Fun On the Mountain? Why Not Explore Under Them Next?

Neil Sawford • February 13, 2023

After you've had your fill of the Branson mountain coaster, why not visit some of Missouri's most spectacular caverns? Many caverns have sparkling stalactites and stalagmites clinging to the cave ceilings and floors. Cave salamanders, cave crickets, and upside-down bats are just a few of the fantastic sights you can see while exploring the caves. If you haven't been spelunking, try the Marvel Cave, Talking Rock Caverns, Fantastic Caverns, and the Smallin Civil War Cave.

Marvel Cave in Branson

Located at Silver Dollar City theme park, Marvel Cave is the ideal cave to explore after you have enjoyed an excellent ride with the Branson mountain coaster. If you want to see one of Missouri's cavernous wonders but don't have a lot of time on your itinerary, don't miss visiting this cave. The tour of this limestone cave lasts about an hour and is included with theme park admission. Explore nearly 500 feet beneath the surface through fascinating formations and discover why this was one of the first attractions to bring visitors to Branson when it opened to the public in 1894.

Marvel Cave is Missouri's deepest cave and can be explored for 60 minutes on an introductory tour that departs every 30 minutes or for 90 minutes on a lantern light tour that leaves once a day. The Marvel Cave tour ticket includes admission to Silver Dollar City. Marvel Cave is the closest to downtown Branson of all the best caves.

Talking Rocks Cavern in Branson

This outdoor attraction, located just minutes from Silver Dollar City, is nestled in a 400-acre nature preserve and has something for everyone. Talking Rocks Cavern is the place to explore the history and growth of wondrous mineral and rock formations up to 100 feet underground if you want to see jaw-dropping formations on a tour that isn't too physically strenuous! If you're looking for a little more adventure, the grounds also have hiking trails with a lookout tower, picnic areas, 4000 square feet of rock and gift shop, miniature golf, gemstone mining, kid's play areas, and more!

This beautiful cave features spectacular natural beauty like curtain and bacon formations. Still, it is now devoid of typical cave life due to the sealing of the entrance to the cave when it was first discovered. The daily tour takes about an hour that frequently departs throughout the day.

Fantastic Caverns in Springfield

Discovered in 1862 by a curious dog, Fantastic Caverns is a fascinating sight that has entertained many cave explorers for over a century. Due to the cave's fragility, visitors explore the caverns in comfortable jeep-drawn trams. This stunning cave is filled with natural wonders like massive columns, pearls, flowstones, and more. It's the ideal place to take the whole family when visiting Branson. The tour lasts approximately one hour and departs every 20 to 30 minutes.

Fantastic Caverns, the only ride-through cave in the United States, are ideal for those unable or unwilling to undertake a strenuous hike to enjoy a cave. Fantastic Caverns also have diverse animal habitats, including the grotto salamander, cave crawfish, and the rare, blind Ozarks fish.

Smallin Civil War Cave in the Ozark Region

Another cave near Branson that was first documented in the Ozarks is Smallin Civil War Cave. In his 1818 journal, explorer Henry Rowe Schoolcraft described and praised the cave. Osage Indians lived in this civil war cave (possibly including the Cherokee tribe). There is also evidence that the cave was used for military purposes during the Civil War.

When you join the One Hour Guided Tour on a half-mile walk, you will learn about the cave's history, geology, and folklore. This tour is suitable for strollers, wheelchairs, and mobility scooters because there are no stairs. Off-Trail Wild Tours are also available at the cave, which will take you knee-deep into 54-degree water, over rimstone dams, and to beautiful, intricate formations such as the "Mushroom."

Ozarks Caverns in Lake of the Ozarks State Park

The Ozark Caverns offers a tour designed for children aged five and up and adults to explore the cave on a basic level. Angel Showers is featured on the cave tour, an unusual cave phenomenon. It appears to be a never-ending shower of water coming from the solid ceiling rock. Visitors can also discover claw marks left in the sediment-filled by animals that sought shelter inside the cave thousands of years ago thanks to the cave's protected environment.

Ozarks Caverns is home to four species of salamanders, four species of bats, and 16 species of invertebrates. Four invertebrate species live exclusively in caves and never leave the protected environment. Ozarks Caverns is also home to many small, hidden cave creatures, such as the blind grotto salamander, which can sometimes be seen on cave tours.

If you want to see sparkling stalactites and stalagmites clinging to the cave ceilings and floors with your own eyes, you should visit these caves after you've had some fun on the Branson mountain coaster.

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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.