Branson Nature Parks to Visit After Your Mountain Coaster

Neil Sawford • February 28, 2025

Branson Nature Parks to Visit After Your Mountain Coaster Fun

Visiting beautiful nature parks in Branson during the autumn season is one of the most wonderful things to do with the whole family, as you can see amazing autumn colors in every corner.

Autumn season is a great time to enjoy exciting outdoor activities at some beautiful nature parks in Branson, such as Table Rock State Park, Busiek State Forest, Roaring River State Park, Trout Hatchery State Park, Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area, and Mark Twain Natural Forest, and Dogwood Canyon Nature Park. These places are a must-see after a thrilling adventure ride with the mountain coaster in Branson.

Table Rock State Park is a beautiful playground to enjoy great outdoor fun activities at any time of the year. On the shoreline of Table Rock Lake lies two campgrounds that offer basic, electric, and water campsites. In addition, this park features a woodsy oak and hickory setting, a marina nearby, and is great for boating and many other water sports adventures.

You will find the walking trail at the park that displays a good example of Ozarks woodland and meadows. In addition, the park features Table Rock Lakeshore Trail that runs along the shoreline of Table Rock Lake from the State Park Marina and the Dewey Short Visitor Center. This trail features a paved road which makes the place popular for walkers and wheelchairs.

Busiek State Forest is one of Branson’s beautiful nature parks to visit after you have enjoyed a thrilling adventure ride with the mountain coaster in Branson. Located just a short 20-minute drive north of Branson on Hwy 65, the park offers free admission and parking. The park was built in 1986 by the Missouri Department of Conservation after purchasing over 740 acres of land from Dr. Paul Busiek.

The activities that you can enjoy in this forested area include hiking, bird watching, hunting, fishing, horseback riding, and target shooting. This outdoor enthusiast’s paradise features public restrooms, campsites, and picnic areas. Overall, the park covers mountainous terrain, with panoramic views of the Ozark valleys, beautiful wildlife, and lush streams.

Roaring River State Park, located 35 miles west of Branson, is known for its premier trout fishing. The park has a deep blue spring where you can enjoy feeding or watching fish in the spring pool or take a tour of the trout hatchery. The park also features a shaded picnic area, a swimming pool, and a store. Roaring River State Parks also boasts about 187 campsites ranging from basic to electric hookup.

Located at the bottom of the Table Rock Dam off Hwy 165, Trout Hatchery State Park in Branson is free to visit, and it provides an educational and fun experience for the whole family. You’ll get to enjoy the scenic park trails, a museum-like visitor center, trout fishing, and a picturesque view of Table Rock Dam. The park also features a woodsy stroll through underbrush and trees.

Considered the best-kept secret of Branson, Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area is a popular tourist spot in the Ozarks where you can enjoy a self-guided nature tour and enjoy some leisurely walk. In the conservation area, you will find benches scattered throughout the park in shady areas where hikers can rent.

Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area is home to some five terrific trails that include Dewey Bald, Glade Exploration, Streamside, Shane’s Shortcut, and Homesteaders that course through the heavily- forested areas of the vast land.

Mark Twain National Forest is another great place to enjoy nature as it is a land of limestone mountains of surprising steepness, clear-rushing streams perfect for canoeing, and a diversity of plants. This nature park is home to a bald eagle, armadillos, the roadrunner, wild turkey, white-tailed deer, and black bears.

Mark Twain National Forest is popular for hunters, trappers, fishers, wildlife photographers, and observers. Visitors to this place can enjoy the beauty of nature while at the same time spending a great bonding moment with their families or friends.

Another beautiful nature park to visit after enjoying a breathtaking ride with the mountain coaster in Branson is the Dogwood Canyon Nature Park in Lampe. The park is about a 40-minute drive from downtown Branson. Dogwood Canyon offers many things for outdoor enthusiasts, including hiking, mountain biking, or even horseback riding.

Overall, Dogwood Canyon covers an area of about 10,000 acres, so there’s plenty of room for every adventurer to roam around and relax. No matter what fun activity you choose, you are sure to enjoy the park’s beautiful natural scenery, waterfalls, stone bridges, and crystal clear waters filled with brown and rainbow trout.

Many outdoor enthusiasts have in their mind always to visit beautiful nature parks where they want to relax, unwind and enjoy the great surroundings after a thrilling adventure ride with the mountain coaster in Branson.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

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.