11 FREE Things to do in Branson, Missouri!!

1. Visit College of the Ozarks

There’s plenty to do on the campus of College of the Ozarks! At the top of the hill, stop by The Keeter Center where you can freely peruse through the gift shop which is filled with unique student-made items & products. You can also sample some delicious homemade ice cream from Nettie Marie’s Creamery with varying flavors offered daily. Further down Opportunity Ave is the historic Edwards Mill where student workers make traditional grind cornmeal and weave baskets. This campus is open to self guided tours for families and other tour groups!

2. Scenic Hiking Trails

Did you know the Branson, Missouri area is home to more than 200 miles of hiking trails accessible to the public? Our town is no stranger to outdoor fun and our many hiking spots are the perfect opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors, have picnics, enjoy bike rides & soak in the scenic views of the Ozark forests and lakes. Here’s a few of our favorite trails:

-Table Rock Lakeshore Trail (2.2 mi.)
-Lakeside Forest Trails (5.3 mi.)
-White River Valley Trail (11.5 mi.)
-Dogwood Canyon Nature Park (6.5 mi.)
-Homesteader’s Trail (3.4 mi.)

3. Take a Stroll Down the Branson Landing Boardwalk

Although there are many free hiking opportunities in the Branson area, one that is very accessible to everyone is the scenic paved boardwalk running 1.5 miles along Lake Taneycomo. Parking is available right off Branson Landing Boulevard in the Belk or Bass Pro parking lots. The leisurely and level walk will provide a view of Branson Landing that most people never see, such as the beautiful landscaping between the east side of the landing’s buildings and the lake.

This walk will take you by the Branson Landing Fountains & shopping area. Along the way, there will be the opportunity to observe the boat traffic and activity on the lake and provides an excellent chance to keep various species of ducks, Canada Geese, Grey Herons, Black or Turkey Vultures (buzzards), an occasional Bald Eagle and other birds and waterfowl.

4. Enjoy the Branson Landing Fountain Shows

Branson Landing’s Fountains are located at the heart of Branson Landing at the foot of the “Town Square” on the Lake Taneycomo Lakefront. The fountains are a part of the spectacular $7.5 million water, fire, light, and music show. Weather and maintenance permitting, the show is presented hourly on the hour starting at noon each day. Even during daylight hours, it is truly amazing to see and hear the bursts from the vertical “fire canons” coordinated with fountains shooting geysers of water up to 120 feet in the air, all musically choreographed, but add darkness and the lights, and it becomes spectacular.

The Branson Landing Fountain show is an excellent item to combine with numbers 3 and 5 on the list or simply a walk up and down the Branson Landing Promenade. Although weather and seasonally dependent Branson Landing also has “street performers,” singers, clowns, etc. entertaining up and down the promenade during the vast majority of the “season.”

5. Take a ride on “Sparky” Branson’s FREE Downtown Trolley

The red trolleys run a 25-minute loop through Historic Downtown Branson and the Branson Landing. The trolley stops can be boarded in Historic Downtown Branson at Commercial and Main Street, and two blocks south at Commercial and College Street or at Branson Landing at the Bass Pro Shops parking lot and Belk department store parking lot near the parking lot end of their respective buildings.

The ride provides an excellent overview of the historic downtown area, Branson Landing, the Branson Convention Center, and Lake Taneycomo. Passengers can get on and off at any stop. With the convenient 25-minute loop, the trolley makes it easy for those shopping down at Branson Landing to take the trolley to the historic district to experience its unique shopping and restaurants and vice versa. It should be noted that although there is no time limit on parking at Branson Landing, there is a two-hour limit for the vast majority of the free parking in Historic Downtown Branson.

6. Visit Table Rock Dam

Experience this powerful and massive structure completed in 1958 that holds back the waters of the White River at Table Rock Lake. Nearby is the State Park Marina which offers excellent lake access for picnics, swimming, or fishing, all on the shores of Table Rock.

7. Step Into the Past at Dick’s Old-Time 5 & 10

Dick’s 5 & 10 is one of the last of an American Tradition and a Branson iconic experience for over 55 years. Their store a pathway back in time for those who remember the old-time 5 & 10, and we create new memories for those without any idea what a 5 & 10 was. Dick’s 5 & 10 is one place you definitely should not miss! Please visit our old-time variety store in downtown Branson to experience the incredible variety we offer regarding home decor, gifts, and Branson Souvenirs! As soon as you walk into our store, you will be amazed by the sheer volume of what you see – the trains running overhead, the incredible selection of nostalgic and novelty candy, the vastness of the assortment of merchandise, the historical collections,, and our ever-changing “Fun Aisle.”

8. Meet the Stars of Dolly’s Stampede

Stroll down the beautiful Horse Walk and meet the 4-legged stars of the show — the 32 horses! You can meet these beautiful and talented animals before the show with usually 30+ horses present in their stalls to see before the Dolly Parton Stampede performance!

9. Enjoy Lake Taneycomo

Best known for its fishing, there are still other things to do, such as boating, hiking, and diving. It’s an excellent spot for a picnic.

Formed after the completion of Powersite Dam in 1913, Lake Taneycomo was originally a section of the White River. Although it is now technically a lake, Taneycomo’s narrow arms and forested shores retain the look and feel of a river. When Table Rock Dam was completed at Taneycomo’s headwaters in 1958, the nature of the lake changed as well. Taneycomo’s water now comes from Table Rock Lake’s bottom, the coldest part, making it the coldest lake in Missouri.

10. Visit Ozark Hills Winery

At Ozark Hills Winery, take a free tour of Whiskey Jack’s Museum to learn the history of wine in the Ozarks! Their signature wines are also worth checking out with a range of dry and sweet blends with unique names like the ‘Laugh Until You Pinot Grigio’ & ‘Cheat Day Chardonnnay’ — there’s also a tasty Cutie Concord non-alcoholic juice available on the shelves and for tastings!

11. Visit Veterans Memorial Garden!

This Memorial Garden has honored America’s veterans and active duty personnel and their families for decades. Under the guidance of Master Gardener Ben Kinel and with the considerable efforts of many volunteers and benefactors who have given their time, money, materials, and a lot of hard work, this beautiful garden serves as a living tribute to our veterans. Although the beauty of the flowers will change with the seasons, the beauty and honor of what the park represents will not.