Fun & Education With the Family - Visit Historic Branson Near Runaway Mountain Coaster

Neil Sawford • February 9, 2023

There's more to a wonderful vacation in Branson than live music and theater. This "Live Music Capital of the World" offers thrilling water adventures and hiking, as well as a thrilling ride adventure on the roller coaster adventure in Branson.

Celebrities, artists, and professional outdoorsmen have long been drawn to Branson because of the area's natural beauty. Their love of the great outdoors has aided in creating and preserving many historic sites in Branson. Branson's history is a colorful one that continues to celebrate the natural beauty and splendor of the Ozarks, from cave tours and fishing activities to museums and theme parks.

Talking Rocks Cavern

When you take an exciting tour at Talking Rocks Cavern, you'll be treated to a one-of-a-kind outdoor adventure in Branson. This fascinating cave has played an important and long-standing role in Branson's history. The cave, which millions of people have visited, has a beautiful landscape of glistening crystals and mysterious rock formations.

This location is more than just one of the unique attractions that long drawn visitors to the Ozarks. For decades, tourists and locals alike have been drawn to the area's network of underground caves. Indeed, many of Branson's well-known comedy and live music acts got their start on stages that were once housed in caves.

Talking Rocks Cavern still offers unparalleled beauty and a sense of adventure today. This enchanting cave received its name in 1969 when it became a part of the Silver Dollar City empire, but its history goes back much further. You'll be amazed when you take an hour-long tour of the cave system and its history before ascending to the lookout tower. Visiting a cave is a great activity after you have enjoyed a thrilling adventure ride with the roller coaster in Branson.

Ralph Foster Museum

The Ralph Foster Museum, located on the College of the Ozarks campus, is a well-known tourist attraction in Branson that actively supports the College's vocational, academic, and cultural goals. The museum, known locally as "The Smithsonian of the Ozarks," was named for Ralph Foster, although Foster was not involved with it until the 1960s. The museum has become one of the Midwest's leading historical preservation institutions in the Ozarks.

Stopping by at the Ralph Foster Museum will let you appreciate the beauty and history of the Ozarks. The museum has great exhibits such as antiques, housewares, wildlife, and even the famous car used in The Beverly Hillbillies. There's a lot to see, thanks to meticulously curated collections that date back to the 1920s.

Bonniebrook Gallery, Museum, and Homestead

At the Bonniebrook Gallery, Museum, and Homestead, you can walk through a piece of history. This mansion-turned-museum was once the family home of Rose O'Neill, the artist, illustrator, and writer best known for her cherub-faced Kewpies. The opulent mansion is now on the National Register of Historic Places and restored.

It now houses a collection of O'Neill's illustrations and artwork. Even the property itself is a peaceful retreat among Branson's many historical sites, with walking paths through the woods and sitting areas near a small creek.

Branson Scenic Railway

At the Historic Downtown Branson, visitors can take a fascinating tour with Branson Scenic Railway. This exciting train attraction in Branson transports passengers on a 40-mile round trip train excursion to locations inaccessible by car or other modes of transportation. The train excursion tour guide will tell you about the history of the Ozark Mountains as it travels through the Ozark Mountains. This short train ride will allow you to receive special treatment as it takes you one hour and 45 minutes round trip. You'll travel through creeks, rivers, valleys, and ghost towns, or you can dine in an old-fashioned dining car.

History of Fishing Museum

The Ozarks have long been a haven for anglers, thanks to many rivers, lakes, and streams. Off the water, the History of Fishing Museum is one of Branson's many popular historic sites. An enormous collection of antique fishing gear can be found within these hallowed halls. The exhibits include lures, rods, reels, motors, and boats. Even more impressive is that a husband and wife own the entire collection. The museum houses over 40,000 pieces in total.

Baldknobbers Jamboree

If the Mabes had a crystal ball, they could have predicted how big their act would become. The Mabe family built Branson's first theater in 1959, relying on a solid set of country music and comedy. Better known as the Baldknobbers, the

family continues to draw large crowds who come to see their blend of country, gospel, and comedy, which has helped to make their act one of Branson's most popular historic sites.

While many great outdoor adventures are waiting for you to discover, don't forget to visit some of them after you've had a thrilling adventure ride on the roller coaster adventure in 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.