Branson and SDC, do kids like it, yes, absolutely. Water rides are popular,
when it's warm, plenty others in cooler seasons. I didn't mention, the place
started, because of the discovery of Marvel Cave there, free with admission
to the park.
A steep, somewhat spiraling walk down steps at the first descent, are small,
(plenty wide enough, kind of shallow) and a bit damp. Worth seeing once
for sure, some places you have to duck walking in passages between rooms,
a creek down there too. Not for everybody. There is a ledge, a ways down
from a large opening caused by roof cave in, the largest (massive) room.
They said a Paleo boy was found (8,000-12,000 BC) on the ledge. He
had fallen in, and couldn't get back up or down. You view it, looking up
from a distance further down, it is kind of to one side of the main cavern.
It's interesting to see. You load up in trams on a steep incline to get
back out and up to the city entrance area.
Pure heart has the best harmonies, as far as a music show.
Three sweet singing ladies, two of them sisters. Horse Creek
band pics and sings old western songs with all the instruments,
like Gene Autry, etc. The two large theatres have various big
play productions, to big magic shows. Impressive and fun
roller coasters, spirited rides to treasure, if people
like that sort of wild rides.
There's Table Rock and Taneycomo lakes, fed by
the White River. A trout fish hatchery, free to visit
below Table Rock Dam. You can buy feed from the
dispensers for .25, walk around and look at the
numerous long tanks with all different sized trout,
throw feed, and they all go for it. ALL kinds of music
and comedy shows on the strip, on Hwy. 76.
The
School Of The Ozarks, a working farm/ranch/college,
helps hard working kids get an education, has a good
museum including railroad stuff downstairs, lodging,
and great gourmet buffet some days (weekends and
Holidays?), at their new larger and nicer,
Hospitality House.
Horseback riding at The Shepherd Of The Hills,
there's some interestingly shaped old oak trees
and maybe an odd shaped rock or two, on them
trails I suspect the notorious Bald Knobbers ran.
Locals say there were supposedly Freemasons in
the area, back when outlaws like the James Gang
were riding through after the Civil War...
Titantic, Ripleys, and Wax museums, the list goes
on and on. I really don't know everything there is
there. You can ride the ducks (amphibious vehicles)
on a tour into the lake, or have dinner and a show
on the steamboat, The Branson Belle. Fishing, all
kinds of boating and watersports, even hunt rocks
if you know where to look.
There's a culinary class in SDC, and an old 1840's
homestead cabin, all original, moved from nearby
and reassembled there, chimney and all, where they
cook with an old wood cook stove, old time pickers,
sit around, pic and sing in the living room
(limited old wooden chair seating).
I have picked with the homestead pickers out back at
the pickin' shed, and sang a few. There is an old schoolhouse
kids go in and sit down at old desks with a teacher there,
dressed for the period, everyone is. Also, an old
little church with a good view, people can get
married in, and leave in an old horse drawn
carriage, if they like.
I always talk to all of the friendly employees that
I can, being curious of what it takes to pull it all
off, and admiring the owners passion, being able
to do all of that successfully. There is a full
amphitheater on the side of a hill, below
shops and rides, where they have a country (GAC)
music/dance show in the evening, in season.
Them young people can sing in good harmony.
Just trying to think of more that there is to
do around there, in case you may get to go
with your family. I hope so, and that you all
have a blast. Like stepping back in time, they
started out giving people silver dollars for change
at the entrance, and used the name. They are adding
a fireman's/first responder's tribute area, and are always
adding something. Are very accommodating to help handicapped
people with special closer parking, or bus with wheelchair loader/unloader
built in. Like any popular place though, can get packed on holidays, summer
when kids are out of school, family on vacation, etc. Not so crowded some
weeks/weekends, very busy Christmas Season, especially when the temp
jumps from freezing to 70's. Central location draws people from all over.
Not Santa Fe, Taos, or Red River. Interestingly different, with old timey
scenery and theme. People wanting you to have a safe fun time, be
inspired and happy, and come back! The park has a schedule, and
has varying days and hours open, their schedule can be viewed
online, and advance hotel/motel/resort reservations are easier
and best, the furthest away. Chateau On The Lake, is the fanciest
hotel, with nice views in luxury, high on a hill above Table Rock.
...
Ah, there it is... My plank!!!
Incidentally you are kidding of course ?? Everyone reads the Mule forum.
