Autumn Creek Branson
12 Fun Free Things to Do in Branson
Looking for free things to do in Branson? This town is not just shows. You can hike, explore, learn some history, ride the trolley, and end the day at the Landing. Here are twelve ideas that are free, or close enough.
Great for outdoors
Easy ways to get fresh air without spending much.
- Hike by the lake or through a conservation area
- Walk or bike a paved trail
- Pack a thermos and take a scenic drive
Good rainy-day options
Free places that are still fun when it is cold or wet.
- Dewey Short Visitor Center
- Branson Centennial Museum
- Campus tour at College of the Ozarks
Downtown + Landing
Good for strolling, people-watching, and photos.
- Ride the downtown trolley
- Walk Branson Landing
- Catch the fountain and fire show
1. Hit the hiking trails
Branson has a lot of trail options, from short walks to longer hikes with views.
- Lakeside Wilderness has the famous stone steps down to Lake Taneycomo.
- Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area is a solid choice for views and wildlife and the Dewey Blad Lookout Tower.
- Table Rock State Park is great for lake scenery.
2. Go biking along the lake
Bring bikes if you have them. If not, these paved routes are still great for walking.
- Table Rock Lakeshore Trail for a pretty ride by the water. In the spring you will view dogwood and redbud trees in bloom as well as wildflowers. During the fall you are treated to nature's colorful fall foliage.
- North Beach Path near Branson Landing for an easy stroll with lake views. This trail connects with the Roark Creek Trail for about 3.2 miles, with all but the last half-mile paved.
- Many trails have benches and rest stops, so it works for mixed ages.
3. Visit the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery
The Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery raises over a million trout yearly. This is one of those stops that works for almost everyone. It is free, it is educational, and the fish are fun to watch.
- Walk the outdoor raceways and see trout of all sizes.
- Check out the displays and learn how the hatchery supports Lake Taneycomo.
- If you brought quarters, feeding the trout is a good time.
4. Explore the Dewey Short Dam Visitor Center
If you like learning how things work, the Dewey Short Visitor Center is a solid stop. It has hands-on exhibits and a good overview of the White River Valley.
- Interactive exhibits and history displays
- Views of Table Rock Lake and the dam area
- Easy to pair with a scenic drive on Highway 165
5. Visit the Branson Centennial Museum
Downtown Branson has a small museum that is a nice window into local history. It is easy to add to a trolley day.
- Historic photos and exhibits on early Branson
- artifacts from Branson’s famous theaters and attractions.
- Exhibits rotate regularly, so there’s always something new to discover.
- Good stop for a quick, quiet hour
6. Ride the free downtown Branson trolley
If you want to explore downtown without parking a dozen times, the Discovery Trolley is a nice option.
- Hop on and ride the free 15-minute loop through historic downtown
- See Main Street’s preserved buildings, Victorian lampposts, and Branson Landing.
- Great for first-time visitors who want to get oriented
- Easy connection to Branson Landing
7. Stroll Branson Landing and catch the fountain show
Branson Landing is easy to enjoy even if you are not shopping. Walk the boardwalk, window-shop, and stick around for the show.
- Good place for photos, especially after dark
- Plenty of spots to sit and people-watch
- Popular Fountain show is a synchronized display of fire, water and lights
8. Visit College of the Ozarks (Hard Work U)
The College of the Ozarks campus is beautiful, and there is a lot to see. Even if you are not touring for college, it is a good half-day stop.
- Walk the campus and enjoy the views
- Tour the Dairy – Watch cows being milked.
- Stop by Edwards Mill to see traditional crafts
- Check out the museum and student-run areas (some have small fees)
9. Relax at Moonshine Beach (almost free)
I am cheating a little here. Moonshine Beach isn't free, but it's just $5 per-vehicle for the day, and it is still one of the best budget ways to enjoy Table Rock Lake. Close enough?
- Great for a simple lake day with kids
- Good place for a picnic
- Plan for parking to fill up during peak summer weekends
10. Enjoy a family game night
If you are staying with us, this one is easy. Borrow a board or card game from our collection, pop some popcorn, and keep it simple.
- Board games available in the great room
- Popcorn and snacks to keep everyone happy
- Perfect after a long day of walking
11. Gospel music or a Sunday service
Branson has a strong gospel tradition. Some theaters, churches, and ministries offer free or donation-based music, especially on Sundays, often featuring live music from the same performers you’d see at night. Here are 3 suggestions:
12. Take a scenic drive
Sometimes the best plan is a slow drive with a couple overlooks. It is simple, it is flexible, and it works in any season. branson has been voted (by USA Today) one of the top 5 places in the U.S. to see fall colors!
- Highway 165 Scenic Overlook for views of Table Rock Dam and the lake
- Highway 13 through Kimberling City for classic lake-country scenery
- Blue Buck Knob Scenic Byway for a longer drive through Mark Twain National Forest
- For more scenic spots, check out Branson.com
Start exploring Branson for free
Branson has a lot of “no big ticket needed” days. Pick a couple items from this list, leave room for a slow meal, and you will have a great trip.
Need a place to stay?
Book your trip at Autumn Creek Inn and make the most of your Branson adventure.
