Branson: America’s Go-To for a Generation Vacation
By Tim Cotroneo
It seems the city of Branson, MO, has employed a team of hospitality mind readers when it comes to families planning a multigeneration vacation. The attractions, activities, and experiences offered by this quaint city of 13,000 residents is so spot-on that the television program 60 Minutes declared Branson “The Entertainment Capital of the Entire Universe.”
This 1991 compliment delivered by this legendary news program made vacationers sit up and take notice. The indoor and outdoor entertainment options presented by the Branson of today is so well received that over seven million tourists visit annually.
If you’re planning a vacation that includes kids, parents, and grandparents, Branson offers a wealth of main event options. As you plan for your multi-generational vacation, know that Branson’s bounty of itinerary choices includes music, comedy, boating, fishing, hiking, cruising, museums, festivals, adventure, and ziplining, just to name a few.
The Haygoods: Something for Everyone
If you’re trying to ensure that your generation vacation starts out on the right foot, book The Haygoods in concert. This incredible musical family began playing to sold-out Branson crowds in 1993.
With each Haygoods performer playing up to 20 musical instruments, expect hits dating from the 1960s to today. Mom, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa, and kids of any age will be wowed by this stellar musical act that has sold over 6 million tickets since their Branson debut. The Haygoods are just one of a dazzling lineup of musical stars playing daily.
Silver Dollar City: Thrills, History, Paddlewheel Cruises, and Jeep Tours
For the family member who loves roller coasters, welcome to Silver Dollar City. The Silver Dollar roller coasters annually rank as some of the best in North America. This theme park also features paddle wheel boat rides, jeep tours, and a water park.
If soaring up seven stories high, or speeding at a breakneck pace isn’t your thing, then check out the Marvel Cave lantern tour. With a history dating back hundreds of years, and a surface depth of 300 feet, this guided cave tour is a glimpse into Branson’s 19th century mining era.
Branson Scenic Railway: A Scenic Ride Through the Ozarks
Your Branson Scenic Railway ride begins downtown as you enter a historic 1905 depot. The 40-mile-long Ozark Zephyr journey winds through the James River Valley, along Turkey Creek, and into a remote wilderness before returning downtown. Your narrator takes you back in time with insights into the region’s history and rolling geography.
The Titanic Museum
Branson is home to the world’s largest Titanic Museum. This attraction honors the ship, the 2,200 passengers, and the crew. Several of the best Titanic collections from around the globe are on display including photos, fine China, flags, sheet music, and life jackets. The tour features replicas of the Grand Staircase, The Titanic’s interior, passenger rooms, and Captain’s Bridge.
Big Cedar Lodge Golf
The golf enthusiast in your family vacation should know that the Branson area is one of the top golf destinations on the planet. USA Today readers named Big Cedar Lodge as America’s Best Golf Resort. Play courses designed by some of the biggest names in golf including Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, and Gary Player.
Beyond Big Cedar’s 4,600-acres, there’s also Thousand Hills, Ledgestone, Pointe Royale, Branson Hills, and Holiday Hills golf courses. This summer, the new Cliffhangers Par 3 course opens overlooking Payne’s Valley.
Escape Reality Magic Dinner Show
Brian Ledbetter has been described as an illusionist, entertainer, and magician all rolled into one. Enjoy a three-course dinner as Ledbetter performs fantastic illusions and grand escapes.
Escape Reality has been voted Best Branson Magic Show. Guests may even be asked to participate in the show.
Table Rock Lake and State Park
Branson and the Ozarks are a treat for lovers of the great outdoors. Beautiful Table Rock Lake is a great site for boating, fishing, and kayaking. Many of the marinas offer pontoon boat rentals that can accommodate large groups.
On land, you’ll enjoy picnic areas, hiking trails, and scenic overlooks. You’ll also find four different zipline adventure operators throughout Branson.
Liverpool Legends
Fans of the Beatles shouldn’t miss the Liverpool Legends. These four musicians were handpicked by George Harrison’s sister.
The band played before 20,000 fans in Mexico City, headlined at the Rose Bowl, and they’ve also performed at Carnegie Hall. The band’s recording “Fab Fan Memories” was nominated for a grammy.
Ballparks of America
Baseball teams and fans will thrill to experience the Major League replica turf fields of Boston, St. Louis, Chicago, Kansas City, and Brooklyn. Baseball players from around the country compete in Ballparks of America’s 600-seat stadium surrounded by a family entertainment complex.
Where to Stay
Branson’s diverse lodging options feature more than 16,500 units. Options include four-star resorts, national-brand hotels, independent inns, nightly rental cabins, townhomes, condos, and more.
How to Get Around
If you’d like a driver to get your family from Point A to Point B, the VIP Tours of Branson is the way to go. In addition to airport transportation, VIP Tours offer Discover Branson Tours, Wine and Dine Tours, or they’ll take you to wherever your family desires to go.
Ready for Your Generation Vacation
Whether your family is all about music, the great outdoors, golf, roller coasters, or digging into history, the charming city of Branson has something for everyone. Make this the year you discover why Branson is “The Entertainment Capital of the Entire Universe.”
