You’ll enjoy freshly prepared dishes like seared trout, ribeye, or pot roast, while taking in a family-friendly performance incorporating music, comedy, dance, and magic.
WHERE TO STAY
From world-famous shows to natural wonders, there’s a reason Branson, Missouri, is one of the most visited places in the United States. Be in the middle of the action at Marriott’s Willow Ridge Lodge.
Start your day of adventure with a hearty breakfast cooked in your villa’s fully equipped kitchen. With pots, pans, glasses, and silverware included, the only thing you’ll need to add is flavor. 
Marriott’s Willow Ridge Lodge 
Marriott’s Willow Ridge Lodge
When your adventures are over, return to the resort grounds for a dip in the pool, a game of shuffleboard, or simply sit and relax by a fire pit. Let the fun continue in your villa when you pick up a board game or DVD to enjoy the comfort of like-home accommodations.
When it’s time to turn in, get the good night’s sleep you deserve in a villa that accommodates up to eight people, leaving plenty of room to stretch out and rest.
Marriott Vacation Club International and their respective affiliates and subsidiaries make no warranty, express or implied, as to the condition, capacity, performance, or any other aspect of the activities, events, services, attractions, products, or providers listed herein. No inquiry has been made into the activities, attractions, or events, or the qualifications or the quality of services or products offered by the providers. Do not consider this an endorsement of or recommendation for any of the activities, events, or providers. Activities, attractions, services, products, and experiences provided may require the payment of additional fees and are subject to change.