City Guides: Things to do While Boating in Branson, Missouri
Among the lakes, caves and mountains of the Ozarks sits a world-class entertainment and boating destination. Located south of Lake of the Ozarks in southwest Missouri, Branson offers swimming, bass and trout fishing, hunting, boating, kayaking and jet-skiing. You’ll find marinas, boat ramps and private boat docks for rent on lakes like Table Rock Lake and Lake Taneycomo.
There are a wide variety of activities and family-friendly attractions to visit from private boat dock rentals, including clubs and shows like Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner Show, Neil Diamond tribute shows, Ripley’s Believe it or Not! And the Titanic Museum, all located along 76 Country Boulevard and the Branson Theatre District (also known as “The Strip”).
Let’s check out some more things to do while boating in the Branson area.
Silver Dollar City
Photo: Wikimedia
For thrills and family fun (and funnel cakes), the 61-acre western-themed Silver Dollar City amusement park is a terrific venue to visit from a private boat slip for rent. Located near Table Rock Lake, you can spend the day riding roller coasters, water flume rides and more. There’s an artisan village with blacksmiths, glassblowers, potters, candle makers and leather craftsmen. Enjoy shows and live music from local and regional musicians as well as country cooking and, of course, funnel cakes and cotton candy.
You can also visit the 13-acre White Water waterpark (a separate admission ticket) for a day of sliding and splashing about in a wave pool, tube slides, thrill slides, drop slides, a kids’ play area and a lazy river.
The Butterfly Palace and Rainforest Adventure
Photo: Butterfly Palace (via Facebook)
The Butterfly Palace and Rainforest Adventure, near Table Rock Lake for convenience from private boat docks for rent, features more than 1,000 colorful butterflies. Take a self-guided tour to explore the habitat of these interesting insects. Complimentary nectar is available for feeding butterflies. In addition to the butterfly aviary, there’s a Banyan Tree Obstacle Course Maze, an Emerald Forest Mirror Maze, a rainforest science center, a theater and a gift shop.
Aquarium at the Boardwalk
Photo: Aquarium at the Boardwalk (Facebook)
The Aquarium at the Boardwalk offers a look into the underwater world in the middle of the Ozark Mountains. Visit coral reef habitats, a jellyfish room and a walk-through tunnel surrounded by water, sharks and fish. There are touch pools with rays, sharks and crabs and interactive exhibits like a kelp forest climbing area and a 5-D submarine ride. The aquarium is located at the Branson Boardwalk, a multi-phased entertainment complex with shopping, dining and attractions (currently, the aquarium is the only attraction on site).
Table Rock State Park
Photo: Wikimedia
For a terrific day trip away from a private boat slip rental, put Table Rock State Park next on your plan. Go hiking, camping, picnicking and mountain biking in oak and hickory forests or rent ski boats and paddleboards for a fun day on Table Rock Lake. The park has a marina and several boat ramps for those who trailer a boat from a private boat lift rental. This makes it easy to explore the many fingers of the lake.
Talking Rocks Cavern
Photo: Wikimedia
More outdoor adventure awaits at Talking Rocks Cavern. Explore beautiful crystal formations and stalactites and stalagmites on guided walking tours, which are given throughout the day. Other attractions include mini golf, geode cracking, gemstone panning and two speleobox crawling mazes (which simulate what it’s like to crawl through a cave) and a fluorescent mineral and blacklight room.
Hike along nature trails, visit the lookout tower, have a picnic or let the kids run off some energy at the play area. The cavern is in the Table Rock Lake area, so it’s a convenient drive from a private boat lift rental or marina.
History of Fishing Museum
Photo: Unsplash
If unusual museums are your thing (or if you just really love fishing), the History of Fishing Museum needs to be on your list. Peruse Karl and Beverly White’s collection of antique fishing lures, rods, reels, boats, motors and more. Check out the spike reel from the 1730s and one of the first pairs of sunglasses. Opened in 2016, other unique items include a Haskell fishhook made in 1859, pre-Colonial and Native American fishing artifacts and a skeeter boat, one of the first manufactured Bass Boats.
So, have you decided to make Branson your next getaway? Whether you’re in town for a week, a day or a long weekend at a private boat slip rental, be sure to check out some of our suggestions. Let us know your favorites!
