Courtesy Branson Lakes Area CVB
Zips ahoy!
Among the most exciting recent additions to Branson’s activity menu are numerous zip-line courses, which give thrill-seekers the chance to experience Ozark beauty with a side of adrenaline.
The most extensive is Branson Zipline and Canopy Tours, which take place in the woods at Wolfe Creek Preserve. The course features seven zip lines that are strung between platforms in the trees at the preserve, an ecological area set aside to protect plants and wildlife.
Groups can choose from a variety of packages and tour experiences with the company. Hourlong excursions take participants on the Blue Streak Fast Line, which soars 150 feet above the base of Wolfe Mountain. The more involved Ozarks Xplorer Canopy tour last up to three hours, taking guests across 10 swinging suspension bridges and over all seven zip lines in the system. Along the way, participants learn about the overhead canopy and other natural aspects of the area.
The Vigilante Zip Rider at the Shepherd of the Hills homestead offers a different kind of zip adventure. Riders sit harnessed into specially made chairs that take off from the top of the homestead’s inspiration tower and reach speeds of up to 50 miles per hour as they zip down the half-mile line back to the ground.
An authentic environment
Branson’s nature, adventure, history and entertainment all come together at Silver Dollar City. This theme park, a longtime favorite of families vacationing in the Ozarks, offers a number of great experiences for groups.
Unlike many other theme parks that are built to showcase roller coasters, Silver Dollar City highlights historic mountain craft and culture underneath the cool shade of a canopy of native trees. A number of historic buildings from around the region were transported to the site to create the 1880s McHaffie’s Homestead at the center of the park.
Artisans demonstrate traditional crafts throughout the park, and a number of annual festivals showcase both local and international music and culture.
“We have eight festivals and events throughout the year and about 100 craftsmen who demonstrate in the park,” said Martha Hoy Bohner, the park’s senior publicist. “And our roller coasters are actually built around trees — if you cut down a tree here, you have to plant three more.”
Silver Dollar City gives group members a chance to disperse and pursue their individual interests, from a tour of a cave below the park to a traditional cooking class in the park’s 1880s barn.
There are even opportunities to catch live musical performances in the park. Because in Branson, no matter how many great activities you take in, the music is never far away.
Branson/Lakes Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
www.explorebranson.com
800-296-0463
