Top Branson Outdoor Activities

Neil Sawford • July 6, 2022

Branson is popularly known as the entertainment capital of the world. Still, it shouldn't be overlooked with the diversity of outdoor activities that await many visitors.

This popular entertainment hub is full of thrilling lake adventures, fantastic activities at many water parks, and an exciting adventure ride with the roller coasters in Branson, MO. If you are in Branson to enjoy a wonderful vacation, don't miss to check out these top outdoor activities.

Table Rock State Park

Boating, biking, hiking, swimming, picnicking, and camping are just a few exciting outdoor activities available at Table Rock State Park. There is a marina at the park where you can rent everything from a paddle board to a sky boat. You can take a mountain bike adventure or take a stroll along a paved bike path.

You can also have a good time if you pitch a tent, drive your RV along the lakeshore, or stay in unique accommodation. Visiting the park is a fantastic way to enjoy more of your vacation after spending a wonderful adventure ride with the roller coasters in Branson, MO.

Talking Rocks Cavern

Talking Rocks Cavern, formerly known as "Fairy Cave," provides visitors with the opportunity to see a beautiful glittering backdrop of crystals that sets the scene for an unforgettable caving experience. The cave has knowledgeable guides who can help visitors explore the cave and provide information and education about it. When you reach the cave's surface, you can pan for gemstones, play mini-golf, or let the kids enjoy a great time in the play area.

Moonshine Beach

With 800 miles of shoreline, there are numerous access points to Table Rock Lake's crystal clear waters. Moonshine Beach is one of the most popular, where you can swim, sunbathe, picnic, and have a good time in the sun. Moonshine Beach is a large sandy area with plenty of room to spread out. The beach also has handicapped-accessible picnic areas and campsites. The Dewey Short Visitor Center Recreation Area provides access to the beach.

Marvel Cave

Marvel Cave, the original Branson attraction, has been open to visitors since 1894. The cave's entrance is now inside the Silver Dollar City theme park. Admission to the park includes a guided tour of the cave. Train tours depart every 30 minutes and last approximately an hour.

Remember that the cave is probably not a good option for people with mobility or health issues. Marvel Cave has nearly 600 stairs and requires a lot of stooping and crouching from visitors.

Butterfly Palace and Rainforest Adventure

Discover live tropical butterflies, birds, and other exotic botanicals at the Butterfly Palace and Rainforest Adventure in Branson. The palace allows visitors to stroll through the aviary, where they can enjoy seeing thousands of rare butterflies. Don't miss the chance to explore the Living Rainforest Center, the Emerald Forest Mirror Maze, and the Banyan Tree Adventure.

Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area

Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area is a 140-acre wooded hill located in the heart of Branson. Trails wind through the forest and bluffs for more than five miles. Lake Taneycomo can be reached via a stone staircase that leads to a waterfall and cave. Take a few moments to unwind on a covered porch swing with a view of the lake below.

Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery

Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery is six miles away south of Branson near Table Rock Lake Dam. The hatchery has a massive stock of rainbow and brown trout in Lake Taneycomo. Each year, the hatchery produces up to 400,000 pounds of trout! Along with viewing the trout pens, the incubator offers a variety of free activities such as a nature center, hiking trails, picnic areas, and a boat landing.

Branson Scenic Railway

A vintage passenger train car chugs through the foothills of the Ozark Mountains. The nearly two-hour tour with the Branson Scenic Railway takes passengers through tunnels, trestles, and past ghost towns. The trains have no assigned seating, so you can explore the cars, including the Silver Lake car, which has concessions.

Runaway Mountain Coaster

The new Branson Mountain Adventure Park's Runaway Mountain Coaster provides coaster enthusiasts with a thrilling ride adventure on a mountain. This exciting outdoor activity in the mountains allows you to experience a slow five-minute uphill ride to the top of the mountain. After reaching the top of the mountain, the cart will begin its descent, which you will control.

Branson Jet Boat

Another engaging outdoor activity on the water is the Branson Jet Boat, which provides everyone with a thrilling river ride on a one-of-a-kind jet boat. The jet boat starts its journey down Lake Taneycomo, providing you with an unforgettable jet boat ride while viewing the natural beauty and spectacular scenery of the Ozarks.

The top outdoor activities mentioned above, including roller coasters in Branson, MO, are just a few things you won't miss on your next trip to Branson.

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Close-up of a souvenir t-shirt featuring a mountain coaster design

Shop & Adventure in Branson

By Neil Sawford • August 29, 2025

When you visit Branson with your family to enjoy a wonderful vacation, don't pass up the opportunity to shop at some of the best shopping locations. Branson shoppers will find everything on their shopping lists, from specialty shops to department stores. If you've had an exciting ride on the roller coasters in Branson, MO, the next thing you should do is go shopping at some of the shopping malls listed below. Branson Landing Branson Landing, the Midwest's shoppers' paradise, is one of the most visited shopping destinations, offering almost everything you need for your holiday shopping in Branson. This fantastic shopping destination is home to the famous Belk Department Store, which provides a wide range of clothing and accessories. It also has Bass Pro Shop, which has everything you need for outdoor adventures. Branson Landing, a center for great shopping and dining opportunities located between Lake Taneycomo and historic downtown Branson, is one of the most visited attractions in town. The easily walkable Branson Landing is less than a mile long. It features a lakeside boardwalk, an open-air promenade, and more than 100 retail shops and fine restaurants. Shopping is the ideal activity after a thrilling adventure ride on the roller coasters in Branson, MO. Historic Downtown Branson Historic Downtown Branson's famous shopping destination is a short walk from Branson Landing. Shopping in Historic Downtown Branson can undoubtedly relieve the stress of visitors who are having a great time touring the many exciting places in this vacation paradise. You will enjoy what Branson offers as you walk through the beautiful streets, old buildings, and nostalgic themed shops in downtown Branson. You can see the beginnings of Branson in the Ozarks in Historic Downtown Branson. But there's more to Branson than just reminiscing. With many shops and dozens of exciting attractions for people of all ages, this neighborhood transforms into a thriving complex full of exciting activities. Whether you're looking for gourmet foods, baked goods, or original art, the historic downtown Branson has it all. There are many fine restaurants and eateries in the historic downtown Branson, a time-enhanced exciting location. Branson Craft Mall Visit the Branson Craft Mall for a retail market that focuses on the unique and original. The Branson Craft Mall, lined with vendors and specialty craft goods, is also home to the famous Pickin' Porch Grill. You won't leave hungry with a diverse menu that includes House-Smoked BBQ, sandwiches, wings, and even tacos. For an after-meal treat, take a stroll down the candy aisle. Branson Craft Mall is a fantastic shopping destination where you can buy unique arts and crafts and enjoy a delicious dining experience at some of the finest restaurants. This expansive 160,000-square-foot craft mall offers visitors one-stop shopping from over 200 vendors, artists, and crafters. Many of these vendors sell clothing, quilts, leather goods, jewelry, rugs, baskets, pottery, and other items. The Shoppes at Branson Meadows The Shoppes at Branson Meadows provides a wide range of shopping experiences. Shepherd Hills Cutlery, Tuesday Morning, Neil's Home Store, the Consignment Clothing Exchange, Touch of Class Boutique, Made in the USA, and more are all worth a visit! Visit Branson's 1984 Arcade for a nostalgic and rejuvenating break. The Shoppes at Branson Meadows offers discounted local brands, chic home goods, and one-of-a-kind clothing. This shopping spot is a treasure trove of housewares and other household goods. Grand Village Shops Over 25 distinguished novelty stores can be found at Grand Village Shops. With each offering its distinct originality, you're sure to leave with a perfect memory of your time in Branson. The Grand Village Shops are an excellent place to find a meaningful gift for everyone on your list. With the diversity of shops, there is something for everyone in this great shopping spot in Branson. While shopping in this fascinating place, you'll see singing waiters entertain shoppers. At the same time, they enjoy diner-style food and tasty ice cream from the soda fountain at Mel's Hard Luck Diner. Tanger Outlet Mall No shopping spree in Branson is complete without a trip to Tanger Outlets. You will find well-known brands at a discounted price at this unique shopping location. Tanger Outlets is located inside Branson's Entertainment District and offers extended shopping hours and great discounts to reward members. Tanger Outlets have everything that you need and even hard-to-find items. Conveniently located on Highway 76 West, the fully stocked mall offers discounts for favorite name brands such as Gap, Levi's, Polo Ralph Lauren, J. Crew, and much more. When looking for great shopping spots to shop and adventure after an exciting ride on the roller coasters in Branson, MO , don't forget to check out the shopping malls listed above.