26 BEST FREE Things to do in Branson, Missouri | Branson Travel Group, 2021
Keep your money in your wallet where it belongs, and read about all of the fun and free things Branson, Missouri has to offer!
This list is overflowing with great ideas for no-charge family fun spots, attractions, and unforgettable experiences to enjoy in the area, including the Branson Landing shopping area, Table Rock State Park, and unforgettable FREE trolly rides around Branson’s Historic Downtown!
Don’t wait any longer! Here are the Top 26 FREE Things To Do in Branson, Missouri…
1.Historic Downtown Branson
Located within walking distance from the Branson Landing shopping area, the Hilton Hotel, and Branson’s Scenic Railway, Historic Downtown Branson is the ideal place to spend time with family and friends while still being centrally located to several other local attractions, shows, restaurants, and retail shops in Branson, MO.
Visitors and locals frequent this area to explore Mom & Pop shops, grab a bite to eat at one of the traditional diners, or attend one of the annual outdoor festivals held in the heart of Branson’s Historic Downtown. There’s no doubt that Historic Downtown Branson is a great area to enjoy free things to do or discover something new at every bustling street corner!
Recently re-opened in 2021, this authentic, family-owned winery provides the perfect outing for wine enthusiasts, travelers, and families alike and offers FREE tours, private tasting rooms, and a specialized gift shop selling the best of handcraft wines and locally sourced products in the Ozarks.
Hours: Wednesday-Saturday 11 AM – 7 PM | Closed Monday & Tuesday
Location: 601 MO-165, Branson, MO 65616
This beautiful artisan-themed shopping area houses the best specialty shops in the area including the year-round Kringle’s Christmas Store, Peter Engler Designs, Lori’s Soap Market, Reflections Art Gallery, Sunrise Leather Works, Back in Time Toys, TeaMaze, Dickens Gift Shoppe Boutique, and Mulberry Mill where customers may enjoy FREE samples of select food and drinks.
It doesn’t get any better than taking a leisurely stroll around these Disney-style shops complete with picture-perfect water fountains, unique photo opportunities, outdoor pavilions, and park benches scattered throughout! Don’t forget to check out Sugar Leaf Bakery & Cafe for their delicious sandwiches or bakery goods!
Location: 2800 76 Country Blvd, Branson, MO 65616
Revel in the natural beauty of the Ozarks at one of the many hiking areas in Branson, MO, where scenic viewpoints, natural caves, and dense green forests are calling your name! Bring your best hiking shoes, walking sticks, or your faithful bike to any of these trails, and get ready to enjoy the wonder of nature and wildlife!
Some popular hiking areas include:
- Waterfall Hiking Trail
- White River Valley Trail System
- Sunset Park
- Chinquapin Trail
- Lakeside Forest
- Northbeach Park
- Ruth & Paul Henning Conservation Area
Take breakfast, lunch, or dinner to-go and enjoy your meal out in the great outdoors at any of the designated picnic areas in Branson, MO!
You, your family, and your friends can eat at any of the Branson parks, where there are benches, tables, and covered pavilions. Or— if you have a blanket— find a spot to sit in the grass under a tree or by the lake. Nothing beats this FREE activity in Branson, MO!
Picnic Areas in Branson include:
- Eiserman State Park
- North Beach Park
- Murphy Park
- Indian Point Public Use Area
- Caudill Park
- Epps Park
- Parnell Park
- Alexander Park
6.Copper Statues
Pay homage to the soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice at Branson’s Veterans Memorial Garden or the Veterans Memorial Museum.
Right in front of the Veteran’s Memorial Museum is a distinct statue depicting 50 bronze WWII-era soldiers “Storming the Beach.” Additionally, a 12-man statue titled “Stay Low” is on display at the Veteran’s Memorial Garden, which is just minutes away from the museum. Both statues are FREE to visit.
7.165 Scenic Overlook
This popular 165 Scenic Overlook area offers stunning views over the Branson, MO area and – you guessed it – is absolutely FREE to visit. Sunrise and sunset are, of course, the perfect time to stop by to take pictures.
The overlook is conveniently located across the street from Vintage Paris coffee shop so if you get thirsty or hungry, no problem! There’s plenty to enjoy at this scenic overlook!
Location: 5329 MO-165, Hollister, MO 65672
8.Branson Lakes
With 3 lakes located in the area of Branson, Missouri, it’s triple the fun and entertainment for everyone who comes looking for a good time! There’s always an activity or experience to enjoy including swimming, fishing, kayaking, boating, and much more! And, if you’re truly after a FREE experience, bring your own kayaks, boats, fishing gear, and/or floaties before hitting Bull Shoals, Lake Taneycomo, or Table Rock Lake in Branson!
Learn all about the history of Table Rock Lake and the dam being designed and built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers when you visit the FREE Dewey Shore Visitor Center.
The Visitor Center includes an interactive map of the lake, artistic wall murals, Native American artifacts, Ozark’s dioramas, interactive water safety exhibits, and a model showing the inner workings of a hydroelectric dam! Great for kids and families interested in learning more about the area!
Location: 4500 MO-165, Branson, MO 65616
Just minutes away from the Branson Landing is another historic downtown definitely worth a visit, and that’s Downtown Hollister. This hidden gem has its share of quaint restaurants, coffee shops, a public park, and the local favorite Ye Old English Inn! Keep an eye out for local events and festivals taking place in Downtown Hollister such as the Annual Street Festival & Car Show and the Downtown Wine & Beer Stroll.
Learn more about upcoming downtown events here.
The Branson Landing attracts hundreds of thousands of people every year for its diverse shopping selections, amazing restaurants, fun-filled attractions, and FREE daily fountain shows & concerts hosted throughout the year.
Whether you buy anything or not, the Branson Landing presents a great experience for all demographics including offering a beautiful walking area alongside Lake Taneycomo, and free events such as live music concerts, boat races, parades, and much more!
Location: 100 Branson Landing Blvd, Branson, MO 65616
The Shrine of the Holy Spirit offers peace and tranquility for all who visit! Everything about the shrine – from the location down to the bluestone materials – was decided through the Holy Spirit, according to the designer, Gene Bickwell. Visitors are welcome to come to see the structure, pray, and/or host special events such as Weddings, Vow Renewals, and Military Ceremonies in the chapel (which can fit 80 people).
Location: 179 Expressway Ln, Branson, MO 65616
Experience outdoor recreation at its finest! Table Rock State Park offers all things fun and outdoors with open grassy planes for playing catch, areas for picnics, walking trails, and a volleyball pit complete with sand. Open for day-use, take the family for a walk, or use the open picnic shelter where family cookouts, barbecues, and special events can occur during park hours! All FREE to the public!
Location: 5272 MO-165, Branson, MO 65616
14.Sparky, The Downtown Trolley
Meet Sparky, the FREE downtown Branson trolley. You can hop on from any of the 12 stops and travel easily through downtown, including Main Street, Branson Landing, and the Branson Convention Center.
Hours of Operation:
7 days a week (March-Dec.): 9 AM – 6 PM
Weekends (Jan.-Feb.): 10 AM – 5 PM
Visit one of the most unique college campuses’ in the country: College of the Ozarks, where students work for their education. Visitors of the college will have several attractions to visit, including Edwards Mill, where students grind cornmeal and weave baskets, and the College Dairy, where Holstein, Jersey, and Guernsey cows can be seen up close.
The stunning Williams Memorial Chapel and the all-new “Lest We Forget” 9/11 Memorial Patriots Park up by the Keeter Center are other sites guests should definitely look in on. While all are FREE to visit tour, there is an affordable entry fee for the 3-story Ralph Foster Museum, where several rare items on display, including the original “Beverly Hillbillies” truck from the tv show.
*Charter Bus Tours are FREE, as are the self-guided tours, which come with an audio CD and maps available at the Public Relations Office. Learn more about C of O here.
Location: 100 Opportunity Ave, Point Lookout, MO 65726
16.Farmer’s Market of the Ozarks
Taking place every Tuesday, April-October, from 3-7 PM, Farmer’s Market of the Ozarks presents a distinct weekly event where guests can get their hands on fresh produce, handmade crafts, and many other unique items.
Conveniently located in the Branson Landing Parking Lot on the Bass Pro side, Farmer’s Market is a FREE event with tents and booths set up by friendly vendors who are ready to visit and inform.
With stores open daily from 9 AM – 7 PM Tanger Outlets is another great shopping destination in Branson, MO! Paying for anything is optional, though it might be hard to resist all the great sales and shopping deals!
Pair hundreds of great shops with great amenities like free WIFI and mobile device charging options, and you are good to go!
Other Stores to be Found at Tanger Outlets: American Eagle, Adidas, Banana Republic Factory, Bath & Body Works, Book Warehouse, Coach, Disney Outlet, Express Factory Outlet, Famous Footwear Outlet, Fossil, Gap Factory, Lululemon, Lan Bryant Outlet, Maurices, Michael Kors, Nike Factory Store, Oakley Vault, Old Navy Outlet, Pandora, Rue21, Skechers, Smith Creek Moonshine, Torry Burch, Under Armour, and more!
Location: 300 Tanger Blvd, Branson, MO 65616
Walking down the famous entertainment and theatre district in Branson – more famously known as West 76 – is sure to present dozens of eye-catching sites, attractions, and theaters. See King Kong on top of a looming building at the Hollywood Wax Museum, a life-size camera at Beyond The Lens! museum, or the glittering silver octopus at the all-new Aquarium at the Boardwalk attraction. No matter what direction you go or which side of 76 you walk down on, there’s always something to see or take a picture of. Just wait until you see Branson’s Giant Spinning Ferris Wheel with over 16,000 Led lights & 40 gondolas!
Stockstill Park is open 7 days a week and is absolutely FREE to the public! There are ramps and rails for skaters, a full playground, covered pavilions, large open spaces for softball or soccer, six tennis courts, a dog park, and a 1/2 mile walking trail. Click here to learn more!
Location: 625 Stockstill Ln, Branson, MO 65616
20.Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery
Being one of the largest trout-rearing facilities operated by the Missouri Department of Conservation, The Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery is an ideal spot for fish lovers and nature enthusiasts. Located under Table Rock Dam, this particular fish hatchery is FREE to the public and is home to rainbow and brown trout of all sizes, 80% of which goes to Lake Taneycomo. Overall a family-friendly, educational experience!
Location: 483 Hatchery Rd, Branson, MO 65616
Better bring your camera for this stop! Table Rock Dam is not only 6,423 feet in length and 252 feet above the riverbed; it’s also the gracious provider of Table Rock Lake. Definitely a must-see for anyone interested in the history, technology, and beauty behind the lake!
Beat the summer heat the right way, and get those swimsuits on! The Branson area has several public swimming spots complete with scenic views, picnic areas, public restrooms, and BBQ pits. No worries, no stress, no hassle – just fun!
Moonshine Beach is a fan favorite swimming location that charges an affordable fee per vehicle and substitutes the area’s trademark rocky shore for a sandy one.
Public Swim Areas include:
- Indian Point Public Use Area
- North Beach State Park
- Table Rock State Park
- Murphy Park
See rotating exhibits at the Branson Centennial Museum in Branson’s Historic Downtown. Get more of a feel for the deep-rooted history and culture of the Branson area as you look at unique exhibits and historical photos at the Branson Centennial Museum. Everything down from the well-arranged displays to the informative staff makes this museum a must-visit! Also, the price is quite low….FREE! However, donations are very welcomed and appreciated!
Location: 120 S Commercial St, Branson, MO 65616
Dickens Craft Mall is exactly what it sounds like – it’s a mall full of crafts! Offering hundreds of vendor booths stocked with handmade gifts, souvenirs, home decor, jewelry, collectibles, apparel, leather goods, and antiques, this mall is one to see!
Other Craft Malls include:
- Vintage Marketplace Antiques
- Whitney’s World of Crafts
- Treasure Marketplace
25.Special Community Events & Festivals
Nearly every holiday holds some promise of fun in Branson, MO! Local events and festivals such as the spectacular Annual Liberty Light Up at the Branson Landing, Veterans Homecoming Week, and the Autumn Daze Arts, Crafts & Musical Festival in Downtown Branson offer an element of fun and amusement for all ages and interests. Check out the Branson City Community Calendar, so you are in the right time and place for upcoming events, parades, and live entertainment!
If you are looking for a church home or just one to visit while in town, Branson has many churches to offer. There are, to name a few, Episcopal, Methodist, Church of Christ, Assembly of God, Catholic, and Non-Denominational churches. Spend time in worship, prayer, and God’s word at any of the welcoming church families based here in the Ozarks.
Other Churches in the area include:
- Branson Church of Christ
- Branson First Baptist Church
- Faith Life Church
- Bloom Church
- FBC Branson
- Woodland Hills Family Church
- Branson Bible Church
- Branson United Methodist Church
- Branson Christian Church
- Gateway Branson Church
- First Presbyterian Church
- Branson First Church of the Nazarene
For more information on local Shows, Attractions, and MORE, give our friends at Branson Travel Group a call at (866) 876-4339. Ask how to secure the best tickets at the lowest prices! Find out more about affordable Branson Travel Packages on their site here.
