Car Rental Branson - Exploring Branson

Branson’s position in the beautiful countryside of the Ozarks makes it a great base from which to explore this pristine natural area, with its charming mountains, lakes and heritage towns.

A popular destination is the Victorian spa town of Eureka Springs, which can be found after a scenic drive over the state line into Arkansas, just off Route 23. The main attraction in this quaint town is the Great Passion Play. This year-round religious feast for the eyes chronicles and celebrates the life of Jesus.

Taking place in an outdoor theatre, it features a cast of 250 people and live animals watched over by a towering statue of Christ. The grounds also contain the New Holy Land, complete with replicas of structures found in the Bible.

Appealing to the older crowd and couples is the Branson Scenic Railway, which offers 64-kilometre trips through the wooded Ozark hills aboard restored 1940s and 1950s passenger cars. For aquatic lovers, there are boats which ply the nearby lakes. The most popular is the Showboat Branson Belle, a paddle steamer which offers two-hour cruises with dining, music and entertainment from April to December.

The Abundant Memories Heritage Village is worth a look. Just over 3.2kms north of Branson, it has 25 village buildings packed with historical artefacts ranging from antique firearms to cotton machinery.

Fishermen are spoilt for choice in the Ozarks; additionally, Table Rock Lake and Lake Taneycomo offer some of the best opportunities for angling for trout and bass. Outdoors lovers can sit beside the water for hours on end, or enjoy the hiking trails which run through Henning State Forest and Dogwood Canyon Nature Park. Along the way hikers may see elk, bison and the famed Texas longhorn.