The free downtown trolley at Stop #4 just accross from Dicks 5 & 10.
BRANSON, MO, June 11, 2013 — “One of the reasons Branson is known as a value travel destination is because of the reasonableness of the prices for its lodging, attractions and shows,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “That value and the fun that families can have is enhanced by activities they can enjoy for free,” she added.
From the many free activities that are available I n Branson here is a list of three varied things that families can enjoy and have fun sharing together and not have to spend a penny:
1. Historic Downtown Branson’s “Discovery Trolley” – A good place to board the Trolley is at Stop #2 on Commercial Street in historic downtown Branson. Free three hour parking is available in the public parking lot at the southwest corner of Commercial and Atlantic Street and Stop #2 is at the “Commercial Street” end of the lot.
The Trolley ride is a great way to get an overview and perspective of the historic downtown area, the Branson Convention Center and Branson Landing. Along the way you will pass a number of Branson landmarks including the grave site of the man the city of Branson is named after Ruben S. Branson; the Owens Theatre, Branson’s first theatre, the Branson Convention Center, Branson Landing and the spot where the “Baldknobbers” performed Branson’s first live music show over 53 years ago. About 15 to 20 minutes after boarding the trolley it will complete its loop and drop you back at Stop #2.
2. Feed the Lake Taneycomo Ducks and Geese – Nestled near Branson Landing in the shadow of Scotty’s Trout Dock, near the public boat loading ramp on the southeastern corner of the City of Branson’s Camp Ground, is the “unofficial “duck feeding area that most people coming to Branson never see. The owner of Scotty’s, Lamar Patton, said that on any given day, depending on the season, there are about 50 to 200 Canada Geese, pigeons, Mallard ducks and other water fowl swimming around between his dock and the shoreline waiting to be fed. Scotty’s sells bags of corn to feed them with, but Patton points out that they will also eat crackers and bread, etc. The unofficial duck feeding area provides what in the old days was called “a Kodak moment” and can provide some great pictures of the family feeding the ducks.
3. The Dewey Short Regional Visitors Center at Table Rock Dam – The new $7.9 million, 15,000 square foot U.S. Army Corps of Engineers visitor center has been called the “the crown jewel of Table Rock Lake” and for good reason. It is one of only 11 Class A visitor centers in the U.S. and offers an unparalleled view of two of Branson’s lakes, Table Rock Lake and Lake Taneycomo that can be seen from the floor to ceiling glass windows on the Table Rock Lake side of the building. Among other things, the Center features interactive activities, displays on area history nature and the inner workings of Table Rock Dam, movies, a gift shop with unique merchandise and an interesting film on the construction of Table Rock Dam. It also serves as the starting point for tours of the inside of Table Rock Dam for which there is a charge.
And that’s just three. From grist mills, to scenic overlooks, a trout hatchery, a giant bass kids can stand in, a $7.5 million synchronized fire, water and music show, Dicks 5 & 10, nature trails, hiking trails, parks and more Branson has many free activities that visitors can enjoy. For more information on these activities, Branson shows, attractions and lodging please feel free to call the Branson Tourism Center toll free at 1-800-785-1550.