Branson could easily keep you busy for a full week without ever crossing a county line, but some of the best stuff in the region is actually just outside city limits. Grab the car keys, pack some snacks, and check out a few of these favorites. Most of these are close enough to be back in time for your evening show reservation.

Springfield, Missouri (About 45 Minutes North)

Springfield is close enough for an easy half day trip but packed enough to fill a whole one. Start at Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium, a massive Johnny Morris passion project that houses more than 35,000 live animals and is regularly ranked among the best aquariums in the country. Right next door is the original Bass Pro Shops flagship store, which is somehow also a tourist attraction in its own right, complete with waterfalls, aquariums, and enough taxidermy to make your jaw drop.

If underground adventures are more your thing, Fantastic Caverns lets you tour an entire cave system from the comfort of a jeep drawn tram, no walking required and a steady 60 degrees year round no matter the season outside. History buffs will also want to carve out time for Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield, the site of a major early Civil War battle and one of the best preserved battlefields in the country.

Eureka Springs, Arkansas (Around an Hour)

Often nicknamed America’s Little Switzerland, Eureka Springs is a Victorian era town built into the side of a mountain, with winding streets, pedestrian stairways, and buildings that somehow open onto two different floors depending on which side you walk in from. It is packed with independent shops, art galleries, and enough quirky character to fill an entire afternoon of wandering.

Just outside town, the Great Passion Play puts on an outdoor production in an amphitheater that seats thousands, and families with kids will want to check out Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, home to rescued big cats and other exotic animals. If you are up for a scenic paddle, Beaver Lake sits nearby too.

Ha Ha Tonka State Park (Just Over Two Hours)

Yes, that is really the name, and yes, it is absolutely worth the drive. Ha Ha Tonka State Park features the ruins of an early 1900s stone castle perched above a natural sinkhole, along with miles of hiking trails winding through bluffs, caves, and a natural bridge. It is one of the most photographed spots in the entire Missouri state park system, and honestly, photos barely do it justice.

Buffalo National River (About Two Hours)

The very first river in the country to earn National River status, the Buffalo National River cuts through northern Arkansas with towering limestone bluffs on either side. Outfitters along the river rent canoes and kayaks and can shuttle you to a launch point, with float trips ranging anywhere from a couple of hours to a full day depending on how much river you want to cover. Keep an eye out for elk along the banks, especially early or late in the day.

Roaring River State Park (Around an Hour)

If trout fishing is on your bucket list, Roaring River State Park is one of Missouri’s premier spots for it, with a spring fed river stocked regularly and surrounded by classic Ozark scenery. There are hiking trails for those who want to stretch their legs too, plus a nature center if you want to bring the kids along for something a little more educational.

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville (About Two and a Half Hours)

A bit further out, but if you have an extra day to spare it is worth it. Crystal Bridges is a genuinely world class museum of American art tucked into the Ozark hills of northwest Arkansas, funded by Walmart money and free to enter. The building itself, designed around a series of ponds and walking trails, is almost as impressive as the art inside.

A Few Tips Before You Head Out

Cell service can get spotty once you are out in the hills, so it is worth downloading directions ahead of time rather than relying on a live signal the whole way. Many of these spots, especially the state parks and river outfitters, are seasonal or have reduced hours outside the busy months, so a quick check of hours before you leave will save you a wasted trip.

Need help figuring out which of these fits best with your Branson itinerary? Reach out anytime, we are always happy to help you build out the perfect week.