Branson, Missouri ranks as the nation’s second vacation choice for Americans each year but despite the many attractions, it doesn’t have to cost your family a fortune to have fun.
Tucked among the amusement parks, the museums, go-kart tracks, music shows, and other attractions are places that won’t cost your family a dime to enjoy.
One of these is the College of The Ozarks, a school where students work to pay their tuition. Nicknamed “Hard Work U”, College of the Ozarks also offers visitors a closer look at the Ozarks. Start your free tour at the Edwards Mill. This authentic looking mill was built from well weathered lumber and machinery from other mills across the Ozarks. Iron hubs in the mill’s water wheel came from an eighty-year old mill in Jackson, Missouri and the heavy timbers – more than a century old – came from Carthage. Students operate the mill and grind whole grains which are then blended into various mixes. The mixes are then packaged to sell and visitors can buy mixes to create their own pancakes, waffles, biscuits, muffins, and even funnel cakes. Upstairs in the mill, you’ll find a weaving studio where students make rugs, blankets, shawls, and other creations on hand looms. These are also available for purchase but there’s no charge to watch.
Also at the College of the Ozarks, visit the Fruitcake and Jelly Kitchen. Fruitcakes have been baked here since the mid-1930’s and you’ll be treated to a free sample. These kitchens produce more than 40,000 fruit cakes each year and cupcakes, just $1 each, are also available to take home. Students are also at work making jams, jellies, preserves, and another Ozarks favorite – apple butter.
Williams Chapel on campus has the look and feel of a Gothic cathedral but was built by students in the 1950’s. The huge stone edifice features an 80 foot high vaulted ceiling, beautiful stained glass windows, and a bell tower. Bells chime the hour at noon and 6pm daily. On Sundays, services begin at 11am and are open to the public.
If you enjoy a good stroll, take time to follow the walk that begins at the bottom of the chapel steps to Point Lookout. This well-known spot offers a fantastic view of Lake Taneycomo below and the tree covered mountains. Across the way, note the white buildings in the distance. One is the Grand Palace Theatre, the other is the Radisson Inn.
The Star Schoolhouse – built in 1863 in nearby Barry County, Missouri – offers a look at the one room schools of the past. Furnishings within the building are original.
The Ralph Foster Museum on campus is often called “The Smithsonian of the Ozarks” and offers three floors full of Ozarks memorabilia that includes the Clampett’s old jalopy from The Beverly Hillbillies television program. There is a small fee for adults to tour the museum but children high school age and under are free.
Another free place to visit when you’re in the Branson area is Table Rock Lake State Park. Fishing, hiking, boating, and hunting in season are all allowed at this 356 acre park. The Dewey Short Visitors Center welcomes visitors to the park. Enjoy the Four Seasons Exhibit with displays that teach about the region’s year round wildlife. Peer out the huge picture window to view hummingbirds at the multiple feeders and if you visit in winter, keep a look out for a bald eagle because they gather in Missouri during that season. Sit down and watch The Taming of La Riverie Blanche (White River) before you leave the visitor’s center, be sure to ask for a Nature Trail Guide brochure. Follow the trail through the woods and along the water front.
Don’t miss one of the area’s most visited sites – Table Rock Dam. Completed in 1958, the dam created Table Rock Lake. Because the release of the chill 48 degree water into Lake Taneycomo removed the natural habitat for the bass, perch, and catfish that had thrived there, the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery was born. This hatchery stocks the trout in Taneycomo and other area lakes. Take the kids through the nature exhibits, aquariums, and watch a video called White River Rainbows about the trout. You’ll see trout in all stages of development and watch them teem in the open raceways outside. Four hiking trails also begin at the fish hatchery. Picnic tables are usually available if you want to bring a lunch.
If you’d rather window shop, visit the Coffelt Country Crossroads Shopping Village on Highway 165. Flea markets, craft stores, and gift shops are all part of this shopping village. Area singers and musicians often perform here for no cost.
If you like horses, bring the kids to see the horses and other animals that are part of the show at Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede. Although it costs to enjoy the dinner show, visitors can view the horses in their pens adjacent to the arena on 76 Country Boulevard from 10am until just before evening show time.
Another fun place to visit is Dick’s Old Time Five and Dime on Main Street in downtown Branson. In addition to offering a full line of more than 50,000 “dime store” items for sale, museum style displays offer a look at the five and dime stores of the past. It’s a look down memory lane for the older generations and a history lesson for the kids. It can be fun just to look and you don’t have to buy a thing.
If your accomodations don’t include a pool or you find it’s crowded, take a dip in the lake at the Table Rock Beach at the Missouri 86 Recreation Area in eastern Stone County. This beach offers sand, shade, rest rooms, and even an outdoor shower to rinse off after your swim.
And don’t overlook Branson’s city parks. Alexander Park on the shores of Taneycomo offers a playground with plenty of equipment for fun, baseball fields, tennis shorts and more. Other city parks include Jack Justus Park, Eiserman Park, Cantwell Park, and Branson North Park.
Branson attracts visitors from around the country each year but if you’re on a budget, fill some of your days with free attractions that offer both entertainment and a look at the region and it’s rich history.
Reference:
- www.explorebranson.com Branson Area Chamber of Commerce www.bransoncvb.comInsider’s Guide to Branson and the Ozark Mountains by Fred PfisterBranson’s Best Day Trips by Carol A. ShafferBest Read Guide To Branson (free in the area)Ozark Mountain Visitor (free area publication)
