Why the Runaway Mountain Coaster is Unique

Neil Sawford • July 28, 2023

An adventure can be had any time, especially if it gets your heart racing and your adrenaline pumping. Isn't it true that an adventure can be exciting if it includes beautiful scenery?

Many thrill seekers looking for an exciting ride usually take a fascinating adventure ride with the roller coasters in Branson, MO. Still, those who want to experience a journey on the mountain to witness the beauty of nature may decide to take a thrilling ride on the Runaway Mountain Coaster. Here are some of the reasons why the Runaway Mountain Coaster is unique.

There are countless ways to have an exciting mountain trip, whether in the summer or winter. Skiing, hiking, and mountain biking are the first things that come to mind. Enjoying a thrilling adventure ride on the Branson MO roller coasters may not be the first thing that comes to mind. It should, though, because it is at the top of the list of preferred summer activities. Many mountain resorts now provide thrilling variations on this ride in a natural mountain setting.

What precisely is a mountain coaster, you may wonder? There were no mountain coasters in the United States before 2005. That is, until Steve Beckley, the owner of Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, traveled to Germany and persuaded the owner of Wiegand Sports to let him create one in the United States.

Since then, mountain coasters have arisen in ski areas around the country. In 2020, two other mountain coasters were launched. This trend shows no indication of slowing down, something we should all be grateful for.

The Runaway Mountain Coaster is the first to be built atop a mountain in Branson, allowing riders to breathe fresh air. Riders take hairpin turns and enjoy stunning natural views as they race down the hill. Runaway Mountain coasters are designed to exploit the mountains' natural elevation and topography. Gravity propels individual cars tied to a permanent track down the natural curves of a hill.

The Runaway Mountain Coaster provides more family-friendly thrills in town with more dips, turns, zigzags, and ups and downs. The Coaster will take you through nature on an Ozark slope, feel the wind on your face, and soar far above a brook, leaving you breathless and eager to ride again.

When some people hear the word "roller coaster," they anticipate a large, rickety structure with a few loop-de-loops and a tremendous drop, while others envision a spanking new model that spins them upside down while their feet dangle.

The Runaway Mountain Coaster is a one-of-a-kind attraction in Branson that offers a unique mountain adventure ride. To be sure, it provides an exhilarating ride, but this is a mountain coaster. You may satisfy your urge for speed without resorting to wild spins and loops here, all while seeing the breathtaking scenery of the Ozarks.

A mountain coaster will provide the clean and crisp breezes of the Ozark forests. This mountain coaster is also silent, so there are no loud mechanical noises to take your attention away from the birds chirping, the leaves rustling, and the natural splendor of the Ozarks region. The mountain coaster is high enough to offer spectacular vistas of the Ozarks.

You may catch them as you go by, or you can stop the cart and capture a picture of the view before resuming your downward journey on the mountain, all while admiring the breathtaking nature of the Smoky Mountains.

You are correct if you assume that mountain and alpine coasters have recently gained popularity! Mountain coasters (also known as alpine coasters) are now widespread. Until 2005, there were no mountain coasters in the United States; but after the first one opened in 2005, their popularity skyrocketed—and with good reason!

The Runaway Mountain Coaster adventure has two options: a solo driver or a driver and a passenger to the board at the loading station, where an operator will instruct you how to manage your mountain coaster cart and what to expect. When you leave the loading station, your cart will be attached to an uphill pulley cable. This cable car will take you uphill for around 5 minutes, giving you a leisurely journey on the 1900 feet of track that rises 330 feet to the summit of the hill.

The thrilling uphill ride on a mountain coaster lets you get up close and personal with the stunning Ozark landscape, observe nature's grandeur, and watch other rides return to base. As you reach the top of the hill, you will be released from the cable, and the Mountain Coaster will be under your control.

When the speed becomes excessive, pull the brake handles to slow down or push them forward to speed up. Most mountain coaster riders want to travel to fully appreciate the 3000 feet of track as it spirals, drops, and twists down the mountain.

Unlike traditional roller coasters in Branson, MO, Runaway Mountain Coaster shows you the Ozarks in a way you've never seen before!

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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.