Summer vacation is here and it’s time to hit the road for some family bonding time. One of the best places Missouri has to offer is Branson. There’s so much fun to be had and so many memories to create. So here’s the scoop on the best places to visit near Branson.

Table Rock Lake

Table rock is an expansive 43,000 acre lake where visitors can enjoy boating, swimming, fishing and eating all from the lake. There’s something to offer everyone at Table Rock and it’s fun for the whole family. With several dockside shops and restaurants, a day on Table Rock Lake never disappoints. Finish the evening by watching the incredible sunset over the lake.

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Silver Dollar City

This amusement park offers six roller coasters and several other rides to visitors. Two of the coasters, the PowderKeg and Outlaw Run are the most notable. The PowderKeg takes you from 0 to 53 mph in less than three seconds, while Outlaw Run is the second fastest wooden coaster in the world, reaching 68 mph. In between rides and games, Silver Dollar City has plenty of handcrafted goods shops and places to eat country-style snacks.

399 Silver Dollar City Pkwy, Branson, MO 65616 | website

BillyGail’s Cafe

This breakfast and lunch cafe is well-known by all the people of the surrounding Branson area. They serve incredible breakfast foods and are known for their pecan french cakes, which are pecan pancakes dipped in french toast batter and fried. BillyGail’s homestyle breakfast food will fill you up until dinner, which is good because if you want to get a seat you’ll need to get there early. The wait after 8am can last for well over an hour, so you’ll want to get there right when doors open at 7am.

5291 MO-265, Branson, MO 65616 | website

Titanic Museum

Something you can’t miss while being in Branson is the Titanic Museum. Upon entering you are presented with a collector’s card of a real passenger aboard the Titanic. This is your identity as you travel through. During your journey, you’ll see artifacts and learn the history the Titanic. You can even experience the chill of the water that night by plunging your hand into freezing temperatures. At the end of your journey you will look to discover whether or not you survived the Titanic by comparing the name on your card to the names of the survivors.

3235 W 76 Country Blvd, Branson, MO 65616| website

Reeds Spring Pizza Co

Most likely you’ve never even heard of the town of Reeds Spring Missouri, but their pizza puts in on the map. This thin crust stone-cooked pizza is made from homemade dough daily. In addition to their excellent pizza, Reeds Spring Pizza Co offers a live weekly noodle bar and over 40 beers to choose from. They have been featured in USA Today as one of the 51 great pizza parlors in the country.

22065 Main St, Reeds Spring, MO 65737 | website

Parakeet Pete’s Waterfront Zipline

Located in the heart of Branson Landing is Parakeet Pete’s Waterfront Zipline. Enjoy a brisk ride over lake Taneycomo from the side of an Ozark mountain. This attraction offers a one-time ride or a day pass and can be fun for all.

1113 Branson Landing Blvd, Branson, MO 65616|website 

Hollywood Wax Museum

The Branson Hollywood Wax Museum is the most photographed landmark in Branson since its inception in 1996. One of its features is its 150-foot replica of Mount Rushmore. The other wax statues are changed out regularly, so you never know who you’ll get to see. The museum is surrounded by other attractions of its kind including the Castle of Chaos and Hannah’s Maze of Mirrors.

3030 W 76 Country Blvd Unit A, Branson, MO 65616 | website

Ride the Ducks

While the ducks are not located solely in Branson, they are an experience all their own. Jump on board the famously known “amphibian duck” as it transitions from land to water and back again. This 70-minute Ozark adventure is full of information about the area as you traverse the waters of Table Rock Lake. You’ll even learn history of some of America’s unique military vehicles.

2320 MO-76, Branson, MO 65616 | website

Butterfly Palace and Rainforest Adventure

The Butterfly Palace and Rainforest Adventure allows you to become one with thousands of live tropical butterflies imported from all over the world. With complimentary nectar, you may even be lucky enough to feed one of these beauties. This unique experience offers you a 3-day wristband where you can experience all the Butterfly palace has to offer including its Emerald Forest Mirror Maze, Great Banyan Tree Adventure and the Living Rainforest Science Center.

4106 W 76 Country Blvd, Branson, MO 65616| website

Branson Landing

What vacation would be complete without a little souvenir shopping? Branson Landing has got you covered   for all your shopping needs. The Landing blends souvenir shops, outlet mall stores and restaurants to give you a fun shopping experience. There are even a few stores unique to Branson Landing that you won’t see anywhere else.

100 Branson Landing Blvd, Branson, MO 65616 | website

Don’t miss out on your chance to experience all the best places near Branson this summer. Whether you’re looking for good eats, memorable experiences or historic adventures, Branson is the place for you.

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