THE 10 BEST Free Things to Do in Branson
Best Free Things to Do in Branson
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Types of Attractions
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Travelers' Choice Awards winners (including the "Best of the Best" title) are among the top 10% of listings on Tripadvisor, according to the reviews and opinions of travelers across the globe.
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58 results sorted by traveler favorites
- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
Nature & Wildlife Areas
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Antique Shops • Flea & Street Markets
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What travelers are saying
- mmarro2001Sunrise, FL413 contributionsA very fun place to walk around, especially for eating and shopping. There are several boutiques there with unique items to buy. Many restaurants to choose from, including a bowling alley and museum too. However, it can sometimes be challenging to find a parking space. Cool and hip vibe.Written December 29, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Culture325939182431 contributionDominic was very nice and patient while the kids picked out their prizes. Facility was very clean. Will be back! Highly recommend visiting this location!Written February 7, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- newuandaJohnston, IA43 contributionsCool little light show set to music. We stayed for one song. But fun to stay and watch. Walk around the area to see the big Christmas tree as well.Written December 27, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Brent S2 contributionsThis is a special place that the whole family will love. Kids feeding the fish outside is Hilariously Fun. Can anyone say feeding Frenzy. If you want to escape from the mayhem of the artificial Branson. Come here and enjoy but keep it to yourself. The Locals prefer this place and I do also. Enjoy the National unspoiled Branson on the lake. Extra tip; take the drive up from the fishery across the dam. Theirs a Chateau on a beautiful hill that reminds me maybe of one of the Ludwig Castles in Germany. In fact I saw a lot of German influence in the Hotel. Unfortunately My memory slips on the name. The pictures I supplied were from that Chateau/ Castle on the Hill. You can't miss it if you drive the road on top of the Dam coming from the fishery.
Beautiful ❤️ peaceful vacation. I hope you love it like I do.Written January 16, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Gary TLockport, IL144 contributionsWas nice has abuilding where uou can see a movie. Can get great pictures one the first or secind floor. Has a walk area you can use.Written November 17, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Joyce P1 contributionThe condo we stayed in was really nice with a wonderful view from our balcony. Friday night at the Landing was a lot of fun. Saturday shopping at Tanger was nice.Written November 23, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Sam W40 contributionsWe visited the dam and park which was extremely beautiful. We even saw the steamboat sailing across the lake so that was a plus. Overall definitely a nice place to re-center the family after so much sightseeing.
Disclaimer: The USACE visitor center for the dam is closed for the season until March. Parking is still open and the area is still worth visiting.Written December 20, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Rebecca M2 contributionsSo many great gift items! And the staff was the best! I am not much of a shopper, but places like this make me enjoy shopping. 😊Written December 6, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Scoobert2Oklahoma City, OK30 contributionsWe love spending a few hours exploring Downtown Branson. There are tons of cute little shops and amazing eating establishments. If you are in the area you shouldn't miss exploring.Written June 14, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Tom H265 contributionsFished with Captain Brett out of Lilly's Landing on 4 hour trip. He was great with knowing the hot spots. Caught 24 trout on the trip. If you want to fish contact Lilly's and ask for Brett. Good LuckWritten December 9, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- JeramieMarion, IL1,404 contributionsDewey Short Visitors Center is well worth with a visit. It's free and offers some nice exhibits along with views of Table Rock Lake.Written June 27, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Vacation81225810 contributionsDiana is the best. Twice she has organized our trip. Perfect seats and shows every time 19 shows in 12 days. Thank you DianaWritten November 7, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- JSWichita, KS96 contributionsThis wilderness area is on the edge of Branson and - even though it is a large area - is easy to miss since there is just one entrance off of Fall Creek Road.
Some of the trails within the wilderness area are surprising steep and offer a good challenge to most casual hikers. The area itself is very beautiful and quiet (except around the edges where there is traffic noise), and all of the trails seem to be well-maintained.
Definitely a good area for individuals, couples, or families to try a 1-2 mile hike and see some wilderness and parts of Table Rock Lake!Written October 21, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - sanantonio18Olathe33 contributionsThis trail is more like a paved biking trail you would see in suburban area it just happens to be by a lake. Little elevation change. No drinking fountains. Free parking. The trail was perfect for our morning walk and we could see the Lake through out most of the walk. It does touch campsite areas and a marina as well as the Branson Belle parking lot. Well used but not too crowded.Written October 10, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Michael VSaint Louis, MO865 contributions- - - - - - - -
Current Review - August, 2024 (2024-08)
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Beautiful Mass
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August, 2024 Visit
My wonderful wife and I enjoyed a fantastic getaway weekend to Springfield and Branson… 47 hours of fun!
We celebrated Mass on Sunday; I mis-read MassTimes dot org and found the Our Lady of the Lake at Lake of the Ozarks, so we arrived 30 minutes early here and, as “early Christians” :), we joined in the parish rosary before Mass.
One of the key take-aways was a good point in the priest’s homily…
Just like we sometimes eat “junk food,” we recognize the importance of a good meal and how that nourishes us… so, too…. We should seek even more to celebrate the Mass and receive Jesus in the sacrament of the Eucharist as often as possible.
We’ll see you next visit, Our Lady of the Lake, Branson.
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April, 2018 (2018-04)
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We visited Branson for MLK weekend, mostly for relaxation and to see the new WOW / Wonders of Wildlife at Bass Pro in Springfield, MO.
It snowed overnight Sunday, so we woke to a blanket of white that grew deeper as we drove to Mass.
We have celebrated Mass here before, and it was a blessing that Sunday and this Sunday, too.
This Sunday's gospel was when Jesus was selecting His first apostles, and when he named Simon "Peter," meaning "rock." Just before that, Jesus told James and John "Come, and you will see."
In his homily, the Deacon shared how "come, see" applies to snow, and rainbows.
AND to sharing with others... to evangelize.
Let's invite others to Mass with us, wherever we may be!
We'll see you next visit, Our Lady of the Lake!
Gospel
JN 1:35-42
John was standing with two of his disciples,
and as he watched Jesus walk by, he said,
"Behold, the Lamb of God."
The two disciples heard what he said and followed Jesus.
Jesus turned and saw them following him and said to them,
"What are you looking for?"
They said to him, "Rabbi" -- which translated means Teacher --,
"where are you staying?"
He said to them, "Come, and you will see."
So they went and saw where Jesus was staying,
and they stayed with him that day.
It was about four in the afternoon.
Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter,
was one of the two who heard John and followed Jesus.
He first found his own brother Simon and told him,
"We have found the Messiah" -- which is translated Christ --.
Then he brought him to Jesus.
Jesus looked at him and said,
"You are Simon the son of John;
you will be called Cephas" -- which is translated Peter.
- - - - - - - -Written August 19, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.