The Branson Landing Boardwalk runs along the Lake Taneycomo shoreline.
“We are often asked if there are any ‘free’ things to do in Branson,” said Tammy Johnson, Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “The answer is ‘Absolutely;’ it is the combination of the excellent value provided by Branson’s shows and attractions and the free activities that make Branson such a fun value family destination.”
“From trout hatcheries to grist mills and the fire and water show at Branson Landing there are many things that families and visitors to Branson can do for free.” Here is one itinerary she suggested that will share Lake Taneycomo, Historic Downtown Branson and Branson Landing. It is flexible in terms of time from about two hours to up to eight hours depending on how much time is spent at each activity.
Let’s start out on the shores of Lake Taneycomo adjacent to Scotty’s Trout Dock, at the unofficial duck feeding area that most people coming to Branson don’t even know exits. It’s conveniently located near Branson Landing and the public boat loading ramp on the southeastern corner of the City of Branson’s Camp Ground. Just drive south off of Branson Landing Boulevard on to Box Car Willie Drive toward the city of Branson’s Lakefront Campground and follow the signs to Scotty’s.
Lamar Patton, the owner of Scotty’s says that on any given day there are about 100 to 200 Canada Geese, pigeons, Mallard ducks and other water fowl around, depending on the season. “Many will come right up to you,” Patton points out. Although he sells bags of corn to feed them they will also eat bread, crackers etc. This is a great place to take some great pictures of the kids and grandkids “feeding the ducks.” (Time for Feeding the Ducks: 15 minutes – Elapsed time: 15 minutes)
From feeding the ducks go back to Branson Landing, drive to the north parking lot, Belk’s, and park as close to Belk as you can. Walk directly east toward Lake Taneycomo and you can’t miss the Boardwalk running along Lake Taneycomo’s shoreline. Turn left (north) and you can walk through the a park area to the mouth of Roark Creek or turn right (south) and see a unique view of the Branson Landing as you walk along its lake side.
Along either route you will be able to see various species of ducks, Canada Geese, Grey Herons, Black or Turkey Vultures (buzzards), an occasional Bald Eagle and other birds and water fowl that inhabit Lake Taneycomo. It is also interesting to observe the boat traffic on the Lake including the Branson Landing Princess and Lake Queen. Go 15 minutes in either direction and return to the spot where you parked your vehicle. (Time on Boardwalk- 40 minutes – Elapsed time including travel time from feeding the ducks: 60 minutes.)
The free Discovery Trolley goes between Branson Landing and Historic Downtown Branson.
Walk past that spot to the boarding area for the the Historic Downtown Branson “Discovery Trolley.” Don’t confuse it with the tram that runs up and down the promenade within the Branson Landing. The Discovery Trolley boards at the edge of the parking lot near Belk’s and is clearly marked. It runs a 15 minute loop through Historic Downtown Branson and back down to Branson Landing and has multiple stops along the way. The convenient 15 minute loop makes, it easy for those shopping down at Branson Landing to take the trolley up to the Historic District to experience its unique shopping and restaurants and vice versa.
The Trolley ride provides an excellent view and perspective of the historic downtown area, the Branson Convention Center and Branson Landing. Along the way you will pass Branson’s first theatre, the Owens Theatre and the spot where the “ Baldknobbers” performed Branson’s first live music show over 51 years ago and the grave of the man the city of Branson is named after Ruben S. Branson. About 15 minutes after boarding, the Trolley will drop you off at the spot where it picked you up. (Time on Trolley including waiting – 25 minutes Total Elapsed time: 85 minutes.)
The reason this article is entitled, “A whirlwind overview to a bit of great free Branson family fun” is because it is just that, an overview of an itinerary based on a minimum time for each activity. The times are very flexible and could very easily be expanded to include a whole day if one decided to spend more time feeding the ducks, walking on the Boardwalk, visiting Branson Landing or exiting the Trolley in historic downtown Branson to visit one of its many shops including the famous “Dicks 5 & 10.”
Those with more time might consider exiting the Trolley when it stops at Bass Pro Shops on the north end of Branson Landing and exploring what Branson Landing has to offer as they work their way south through the Landing back to their parked car. Johnson offers the assistance of Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most trusted vacation planning services, to answer any questions anyone might have about what Branson has to offer including information or tickets on Branson’s shows, attractions and activities or for lodging arrangements. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.