16 Can’t Miss Hidden Gems in Branson

Branson is one of the best-known cities in the Ozark Mountains and a highly popular tourist destination in North America. It’s jam-packed with tourist attractions and live entertainment venues, but many of its must-see sights become very busy in the high season.

If you like to avoid the crowds and venture off the beaten path when you visit a new city, be sure to check out some of these hidden gems next time you’re in Branson.

1. Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area

• Website: http://bransonparksandrecreation.com/Lakeside-Forest-Wilderness-Area
• Address: 412 Owen Lane, Branson, MO

Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area is 140 acres of woodland and hill country set next to Lake Taneycomo, with 5.3 miles of hiking trails to explore. This is a great alternative to Table Rock State Park where most visitors flock to.

Look out for a waterfall, natural caves, hand-built stone wells, and a picnic area to take a break in. The Ridge Top Trail is a fun, moderately challenging route for experienced hikers.

2. Celebrity Car Museum

• Website: celebritycarmuseum.com
• Address:1600 W 76 Country Blvd, Branson, MO

If you’re looking for an alternative to the likes of the World’s Largest Toy Museum, the Titanic Museum, and Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!, head to the Celebrity Car Museum. It’s home to a wide range of iconic cars from the movies, including the DeLorean from Back to the Future and the Mystery Machine from Scooby Doo.

3. Promised Land Zoo

• Website: plzoo.com
• Address: 2751 Shepherd of the Hills Expy, Branson, MO

The Butterfly Palace and the Aquarium at the Boardwalk attract big crowds of animal lovers, but the Promised Land Zoo is a great alternative. It’s a family-owned and operated zoo with rare and endangered animals from all over the world, including big cats, zebras, kangaroos, monkeys, camels, sloths, and giraffes.

4. Ride Sparky

Sparky is a free trolley that traverses historic Downtown Branson to help visitors get around easily. It was originally established in 2006 when Branson Landing and Branson Convention Center opened. The service has 12 stops, and it takes around 20 to 30 minutes to complete the full loop. Riding Sparky is a great way to get a feel for the city center when you first arrive if you’re visiting Branson for the first time.

5. Lost Canyon Cave at Top of the Rock

Lost Canyon Cave is a natural cave with dramatic rock formations and beautiful waterfalls. You reach it by traveling in an electric cart through a pretty 2.5-mile nature trail. Once you arrive, you’ll see incredible views of Table Rock Lake.

This is an excellent alternative to the busy Marvel Cave at Silver Dollar City Theme Park. Plus, your admission to Top of the Rock also includes access to the Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum, where you can see a vast range of prehistoric, Native American, American West, and Civil War artifacts.

6. Professor Hacker’s Lost Treasure Mini Golf

• Website: losttreasuregolf.com
• Address: 3336 W 76 Country Blvd, Branson, MO

There are many top-notch activity parks in Branson’s Entertainment District, but Professor Hacker’s miniature golf courses tend to be a little quieter than the likes of Branson Tracks and Bigfoot Fun Park. There are two 18-hole courses on which you can expect to navigate streams, waterfalls, ruins, a mining car, and an airplane.

7. Dick’s 5 & 10

• Website: dicks5and10.com
• Address: 103 W Main St., Branson, MO

This fun gift shop in Downtown Branson sells old-fashioned toys and candy and gives its visitors a fun dose of nostalgia. It has been operated by the same family since 1961 and still serves old favorites that are now hard to find, such as Atkinson’s Peanut Butter Bars and Bit-O-Honey.

8. Parakeet Pete’s Steampunk Balloon

• Website: bransonlandingattractions.com/steampunk-balloon
• Address: 1113 Branson Landing Blvd, Branson, MO

One of the best ways to appreciate the natural beauty of the Ozarks is to get a bird’s eye view, which you can do on Parakeet Pete’s Steampunk Balloon. Expect incredible panoramic views over Lake Taneycomo and Branson Landing. This is a great alternative to the busy Branson Ferris Wheel. While you’re there, take a ride on Parakeet Pete’s Waterfront Zipline for a taste of adventure.

9. History of Fishing Museum

• Website: explorebranson.com/profile/history-fishing-museum
• Address: 225 N Wildwood Dr, Branson, MO

The Visitor Center at the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery is a popular attraction among keen anglers, but a good alternative is the History of Fishing Museum. More than 40,000 pieces of historic fishing equipment are on display, including rods, reels, lures, tackle, and fishing boats.

10. Smith Creek Moonshine

• Website: smithcreekmoonshine.com/branson
• Address: 1209 Branson Landing Blvd, Branson, MO

Branson Landing attracts many shoppers and diners, but one of its hidden gems is Smith Creek Moonshine, where you can sample a variety of delicious moonshine concoctions.

Popular flavors include apple pie, peach, sweet tea, coffee, and salted caramel. There’s a restaurant where you can enjoy a hearty hamburger along with your drinks and a store where you can pick up a bottle of your favorite tipple.

11. Ralph Foster Museum

• Website: rfostermuseum.com
• Address: Ralph Foster Museum at the College of the Ozarks, 100 Opportunity Ave, Point Lookout, MO

The Ralph Foster Museum has a fascinating collection of historic items related to the history of the Ozarks. You can expect everything from weapons to dolls to antiques.

A popular highlight is the original car used in the 1960s television show The Beverly Hillbillies. While you’re on the College of the Ozarks campus, be sure to drop into The Keeter Center, which serves delicious farm-to-table dishes in its dining room.

12. Caverns of the Talking Rocks

• Website: talkingrockscavern.squarespace.com
• Address: 423 Fairy Cave Ln, Branson West, MO

There are more than 6,000 caves dotted across Missouri, and Branson is home to many of the most impressive ones. If you’ve already seen the renowned Marvel Cave, try the Talking Rocks limestone cavern. Guided tours take about an hour and offer fascinating insights into geology.

13. Cruise on Table Rock Lake

Lady Liberty cruises on Table Rock Lake are a great alternative to boat rentals if you want to relax and enjoy the views. You’ll enjoy a delicious fine dining experience on a 62-foot luxury yacht. This is a quieter alternative to the dinner shows on Silver Dollar City’s Showboat Branson Belle.

14. Ride the Polar Express

• Website: bransontrain.com/polarexpress.cfm
• Address: Branson Scenic Railway, 206 E. Main, Branson, MO

If you’ll be visiting Branson at Christmas, be sure to book a spot on the Polar Express. Branson Scenic Railway transforms into a magical holiday train. The Polar Express book is read aloud, Christmas carolers provide live music, and hot cocoa and cookies are served.

15. Bull Shoals Lake

Bull Shoals Lake is less well-known than Table Rock Lake and Lake Taneycomo, but it’s just as good a venue for family fun. There are many outdoor activities to try here, including swimming, jet-skiing, boating, and fishing. The lake is also bordered by hiking trails for those who want to stay on dry land and admire the views.

16. Copperhead Mountain Coaster

Website: theshepherdofthehills.com/coaster
Address: Shepherd’s Adventure Park, 6021 W. 76 Country Blvd, Branson, MO

There are several mountain coasters in the Branson area, and Copperhead is one of the newest offerings, which means it’s equipped with the latest advanced safety technology. Mountain coasters are a thrilling way to appreciate the region’s natural beauty as you speed along loops, drops, and curves.

For a truly unique experience, ride the coaster at night when the track is lit by LED lights.

Discover Branson’s Eclectic Side

One of the best ways to get to know a city is to check out its lesser-visited attractions, so be sure to add a few of these hidden gems to your itinerary to see a different side to Branson, Missouri.