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.

Just a glimpse of what your family will experience at some of Branson’s most popular attractions such as, Main Street Lake Cruises’ Lake Queen, White Water, Ride the Ducks, and Silver Dollar City.

“We love to get feedback from those who join with us on our Twitter and Facebook pages,” said Preston Garrison, Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “Each Wednesday is ‘Question Day,’ where we ask a question about Branson that we hope will be either helpful, fun, or both. Many, particularly at this time of the year, come to Branson with children and or grandchildren so we thought it would be interesting to share the results of the responses to the question, ‘What’s the one thing your kids or grand-kids want to see or do when they come to Branson?'”

Obviously, this is not a survey of scientific accuracy. What it is however, is an indication of some of the major Branson attractions that families enjoy. It’s also information that could also be helpful to those planning a trip to Branson, particularly if they’ve never been before.

It’s certainly no surprise that one of the most popular attractions for families, is Silver Dollar City, Branson’s oldest and most popular paid attraction. And for good reason! The award winning 1880s styled theme park has dozens of rides for children of every age, shows, demonstrating craftsmen and so much more. In addition, it offers six world class festivals throughout the year. With all there is to see and do, it’s easy to appreciate its popularity, not only with the kids, but with their parents and grandparents as well.

A sightseeing cruise aboard Main Street Lake Cruises’ Lake Queen is a great way for families to enjoy quality time with each other as they leisurely cruise the cool waters of Lake Taneycomo. But it’s more than that! It’s also a delightful adventure where, together you will see and enjoy things that few of the millions of people coming to Branson every year ever get to see.

As the boat glides along, you will see scenic views, cliffs, and wildlife such as Bald Eagles, Blue Herons, deer, mink, or some of the other wildlife that live along the lake’s banks. Yet, it’s much more than simply a cruise as your Captain turns it into a wonderful entertainment experience. They combine information about the Lake Queen; history of the White River, Lake Taneycomo, and Branson with their personality, knowledge of the local area, and humor to create a special and unique Branson memory.

Dixie Stampede, the place Dolly Parton calls “Branson’s most fun place to eat” is another popular attraction. It’s equally attractive to kids as well as adults, but it’s more than just an attraction. Is there another place in Branson where families can share a delicious four course meal? Of course, there is! There’s none however, where they can do it having the fun that comes from eating it without “utensils” amid the excitement and action of performing dogs; racing pigs; 32 magnificent horses featuring trick riders performing amazing equestrian feats; stampeding buffalo, and, of course, some friendly competition?”

Go Kart riding is another popular activity for kids. With its four Track Family Fun Parks, Branson is a go-kart paradise! Whether it’s the 1,200 feet and four stories of steel and concrete on the “Heavy Metal High Rise,” a four-story spiral climb on the “Wild Woody,” the spirals and a blind peak of the “Lumber Jack,” or “Kiddie Go-Karts” there’s a Go Kart ride for just about every member of the family.

Garrison said that’s just some of the fun highlights. There’s attractions as varied as White Water, southwest Missouri’s largest water park; the Butterfly Palace and Rainforest Adventure; the National Tiger Sanctuary; Titanic Museum Attraction; Branson Dinosaur Museum; Ride the Ducks; and many more.

He suggests it’s unlikely that, mile for mile, there’s another family vacation destination anywhere near Branson’s size that has more ways for families to have fun. He asks, “At the end of the day isn’t that what it’s all about, having fun together and making special memories that can last a life time?”

For more information on these attractions or other great Branson shows or lodging please contact the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and sellers of almost 5 million Branson show and attraction tickets by calling 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com

Silver Dollar City’s world class wood coaster, “Outlaw Run.”

Silver Dollar City features dozens of practicing crafters and artisans displaying their skills; over 40 exciting rides for all ages; shows; six annual world-class festivals, and much more. The 1890’s styled theme park has been “Creating memories worth repeating” for generations and is Branson’s oldest and most popular paid attraction.

We thought it would be interesting see what it was about Silver Dollar City that keeps bringing people back again and again. We asked those participating in our Facebook and Twitter social media channels, the question, “What’s your favorite thing to do at Silver Dollar City?

The following responses represent the things mentioned the most often and offer a personal perspective on what people enjoy most at Silver Dollar City. Joe Cannon’s comment, “Just going inside the gate and shutting out the real world for a while!” sums up the essence of what Silver Dollar City means.

The names of the “commenter” precedes their comment. Click here to read all the comments. In some cases, we have added our remarks. They follow the comment in [brackets]:

Gina Wagner: Just walking around, taking it all in. The music, the quaint little shops, the food, the rides. It’s all lovely. My favorite ride is the swings. During the Christmas festival [Old Time Christmas], my favorite thing to do is ride the train. It gets me emotional (in a good way) every time. [There is just something about Silver Dollar City and what it represents. It reminds people of a bygone era And brings them back again and again. It’s a wonderful thing!]

Jill Hoppe Allen: Our first visit to Silver Dollar City was in 1968. We had been married for 6 months. Now we’re coming up on 50. I’ve always felt like I was home when I walked through the gates. Now living in Florida and truly miss our annual trips to Branson and Silver Dollar City.

Barb Eaton: Sometimes we like to ride rides, some days it’s the shows, other days just walking and visiting the shops. We like to do it all at some point. [That’s one of the neat things about Silver Dollar City; there’s so much to do that you can tailor it to what you want to do when you want to do it.]

Matt and Julie Pierce: The demonstrations, Fire in the Hole and Grandfather’s Mansion. [“Fire in the Hole” is one of the oldest and most popular rides at Silver Dollar City. There’s nothing like it anywhere! It was the very first ride I rode on my first visit to Silver Dollar City in 1976 at the age of 35.]

“Marvel Cave” is another of Silver Dollar City’s unique experiences.

Maggie Jean McCurdy: THE TRAIN, my little ones love-love-love-it! Ride it every single time! The “ball room” [inside the Firehouse Play Place] at “Fireman’s Landing.” The rides, the food, and of course the shops! We’re season pass holders but, we’ve yet to see a show or the cave. Gives us something to look forward to on our next visits. [Marvel Cave is something you really should see. Hope you will find this article interesting: How Devil’s Den Became A Marble Marvel On Its Way To Becoming Branson’s Silver Dollar City” ]

Joyce Meinhardt: Classes at the Culinary school. My husband & I both love to attend for the recipes, samples and to chat with Debbie Dance Uhrig. [Another of the great unique activities Silver Dollar City offers its guests.]

Patricia Key-Bartee: Try all the foods, sit and enjoy the atmosphere, listen to the music, the sounds of the train, watch my family just having fun, enjoy the festivals, and make lots of amazing memories!!! SDC is one of our favorite places to visit each year. [“Making memories worth repeating” is what Silver Dollar City is all about!]

Tammy Lasley Stephens: Watching my family’s reactions to all it has to offer! Great memories! [That’s the real magic of Silver Dollar City.]

Michelle Gandy: Watching all the different people reacting to the sights and smells. For us, it’s always glass blowers, bread, and shows first. Then the rides as we pass them and go round again. It’s been 30+ years of fun! [It’s amazing the way people are continually drawn beck to Silver Dollar City and the fun filled memories it has created.]

Kyle Murphy: Every time we go, we have to do these 3 things: get a skillet meal, listen to the “Homestead Pickers,” and get an apple turnover with apple butter at the apple place.

Bob Kirkley: Listen to the “[Homestead] Pickers!” I first visited SDC in 1961 or 2. There was only the “hotel, general store, a stage coach ride, and, of course, “Marvel Cave!” [Bob: Here’s a link an article we wrote on Marvel Cave that we hope you will enjoy: “How Devil’s Den Became A Marble Marvel On Its Way To Becoming Branson’s Silver Dollar City” https://goo.gl/qLDGhx]

Shaina Jones: We love all the rollercoasters, shops and food!! The cave under silver dollar city is awesome. I love going at Christmas time to have cider, see the parade, shops and millions of lights, and the big 5-Story Special Effects Christmas Tree with over 350,000 colorful LED lights! [Here an article on two of SDC’s coasters that we hope you will find interesting: “Will Silver Dollar City’s iconic ‘Wildfire’ be eclipsed by ‘Outlaw Run?’” https://goo.gl/z4e4wn]

Tandi Frazier Jackson EVERYTHING!!!

“Silver Dollar City is a unique one of a kind theme park unlike any other,” said Preston Garrison, Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, sellers of over five million Branson show and attractions tickets. “It’s filled with a special spirit and all the fun, excitement, and adventure anyone could ever want. Our customers just love it,” he added.

For more information or tickets for Silver Dollar City, or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or lodging, please contact the Branson Tourism Center at 1-800-785-1550. One of its Branson based Vacation Specialists will answer your questions and help with reservations and getting the best available show seats and lodging. There is no charge for this service and they are available daily, except Christmas Day, from 9:00 AM to 8.00 PM.

Two of the dresses and coat actually worn by “Rose”, Kate Winslett, in the 1997 Academy Award winning movie,”Titanic.”

“On a day to day basis, Branson’s Titanic Museum Attraction is a wonderful interactive experience for the whole family to enjoy together. It has hundreds of artifacts from the ill-fated ‘unsinkable’ ship, self-guided tours for adults and children, interactive exhibits, and much more,” said Annette Wood, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “Even with all that, it’s just amazing the way it keeps adding something fresh, unique, and new for its guests to experience every year,” she added.

2017 is the 20^th anniversary of the premier blockbuster hit movie “Titanic.” It went on to win eleven Academy Awards including “Best Picture” and “Best Costume Design.” Now, for the first time, and only through June 11, 2017, visitors to the Museum can view a collection of the actual costumes worn in the movie.

The costumes are displayed throughout the museum. Each is in an appropriate setting that enhances the viewing experience. During a recent tour of the exhibit with First Class Maid Jamie, she said, “Everyone comes to the Museum and asks, ‘Where’s Jack?’. Well we don’t have ‘Jack,’ but what we do have is one of the costumes that Leonardo DiCaprio, ‘Jack,’ wore in the movie. And that’s just one of many!”

Jamie explained the effort involved in putting the exhibit together. “It took the Museum about two years to get all of the contracts signed,” she said. She points out that because of cost overruns on the production of the film, two studios were involved in producing the film, “20th Century Fox” and “Paramount Pictures.” Contracts had to be negotiated with each of them as well as individual collectors who own some of the costumes.

One of the costumes worn by “Jack,” Leonardo DiCaprio.

When asked what her favorite costume was she said it’s the white “boarding dress” worn by “Rose,” played by Kate Winslet, as she was boarding the “Titanic”. Another favorite is the scarlet “jump dress” she wore when she was going to jump off the ship, and Jack talked her out of it. Those two dresses are in a dazzling exhibit with the pink “sinking coat” Rose wore as the ship was sinking after hitting the iceberg. My favorite costume was the “Engineers Overalls” and the engine room environment created for their display.

It’s the total experience, uniqueness and the beautiful way each is displayed. It’s an historical collection of movie artifacts that may never been seen together again. First Class Maid Jamie said, “These costumes are not going on a big tour of the United States. They will be on display in Branson through June 11. The only other place they will be displayed will be in the Titanic Museum Attraction in Pigeon Forge from June 17 through Labor Day.

The 155-carat sapphire “Heart of the Ocean” necklace.

“The Heart of the Ocean (also known as Le Cœur de la Mer), was a fictional blue diamond and sapphire necklace that played a very prominent part in the movie “Titanic.” The owners of the Titanic Museum Attraction commissioned their own “Heart of the Ocean” necklace, and it’s real! Valued at $250,000, it has a 155-carat sapphire surrounded by 16 carets of diamonds. It is normally displayed at the Pigeon Forge Titanic Museum Attraction, but is on display in Branson through June 11.

Another costume on display is that of the Titanic’s Captain Smith, played by Bernard Hill in the movie. Jamie points out another interesting aside involving the movie. The Museum’s audio tours, for both adults and children, are narrated by Bernard Hill.

For more information on Branson’s Titanic Museum Attraction or other attractions, shows or lodging please contact the Branson Tourism Center and talk with one of their Branson based Travel Planning Specialists by calling 1-800-785-1550. BTC’s one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and has sold over 5 million Branson show and attraction tickets.

Main Street Lakes Cruises Lake Queen and Landing Princess

“Whether you take a sightseeing cruise on the river boat replica, Lake Queen or the 100 foot luxury yacht, Landing Princess, it is a spectacular unique adventure,” says Mellisa McGowen, Marketing Manager and Groups Sales Coordinator for Main Street Lakes Cruises.  “It offers amazing panoramas, sights, and a closeness with the beauty, nature and history of the Ozarks that few of the millions of annual visitors to Branson will ever experience,” she added

When asked, “What can passengers expect to see,” she answered, “That depends. Each cruise is different. You can’t plan for a Bald Eagle to soar overhead or be sitting in a tree, a mink scurrying along the shoreline, or many of the unique things that happen daily. They either happen or they don’t, but when they do you couldn’t have a better seat to see the show!”

Passengers get a unique mid-lake view of Branson Landing and its $7.5 million fountain. Its spectacular synchronized fire, water, light, and music show is a popular feature of every cruise. Another passenger favorite is a closeup view of one of Missouri’s largest Blue Heron Rookeries. All this while cruising by amazing bluffs carved by Mother Nature over the centuries surrounded by spectacular Ozark vistas that change with the season.

Throughout the cruise, the Captain points out sights of interest and provides an entertaining and informative account about each.  Did you know that Lake Taneycomo is one of the finest places to fish for Rainbow and Brown Trout in the United States? Where and when did the term “Hacker” originate? How did Lake Taneycomo get its name. The timing of the comments allows plenty of time to relax and enjoy the peaceful beauty of the Ozarks.

On every cruise children and others can go up to the “wheelhouse” and meet the Captain. If the weather and currents allow, under the watchful eye of the Captain, they can take the wheel and “drive” the boat.

The 90-foot long paddlewheel river boat replica Lake Queen has full sized rest rooms and two decks. The lower deck is climate controlled while the top deck is open. She cruises twice a day, 11:45 AM and 4:45 PM with boarding available 30 minutes prior to departure. Both cruises offer the option of a light meal. It consists of a Jumbo Ham or Turkey Croissant, homemade chips, a sugar cookie and unlimited tea, coffee, or water. Meals must be ordered prior to boarding. The Lake Queen has a full cash bar offering alcoholic drinks and soft drinks.

The 100-foot luxury yacht Landing Princess is luxuriously appointed, has full sized rest rooms and two fully enclosed climate controlled decks. She offers the same scenic cruises as her sister boat, with the addition of a delicious dinner. Except for an Easter Sunday Cruise on April 16 at 11:45 AM with boarding at 11:15 AM, her regular season of dinner cruises starts on May 5. Boarding starts at 6:15 PM with the cruise departing at 6:45 PM. Once underway, passengers will enjoy a delicious dinner consisting of Wedge Salad, Pan Seared Chicken Breast w/ Marsala, Pork Tenderloin w/ Tomato Béchamel, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Seasonal Vegetables, Bread Service, Triple Chocolate Cake, Tea, Coffee or Water. Cash bar available for soft drinks (soda) or alcoholic beverages as well.

McGowen said that safety is the number one concern and that both of Main Street Lake Cruises boats and their crews are fully inspected, certified, and licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard. “Our number one objective is to give our passengers an experience that they will not forget and will become a wonderful part of their Branson memories.

For more information about a cruisesaboard the Lake Queen or the Landing Princess please feel to contact the Branson Tourism Center by calling 1-800-785-1550 or visiting www.BransonTourismCenter.com.