Branson Duck tours. The phrase leaves a lot to be answered. Does Branson have a famous duck population? Are there giant waterfowl in the city that can be mounted and rode like horses? Are they something completely different? The answers in order are: No, No, and Yes. So what are they?
What’s A Duck Tour?
Branson Duck tours have nothing to do with ducks, actually. The name comes from a WWII-era amphibious military vehicle, the DUKW. For a visual reference, think of a cross between a boat and a truck. According to The Free Dictionary, “D means 1942, U means utility (amphibious), K means all-wheel drive, W means 2 powered rear axles.” Quite a mouthful, right? It’s easy to see why people call the GMC product a “Duck.” No longer used in combat, these swimming vehicles have found new lives as tour mobiles in waterfront cities like Boston and Seattle, as well as Branson. Ride the Ducks Branson offers tours in replicas of the famous crafts, pairing their iconic look with modern features. Thanks to the Duck’s ability to cruise both land and sea, you’ll learn and see much more than on a bus or boat tour.
What Makes Branson Duck Tours Fun?
What’s not to love about seeing downtown Branson, driving through the Ozarks, and splashing into the water, all without leaving your seat? Ride The Ducks offers Branson Duck Tours of Table Rock Lake and Branson Landing, and each one is a unique experience.
On the Table Rock Lake tour, passengers will see the famous Branson Entertainment District, enjoy stunning views from the top of Baird Mountain, ride the waters of Table Rock Lake and more. Or, head to Branson Landing and enjoy a tour of Lake Taneycomo, while also riding through downtown Branson and by the College of the Ozarks. Plus, passengers will have the chance to actually drive the vehicle while it’s in the water! Take either tour, and enjoy family fun, music, and beautiful scenery.
Not only is a Duck tour of Branson fun, but educational! According to Ride The Ducks’ website, Duck captains narrate the tours, offering fascinating facts about local history, the story of the DUKW, and more. Ride The Ducks also has options for field trips, birthday parties, and work outings!
Ride the Ducks!
Now you know not only what Branson Duck tours are, but also why you should go. See Branson with Ride The Ducks, and you’ll be hooked. Visit them online for tickets, group prices, tour details, and more, or call (877) 887-8225. Ride The Ducks is located at 2320 West Highway 76, Branson, MO.
See the Best of Branson and Stay With Amazing Branson Rentals
Hundreds of live theatre performances and concerts, the beauty of Table Rock Lake, Branson Landing, and family fun at Silver Dollar City – do we have your attention yet? Branson offers big time fun, without the crowds of a big city. The best way to experience the excitement of the “Live Entertainment Capital of the World” is to stay with Amazing Branson Rentals. We offerBranson vacation cabins that feature the perfect blend of rustic appeal, modern amenities, and comfort. Fully equipped kitchens, fireplaces, hot tubs, WiFi, and more are what you can expect when you book a stay with us. Plus, you’ll be only minutes away from the best things to do in Branson. Contact us online or call us at (972)-849-6363 and start planning your Branson vacation today.
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.
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.
Over 12,000 years ago, prehistoric creatures roamed what is now known as the Ozarks. You won’t find a better place to learn about these creatures than the Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum. Make your way through 35,000 square feet of history and discover fascinating facts about this region and some of its first inhabitants. The state-of-the-art Ozark Museum of Natural History is just a few minutes from Branson. So, plan to make an afternoon of it.
Find out about more things to do near Amazing Branson Rentals when you check out our Things to Do page. It’s full of the best recommendations for things to see and do like enjoying an afternoon at the Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum.
The Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum is Full of Wonder
The Natural History Museum near Branson, MO, will take you through 12,000 years of Ozark Mountain history. You will see everything from carbon-dated skeletons, and dioramas of ancient animals that called the Ozarks home, to Native American and Civil War artifacts and interactive displays. The museum is perfect for the whole family, from kids to grandparents.
As you enter the Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum, an enormous woolly mammoth greets you. The monolithic mammoth sets the tone for the amazing exhibits the museum offers. Immediately after the mammoth, the museum immerses you in Native American artifacts and artwork. Arrowheads and headdresses adorn the room with a sense of lost culture and imagination.
One of the many extraordinary things you’ll see is the Terror Bird. This intense ancestor of giant birds was a monster predator weighing in around 300 pounds. It used its huge beak to bring down its prey. Included in this exhibit are the Hell Pig, the Bear Dog, and the North American Jaguar. Lastly, the Civil War exhibit holds important artifacts including rifles and sidearms, sabers, cannons, flags, uniforms, and paintings of historical figures.
History of the Museum and Extra Details
The Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum was created to highlight the incredible history of the region by featuring artifacts and exhibits that guide you through the past. Founder Johnny Morris commissioned the design of the museum to be state-of-the-art. As a result, the museum itself is an exceptional fixture on the Branson cultural horizon.
The Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum is open Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets for adults are $12, children 4-12 are $5, and children under 3 are free of charge. Also available are Adventure Passes which grant you access to the museum, the Top of the Rock Lost Canyon Cove and Nature Trail. Located just outside of Branson in Ridgedale, the museum is just a short drive away!
Take the Short Trip from Amazing Branson Rentals!
The Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum is just a short trip away from all the best vacation rentals in Branson. At Amazing Branson Rentals, our luxurious cabins and rentals are sure to wow you. They are perfect for a family vacation, weekend getaway, or romantic stay. Check out our available properties and see for yourself! Our team is eager to accommodate you. So, contact us today!
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