There’s nothing quite like the thrill of a “Duck Splashdown.”
Branson Landing, the 95-acre, $435 million public/private multiuse project is not only the largest development in Branson’s history but, since its opening in 2006, it has become one of its most popular attractions. Located on the Lake Taneycomo shoreline adjacent to historic downtown Branson the Landing is primarily noted for three things.
First on the list would be its world-class shopping experience, anchored by Bass Pro Shops and Belk, along with dozens of other local and national retailers. Respectively, the second and third would be its selection of fine dining, casual eateries, and intimate cafes that provide a variety of dining choices unrivaled anywhere else in Branson, and its spectacular $7.5 million water fountain attraction featuring the first-ever merging of water, fire, light, and music. The Landing fountains feature a choreographed show with water shooting 120-foot geysers and fire cannons blasting fireballs into the air.
In addition, did you know that while you’re at Branson Landing you can:
Main Street Lake Cruises “Lake Queen” plying the waters of Lake Taneycomo.
Go on Sightseeing Cruises: Main Street Lake Cruises offers 1.5 hour Ozark sightseeing cruises aboard the Lake Queen with departures four times daily at 11:45AM, 1:45 PM, 3:45 PM, and 5:45 PM. The 140 passenger riverboat replica, while maintaining the nostalgia of that era, offers a full set of modern amenities, is fully handicap accessible, has full sized modern restrooms, and offers a full bar and snack food service with an option for a Bottomless Pizza Buffet on the 11:45 AM and 5:45 PM cruises. The Lake Queen will operate through September 7. Starting September 8, the cruises will be aboard the 100 foot luxury yacht Landing Princess, with one daily departure at 5:45 PM. It too offers a full bar and snack food service with an option for a Bottomless Pizza Buffet.
You will see birds and other wildlife that abound on Lake Taneycomo and its shoreline; these sightings may include deer, River Otters, the Great Blue Heron, and Bald Eagles, among others. Amazing natural bluffs dating back eons of time, and the spectacular majesty of Ozark vistas not seen by the vast majority of the millions of visitors who come to Branson each year, will also be seen, along with a view of Branson Landing and its water and fire fountain show that’s as unique as it is beautiful and inspiring.
Ride The Ducks: Ride The Ducks offers a boatload of fun for the whole family! During the 60 to 70 minute adventure, you will enjoy a tour through the scenic streets of historic downtown Branson, College of the Ozarks, a big Splashdown into Lake Taneycomo, and a 25 minute cruise that provides a unique lakeside view of Branson Landing and its spectacular fountains. Tours are narrated by U.S. Coast Guard licensed Captains who are every bit as good at entertaining as they are at being a driver and captain! After the Splashdown, there is an opportunity for kids to drive the Duck.
Zipline Across Lake Taneycomo: Parakeet Pete’s Zipline, next door to Famous Dave’s BBQ, provides a unique zipline experience that has you soaring high across Lake Taneycomo to the top of Mount Branson. The ride requires no harness or participation by the rider except getting strapped into the seat and enjoying the experience. Along the way you will get an amazing view of Lake Taneycomo and historic downtown Branson and experience the exciting thrill of the zip back across the lake to your starting point at the Landing. The zipline is open daily from March 1 through December 31 during regular Branson Landing hours and operates rain or shine, day or night.
Ride a Balloon High Above Branson Landing: Parakeet Pete’s Steampunk Balloon, located just east of Belk on the Branson Landing Promenade, floats from 1 to 12 riders over 180 feet above Branson Landing, providing an amazing 360 degree bird’s-eye view of beautiful Lake Taneycomo, the Ozark Mountains, and historic downtown Branson. The balloon ride is open daily from March 1 through December 31 during regular Branson Landing hours, and operates rain or shine, day or night.
Walk the Branson Landing Boardwalk: The 1.5 mile long paved, level, and ADA compliant boardwalk runs the entire length of Branson Landing along the shoreline of Lake Taneycomo. It provides a convenient, easy, and safe way to view some of the lake’s wildlife and birds and the natural beauty of its constantly changing shoreline. You’ll also see activity both on and immediately off the lake including a unique lakeside view of Branson Landing and its spectacular fountains, Main Street Lake Cruises’ boats the Lake Queen and Landing Princess, other boats of all shapes and sizes traveling up and down the lake, riders enjoying the zipline, and much more. It is truly an ideal place for families to just walk and relax together for a special moment away from the normal hustle and bustle, and enjoy an environment that simply can’t be duplicated!
If you have questions on any of these activities or anything about Branson, please feel free to contact the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, by calling 1-800-785-1550 or by visiting www.BransonTourismCenter.com.