– By Megan Dubois –
When most people think of Branson, Missouri, they likely think of live shows, over-the-top restaurants with kooky exteriors, and chain hotels. While this is true, on a recent long weekend to the area, I found that there’s even more to Branson than the tourist stops and Vegas-style marquees luring you into restaurants and shows. The midwest city is also home to plenty of outdoor adventures and one of the coolest theme parks in the country.
Here’s how I spent my long weekend in Branson, Missouri, including Silver Dollar City
Where to Stay in Branson, Missouri
There are many vacation rentals in the Branson area, but I opted for a more traditional hotel stay at The Ozarker Lodge. The recently renovated hotel combines the service of a conventional hotel with the look of a historic motor lodge for a unique stay. The lobby is flooded with light thanks to plenty of windows. This is also where you’ll find the on-site bar serving coffee in the morning and slinging drinks in the evening. The communal sitting area is a nice spot to enjoy your drink, read a book, or just hang out with family and friends.
My double queen bedroom was somewhat small, but since I was traveling solo, it fit the bill. The beds were comfortable, though, on late nights returning from shows or the theme park, I found the room lacked enough lighting to ensure I didn’t run into the chest of drawers that was close to the door. The bathroom, while small, did its job, though, with more than two people, I could see the space being problematic.
What I loved most about the hotel was that it was about a 5-minute drive to the main drag of Branson, so I wasn’t constantly hearing trucks or people. The hotel’s secluded location was also nestled next to a creek with Adirondack chairs and fire pits lining the waterway, which was a nice spot to wind down after a long day.
Friday afternoon and evening in Branson
After arriving in Branson, fill your belly with great BBQ at Danna’s Bar-B-Que & Burger Shop. There are two in the city, but one is conveniently located next to The Ozarker Lodge, so you can walk over for an early dinner. I loved the pulled pork sandwich, which was succulent and perfectly smoked. And there are plenty of sauces to pick from right at your table, so of course, I tried them all, and each brought something new to the flavor party.
My evening started and ended with The Haygoods, a family who has shown off their musical prowess in front of over six million people over 33 years. The show is filled with musical numbers that will have you dancing in (or out of) your seat.
Saturday in Branson
Views of Branson and Table Rock Lake. Photo by Megan Dubois
Spend most of the day on Saturday enjoying the great outdoors in Missouri. Start your morning with breakfast on the go from one of the many cafes in the city before heading to Table Rock State Park. Here, you can do everything from mountain biking and hiking to enjoying a picnic. But my favorite thing to do is head straight for the marina to rent a boat for a few hours and take lunch with me from the cafe where I ordered breakfast. I always make a point to visit Sugar Leaf Bakery Cafe while I’m in Branson, and it’s a great spot to get snacks and meals to go.
In the evening, you can explore Branson on your own, or head out on the Best of Branson Sunset Tour with Pink Jeep Tours. During the three-hour tour, you’ll get to see the sunset over Table Rock Lake from a private mountain overlook, see the Historic Downtown Branson Scenic Railway, and more.
Between adventures, you’ll need to fuel up, so stop in at Señor Clucks. You may think this is a fried chicken joint, but it’s actually Mexican. You’ll know when you’re in the right spot when you see the 43-foot-tall rooster next to the Tanger Outlets.
Spend Sunday at Silver Dollar City
2025 is set to be a big year for Silver Dollar City, and it all starts on opening day, March 13. Throughout the year, the theme park hosts fun festivals, including its Spring Exposition, Bluegrass & BBQ, Summer Celebration, Harvest Festival, and An Old Time Christmas. No matter when you go, you’re sure to have a great time.
Start your morning at Silver Dollar City with breakfast at Molly’s Mill Restaurant, where hearty Southern classics can be found in the buffet line. Don’t skip getting some of the incredible apple butter and biscuits.
As the park opens for visitors, head straight for some of the popular attractions, including Fire In The Hole, Outlaw Run, and Wildfire. My favorite ride at the park is Time Traveler, which is a high-speed coaster where each of the individual ride cars spins as you twist and turn over the track.
When the heat of the afternoon hits, try to get a spot in line to tour Marvel Cave, a natural cave that the park is built on top of. The cave tours last about an hour and show some of Mother Nature’s most beautiful underground designs. It’s also a great way to cool off on warm summer afternoons because the cave’s underground ecosystem is usually around 60 degrees.
Cinnamon Bread at Silver Dollar City. Photo by Megan Dubois
And no trip to Silver Dollar City is complete without trying the iconic cinnamon bread, which can be found at Clara Belle’s Cinnamon Bread. After you indulge in one loaf, you’re going to want to get another to bring home. Trust me, cinnamon bread reheats really well in the oven.
Megan duBois is a freelance travel writer whose work has been published online and in print for Conde Nast Traveler, Delish, The Points Guy, FamilyVacationist, Southern Living, and more. She covers theme parks, cruising, and family travel. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @minglingwithmegan.