Eco-Adventures
For adventure lovers, zip lines have become one of the hottest trends in tourism. Branson has joined in the movement with numerous zip line operations opening around town. The most extensive is Branson Zipline and Canopy Tours, located in the woods at Wolfe Creek Preserve.
“It’s an ecological area for plant and wildlife, so all of the surroundings and green space are preserved,” Neimeyer said. “At the same time, you’ve got this fabulous attraction. They have a total of seven different zip lines, and it’s a wonderful experience.”
Groups can choose from a variety of packages and tour experiences with the company. Hourlong experiences take participants on the Blue Streak Fast Line, which soars 150 feet above the base of Wolfe Mountain. The more involved Ozarks Xplorer Canopy tour last up to three hours, taking guests across 10 swinging suspension bridges and over all seven zip lines in the system. Along the way, they learn about the overhead canopy and other natural aspects of the area.
For a more tame experience, the company offers a Wolfe Creek Photo Safari. Participants keep their feet on terra firma during this two-hour walking tour, which highlights the flora and fauna of the Ozarks and passes underneath the adventurers whizzing by on the zip lines overhead.
A Titanic Attraction
One of the biggest attractions to arrive in Branson in recent years is Titanic, a museum attraction dedicated to the famously doomed passenger ship.
The museum was created by husband-wife team John Joslyn and Mary Kellogg, former television producers who had worked on a special program documenting the discovering of the Titanic wreckage in 1986. The couple acquired a number of artifacts from the ship and decided to build a museum in Branson to showcase them.
“We have more than 400 Titanic objects,” Kellogg said. “We thought we should honor mid-America by putting something of this magnitude here.”
The museum is not just a repository for artifacts, though; rather, it’s a re-creation of many parts of the ship. From the outside, visitors see a half-scale re-creation of the Titanic and pass through an area that represents the London Waterloo Train Station, where passengers were transferred to the ship.
Inside, the museum features re-creations of several notable spaces onboard the ship. Visitors can descend the grand staircase or see original 1912 communications equipment in the Marconi room. A first-class cabin and dining room represent the conditions in which elite passengers traveled.
In several interactive areas, guests experience aspects of traveling and working aboard the Titanic. On the bridge, they can attempt to steer the ship; another room re-creates elements from the ship’s sinking, like sloping decks and 28-degree water.
The museum also has an audio tour, giving visitors details and personal narratives about the Titanic.
“The best thing about the audio player is that when John did his expedition back in 1986, he recorded stories from survivors that were still alive then,” Kellogg said. “I’ve taken those tracks and put them on the audio tour, so for the first time in the world, you can hear survivors talk about the Titanic.”
For 2012, the museum is planning a number of events to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Titanic’s shipwreck. Travelers who visit the museum during the anniversary year will have an opportunity to deposit a rose petal in a container in the memorial gallery. The petals will be scattered over the surface of the Atlantic — directly where the ship sunk — on the anniversary of the disaster. The museum will also commemorate the anniversary with a two-day ceremony, April 14-15.
Silver Dollar City
For more than 50 years, Silver Dollar City has been a staple of group tour itineraries in Branson. This amusement park blends thrill rides and music shows with craft demonstrations that preserve the artistic heritage of the Ozarks.
“Silver Dollar City continues to be the largest attraction in Branson, hosting families and groups,” Neimeyer said. “It’s all family-friendly entertainment, with music, rides and crafts. There are over 40 live shows and 100 craftsmen. It’s a must for church groups.”
In addition to traditional theme park amusements, Silver Dollar City differentiates itself through a series of festivals and events that take place throughout the year. In late spring, World-Fest presents entertainment from Hawaii, Peru, Italy, Mexico and Kenya. The Bluegrass and BBQ Festival in May and June highlights traditional music and all varieties of barbecue; the National Harvest Festival spans six weeks in the fall and features visiting craftspeople and a salute to the American cowboy.
Other special events are especially popular with church groups.
“Silver Dollar City has been hosting an event for over 30 years called Young Christians Weekend,” Neimeyer said. “It’s an event for church youth groups to come have a praise-and-worship weekend, along with all the rides and entertainment.”
