12 Fun, Free (or Almost Free) Activities in Branson, Missouri

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1. Hiking
   • Explore the many scenic trails around Branson. Some popular spots include Lakeside Wilderness, Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area, and Table Rock State Park. See our article on Hiking for more information and other locations!
2. Biking
   • Bring your bikes and ride along the beautiful Table Rock Lakeshore Trail for a refreshing outdoor adventure. In the spring you will view dogwood and redbud trees in bloom as well as many wildflower species. During the fall you are treated to nature's colorful fall foliage. The trail also offers beautiful views of Table Rock Lake.
   • You can also enjoy a leisurely bike ride on the North Beach Path, near the Branson Landing. This paved trail lines Lake Taneycomo and has multiple rest areas along its path. This trail connects with the Roark Creek Trail for about 3.2 miles, with all but the last half-mile paved.
3. Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery
   • Visit the fish hatchery where over a million trout are released into Lake Taneycomo each year. The visitors center is very informative, and the fish are fun to feed (that'll cost you a quarter though 😉) The hatchery also has beautiful aquariums displaying Missouri's game fish and information about the history and running of the dam and the hatchery. It's educational and fun for all ages.
4. The Dam Visitor’s Center
   • Visit the Dewey Short Visitor Center for an educational tour and enjoy stunning views of the dam and the surrounding landscape.
     https://www.explorebranson.com/profile/dewey-short-visitor-center/416
5. Ozark Hills Winery Tour
   • Ozark Hills Winery offers free tours of Whiskey Jack’s Moonshine Still Museum. Join their tour guides for a stroll through the history of wine and liquor making in the Ozarks, and you can end your experience with a wine tasting.  https://ozarkhillswinery.com/
6. Downtown Trolley Ride‍
   • Hop on the Discovery Trolley for a free 15-minute loop through downtown Branson, and get a glimpse of the old-time Main Street, preserved building facades, and Victorian lampposts. This popular area is also full of restaurants, quaint shops, and historic sites. It makes several stops, including at Branson Landing, which includes a 1.5-mile boardwalk, internationally renowned fountain spectaculars, and more than 100 specialty shops and restaurants. https://www.ridesparky.com/

7. Branson Landing
   • Walk and window shop at Branson Landing (window-shopping is free, right? 😊 ). Don't miss the Fountain Show, a beautiful display of fire and water, running every hour until 10 PM. Check it out after dark!
8. College of the Ozarks ("Hard Work U")
   • Tour the Dairy, watch cows being milked, visit the free tractor museum, and see basket and loom weaving at Edwards Mill.
   • Visit the Ralph Foster Museum, one of the Midwest’s foremost institutions of historical preservation. (The museum is free for kids, a small cost for adults). https://www.rfostermuseum.com/
   • Check out the Keeter Center and read about the history of this unique college. https://www.keetercenter.edu/
   • You can even go to college for FREE! That’s right, College of the Ozarks charges NO tuition or room and board, and students graduate debt-free. https://www.cofo.edu/

9. Moonshine Beach‍
   • Ok, I'm cheating. The beach isn't free - but it's only $4 per vehicle. Close enough?  This state-operated beach is an awesome sand beach on Table Rock Lake, near the dam.  A definite summer "must-do". https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234371

11. Family Game Night at the Inn
    • Pop a couple of bags of popcorn (on us!) and enjoy a relaxing night checking out a variety of provided games with your family. Just remember to play fair, and dad always wins 😉

11. Free Gospel Shows
    • See a Show - Yes, that's right! I said you and your family could enjoy a show for Free!  Several Branson theaters open their doors on Sunday mornings for old-time gospel get-togethers, offering a free and uplifting show for the whole family. Some even have full worship services, with the same singers and musicians who entertain the night before sharing their stories.
    • More info:
      ‍http://www.gospelsunday.com/
      http://www.barbarafairchild.com/ministry.html
      http://godandcountrytheatre.com/cowboychurch.html
      http://www.bransonimax.com/index.php/big-live-shows/25-SUNDAY-SERVICES-FREE-ADMISSION

12. Scenic Views
    • Drive around and view the beautiful scenery!  Missouri (and Branson) was named one of the TOP 5 PLACES IN THE COUNTRY TO SEE COLORFUL LEAVES several years ago.
      • Highway 165 Scenic Overlook - Drive south on Hwy 165, cross Table Rock Dam, and continue on to find breathtaking views of Branson, the mountains, Table Rock Lake, the dam, and Lake Taneycomo.
      • Highway 13 - Branson West through Kimberling City and beyond. Enjoy the bridge crossing the lake at Kimberling City.
      • Blue Buck Knob Scenic Byway - Enjoy a 45-minute scenic drive through the Mark Twain National Forest, starting from Branson via Highway 76 to 160 to 181. The natural beauty, with cool streams and tall trees that blaze with color in the fall, is breathtaking.
    • Also, check out THIS list of 10 most Instagrammable Places in Branson:
      https://www.explorebranson.com/article/10-most-instagrammable-places-branson

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Additional Suggestions

• Veterans Memorial Museum
  • While there's an admission fee, the museum often has free admission days or special events. Check their schedule!
• Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area
  • In addition to hiking, enjoy birdwatching and wildlife viewing in this beautiful conservation area.
  • The Lookout Tower offers a great place to view the sights of Branson and the entire valley.

These activities offer a variety of fun and educational experiences for visitors of all ages, showcasing the natural beauty, history, and culture of Branson. Enjoy your stay!