Branson, MO: Vacation Capital of the Midwest

If you're planning a family trip without breaking the bank, consider Branson. You'll find a one-of-a-kind theme park the entire family will love, terrific entertainment and fun resorts!

Silver Dollar City:

Details: 399 Silver Dollar City Pkwy., Branson, MO

Silver Dollar City is a theme park set in the 1880s. Shows, rides and crafts make this a theme park for all ages. The entire family will delight in watching crafters use historic tools to create works of art and delicious food right before your eyes. Watch a candy-making demonstration and enjoy samples. Stop at the blacksmith, glassblower, wood carver, broom maker and other crafters to watch skilled artisans create everything from wrought iron fences to marbles and baseball bats. Beyond crafts, Silver Dollar City also provides terrific shows and live entertainment. Enjoy special shows during festivals (including Kids Fest each summer, World Fest in the spring, Festival of Arts and Crafts in the fall, and Old Time Christmas each winter).

And, of course, everyone loves the rides, too! This year brings the brand-new Outlaw Run wooden roller coaster, noted for the steepest drop ever for a wooden roller coaster: 162 feet at 81 degrees! Roller coasters, a full-size steam train, kiddie rides, water rides and more are part of the fun. Many of the rides feature theatrics and decor adding to the fun... like the classic "Fire in the Hole," where you ride through a burning mine shaft or the "Great Shoot Out," where you compete with your fellow passengers to shoot targets as you float through a "prison." While you're there, be sure to tour Marvel Cave and learn about Branson's legendary tale, Shepherd of the Hills.

Moms will enjoy classes at the "Culinary & Craft School," where Silver Dollar City's own culinary team offers hands-on programs where you make and sample delicious SDC foods and leave with excellent recipes.

If you've never been, we give Silver Dollar City two thumbs up and recommend a few days for your visit. Every festival is fantastic, and your family will be eager to come back for more fun each season.

Titanic Museum

Details: 3235 76 Country Blvd., Branson, MO, 800.381.7670

The story is etched in memory as one of the greatest tragedies in history. One hundred years ago, the majestic Titanic collided with an iceberg and sank in the North Atlantic. In 1987, treasures from the sunken ship were rescued from the depths of the sea. Now, the Titanic Museum in Branson houses one of the largest permanent collections of Titanic artifacts and memorabilia. Guests are awarded a boarding pass and then welcomed into the museum where exhibits change every year. One of the most impressive sights is an exact replica of Titanic’s hand-crafted grand staircase. Compare travel for those in third class and those traveling in the luxury of first class. Children will be able to step into the captain’s bridge and take the wheel. And guests young and old are moved by the stories of the survivors of the Titanic.

Ride the Ducks:

Details: Tours are offered on multiple routes; select the one that works for you. 

The Ducks were a favorite for our girls hands-down. The Ducks are a land and water adventure where you tour Branson aboard a special vehicle (originally used by the military), specifically designed to travel by land and water. The kids enjoyed the humorous tour provided by the captain, quacking their duck calls (these are also used for discounts around Branson) and, of course, splashing down into the lake for a fun cruise. Every child is given the opportunity to “co-pilot" the boat, and they are granted a captain's certificate at the end of the tour.

Dixie Stampede:

Details: 1525 W. Hwy. 76, Branson, MO, 800.520.5544

Dixie Stampede is fun for the entire family! This dinner show is unlike any other. The audience is seated around an arena, where a live horse competition takes place complete with music, games and a variety of animals from ostriches to pot belly pigs. While you watch the show, you're served a full meal complete with soup, bread, chicken, corn and dessert with one catch—the entire meal is "finger food." The show is fun for the whole family, and it's a great value with a full meal served for all!

Caboose Junction

Details: 800.777.4922 or 417.779.4250

On Table Rock Lake, just 30 minutes from Silver Dollar City, tucked in the woods in Lampe, MO, you'll find one of the most unique places to stay in the state. Caboose Junction is a quaint little resort with six renovated cabooses, each featuring two sets of bunk beds, a loft with a double bed, a kitchenette, shower, bathroom, loveseat, television and Wi-Fi. Each caboose also features a deck overlooking Table Rock Lake, complete with picnic tables and grills. The cabooses are well-maintained and clean, just perfect for an "almost camping" experience.  You can grill hot dogs and hamburgers, roast marshmallows, hike and fish… and enjoy dry lodging complete with running water. The best of both worlds!  Tip: Read our blog “Caboose Camping” for more details.