 |
|
|
 add to Travel Bag (NEW)
Although Branson's primary draw is the array of theaters and show palaces that line its streets, there are also sights to see here that can't be found in any theater. A number of tours are available to give you a glimpse of the Branson area from the air, on the ground, on the water, or even under the ground and under the water.
Located on the waterfront of Lake Taneycomo is historic Downtown Branson, and this is a good place to begin a walking tour. In 1912, the old business district burned to the ground in a devastating fire, but the hardy spirit of Branson's residents prevailed, and they rebuilt the town. While few of the town's original buildings survive, many of the rebuilt structures, including the post office, have found their way onto the National Register of Historic Places.
Boxcar Willie Avenue parallels the waterfront, intersecting with Main Street at the Main Street Marina. A stop here provides a peaceful setting for refreshments or a meal, with boats coming and going and the pristine waters of Lake Taneycomo lapping at the docks. And no walking tour of Downtown Branson would be complete without stops at the Hollywood Wax Museum and the Elvis Presley and Legends Hall of Fame Museums, where you can take a trip down the memory lanes of rock and country music.
If you feel the need for a little more "uplifting" tour experience, companies such as Table Rock Helicopters offer eagle's-eye views of the rolling Ozark countryside. As three massive lakes spread out below, you will gain a more thorough understanding of the lay of the land and attain a greater appreciation of the beauty that makes up the Ozark Mountains. Look closely and you may catch a glimpse of Branson Scenic Railway's famous red-and-white locomotive exiting a tunnel or traversing a curved trestle.
The Branson Scenic Railway gives you a luxurious, relaxing way to take in the Ozarks and get pampered at the same time. During the 48-mile round trip, you can dine in first-class luxury as the hardwood trees, streams and lakes of this historic region roll past. The train leaves Downtown Branson from the old depot on Main Street and crosses Lake Taneycomo via a long, steel arch trestle. If you are lucky, you may catch a glimpse of one of the Branson area's unique "ducks" as it passes beneath you on the surface of the lake.
In reality, these ducks are actually vintage, World War II-era amphibious vehicles owned by one of the area's oldest tour companies, which goes by the name "Ride the Ducks". As a passenger, you will get treated to an open-air drive from Downtown Branson to the shores of Lake Taneycomo and beyond. You may get a little spray as the duck enters the water, but in the hot Missouri sun, that just might be welcome. Over the course of 80 minutes, you will get a history lesson and also get to see the both the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery and a grand old stern-wheeled riverboat, the Branson Belle.
The Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery also offers guided tours of its trout breeding and raising operation. The waters of Taneycomo are kept at a constant temperature favored by trout, and by capitalizing on these conditions, Shepherd of the Hills has become one of the finest trout fisheries in the nation. The number of trout released into the lake by the fish hatchery ensures that all anglers have a chance to get a wily trout on the end of their lines.
The Branson Belle showboat plies the waters of Table Rock Lake and offers a recommended trip during any season. However, if you are in the Branson area during the fall—when the changing temperatures of September paint a tapestry of yellow, orange and red on the canvas of the Ozark mountainsides—be especially sure not to miss a sunset cruise on the Belle, and be sure to bring along plenty of film. The trees here are unequaled in their beauty when their fall colors are at their peak, and the reflecting surface of Table Rock Lake only multiplies the effect.
If you feel the need to see what lies beneath the surface of these waters, the marina at Table Rock Lake State Park offers scuba equipment rentals, instruction and guided trips. One favorite dive site is the remains of the Zebulon Pike, a double-deck excursion boat that lies at the bottom of the lake under about 80 feet of crystal-clear water.
If the submarine world is a bit too adventurous, try the subterranean world of limestone caverns. Missouri is known for its beautiful caves, and the Branson area contains some of the finest specimens. Marvel Cave is the most popular cave in the region, allowing for self-guided tours that take you through all the cave's fascinating formations. If the spelunker in you needs a but more adventure, Trek the Ozarks Outdoor Adventures offers tours to wild, undeveloped caves, although you will need to don your hardhat, turn on your cap lamp and double check your belay line before entering.
|
|
|
|
|
Travel Bag
Interested in writing content for Wcities?
