7 Incredible Attractions in Downtown Branson, Missouri, You Shouldn’t Miss
7 Incredible Attractions in Downtown Branson, Missouri, You Shouldn’t Miss
You've settled in your room at one of the Westgate Branson resorts and are looking for things to do and see in downtown Branson? No worries, we've got you covered!
This list explores seven must-see attractions in downtown Branson, Missouri, offering a delightful mix of history, entertainment, and delicious food spots you don't want to miss while in the area.
7 Attractions in Downtown Branson, Missouri
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Branson Centennial Museum
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Branson Scenic Railway
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Historic Owen Theater
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Farmhouse Restaurant
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Sparky the Free Downtown Branson Trolley
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Shipwrecked Treasure Museum
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Explore Branson Postcard Mural
From classic tourist spots to culinary delights, get ready for a fun-filled Branson adventure!
1 | Branson Centennial Museum |
Nestled in historic downtown Branson, the Branson Centennial Museum offers a free exploration of the city’s and region's fascinating past. The museum showcases Branson's transformation through rotating exhibits, offering visitors a glimpse into various eras that shaped the city's identity.
Although this establishment's exhibits change from time to time, you can expect to find more details about Branson's humble beginnings and the arrival of its first settlers in 1839. You might also encounter exhibits on influential figures and cultural shifts in Branson and the surrounding areas, followed by the rise of the city’s entertainment scene.
While the specific content may vary depending on when you visit, the Centennial Museum offers a charming and informative experience for anyone interested in learning more about Branson's history. It is a delightful stop for history buffs and curious tourists.
WHERE: 120 S. Commercial St., Branson, MO 65616 │ WHO: 417-239-1912
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2 | Branson Scenic Railway |
Branson Scenic Railway is an unforgettable journey through the Ozark Mountains. Climb aboard at the historic depot in downtown Branson and embark on a 40-mile round-trip adventure. This heritage railroad winds through foothills, tunnels, and trestles.
Depending on the day of your visit, you can take one of two routes. The northbound route travels from Branson to Galena, Missouri, where you can enjoy stunning views of the Ozark countryside, hills, sparkling lakes, and lush forests.
The southbound route takes you from Branson to the Barren Fork Trestle in Arkansas. This route offers a unique experience as the train travels over a historic bridge spanning a deep valley. No matter which route you end up on, a ride on the Branson Scenic Railway is a great way to see the Ozarks and learn about the region's rich history.
WHERE: 206 E Main St, Branson, MO 65616 | WHO: 417-334-6110
3 | Historic Owen Theatre |
Experience the history of live entertainment at the Historic Owen Theatre! As The first venue to be built in Branson, this theater is now the home of the Branson Regional Arts Council. Besides the entertaining performances it stages, the theater itself is a testament to Branson's past. Take a moment to admire the original architecture and imagine the countless audiences who have been enthralled within its walls.
The Branson Regional Arts Council uses this historic venue to offer a variety of artistic experiences, including youth arts education, community theater productions, and visual art exhibitions. People of all ages are welcome to join these activities, and visitors can attend shows, enroll in workshops, or visit the theater to soak up the creative atmosphere.
The Branson Regional Arts Council stages various theater productions throughout the year. These shows range from comedies and dramas to musicals, so there's something for everyone. For the latest information and performance dates, visit the Branson Regional Arts Council's official website or call the box office.
WHERE: 205 S Commercial St, Branson, MO 65616 │ WHO: 417-336-4255
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4 | Farmhouse Restaurant |
When it comes to eateries and culinary “attractions” in the downtown area, head straight to the Farmhouse Restaurant. This Branson staple has served heaping plates of homestyle favorites for nearly four decades and is one of the preferred spots of Branson locals and visitors.
The Farmhouse Restaurant’s menu features classics like chicken-fried steak, flame-grilled pork chop, and buffalo chicken tenders. You can add many popular sides to your meal, such as french fries, baked potatoes, green beans, and coleslaw.
Make sure to save some room for dessert! You can’t leave the restaurant without trying the legendary blackberry cobbler, featuring a generous helping of sweet, seasonal blackberries baked to perfection in a flaky crust.
With its warm, inviting atmosphere and friendly service, the Farmhouse Restaurant represents the genuine Branson spirit.
WHERE: 119 West Main Street, Branson, MO, 65616 │ WHO: 417-334-9701
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5 | Sparky the Free Downtown Trolley |
Forget about finding a place to park while in Branson—hop aboard the charming Downtown Trolley, also known as Sparky. This free and convenient service is more than a means of transportation in Branson—it's an attraction in itself! As you ride the trolley and cruise through Branson's vibrant downtown area, Sparky becomes your window to the city's hot spots.
Sparky makes stops at popular locations, allowing you to hop on and off to visit captivating live music shows, cute souvenir shops brimming with treasures, or a tempting restaurant serving delicious local food.
Don't worry about figuring out where to catch the trolley—designated stops are conveniently located throughout the city. With Sparky as your guide, you can spend more time soaking up the sights, sounds, and charm of Branson and less time worrying about getting around.
WHERE: 102 W Main St, Branson, MO 65616 │ WHO: 334-1548
6 | Shipwrecked Treasure Museum |
Located in downtown Branson, the Shipwrecked Treasure Museum is dedicated to the mysterious world of shipwrecks and the history of underwater exploration. When you enter the museum, the first thing you’ll notice is a pirate ship replica setting the stage for the shipwreck stories you’ll hear and artifacts you’ll see.
Interactive exhibits bring the hunt for lost treasures to life. At the same time, a collection of recovered artifacts, from gold coins to cannons, offers a glimpse into the stories of these sunken beauties.
The Shipwrecked Treasure Museum offers a fun and educational experience for all ages. Families with children will enjoy the exhibits and games, while adults will appreciate the historical insights and captivating displays. Whether you're a history buff or only on the hunt for a new adventure, the Shipwrecked Treasure Museum promises an unforgettable time.
WHERE: 300 Branson Landing Blvd Suite 103, Branson, MO 65616 | WHO: 417-334-9730
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7 | Explore Branson Postcard Mural |
No visit to downtown Branson is complete without snapping a photo in front of the iconic "Greetings from Branson" mural. Completed in October 2016, this vibrant mural resembles a vintage postcard that captures the city’s most famous attractions and activities.
Since then, the mural has become a popular spot for vacation photos in Branson and continues to be one of the city’s main attractions. If you happen to hop on Sparky, the Postcard mural is only a few yards from Sparky Trolley Stop #O3.
WHERE: Corner of Main Street and Sycamore Street, Branson, MO 65616
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Branson, MO—Go Beyond Downtown
Downtown Branson caters to visitors of all ages and interests, including history buffs, foodies, or fans of snapping pics of breathtaking views.
But Branson's magic extends beyond the charming downtown area. Pristine nature, exciting hiking trails, and clear lakes are also integral to Branson’s charm, so explore the town’s surroundings, which are as fascinating as the center. To plan your Branson adventure and discover hidden gems, visit our Westgate Resorts Travel blog.
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At Westgate Resorts, when you Check-In, there’s a LOT to Check-Out! Your Branson vacation awaits! Explore our Branson resorts today or talk with a vacation planner at 888-852-2959 or 407-355-2690
* Westgate Resorts is in no way affiliated with the attractions featured in this article. Items or places listed are current as of the publishing date of this article. Please call or visit the respective website for the most up-to-date offerings and details.
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