Branson Tourism Center Map (Click on "Branson Tourism Center Map" link for enlarged map.)
In the old TV series “Mission Impossible” they said “Your mission, should you chose to accept it is…”. In deciding whether or not to accept the mission they had about as much choice as a visitor to Branson does in deciding whether or not they are going to leave Branson when they are ready to return home. The only choice is how the “mission” is performed.
Just as there was a choice as to how the Mission Impossible Team performed their mission visitors to Branson have a choice on how they leave Branson. Making the right choice can save a lot of time and frustration.
In a recent article entitled “Branson’s colored traffic routes ‘shows’ the way,” a spokesperson for the Branson Tourism Center, discusses how to get around Branson efficiently and how to go on line and view or print the Branson Tourism Center Map. Tammy Johnson, Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center suggests that a little time studying that map will not only enhance the enjoyment of your Branson experience while in Branson by enabling you to get to Branson’s shows, attractions, lodging, shopping and everything else Branson has to offer.
In terms of leaving Branson,” she said, “Sometimes, depending on how backed up traffic is, traveling a little longer distance can save a lot of time.” For example, she points out how those traveling south might save time by taking State Highway 165 south to its intersection with Highway 65 even though it is farther in distance than going directly down Highway 76. It has been this writers personal experience that even those traveling north can save time using the same route if Highway 76 is really backed up.
Other alternate routes include getting to Branson’s Red Route, basically Shepherd of the Hills Expressway or Gretna Road and heading east until they intersect with State Highway 248. At that juncture a choice has to be made, either go east or west.
Going east will take you to the intersection of Highway 248 and Highway 65. If one turns west on Highway 248 they can proceed west to the intersection of Branson Hills Parkway, turn south (right) and get on Highway 65 at its intersection with Branson Hills Parkway. Going west on 248 can avoid potential bottlenecks at the Highway 248/65 interchange that occur as the four east bound lanes of Highway 248 become two lanes at the Highway 65 bridge.
The new Fall Creek extension to the north of Highway 76 also provides another way to get to Highway 248. Instead of turning east onto Highway 76, get in the “straight ahead lane” and stay on Fall Creek Road north until the next stop light where in intersects with Roark Valley Road. At that point you can turn right and take Roark Valley Road back to Highway 76 where you will re-enter it right where the four lane begins. Another option is to continue through the stop light on James Epps Road to its intersection with Highway 248 at which point you may turn either east or west as described above.
For additional information on the map, how to get around Branson or information or tickets for any of Branson’s shows, attractions and activities or for lodging arrangements Johnson suggests contacting the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. She said that BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.