Branson & Springfield, Missouri: All the Places To VisitBranson has been a family vacation destination for years, but there's so much to experience here as an adult too. From incredible Ozark views and outdoor adventures to local restaurants and unique attractions, these are some of my favorite spots to add to your next Branson getaway.Authorsthroughbecsspecs
DestinationsBransonItinerary

Stay

The Embers Glamping & RV Resort
If you love the outdoors but still want your creature comforts, The Embers is a fun place to stay near Branson. Their furnished glamping tents are climate controlled, with options that include private bathrooms and even treehouse tents with private hot tubs. The property also has a seasonal heated pool, pickleball, fire pits, and an on-site coffee shop.
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Adventures

Lost Canyon Cave and Nature Trail
One of the most interesting ways to experience the Ozarks is the Lost Canyon Cave & Nature Trail at Top of the Rock Ozarks Heritage Preserve. You’ll drive your own electric golf cart along a 2.5-mile trail past waterfalls, rock formations, and beautiful Table Rock Lake views before actually driving through Lost Canyon Cave. There’s even a Bat Bar inside the cave where you can grab a drink along the way!
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Top of the Rock
Top of the Rock is one of those places I'd definitely make time for while visiting Branson. Take a golf cart through the Lost Canyon Cave & Nature Trail for waterfalls, caves, and beautiful Ozark scenery, then stick around to explore the property and take in the views overlooking Table Rock Lake. There are also restaurants and the Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum on-site, so you could easily turn this into a half-day experience.
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Shepherd's Adventure Park
Shepherd's Adventure Park at The Shepherd of the Hills has everything from the Copperhead Mountain Coaster and ropes course to a canopy zipline tour with eight tree-suspended platforms. It's an easy spot to spend a few hours if you want to mix some adventure into your Branson itinerary.
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Copperhead Mountain Coaster
For a little adrenaline during your Branson trip, hop on the Copperhead Mountain Coaster at Shepherd of the Hills. You control your own speed as you twist and turn down the mountain, making it as thrilling as you want. It’s a fun way to experience the Ozark scenery while adding a little adventure to your itinerary!
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Runaway Mountain Coaster & Flyaway Ziplines at Branson Mountain Adventure
If you want to add a little adrenaline to your Branson trip, take a ride on the Runaway Mountain Coaster. You control your own speed as you wind your way down the mountain, so you can make the ride as thrilling or as scenic as you want. The park also offers the Flyaway Quad Ziplines seasonally.
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Shepherd of the Hills Inspiration Tower
For some of the best views in Branson, head to the top of Inspiration Tower at Shepherd of the Hills. You can purchase a ticket to ride the glass elevator up to the observation deck, where you’ll get panoramic views of the surrounding Ozark Mountains. You don’t have to do the zipline to visit the tower, making this an easy scenic stop even if you’re skipping the adrenaline!
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Bransons Best Zipline - Shepherd of the Hills Zipline Canopy Tours
See the Ozarks from above on the Zipline Canopy Tour at Shepherd of the Hills. The experience takes you across eight ziplines and tree-suspended platforms with beautiful views of the surrounding Ozark terrain. Plan for around 1.5–2 hours and definitely book ahead if you can!
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Dewey Short Visitor Center
Stop by the Dewey Short Visitor Center to learn a little more about Table Rock Lake and the surrounding area. Inside you’ll find interactive exhibits about the White River watershed and Table Rock Dam, while outside there are overlooks with beautiful views of the lake and dam. It’s also a great starting point if you plan to walk the Lakeshore Trail.
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Table Rock Lakeshore Trail
If you’re looking for an easy outdoor activity, take a walk along the Table Rock Lakeshore Trail. The paved, accessible trail follows the shoreline for about 2.2 miles, connecting the Dewey Short Visitor Center area with Table Rock State Park and offering plenty of lake views along the way. It’s a great slower-paced addition to a busy Branson itinerary.
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Eats

Danna's BBQ and Burger Shop
This spot came recommended by locals, and they definitely steered us in the right direction. There are plenty of BBQ classics on the menu, but our favorite was the loaded baked potato. You have to try it!
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Gettin' Basted
If BBQ is on your Branson itinerary, add Gettin' Basted to the list. Their award-winning barbecue is cooked over live coals, with brisket, burnt ends, ribs, and plenty of classic sides on the menu. It's also conveniently located right on the 76 Strip.
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Osage Restaurant
Dinner at Osage Restaurant at Top of the Rock is worth it for the experience alone. The restaurant overlooks the Ozark Mountains with incredible views, and we loved the steaks and sides during our visit. If you can, plan your dinner around sunset to really take advantage of the setting.
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Billy Gail's at HWY 265
Come hungry to Billy Gail's! They're famous for their massive 14-inch sweet cream pancakes, making this such a fun breakfast stop while you're in Branson. The portions are huge, so this is definitely one you can share.
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Coffee Creations
Coffee Creations was one of the most meaningful stops on our trip. The shop creates employment and training opportunities for people with disabilities in an inclusive environment. You're supporting an incredible mission simply by stopping in. We also loved the coffee, scones, and muffins!
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Tours

Bransons Best Zipline - Great Woodsman Canopy Tour
If you've always wanted to try ziplining, the Great Woodsman Canopy Tour at Shepherd of the Hills is a fun place to start. There's almost no hiking or stair climbing involved, so kids and grandparents can join in too. Choose the shorter four-cable tour or zip all eight, with each line getting bigger and longer until you've zipped nearly 6,000 feet of cable, all with the 1,500-acre Henning Conservation Area as your backdrop!
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Branson VIP Wine Tasting and Dinner Tour
Grown-ups, this one's for you! Leave the driving to someone else and hop aboard a luxury coach for an afternoon of wine tasting around Branson. A local guide takes you to some of the area's best wineries, and sometimes a distillery too, sharing stories about Missouri's wine history while you sample wines made from Norton, the state grape, along with native American varieties and French-American hybrids. Groups are capped at 14 guests, and the tour ends with a three-course dinner at Black Oak Grill at Branson Landing.
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Discover Branson History and Scenic Beauty Tour
Get your bearings at the start of your Branson trip with this fun history and sightseeing tour. Your guide doubles as the driver, sharing local history and funny stories as you ride through town in a luxury vehicle. Stops include Table Rock Dam and the College of the Ozarks, and you'll come away knowing a lot more about the area.
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