Fly Fishing Vest Packs
Fly Fishing Vest Packs
Branson Missouri by Anita Smith
Tucked into the magnificent Ozarks of southwestern Missouri, Branson is truly
a vacationer’s paradise. Surrounded by breathtaking views of the pristine
mountains, blue skies and shimmering rivers and lakes, this destination
offers beautiful sights and exciting things to do year round.
So, if music comes to mind first when you considering Branson, perhaps it’s
time to rethink this get-away wonderland: What is it, where is it located,
and what other events and attractions does it offer?
Wild Eye Ranch
321 Wild Eye Lane
Galena, MO, 65656
Wild Eye Ranch is definitely the place to horse around! Located only 15 miles
northwest of Branson, you will have the feeling that you are far, far away
from the glitz and noise of the city.
Whether you have your own horse or want to ride one already there, Wild Eye
Ranch is a horse-lover’s haven. Situated on over 180 acres of rolling
pastures, this farm offers groomed trails for riding, plus rodeos, camping
and campfires, wagon rides, picnic lunches and full dinners, plus shows
galore.
Those needing horse care, will find premium boarding amenities including a
horse hotel and a regulation-size arena with lights and bleachers. You will
find comfort in knowing that the general manager is the most experienced
horseman in the region!
A one-mile stretch of the ranch is bordered by the beautiful James River, and
at the headwaters, the James merges with Table Rock Lake, creating a
shimmering water-land masterpiece.
The Titanic Museum
3235 West 76 Country Blvd.
Branson, MO 65616
If you have ever wanted to go back in time and visit history in the making,
be sure to visit the Titanic Museum. Built to 50 percent scale and anchored
in the water, this massive museum replicates the original Titanic, right down
to the smallest details that made this vessel so magnificent.
During the 90-minute, self-guided tour, you will ascend the grand stairway to
view the inside of lovely staterooms, where the wealthy and the wealthier
laid their heads and the nearby servants’ rooms. Below the main deck, you can
view the much-smaller and threadbare third-class living quarters, where the
not-so-well-to-do stayed; view the 1912 telegraph equipment, valued at $250,
000, and look at the over 400 priceless artifacts on displayed throughout.
The tour ends in the Memory Room, a room hushed with reverence, where four
illuminated glass panels bear the names of each individual on board that
fateful night the vessel went down. In a floating glass case in the center
of the room is the only life vest in existence directly tied to a Titanic
passenger.
So if history is your thing, stop in to the Titanic Museum and experience
what it may have been like to be a passenger aboard the lovely, yet ill-
fateful ship.
Silver Dollar City
399 Indian Point Rd.
Branson, MO, 65616
Voted one of the top Theme Parks in the World by the International
Association of Amusement Parks & Attractions, Silver Dollar City is a jam-
packed family adventure waiting just for you.
Built on 60+ acres of natural terrain of the Ozarks, Silver Dollar City takes
you back to a time when life was slower and the West was still wild. Over 20
thrilling rides await the brave at heart and 40 live shows are acted out
daily. Showcasing the 1880′s Ozark culture are over 100 master craftsman
demonstrating craftsmanship such as silversmith, chip carving, blade smith,
coppersmith, pottery making, candy making, and a myriad of others. Two play
areas are designated specifically for families with little ones, and
everything mentioned here is included in the price of your ticket.
Other attractions you can sign up for include culinary cooking classes, where
participants enhance their baking and cooking skills. Discover the secret to
baking mouth-watering pies, cookies and delicious soups, and learn what to do
with pumpkins besides carve them! Throughout the park are 60 unique shops and
restaurants.
Silver Dollar City also hosts six themed festivals each year.
But the fun doesn’t end when the park closes! Stick around for more live
entertainment under the stars in the amphitheater, weather permitting.
Wheelchairs, strollers and lockers are available for rent. Events are posted
on the website and those wanting to customize their visit ahead of time can
do so online from the comfort of home with the Park Trip Planner.
Celebration City
1383 MO 376
Branson, MO 65616
For a fun-filled day at the park, Celebration City is the place to go. Over
30 rides and attractions, 10 themed restaurants and 12 specialty shops are
all awaiting you.
Added to the water rides in 2008 is Roaring Falls, where you board a 20-
person raft and head off for a 50 foot plunge, and everyone ending up getting
soaked! Other rides include the Stinger, Accelerator and the Thunderbolt,
plus there are nine rides for smaller children, and several family activities
such as golfing, go-cars and midway games.
But the best is saved for last when you end your evening watching the largest
laser and fireworks show in the West! You’ll be wowed with colorful lasers,
awesome water illusions and spectacular fireworks. To top it all off, you
will receive a free pair of PyroGoggles, enhancing the entire visual effect.
Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery
633 Hatchery Rd.
Branson, MO 65616
For a fun and educational day in Missouri’s great outdoors, pack up the
family and head out to Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery! This is the
largest rainbow and brown trout production facility in the Missouri
Department of Conservation trout production program.
Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery is a fisherman-lover’s delight. It was
founded in 1957 and is located six miles southwest of Branson. The trout
production process includes incubation, tank maintenance, raising and
spawning ponds, and the entire process is thoroughly explained in both the
guided and self-guided tours. The 200+ acre habitat includes four nature
trails, a Conservation Center, designated fishing areas and a huge aquarium
to view some of the largest trout you may ever see. Several fishing stations
are conveniently located for those wanting to give it a try.
Open year round except for certain holidays, this facility is free of charge,
although fish food is available to purchase. A helpful hint: you might want
to bring a bag or a cup to hold the purchased fish food.
Stone Hill Winery
601 State Hwy. 165
Branson, MO 65616
Situated on a hill overlooking the beautiful old town of Hermann, Stone Hill
Winery is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Missouri’s wine
country. The wines produced here have received International acclaim,
earning Stone Hill Winery over 3200 awards since 1893.
Steeped in history, this winery has over 160 years of rich winemaking
heritage. Tour guides use humorous yet factual accounts relating how the
winery survived the Prohibition and how its spectacular underground cellars
were once used to grow mushrooms.
Conveniently located off I-70, this winery is listed in the National Register
of Historical places, and thousands of visitors travel here annually for
tours, wine tasting and to make purchases. Tours are offered every 15 minutes
throughout the day and typically last one hour, although they can be adjusted
to fit your group’s schedule.
This wheelchair accessible facility is all on one level, open year-round and
tours are free of charge.
Ozark Mountain Helicopters
491 Blue Sky Lane
Hollister, MO 65672
www.omhllc.com
While visiting Branson, you’ll have the opportunity of a lifetime
