Things Free to do & See

Some of Branson’s most enjoyable activities are not only free, they’re priceless!

Table Rock Dam –Crowds gather daily just to gawk at this engineering colossus holding back the waters of the old White River.

Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery – Believe it or not, this is one of Branson’s most popular tourist sites, located below Table Rock Dam. A visitor’s center has some beautiful aquariums displaying Missouri’s game fish. A walk through the trout hatchery (which raises over a million trout yearly) is an especially big hit with families.

Table Rock Lake State Park – Dewey Short Visitor’s Center – Moonshine Beach -Across Table Rock Dam. Swim at a tree-shaded, sandy beach, picnic, hike the trails, or just sit and watch the passing sailboats and the majestic Showboat Branson Belle cruising by.

Scenic Views – One popular one is on Hwy 165. (Going South, cross Table Rock Dam, then climb the heights for a great view of Branson, the mountains, Table Rock Lake, and Lake Taneycomo. Another is the Henning State Forest Lookout, about 2 miles West of town on W. Hwy 76 .

Camping – An abundance of campgrounds are located in the Branson area.

Hike/Bike/Canoe/Kayak – Hiking & Biking Trails are at Henning State Forest and throughout the area. Nearby rivers to float are the James River, the Finley River, and across the Arkansas state line, the Buffalo River.

College of the Ozarks You won’t find a more picturesque campus. Signs proclaim this mountain college “Hard Work U”, owing to the 15 hours per week each student must work (for tuition) in one of over 80 campus work areas. Students maintain the lovely landscaping, with walking paths, a pond with swans and fountains, and many spots other that are great for pictures. The student-run Friendship House Restaurant, serves fine country-style cooking. Edwards Mill Free tours of this student-operated 1880’s grist mill, which produces several products you can buy on site. Ralph Foster Museum See the original Beverly Hillbillies car in this museum, which houses the area’s best collections of Ozarks history. (Modest Admission Fee)

Waterfront – Lake Taneycomo – in old downtown Branson. Quaint waterfront, perfect for short talks. The shade trees and a fairly steady breeze keeps it pleasant, even on a hot summer day. Fish off the docks, feed the ducks and geese for a few pennies, stroll through the park, the dockside art galleries, or just sit and enjoy the view of the clear waters, rugged cliffs, and listen to the clip-clop of horses and carriages passing by.

Shopping – It doesn’t cost anything just to look! Branson is one of America’s top shopping destinations. Outlet malls: Tanger Outlet Mall, Factory Shoppes at Branson Meadows, and Factory Merchants Outlet Mall . Downtown Branson has 101 quaint shops. In addition the town has several theme malls featuring antiques, demonstrating master craftsmen, country crafts, or flea markets.

Stone Hill Winery – Enjoy a sparkling hour of wine making on this free tour, which ends with some fine wine tasting. (Grape juice for the kids).

Free Sunday Shows – Several of the Branson theaters open their doors Sunday mornings for some good old gospel get-togethers, Ozark style. Hear some of your favorite Branson entertainers and musicians doing traditional gospel music . You’ll mix informally with other tourists, Branson locals, and you’ll spot Branson celebrities both on stage and in the audience, although often unannounced. Several enjoy taking to the stage and sharing a word about their faith. Some theaters host worship services complete with preaching and testimonies.