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Free Things in Branson Missouri

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Fun Free things to do in Branson Missouri

Branson Missouri is located in the Southwestern part of the state. It is a premiere family vacation destination. A family could go to Branson several times a year and not ever get bored. Branson is known for its musical-variety shows, its theme parks and outstanding shopping outlets! Branson also has upscale shopping, dining and entertainment available in Branson Landing. There really is something for every family budget and family interest.

Updated March 2012--Branson was hit by an EF2 Tornado on Feb 29, 2012. The city is recovering amazingly! I was there this week and other than one strip mall and one or two motels, Branson was getting back to normal. Do not cancel your trip to Branson. Have the family friendly vacation you have always enjoyed in 2012!

Updated May 2012--Have been to Branson a few days ago. Most businesses are back to normal. Only one strip mall was completely leveled on Highway 76. Branson remains the family-friendly place to go in the Midwest.

Photo: Table Rock Lake: http://www.branson.com/learn/branson-lakes/table-rock-lake/

Table Rock State Park

Branson is known for its glitz and glamour but there is an outdoor side to Branson that is less known. Table Rock Dam was built on the White River to control floods and generate hydroelectric power. It created the 43,100-acre Table Rock Lake with a shoreline of nearly 800 miles. Table Rock Lake received its name from a rock shelf that stands high above the White River about one mile downstream from the dam site. Table Rock Lake and Lake Taneycomo combine to give this area any kind of water sports and recreational activities one could want. This state park provides camping, fishing, boating, swimming and scuba diving. Almost all of the activities in this State Park are free! Be sure to check out all that this area has to offer

#2 Free Things to do in Branson

Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery

Located approximately 6 miles to the southwest of Branson, Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery is the largest trout production facility in the Missouri Department of Conservation trout production program. Construction of Shepherd of the Hills Hatchery began in 1957 and the first trout were produced in 1958. Kids will enjoy feeding the fish and learning about fish and fishing. The kids will love the water pouring over the dam and watching the fly fisherman. You can spend a lot of time or as little as you want.
Four hiking trails are also available for nature viewing. This is a popular outdoor activity that suits every age.

Guided Hatchery Tours

Guided hatchery tours are provided at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 2 p.m. weekdays from Memorial Day to Labor Day. During the remainder of the year, self-guided tours are available. This tour is informative and interesting to all ages.

#3 Free Things to do in Branson

Lake Taneycomo and Bull Shoals Lake

One of the better areas in Missouri for trout fishing, Lake Taneycomo is accessible from the historic downtown Branson. Lake Taneycomo was formed with the completion of Powersite Dam in 1913. Originally a section of the White River, it has the look and feel of a river. The cold, clear water, stocked annually with approximately 750,000 10-12" rainbow and brown trout, makes Taneycomo a world-class trout fishing lake.

Quick Facts

2,000+ (approx.) acres of surface area depending on the water level
40+ miles of shoreline
58 degrees - average water temperature
750,000 + rainbow and brown trout stocked annually

The uppermost portion of the lake is reserved for fly fishing.The downstream area closer to Powersite and Forsyth offers considerably warmer water and many different species of fish, making Taneycomo a versatile and challenging destination for anglers who are aware of its changing character of this very unique lake. For the price of a fishing license, the entire family can experience many different types of fishing.

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#5 Free Things to do in Branson

College of the Ozarks

The best kept secret of Branson is the College of the Ozarks. Students work and maintain the campus and run the restaurant. There is a free tour of the 1880's grist mill. The Keeter Center Restaurant is worth the drive; The Ralph Foster Museum is really worth the nominal fee.The Museum on the campus of the College of the Ozarks grew from humble beginnings in the 1920s to become one of the midwest's foremost institutions of historical preservation. The primary focus of the Ralph Foster Museum today is to collect, preserve, interpret and exhibit items relating to the Ozarks region. Kids will enjoy the Beverly Hillbilly's car. Truly a unique experience.

Branson's Best Day Trips

Branson's Best Day Trips: A Guide To Discovering The Best Of Branson And Ozark Mountain Country

by: Carol Shaffer

Amazon Price: $8.20 (as of 05/31/2012)

This books is written by a local writer, Carol Shaffer. There is so much to see and do in Branson that isn't located on the strip. This book will help you navigate Branson and see more than the tourist traps!

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Let me know if you have enjoyed Branson in comments below.

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Have you enjoyed Branson?

Have you any tips for free, fun things in Branson

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glowchick Mar 29, 2012 @ 5:51 pm | delete

I have not been to Branson but these things look like they would make a great vacation :)

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CNelson01 Mar 19, 2012 @ 6:00 pm | delete

Guess I'll need to put Branson on my bucket list.

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flipflopju Feb 16, 2012 @ 7:45 pm | delete

I love Branson. These are some great free tips!

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curious0927 Feb 8, 2012 @ 7:46 am | delete

Another MO city your Featured! Have to check out your Bio again, I too am from Mo and love all the wonderful things about it, so many don't have a clue. Thanks for sharing! Blessed!

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curious0927 Feb 8, 2012 @ 7:46 am | delete

Another MO city your Featured! Have to check out your Bio again, I too am from Mo and love all the wonderful things about it, so many don't have a clue. Thanks for sharing! Blessed!
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