When you’re in Branson and you need a dose of Vitamin D with a side of H2O, there’s no better cure than a trip to Table Rock Lake! This massive lake is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Water sports and sunshine are in no shortage here, and the best way to experience the lake is at the State Park Marina! Scuba diving, para-sailing, waverunners, and more – you can find it all at the State Park Marina in Branson MO. Keep reading, and learn more about the fun that awaits you!
Things to Do at The State Park Marina in Branson MO
Boat Rentals
Whether you’re taking advantage of Table Rock Lake’s great fishing, or just want to take an afternoon cruise, there’s no better way to enjoy the lake than on a boat. Don’t own a boat? Don’t worry, because boat rentals are available in an array of shapes and sizes! Rent a small Lund Rebel bass boat for your fishing excursion, or take a ski boat or pontoon out on the lake. Rates and boat information can be found here.
Scuba Diving Lessons
When swimming doesn’t cut it, and you need to explore the submerged beauty of Table Rock Lake, then it’s time to go scuba diving! Seasoned dive instructor Dick Dalager will guide you on an underwater adventure that you won’t forget, whether it’s your first time or your 50th time. Scuba certification, training and equipment rentals are all available.
WaveRunners
Strap on a life vest and shred the waves of Table Rock Lake on a Yamaha WaveRunner! Rental options vary from one hour to all-day, allowing you to get the most out this speedy water sport. Click here for more information.
Para-Sailing
There’s nothing quite like a para-sail ride: the wind blowing through your hair as you take in incredible views of the lake and the surrounding Ozarks, guided by Captain Sam Sandt in the boat below. Para-sail rides are offered daily by American Para-Sail, a professional company dedicated to both safety and fun. Click here for rates and reservations!
Ride the Spirit of America
Out of all the exciting things to do at the State Park Marina in Branson MO, nothing says “party” quite like a ride on the Spirit of America. Rides are offered in both 90 minute and 2 hour options, with seating for up to 49 people! Soak up some sun, jump off the 48 foot catamaran for a swim. Learn more about the boat, crew and rides here.
Additional Information
The State Park Marina in Branson MO is full of exciting things to do for the whole family. You can find out more about the marina by visiting www.stateparkmarina.com, or calling (888) 993-BOAT. The marina is located at 380 State Park Marina Rd, Branson, MO 65616.
Amazing Branson Rental Cabins
You could stay anywhere when you visit Branson, but you would be missing out on the best lodging experience around if you didn’t book an Amazing Branson rental cabin. Our vacation cabins are the perfect blend of modern amenities and rustic appeal, located only minutes from downtown Branson, and Table Rock Lake. Whether you’re looking for a quiet getaway for two, or accommodations for you and the whole family, we have a cabin that will fit your criteria. Whirlpool tubs, fireplaces, flat-screen TVs and many other features can be found in our cabins! Contact us today, and see for yourself what makes Branson amazing.
In the midst of so many Branson attractions such as Silver Dollar City, championship golf, unique museums, and more live shows than you can count, it’s easy to overlook the natural wonders of one of Missouri’s most beautiful cities. Among these wonders is Talking Rocks Cavern, an underground wonderland that has been named Missouri’s most beautiful cave and has something for everyone in the whole family.
History of Talking Rocks Cavern
This hidden gem of the Ozarks was first named “Fairy Cavern” by Truman Powell, the first man to explore the cave. His reasoning for the name was that it looked like a “subterranean fairy land.” Years later, Waldo Powell, son of Truman Powell, claimed the rocks in the cave seemed to tell stories as to how they were formed. When Silver Dollar City purchased the cave in 1969, it was renamed Talking Rocks Cavern.
Things To Do
There is so much to do in the caves besides admiring Mother Nature’s handiwork. The experience begins with an hour long tour of the cavern through a process they like to call “edutainment.” The cave guides are sure to keep you entertained throughout the tour as well as teach their visitors all about the history of the cave, its geological information, and the mineral deposits.
Talking Rocks Cavern is the perfect place to visit all year round. No matter how hot or cold the air may be, in rain or shine, the caverns are always a comfortable 63 degrees and are unaffected by the weather outside!
On the surface of Talking Rocks Cavern, there are still many more activities to partake in that teach you even more about the environment in a fun and enjoyable way. A 9-hole mini golf course provides a challenging experience while also leaving fact signs about the water cycle at each hole.
Gem mining (aka sluicing) is a popular activity at Talking Rock Caverns. After purchasing a bag of “mining rough” in the gift shop, guests are able to sift through the bag’s contents using the sluicing troughs to see what treasures are in store. You will also be given a gem identification card so you know exactly what gemstones you receive when you find them.
For the nature lovers out there, Talking Rocks Cavern provides four different nature trails you can choose from. There is a trail for any hiker of any experience level, and they provide an easy way to get up close and personal with the natural beauty of the Ozarks. Each trail leads to a different destination whether it be a lookout tower, The Springhouse, or even beautiful waterfalls.
Talking Rocks Cavern Mascot
Yes! You read that right! The caverns actually have their own mascot, a tiny cave dweller known as the cave salamander. This red skinned creature is known as a troglophile, or cave lover, and can live it’s entire life within the caverns without any sunlight. It’s a good thing these brave creatures aren’t scared of the dark!
Talking Rocks Cavern Prices
The enjoyment of the caves plus all its other attractions come at a very reasonable cost! The cave tour starts at $12 for kids.
Talking Rocks Cavern is located at423 Fairy Cave Ln. Branson West, MO 65737. The cavern is open year-round, with the exception of Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Visit their website for more information, or call the staff at (417) 272-3366.
Come Relax at the Best Vacation Cabins in Branson, MO
Amazing Branson Rentals offers the best vacation rentals for your trip to this beautiful and bustling city. Located only minutes from the attractions and activities in the area, including Talking Rocks Cavern, you’ll be sure to find the perfect place to make memories that will last a lifetime! Take a look at our cabins and find your perfect Branson getaway – we have rentals that can house everyone from couples to large families! Contact us today online or at (972) 849-6363, and start planning your vacation.
When you need a family outing that combines fun, education and favorable reviews, then the Branson fish hatchery – yes, Branson fish hatchery – should make its way to the top of your to-do list. Located by the Table Rock Dam and operated by the Missouri Department of Conservation, the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery is a Branson attraction that will appeal to visitors of any age. Over a million trout (Rainbow and Brown) are grown in the hatchery each year and you can learn about the fish hatching process, trout life-cycle and more when you visit!
The Branson Fish Hatchery: What to Do and See
You don’t have to be fishermen or biologist to enjoy the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery! As long as you’re willing to dive into a world of underwater knowledge, then you’re ready.
Highly targeted by fishermen across the nation, trout makes for not only a popular catch, but a delicious meal, too. According to the Official Tourism Website of Branson, the construction of the Table Rock Dam in the late 1950’s changed Lake Taneycomo’s water temperature from warm to cold, providing the perfect temperature for trout to thrive in. The hatchery produces anywhere from 350,000 to 400,000 pounds of trout annually, and 80% of the fish raised in the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery are released into the lake, according to the Missouri Department of Conservation.
The Branson fish hatchery is a highly popular local attraction, and for a good reason! Free tours are offered everyday at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m., allowing visitors to learn how the fish hatchery operates, see rainbow and brown trout swim through raceways, and more. Of course, you can walk the hatchery by yourself, and you can purchase a cup of fish food for a quarter and feed the trout yourself! The Visitors Center also features an auditorium, where you can watch an exciting presentation on the fish.
There’s plenty to do in the area surrounding the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery, including several hiking trails, as well trout fishing in Lake Taneycomo. Trout fishing in a lake stocked by a nearby hatchery? It doesn’t get any better than that. Whether you’re an expert an all things aquatic, or simply want to expand your knowledge in a fun, interactive way, then a trip to Branson fish hatchery is right for you! The fish hatchery is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., year round.
Stay In an Amazing Branson Vacation Rental and Experience the Best In Branson Lodging
When you visit Branson, you need a place to stay that’s equally as fun as the attractions in town. Enter Amazing Branson Rentals, the top choice for vacation cabins in Branson. Our cabins are spacious, rustic, beautifully designed, and feature all the amenities necessary to make your stay with us unforgettable. Hot tubs, large decks and grills perfect for cookouts, flat-screen TV’s and more – you’ll find it all in our vacation cabins. We’re conveniently located only minutes away from all the exciting things to do in Branson, too! Contact us today, online or at (972) 849-6363, and start planning your Branson vacation.
The Ozark Mountains are overflowing with natural wonders and exquisite pieces of Mother Nature’s handiwork. One of these masterpieces is the Top of the Rock Lost Canyon Cave and Nature Trail, a scenic cave and nature trail. Tucked away in the mountains, the trail boasts fascinating rock formations, cascading waterfalls, and breathtaking views. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience that you will definitely want to add to your vacation to-do list!
Attractions at Lost Canyon Cave in Branson
Located high in the Ozarks overlooking Table Rock Lake, Top of the Rock is a stunning location for unique activities and attractions that you won’t want to miss. The most popular activity here is the Top of the Rock Lost Canyon Cave and Nature Trail, a thrilling adventure that whisks you by electric cart on a two-and-a-half mile nature trail journey. As you trek along, you will pass over covered Amish bridges, see gorgeous views of the Ozark mountains, explore hidden caves, and marvel at the waterfalls. Along the way, make sure you stop and grab a signature John L’s Lemonade at the Bat Bar tucked away in the caves.
The new Lost Canyon Cave and Nature Trail is a huge hit with Top of the Rock visitors. This guided adventure takes you through the Ozark wilderness as you experience magnificent views of Table Rock Lake, incredible rock formations, and more! You must be sixteen years or older to participate, and make sure you wear appropriate footwear.
Along with the Top of the Rock Lost Canyon Cave and Nature Trail, you’ll want to check out these other great attractions:
Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum
The Ozarks have been inhabited by fascinating animals and people for thousands of years, and you will travel through history and experience the development of the Ozarks into what they are today. The museum features artifacts, images, and interactive exhibits of old Ozark residents such as the carbon-dated skeletal remains of woolly mammoths, saber-tooth cats, and prehistoric cave bears.
“End of the Trail” All-American Wine Cellar
Wine lovers unite! Below the Buffalo Bar, you will find an elegant and uniquely-themed cellar that serves tastings of fine wines, whiskeys, and cognacs, and more. There is also a room for private parties, complete with glass doors and an infinity pool.
In 2015, excessive rain caused the ground beneath a golf course at Big Cedar Lodge to collapse, creating a massive sinkhole 70 feet across and 40 feet deep. Geologists are currently exploring the sinkhole and what lies beneath – it’s an attraction you don’t want to miss!
Whether you’re coming by for Sunday brunch or a mid-week dinner, serves up delicious Ozark cuisine and sweeping views of the mountains. The restaurant’s interior is beautifully designed and rustic, like the surrounding area.
Named in honor of Arnold Palmer, Arnie’s Barn was once a regular barn house that stood just outside Palmer’s backyard. Years later, it has been completely renovated to provide you the best Mexican cuisine in the Ozark mountains.
For a more casual dining experience, visit the Buffalo Bar for a delicious cocktail, wood-fire oven pizza, or meat and cheese board.
For more information about the Top of Rock Lost Canyon Cave and Nature Trail, as well as all the other great attractions here, visit Top of the Rock’s website.
Experience Top of the Rock Lost Canyon Cave and Nature Trail, Along With Many More of Branson’s Attractions When You Stay With Us!
Amazing Branson Rentals offer the best vacation cabin rentals in the Ozarks! Offering the best amenities and a convenient location, you can be sure that a stay with us is the best choice for Branson vacation lodging. Whether you’re here for a long weekend on Table Rock Lake or a romantic getaway, we have a cabin that will match what you’re looking for. Contact us today, online or at (972) 849-6363, and start planning your Branson vacation.
It’s that time of year again! Branson is warming up and it is time to hit the trails! One of our favorite things about the spring is the many walking and hiking trails in Branson. We’ve done quite a bit of searching and found all the best trails in the area for you. And what is better than spending a day outside exploring the beautiful Ozarks and coming home to your own private log cabin or vacation home? Here are a few of our top recommendations!
Easy Hikes
- North Beach Walking Path :: This 3/4 of a mile paved path will take you alongside Lake Taneycomo. It’s the perfect spot for a quick stroll.
- Ridgetop Trail, Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area :: Just under a 1.5 miles long, this trail is home to a variety of plants and animals- including bald eagles!
- Dogwood Canyon :: Absolutely beautiful trails, waterfalls and more. There is a fee to enter here, but it is worth it!
Moderate Treks
- Chinquapin Trail :: About 2 miles long, this trail is full of natural beauty! You will love the varied terrain and beautiful flowers. There is even an access point to the Table Rock Lakeshore trail.
- Piney Creek Wilderness Area :: 13.1 miles long, this scenic trail is absolutely stunning and is made up of multiple smaller trails. You can choose to hike the whole thing or explore a few of the small portions of the trail.
- Busiek State Forest :: An 18 mile trail made up of two separate trails. It is the perfect hiking, biking, fishing and camping destination!
- Drury-Mincy Conservation Area :: This area is known for bird watching, camping and hiking. Most hikes are moderate, but there is a more challenging 1.5 mile hike on location called Bear Cave Trail.
Excursions
- White River Valley Trail System :: Just under 12 miles, this trail is ideal for experienced hikers. Here you will find mixed terrain and various levels of hiking.
- Hercules Glades Wilderness :: This 32 mile trail system has beautiful terrain, wildlife and plants. Keep an eye open- you might see turkey, quail, roadrunners or black bears!
Do you want to meet Tiger Woods and Kid Rock? If your answer is yes, now is your chance! Come to Branson April 17-22 for the Bass Pro Shops Legends of Golf at Big Cedar Lodge Tournament . You have the chance to enjoy a free kid’s golf clinic with Tiger Woods and the chance to see Mark Wahlberg and Kid Rock compete with golf’s greatest legends!
The event is open to the public, but seating is limited. At this event, Tiger Woods will host a one-of-a-kind Kids’ Clinic on the driving range at Buffalo Ridge. Students and golf teams will have the opportunity to receive tips and technique tips from one of the “greatest champions of all times.”
Make your trip perfect by staying in your own private log cabin!
Championship Sunday, April 22
Final Round & Celebrity Skins Shootout at Top of the Rock
7:00am – Gates open
8:15am – First wave of Champions Division play begins
9:30 – Celebrity Skins Shootout featuring Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Lee Trevino, and actor Mark Wahlberg! Plus, Kid Rock will be back to try and defend his title!
12:20 – Second wave of Champions Division play begins
5:00 (after conclusion of play) – Champions crowned
Branson is known for the plethora of gorgeous golf courses, but did you know Tiger Woods designed his first public golf course at Big Cedar Lodge? It’s true! The new Tiger Woods golf course in Branson is now open for Preview Play! And be sure to make it the to 19th hole- it’s spectacular!
The golf course is called Payne’s Valley in Big Cedar Lodge. Tiger Woods now is affiliated with 10 different golf course projects around the world, but this is the first public golf course designed by TGR Design by Tiger Woods!
Payne’s Valley is a championship-caliber, family-friendly golf course which allows individuals of all skill levels to come together. The 19-hole golf course has stunning views of dramatic exposed rocks, mountain ridges, rolling hills, and beautiful streams all while surrounded by mature trees.
If you want to come enjoy the many incredible golf courses around Branson, be sure to book your own log cabin here!
When it comes to outdoor excitement, you won’t find a better option than Adventure Ziplines of Branson! Soar above the trees and enjoy the thrill of a zipline ride guaranteed to give you best view in town. An outdoor activity that the whole family will enjoy, Adventure Ziplines of Branson can’t be beat!
Adventure Ziplines of Branson
Take a tour and ride seven different ziplines while experiencing the excitement of a high-speed ariel tour of Branson. Adrenaline junkies, take note: the company’s website says that you can hit 50 m.p.h. on a ride, all while being suspended over 60 feet in the air! Your guide will take you and your group out to the starting point by ATV, and from there, your adventure begins. Rides last up to two hours, so strap in and get ready to see Branson like never before.
Want an extra dose of fun? Try the summertime “Zip at Night” event! This exciting night sky ride is available June through August, and will give you a night time view of Branson’s bustling Theatre District that you won’t forget. Call (888) 434-1588 for more information!
Parents, don’t worry, because children can enjoy the rides to – the ziplines are safe for children ages 3 and up, as stated on the company’s website. Trained professionals to guide you and top of the line gear are part of the experience. Plus, you don’t need to bring any equipment of your own – just yourself!
Group Rates and More Information
Adventure Ziplines of Branson is located at 501 N Wildwood Dr in Missouri, conveniently close to Branson attractions like the Theatre District, Tanger Outlet Branson and more
Do you have a large group from your church or school visiting? Adventure Ziplines of Branson can handle that, just call ahead and make reservations! Group rates are available, too. Call (417) 239-3030 for more information.
Answers to all your Branson zipline questions can be found on the FAQ page, including what kind of clothing to wear, information on inclement weather, and more. Any unanswered questions can be answering by giving them a call at the previously listed number.
Five-star ratings on tripadvisor are in shortage for Adventure Ziplines of Branson, and you can visit their Facebook page to see pictures of the fun in store when you visit. Check out this YouTube video for a peak at the excitement, of head to the company’s photo gallery!
Amazing Branson Rental Cabins
When you stay at an Amazing Branson rental cabin, you won’t be far from ziplining, shows and concerts, museums and more! Our location is perfect, allowing you to relax after a fun-filled day, without a long drive. Plus, our cabins can house a wide range of guests, whether it’s just you and a couple friends, or the whole family (and then some!) Each one features great amenities that will you help you enjoy your vacation – we have plenty of satisfied customers that will agree. Be sure to read our blog when you’re planning your trip here, and find the best restaurants, hiking spots and more!
Branson, MO, “Live Entertainment Capital of the World,” is home to amazing theme parks and nine gorgeous golf courses. Outdoor activities are endless for family members of all ages and range from a scenic railroad trip to a hot air balloon ride to a zip line adventure. The shopping is amazing, and with more than 250 dining options in the area, you will be able to please even the pickiest eaters. And then, there are the theaters, where the industry that has helped put Branson on the map lives. More than 60 Branson theaters provide audiences with a variety of shows from acrobatics and impersonations to classical violin!
Branson Theaters
In Branson, there is something for everyone, an extravaganza to experience every day. And the town’s theaters only add to the lineup. Each show is as different as the theater that houses it. Take a look at some of the features that make Branson theaters among the best in the country!
Andy Williams Performing Arts Center and Theater
Located on West Highway 76 on 16 acres of conservation award-winning landscape, this 48,000-square-foot theater was designed by Andy Williams himself. Andy was a pioneer of sorts in Branson – the first non-country artist to build a theater in this Ozark entertainment area. His theater is now the venue for country and non-country artists, magicians, and comedians as well as two over-the-top Christmas shows. Check out the Celebrity Weekend Concerts at www.andywilliamspac.com. Information on this beautiful theater as well as performance schedules are available at 1-800-MOON-094 or on the website.
Sight and Sound Theater
“Samson” is now live in Branson! Come learn Samson’s secret as you watch his story unfold! The Sigh and Sound theater is a long-running favorite in Branson, at the top of the “must see” list for those who want to experience the emotional story of a larger than life man leading his people on a dangerous journey. Make reservations for this wonderful show online.
American Bandstand Theater
With 970 seats (and not a bad one in the house), one of the largest stages in the area, and a $125,000 sound board, this location is a not just ones of the biggest Branson theaters, but a theater complex! There is a gift shop with one of the largest collections of Elvis souvenirs, a restaurant decorated with American Bandstand memorabilia, and a show featuring all of the music business names famous through the years. “Legends in Concert” is a live tribute show featuring talented impersonators who transform themselves into the likes of Michael Jackson and Elvis Presley which runs through Dec. 29, 2016. Contact www.BransonTourismCenter.com or call 1-800-407-9780.
Shoji Tabuchi Theater
“Shoji Tabuchi” brands the show as a Japanese-American royalty experience. The lavish theater is home to an extravagant show and extravagant restrooms. In fact, these restrooms are often the first place theatergoers head when they enter the building. There are even postcards picturing the restrooms available at the theater gift shop. But, you came to see a show, and you will not be disappointed. This grand production features Shoji, a sensationally talented man who sometimes shares the stage with his singer-dancer daughter in a show produced by his wife. Enjoy a program of Shoji’s classical violin, country, and pop music showcased by intricate sets and exquisitely talented singers and dancers using skills practiced for generations by Japanese entertainers.
For more information on booking any of the near 150 shows in the famous theaters of Branson, visit the Branson Tourist Office’s website.
Plan Your Trip
Pick your travel dates, book your shows and other activities, and then explore your Amazing Branson Rentals options on our website. See pictures of the beautiful cabins you can choose from for your exciting vacation in Branson. Then click or call to reserve one of the log cabins with all of the luxury amenities you could want! Amazing Branson Rental‘s goal is “Create Memories Worth Recreating.” With 5-star reviews from tripadvisor.com, let this company help you create those memories soon.
The weather is warming up and we are dreaming of evenings spent on the back deck grilling some of our favorite meals. Aren’t you? As grilling season begins, we’ve decided to share a few of our favorite grill recipes to help inspire you at home or on vacation! Also be sure to follow us on Pinterest, as we are always sharing new ideas and yummy treats!
Meat
- Classic BBQ Chicken. We love a good classic- don’t you? It’s hard to beat BBQ chicken.
- Burgers.
- Hot dogs.
- Honey Mustard Chicken.
- Pork Tenderloin.
- Hawaiin Kebabs. Can be made with any type of meat you like!
Vegetables
- Grilled Squash. We like it cut in long, thin strips. A a dash of salt if you so desire!
- Corn on the cob. Add some butter and you are set!
- Romaine lettuce. Cheap, delicious and easy!
- Grilled sweet potatoes. Baked whole or sliced thin.
- Grilled potatoes. Based potatoes are best when cooked on the grill.
Fruit
- Watermelon. Trust us- it’s delicious! And it’s especially good if you add some balsamic and feta cheese.
- Pineapple. If you haven’t tried this yet, go buy some pineapple and make this recipe ASAP. It will be a family favorite- we promise!
- Peaches. Serve grilled peaches with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and you have your self a divine desert.
- Apples. Add some cinnamon and brown sugar and you have yourself a delicious treat!
Other
- Pizza. Yes, you can make pizza on a grill. We love chicken BBQ pizza & margherita pizzas!