Splashing and cruising in Branson over Labor Day Weekend and beyond

The paddle-wheel river boat replica, “Lake Queen.”

“Branson has a wide variety of exciting attractions and activities for the whole family to enjoy all year long,” said Preston Garrison, Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “However, the summer months provide the greatest access to the full enjoyment of most of Branson’s water-related activities, with Labor Day Weekend being the most popular,” he added.

Here’s a list of seven of the most popular water related things that people like to do while in Branson:

1. White Water is over 2 million gallons of wet watery excitement for the whole family to enjoy. The 13 acre tropically themed wonderland is full of fun and adventure for the whole family. Whether it’s “Splashaway Cay” and “Coconut Grove” for the smaller children and toddlers, the excitement of sliding down the seven story “Kalani Towers,” or the thrills of the drops and speed of rides such as “KaPau Plummet,” “Pipeline Plunge” or the “Raging River Rapids,” there is an adventure for every member of the family at White Water. White Water’s last day of operation for the 2017 season will be on September, 4.

2. A sightseeing cruise aboard Main Street Lake Cruises’ Lake Queen is a great way for the whole family to experience something that the vast majority of the millions of visitors who come to Branson each year never get to see. As you relax aboard the paddle-wheel river boat replica, Lake Queen, and cruise beautiful Lake Taneycomo, opportunities will abound to see Bald Eagles, Blue Herons, other birds, and wildlife such as deer, mink, otters, and more. You’ll see amazing natural bluffs carved out by the White River over the eons of time, spectacular Ozarks’ vistas, and a unique lakeside view of the entire length of Branson Landing and its $7.5 million-dollar fountain show. This unique cruise, is one of Branson’s most extraordinary “shows.” A show produced by Mother Nature that’s unlike anything else available in Branson. The Lake Queen is fully handicap-accessible and offers a full set of modern amenities. These include full-sized modern restrooms, full bar and snack food service, and a fully enclosed environmentally conditioned lower deck, as well as an open air upper deck.

3. Moonshine Beach is operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and is located within minutes of the famed Branson Strip immediately off the north end the Table Rock Dam on State Highway 165. Its large sandy beach is perfect for sunbathing, swimming or beach volleyball. Its other amenities include picnic tables, food vendors, a boat launching ramp, showers, flush toilets a large picnic shelter, and a kid’s playground. Moonshine Beach closes its 2017 season on September 14.

4.The Showboat Branson Belle is a full-size replica of the old-time river showboats. The Showboat combines a relaxing cruise on beautiful Table Rock Lake with a view of Ozark vistas and scenery that can only be seen and appreciated from the unique vantage point it provides. Add a scrumptious meal together with a wonderfully  entertaining show and the result is a special one of a kind experience that the whole family will enjoy.

5. The State Park Marina offers the most water sport activities on Table Rock Lake. It’s conveniently located inside Table Rock State Park, off of Highway 165 just south of the main entrance to the park. The Marina offers just about every water activity that most folks would want to do including, boat rentals of all types, wave runners, fishing guides, and much more. The modern 600-slip marina is home to the Boathouse Boutique store, a full-service Dive Shop, the local favorite Danna’s BBQ, and Oasis Hawaiian Shave Ice.

6. Ride The Ducks is a boatload of fun for the whole family aboard a WW II style amphibious DUKW, a.k.a. “The Duck.” During the 60 to 70-minute adventure, you will enjoy a tour narrated by a U.S. Coast Guard licensed Captain, who is every bit as good at entertaining as they are at being a driver and Captain. You’ll especially enjoy the “Big Splashdown” into Table Rock Lake. After the Splashdown, there is an opportunity for the kids to drive the Duck in the water.

A portion of Welk Resort’s Splash-A-Torium

7. Indoor Water Parks can make the weather outside immaterial. For planning purposes, it should be noted that all of Branson’s indoor water parks are connected to a lodging facility. One is Welk Resort’s “Splash-A-Torium.” It’s 10,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor water fun featuring “an outrageous 100 foot” plus indoor water slide, kid’s splash-zone, indoor/outdoor pool, and hot tub.” The Resort has recently been redecorated and updated with deluxe and premier traditional rooms and amenities. The Resort even has its own theatre that is not only home to one of Branson’s most popular new shows, Million Dollar Quartet, but features limited engagement performances by stars such Daniel O’Donnell, Jay Leno, and others. throughout the year.

BTC’s Garrison points out that Labor Day weekend in Branson is one of the busiest weekends of the year and suggests making advance show and lodging reservations to ensure the best show seating and lodging accommodations. Just one phone call to 1-800-785-1550 will put you in touch with one of BTC’s Branson-based Travel Planning Specialists. They’ll be delighted to answer questions, explain how you can save money by “packaging” lodging and shows, take care of reservations and ticketing, or assist you in any way they can to help you plan a great Branson trip.

 

 

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