Greatest Things to Do Outside of the Branson Area

Wine-Tasting in Hermann

Several minutes outside Branson is a cluster of some of the largest wineries in America. Drive over to the historic wine country of Hermann, where there used to be a tavern at every corner. Things fell downhill after Prohibition in 1920, but Hermann has recovered and is now offering one of the world's best sweet Catawbas from its once-again vine-swathed hills. Today, the Hermann area produces almost one-third of all the wine produced in Missouri.

A little bit across the border into the neighboring state of Arizona is the Buffalo National River, the site of America's first national river park. In the crystal-clear waters of the river, you can swim, ride a boat, fish for bass, view wildlife or trek along the banks to reach hidden caves, long waterfalls and underground streams. You can also experience the quiet way of life reminiscent of earlier times right in the heart of the Ozark Bluff Dweller culture and Arizona's pioneer homesteaders.

Go back to the 1980s and nurture your inner child at the 1984 Arcade in downtown Springfield. The place features everything 1980s, including the decade's most popular games, like Ms. Pac Man, Space Invaders, and BattleZone. Entrance is only $5 per person (cash) and you can head on over to any game you want and play for the entire day.

A few hours northwest of Branson, away from the loud grandness of the theater shows, is the beautiful and tranquil Precious Moments chapel and park in the city of Carthage. The chapel, which is inspired by Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel, is a touching mélange of murals and hand-painted figurines by painter and sculptor Samuel J. Butcher that depict well-known stories from the Bible. For gifts and souvenirs, you can also visit the world's largest Precious Moments gift shop, which features a vast range of pens, watches, jewelry, and, of course, the world-famous Precious Moments figurines.

The Cosmic Cavern is one of America's loveliest show caves, featuring two underground lakes whose depths have never been fathomed. Take a tour that is an hour and 15 minutes long and marvel at all the unique formations of stalactites, stalagmites and other cave formations. You also just might see the Ozark blind cave salamander, a threatened species that built its home right in the heart of the cave.