5 Fun-Filled Day Trips From Branson, MO, for an Unforgettable Vacation
5 Fun-Filled Day Trips From Branson, MO, for an Unforgettable Vacation
While Branson offers plenty of fun activities and attractions for visitors of all ages, there are various cities, historic towns, and parks outside of Branson you should visit if you’re in the area. Most of these are about an hour's drive from the city, making them the perfect day trips from Branson, MO.
The best part? All these locations are close to Westgate's Branson resorts, so you can spend your vacation in the comfort of your modern, spacious room and still have fun exploring the area.
5 Best Day Trips from Branson
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Hollister, MO
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Springfield, MO
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Lampe, MO
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Carthage, MO
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Eureka Springs, AR
From stunning views of nature and fascinating caverns to historical sites and pristine lakes, these day trips from Branson will make your vacation memorable!
1 | Hollister, MO |
Only a two-mile drive from Branson, Hollister is a lovely historic town by Lake Taneycomo that offers amazing attractions and activities for the whole family.
This place is famous for its Historic Downing Street, also known as The English Village, which instantly transports you to 19th-century England. It features Tudor Revival-style buildings, including various shops, the Hollister City Hall, and the U.S. Post Office. There’s also an authentic English pub—the Downing Street Pour House—where you can stop by for delicious American comfort food.
Hollister's 165 Scenic Overlook offers breathtaking panoramic views of Branson, the river, and Table Rock Lake dam. You can also take in the view while having a cup of fresh coffee from Vintage Paris—a lovely coffee shop across the street.
If you want to spend some extra time in nature, White River Kayaking and Outdoors offers canoe, kayak, paddleboat, and bike rentals in Hollister. These are great opportunities to explore the area’s wildlife or go fishing.
WHERE: Hollister, Missouri, 65672
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2 | Springfield, MO |
Your next Branson vacation is a great opportunity to visit Springfield—the third-largest city in Missouri. It’s only around 40 miles from Branson and home to popular attractions like the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, the Dickerson Park Zoo, and the world’s second-largest fork landmark.
Tourists love visiting Springfield to experience the world’s biggest Bass Pro Shop. This 500,000-square-foot store has over 14,000 items for outdoor enthusiasts, including gear and clothes for fishing, camping, and hiking. It also features the National Archery Hall of Fame, Hemingway’s Blue Water Café, and a huge aquarium.
Springfield is home to Fantastic Caverns, which offer a one-of-a-kind opportunity to see the most magnificent natural wonders! There are only four caverns of this kind in the world, and this one features beautiful cave pearls and giant columns you’ll see up close while riding in a jeep-drawn tram.
WHERE: Springfield, Missouri
3 | Lampe, MO |
If you drive for about half an hour southwest of Branson, you’ll get to Lampe—a small city by Table Rock Lake that offers wonderful opportunities to have fun in nature!
This place features a 10,000-acre paradise known as the Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, where you can bask in the beauty of the Ozarks and engage in family-friendly outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, trout fishing, and horseback riding. This beautiful park boasts numerous waterfalls, creek beds, and wildlife that will awaken your inner adventurer!
The Lampe area gives you a chance to drive through the most stunning countryside of the Ozarks. You can also visit the Persimmon Hill Farm, famous for its homemade gourmet jams, butter, and sauces. The farm has been growing blueberries and blackberries for over 40 years and is a fantastic place to taste authentic Ozark products!
Since this lovely city is located along Table Rock Lake, you can rent a boat from the friendly staff at Table Rock Lake Pontoon Rentals. The boats are clean, suitable for families with kids, and perfect for admiring sunsets from the best seats!
WHERE: Lampe, Missouri, 65681
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4 | Carthage, MO |
Carthage is a small city standing on Route 66, about 90 miles from Branson. Established in 1842, it burned down during the Civil War and was rebuilt in the Victorian era, showing its rich history and unique architecture.
Carthage stands out with its small-town rustic aesthetic and is a must-visit location for history buffs! This charming city features attractions like the Civil War Museum—home to Andy Thomas’ 7-by-15-foot mural. You can also visit the Battle of Carthage State Historic Site, which has remained almost unchanged since the battle in 1861. The site includes a beautiful spring and a meadow, perfect for a quiet afternoon in nature.
Carthage has another unique attraction—the Precious Moments Chappel. Its interior design was inspired by Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel and it features stained-glass windows, hand-carved wooden doors, and 84 hand-painted murals spanning over 9,000 square feet.
The Precious Moments Chappel also includes a gorgeous garden and fountains, ceramic figurines from the 1980s and 1990s, and a museum dedicated to its creator—Samuel J. Butcher.
WHERE: Carthage, Missouri, 64836
5 | Eureka Springs, AR |
Around 50 miles from Branson, you can visit the first Historic District in Arkansas—Eureka Springs—and admire over 200 Victorian-style houses and buildings, many of which date back before the 1900s.
The Eureka Springs Historical Downtown is the most popular tourist destination. Its charming streets are filled with unique shops, amazing restaurants, and exciting nightlife. Walk down Spring Street and see its limestone walls, street art, sculptures, galleries, and scenic views of the Ozarks.
You can also visit Basin Springs Park—also known as the Healing Spring—to learn more about the city’s history and origin. Besides the Basin Spring, Eureka Springs boasts over 60 springs within the city limits, so there are plenty of natural wonders to explore!
This city also features the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge—one of the largest big cat sanctuaries in America, where you can see tigers, lions, leopards, and cougars.
If you’re up for live entertainment, your whole family will love the magic shows at the Intrigue Theater.
WHERE: Eureka Springs, Arkansas, 72632
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Branson—The Perfect Place To Escape and Unwind
Whether you’re looking for an ideal place to chill by the pool or are eager to get your heart racing on the tallest roller coasters, Branson is the destination for you. You’ll love exploring its downtown attractions, amazing zoos, and mesmerizing family-friendly shows! If you’re interested in exploring surrounding areas, Branson is a fantastic base. For more information on Branson hotels and attractions, visit our Westgate Resorts Travel blog.
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At Westgate Resorts, when you Check-In, there's a LOT to Check-Out! Your Branson vacation awaits! Explore our Branson resorts today or talk with a vacation planner at 888-852-2959 or 407-355-2690.
* Westgate Resorts is in no way affiliated with the attractions featured in this article. Items or places listed are current as of the publishing date of this article. Please call or visit the respective website for the most up-to-date offerings and details.
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