Your guide to the best free things to do in Branson! Have fun without putting a dent in your wallet.
Branson, Missouri is a popular tourist destination located in the Ozark Mountains of southwestern Missouri.
It is best known for its family-friendly attractions, live entertainment and shows, theme parks, and nature.
A vacation to Branson can be quite expensive if you are spending all of your time shopping, eating out, attending shows, and visiting theme parks and museums.
We will cover the best free things to do in Branson – fun activities that won’t break the bank!
Best Free Things to Do in Branson
1. Visit Table Rock Lake
Table Rock Lake twists and turns through the Ozark landscape, resulting in nearly as much shoreline as the state of California.
The lake offers a stunning backdrop for a variety of outdoor activities (many of which are free) including:
- Fishing
- Swimming
- Sunbathing/Beach Day
- Hiking
- Biking
- Picnicking
- Wildlife viewing
- Camping
- Kayak/Paddleboarding
- Boating
- Scuba Diving

2. View the Table Rock Lake Dam
Table Rock Dam is an impressive site, rising 250+ feet above the riverbed and containing over 1.2 million cubic yards of concrete.
The dam is located on the White River and is responsible for creating Table Rock Lake.
You can drive across Table Rock Dam and learn more about it at the Dewey Short Visitor Center.

3. Dewey Short Visitor Center
This visitor center is free to visit and offers interactive exhibits that provide information on Table Rock Lake and Dam. There are additional interactive exhibits about water safety and area history.
Two levels of outdoor decks provide excellent views of the lake and dam. Picnic tables are also available.
4. Go Hiking
Branson offers a variety of scenic hiking trails that cater to different skill levels and interests.
Here are some of the best trails in the area:
- Lakeshore Trail (Table Rock State Park) – 2.2-mile paved trail with scenic lake views
- White River Valley Trail System – 11.25 miles trail system (options for shorter routes within)
- Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area – 5 miles of hiking trails
- Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area Trails – 5 marked trails to choose from
- Dogwood Canyon Nature Park – 6.5-mile trail system
- Waterfall Trail – 1.3 miles, several waterfalls and creek crossings, located near the intersection of Shepherd of the Hills Expressway and Roark Valley Road
- Busiek State Forest – two trail systems extending more than 18 miles
AllTrails is my favorite resource for learning more about specific trails and for up-to-date trail conditions.

There are many more great trails within about 90 minutes of Branson if you want to venture down to Arkansas. Two of my favorites are Glory Hole Falls and Whitaker Point Trail.
5. Visit Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area
This park boasts over 5 miles of hiking trails through forests and along bluffs. Make sure to check out the waterfall (315 steps lead down to a waterfall and cave).
Another great trail is the Bluff, Ridgetop, Bent Tree, and South Loop Combo Hike (which combines most of the trails in the park).
A great place to get some fresh air, look for wildlife, have a picnic, or play on the nature playground.
Open daily 7 am – 7 pm. No entrance fee. Dogs are welcome on a leash.
6. Ruth & Paul Henning Conservation Area
The Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area is a 1,534-acre nature preserve located just west of Branson, Missouri.
It offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, including:
- Hiking – 5 hiking trails to choose from, see trail map here
- Wildlife viewing – look for deer, turkey, fox, and more
- Birdwatching – over 100 species of birds recorded in the area
- Observation Tower – 0.4 mile trail to 40-foot observation tower
- Fishing – fishing is permitted at the north end of Roark Creek
7. Hit the Bike Trails
Branson offers a variety of biking options, from leisurely paved trails to challenging mountain bike trails.
This is a fun, free activity if you have your own bike! If you need to rent a bike, check out rental options here.
Here are some of the best places to go biking in Branson:
- Table Rock Lakeshore Trail – 2.25-mile paved trail with scenic views, relatively flat
- Branson Scenic Trails (Roark Creek Trail, RecPlex Walking Path, North Beach Walking Path, Stockstill Walking Path) – a network of paved trails that connect many of Branson’s attractions
- Roark Creek Trail – 2.7 mile paved trail connecting North Beach Trail to Stockstill Park
- White River Valley Trail System – 10-mile mountain bike trail winding through the Ozark Mountain terrain (challenging)
- Busiek State Forest – located just outside of Branson, 18 miles of scenic mountain bike trails
- Dogwood Canyon Nature Park – 25 miles southwest of Branson, 6.5 miles of paved trails, 9 miles of hiking and mountain bike trails
8. Visit Another One of Branson’s Lakes
Table Rock Lake is the most well-known lake in the area, but the Branson area boasts two more incredible lakes – Lake Taneycomo and Bull Shoals Lake.
Lake Taneycomo is stocked annually with approximately 750,000 trout, making it a great fishing spot. Boating and camping are also popular activities. Enjoy views of Lake Taneycomo from the shops and restaurants at Branson Landing.
Bull Shoals Lake is another popular place to boat, fish, swim, hike, or camp. Check out one of the many public beaches or hire a local fishing guide to take you out on the water.
9. Walk Around Historic Downtown
There is so much to do in Historic Downtown Branson. There is something for everyone, from cafes to restaurants to shops and murals.
It is fun to walk around, browse the shops, and take in the surroundings. If you get tired, hop on the free downtown trolley.
10. Ride the Free Downtown Trolley
Hop on Sparky, the red Branson Trolley, for a free tour of the historic downtown area.
This is a great way to see the sights and get a feel for the city. There are 12 stops throughout downtown.
11. Go Mural Hunting
I love looking for murals whenever I visit a new city. Drive around and see if you can spot the unique works of art found throughout the city.
Here are a few can’t miss murals:
- Greetings from Branson (historic downtown, corner of Main and Sycamore)
- Branson Landing Murals (Branson Landing parking garage and inside Pizza by the Slice)
- Skate World Mural (on Highway 76)
- Branson 1913 Mural (alleyway at Oak Antiques & Home Decor)
- Star Spangled Banner Mural (downtown Branson, west side of Liberty Utilities)

12. Step Back in Time at Dick’s 5 & 10
Dick’s 5 & 10 in Branson is known for offering a nostalgic and unique shopping experience. From the historic building to the trains running overhead, Dick’s 5 & 10 is worth visiting even if you don’t plan to buy anything.
Be prepared to be amazed by the sheer volume of merchandise! Dick’s boasts over 250,000 different items, with everything from practical household goods to quirky souvenirs and hard-to-find nostalgic candy.
Click here for store hours and more info.
13. Stroll Down West 76 “The Strip”
Highway 76, also known as the Branson Strip, is the epicenter of entertainment in Branson. You will find eberything from live shows and museums to restaurants and shopping.
Small theme parks, mini golf courses, and the Branson Ferris Wheel also line the strip.
It is impressive to walk or drive along the strip, as it seems that each attraction is trying to outdo the last. The sheer size and detail of each museum is astounding.

14. Attend a Community Event or Festival
Branson hosts numerous seasonal festivals, special events, and touring concerts throughout the year, many of which are free! Check out our calendar of events here.
15. Check Out the Branson Centennial Museum
This museum tells the story of Branson’s history, from its early days as a frontier town to its current status as a popular tourist destination.
Admission is free (although donations are welcomed), and the museum is a great way to learn about the city’s unique culture.
16. Visit the Local Farmer’s Markets
Who doesn’t love a good farmer’s market?!
Here are a few of the local Farmer’s Markets in the Branson area:
- Branson Farmer’s Market (Branson Landing) – Open April-October on Tuesday evenings; locally grown produce and handmade products, baked goods, balloon art, henna tattoos, live music
- Shepherd of the Hills Market – from May to October, the front entrance of Shepherd of the Hills Farm is transformed into a marker with fresh produce and hand-crafted goods
- Hollister Farmer’s Market – Tuesdays 3-7 pm and Saturdays 9 am – 1 pm May-October; locally grown produce, baked goods, handmade products

17. Watch a Free Game at Ballparks of America
Ballparks of America is a multi-million dollar youth baseball tournament facility, boasting 5 two-thirds scale replicas of iconic Major League Stadiums (Fenway Park, Wrigley Field, Busch Stadium, Ebbets Field, Tiger Stadium).
The stay-and-play facility allows teams to stay on-site in MLB-style team suites.
There isn’t much better than enjoying a ball game on a sunny day at a cool stadium – even if you don’t know anyone playing! Check out the ballpark concessions, retail shops, and arcade if you’d like as well.
18. Hang Out at Branson Landing
This scenic boardwalk area offers many free entertainment, including concerts and street performers. Walk the 1.5-mile boardwalk path along beautiful Lake Taneycomo.
The hourly fountain show featuring fire and music is a must-see. You can also browse various shops or grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants.
19. Stroll Nearby Hollister’s Historic Downing Street
A visit to historic Downing Street in the nearby town of Hollister (just a few minutes south of Branson) makes you feel like you stepped back in time.
This charming street, often referred to as the English Village, is lined with quaint restaurants and shops and historic tutor revival architecture. The street is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
20. Browse Grand Village
Grand Village is a cute outdoor shopping village featuring 27 local shops, including a massive Christmas store, a bakery, a diner, gift shops, and many other specialty shops.
The unique and quirky shops are fun to walk around and browse any time of year, even if you don’t plan to buy anything.

21. See the Shrine of the Holy Spirit
A visit to the Shine of the Holy Spirit can be a unique and calming experience, especially for those seeking a place for quiet reflection or interested in grand architecture.
The primary purpose of the Shrine is to provide a space for prayer and reflection. The surrounding courtyard features plants, seating areas, and a fountain, offering a peaceful place to relax and enjoy the views.
The Shrine is a large detailed structure featuring walls engraved with scripture verses.
The grounds also include a chapel and a gift shop. The Shrine is free to visit. You can visit the outside of the Shrine anytime, but the indoor areas are only open between 9 am and 5 pm Monday-Saturday.
22. Pay Your Respect to Our Veterans
The Branson area offers several places to honor veterans including:
- Veterans Memorial Museum
- Veterens Memorial Garden
- Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall at Welk Resort
- Multiple Veterans Memorials at College of the Ozarks
23. Walk Around the College of the Ozarks Campus
This private Christian college has beautiful grounds that are open to the public. You will find shops, baked goods, ice cream, and historic sites among the campus buildings.
Visitors can take a free self-guided walking tour or enjoy a meal at the on-campus Keeter Center Restaurant, an award-winning, student-operated fine dining restaurant.
24. Check Out the Horse Walk at Dolly Parton’s Stampede
For a fun and free event for the whole family, stop by Dolly Parton’s Stampede for the famous Horse Walk. Stroll through the horse stables and meet the 32 horses who are the stars of the show.
Dolly Parton’s Stampede is an entertaining dinner show featuring horseback riding stunts and musical productions. Tickets are $60+, but the Horse Walk before the show is free.
25. Admire the Views from Various Scenic Overlooks
Branson boasts some truly stunning natural scenery and several scenic overlooks offer breathtaking views of the Ozark Mountains and Table Rock Lake.
Here are a few of the best:
- 165 Scenic Overlook – 5329 MO-165, Hollister, MO 65672
- Dewey Short Visitor Center– observation deck with views of Table Rock Lake, dam, forest
- Henning Scenic Overlook – part of Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area
- Top of the Rock at Big Cedar Lodge – variety of gorgeous overlooks, trails, & gardens, this one is not free ($10 entry fee/vehicle & an additional cost if you want to take a tour)
- Branson Ferris Wheel – not free, but you can see for miles from the top of the wheel!
- Inspiration Tower – 230-foot tower, the highest point in Branson, 360-degree views, tickets are $5-$9

26. Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery
Learn about Missouri’s fish and see rainbow trout, brown trout, catfish, and other native species up close. The hatchery offers free tours and is a great place for families with kids.
Each year the hatchery produces nearly 400,000 pounds of trout! Picnic areas and 3 miles of hiking trails are also available on the hatchery grounds.
27. Soak Up the Sun at Moonshine Beach
Moonshine Beach is the biggest beach on Table Rock Lake. In addition to the spacious sandy beach, you’ll find a volleyball court, boat ramp, and large picnic area.
Soak up the sun and cool off in the waters of Table Rock Lake. Public restrooms and showers are also available.
Moonshine Beach is very popular, so I recommend visiting earlier in the morning or late afternoon to beat the crowds, especially on summer weekends.
The beach is open May 15 – September 15. Area use fee is $5 per vehicle.
28. Catch a Free Show
Branson is famous for its live music scene, and several theaters offer free preview shows before their ticketed evening performances.
You can also catch free concerts and other events throughout the year in Branson Landing and other parts of the city.
29. Have an Outdoor Picnic
There are many great picnic areas to choose from in Branson! Many also have playgrounds and walking trails in addition to picnic areas.
Popular Picnic Areas:
- Stockstill Park – 2 picnic pavilions, playground, paved walking trail
- Alexander Park – picnic pavilion, playground, youth ball fields, horseshoe pits
- North Beach Park – picnic tables, BBQ grills, playground, fishing docks, paved path along Lake Taneycomo
- Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area – picnic pavilion, nature playground, lots of hiking trails
- Murphy Park – 2 picnic pavilions, basketball court, playground, scenic views of Branson
- Eiserman Park – picnic pavilion, swing area, basketball court, disc golf
- Indian Point Public Use Area – picnic areas, playground, swimming/beach on Table Rock Lake
- Caudill Park – neighborhood park with picnic tables and a walking trail
- Parnell Park – picnic tables, playground, multi-purpose sports court 4
Bonus: $1 Ice Cream at Abby’s Tourist Trap
Not free, but budget-friendly! Choose from $1 ice cream, cobbler, fudge, souvenirs, jewelry, and gifts! Located next to the Dutton Family Theater in Branson.
I hope you enjoyed this list of the best free things to do in Branson and it gives you many fun and wallet-friendly ideas for your Branson vacation!