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Thrills in the Hills

From the lakes to the Strip to the skies, you’ll find Branson loaded with all sort of adventures.

Branson is typically thought of for its iconic shows and theme parks, with the rolling Ozark hills serving as a beautiful backdrop. However, for those who are looking for more of a fresh-air or adrenaline-heavy approach to a weekend getaway, Branson is full of outdoor adventures waiting to be discovered. From parasailing over the lake to a full aerial tour, you can expect more than just flashing lights and singing families, as long as you know where to look.

Boating

Lakes are the lifeblood of Branson, and there are plenty of ways to enjoy and explore them. If you are tired of the regular Jet Ski and pontoon rides, call State Park Marina at 888-993-2628 for a parasailing adventure you’ll never forget. The rides are $79 per person and you can take up to six riders per 10-minute sailing trip. If you want to soar over Table Rock, you must call and make a reservation. Your adventure will make the beach bunnies jealous as you float across the blue Branson sky.

Or, you can stay at water level with many of the boat rentals that the Marina offers. Lake-goers can rent boats (and add-ons, like inner tubes) by the hour if they are 18 years or older. Boat rentals start at $139 with additional charges for insurance plans. For more information on boating rental policies in Missouri, visit mswp.dps.mo.gov/.

Hiking

If you’re looking to stay dry and in the sunlight of the summer days, you can visit some of the many hiking trails around Branson. The Dogwood Trail, located in Lakeview Park, is the only trail on Army Corps of Engineers land around lovely Bull Shoals Lake. Bull Shoals State Park also offers two trails: The Lakeview Trail and the Big Bluff Trail, both of which are quite accessible. If you are visiting Table Rock Lake, visit the trail running from the Dewey Short Visitor Center to the trail head. Because of the abundance of lakeshore in the Tri-Lakes area, there are many hiking opportunities for visitors who enjoy relaxing in the quiet peace of Branson.

One of the more difficult and lengthy hiking trails in the Missouri Ozarks can be found in Mark Twain National Park. The Hercules Glades Wilderness trails—stretching up to 31 miles in length—offer horseback and biking trails, as well as ATV treks. This area also allows camping for groups up to ten people. For a more moderate trail with similar activities, visit Busiek State park which is closer to Branson on Highway 65. With its many trails and 2,500 acres, Busiek provides an ideal location for horseback riding, mountain biking, as well as hiking. Busiek also offers a firing range (don’t worry, it’s well away from the horse trails).

Finally, Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, in Lampe, is more secluded and a perfect destination for hiking, fishing, biking and more, featuring 2,200 acres of limestone bluffs, waterfalls and stone bridges. Rates are $8.95 per day for adults ($4.95 for children).

Kayaking

If you are looking for a float trip, visit Kayak Branson, a family-friendly company that offers guided tours or allows you to rent canoes for the day. With prices starting at $25 and group rates for larger parties, Kayak Branson offers numerous experiences on Lake Taneycomo for all ages. Reservations can be made online at kayakbranson.com, or by phone at 417-336-2811. Be sure to look into their sunset and moonlight tours, which are available upon request and at no additional charge, for a more intimate kayaking experience.

Caving

Because of Missouri’s abundance of limestone, there are many caves for braver visitors who enjoy discovering the dark unknown. Many caves, with their guided tours, are appropriate for all skill levels. Marvel Cave, the deepest cave in Missouri and one of the largest in the country, is accessible from inside Silver Dollar City and is open to all ages. This natural wonder allows visitors to take an hour-long tour (tours start every half hour), which begins with the jaw-dropping Cathedral Room, the largest cave entrance room in the U.S. A new tour of the cave, the Lantern Lit Tour, begins an hour and a half prior to the park’s closing and is a tour circa the 1800s, with historic costumed tour guides who educate guests on the history of the cave. The price of admission is included in a Silver Dollar City ticket. Buy tickets here.

Another cave to visit is Talking Rocks Cavern, a walk-through cave. This living crystal cave is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. with tours taking up to one hour. The prices are affordable, with children’s (ages 4-12) tickets at $8.95 and adults (13 and up) $16.95. Visitors are also encouraged to venture out into the SpeleoBox maze, a free park attraction. As guests wind through the enclosed maze they experience an actual cave-training exercise.

Helicopter Tours

For the more adventurous, thrill-seeking Branson vacationer, the city of Branson—or, more accurately, the skies above it—is full of adventure. If you are a new visitor to the area and want to get the lay of the land, take a helicopter tour from Adventure Helicopter Tours. Discover Table Rock Lake and Silver Dollar City, as well as Branson’s Highway 76 Strip. Tours start at $34 and run from 9 a.m.–9 p.m., so no reservations are needed. Call 417-334-6102 for more information and visit them at 3309 W. St. Highway 76. Or go online to adventurehelicoptertours.com/branson.

Another company, Chopper Charter, allows you to fly the helicopter yourself as part of its new “I Pilot” Helicopter Flights, which include training, an “instructor pilot” and a recording of your flight to take home with you. Tours start at $40 per person and can take up to 35 minutes, which ensures you see just about everything Branson has to offer. Prices and tour packages vary, so call 417-332-1545 or inquire, or go to choppercharter.com.

Skycoaster

If you’re not up to literally flying above the city of Branson, the next best option might be to see it from 100 feet in the air before you soar toward the ground at 70 miles per hour. The Ozark Mountain Skycoaster, located at The Track Family Fun Park (3345 W. St. Hwy. 76), allows guests—safely harnessed—to swing over the 76 Strip, making it one of the biggest thrills around. You must be 42” or taller to ride, prices start at $28 for one jump. Call The Track at 417-334-1612 or visit bransontracks.com. Buy Tracks tickets here