Why the Runaway Mountain Coaster is Better Than Many Other Mountain Coasters

Neil Sawford • April 4, 2023

There are numerous ways to have a thrilling adventure on a mountain, whether in the summer or the winter.

Skiing, hiking, and mountain biking may be the first activities that come to mind. Taking a thrilling adventure ride on the Branson Mountain Coaster may not be the first thing that comes to mind. But it should because it is at the top of the list of favorite summer activities. Many mountain resorts now offer exciting variations of this thrill ride in a natural mountain setting.

So, what exactly is a mountain coaster, you might ask? Inform yourself now, as mountain coasters are becoming increasingly popular! Before 2005, there were no mountain coasters in the United States. That is, until Steve Beckley, the owner of Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park, flew to Germany and convinced Wiegand Sports' owner to let him build one in the United States.

Mountain coasters have since appeared in ski resorts across the country. In 2020, two new mountain coasters will open. This trend shows no signs of abating, which we should all be thankful for.

A traditional mountain coaster has some similarities to the Branson mountain coaster. Runaway Mountain Coaster in Branson is set atop a mountain, where riders can breathe fresh air. Riders enjoy breathtaking natural views as they speed down the mountain, taking hairpin turns along the way.

Since the 1970s, there has been an alpine slide. On the other hand, the traditional mountain coaster was invented in 1997 by a German company called Wiegland.

Runaway Mountain coasters are built to take advantage of the natural elevation and topography of the mountains. Individual cars attached to a fixed track are propelled down the natural contours by gravity. Riders use a brake lever to control their speed. A pulley system hauls the car up the hill on a closed-loop track at the start of the ride.

The traditional mountain coaster has the added benefit of being located in a spectacular natural mountain environment. A concrete jungle does not surround these thrill rides. Through a lush green forest, your car may wind, dip, and make hairpin turns. It could also fly over a vast ski slope with majestic mountains and blue skies in the background. Riders inhale fresh mountain air while squealing with delight at the thrill.

Some people imagine a prominent, rickety structure with a few loop-de-loops and a big drop when they hear the word "roller coaster," while others envision a brand new model that spins them upside down while their feet dangle. The Branson Runaway Mountain Coaster is a one-of-a-kind attraction. It's an exciting ride, to be sure, but this is a mountain coaster. Here you can satisfy your need for speed without resorting to crazy spins and loops, all while enjoying the stunning scenery of the mountains!

Every roller coaster will blow the wind through your hair, but unlike a roller coaster, a mountain coaster will provide you with the clean and crisp breezes of the mountain forests. This mountain coaster is also silent, so there are no loud mechanical noises to distract you from the birds chirping, the leaves rustling, and the natural beauty of the region.

The mountain coaster is high enough to provide views of scenic Ozark mountains. You can catch them as you zoom by!

You will not be mistaken if you believe that mountain and alpine coasters have recently grown in popularity! Mountain coasters (also known as alpine coasters) are having a moment now. An invention that originated in the German Alps, there were no mountain coasters in the entire United States before 2005. Still, their popularity has skyrocketed since the first one opened—and for a good reason!

Many people have heard of the Runaway Mountain Coaster and the traditional mountain coaster but are unsure what they are or how they differ from one another. But if you are a fan of roller coasters, chances are you will enjoy 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.