We've got the best excuse for you to schedule at least one extra day during your next visit to Branson...an exciting "day trip" to a nearby destination! In this post we'll explore Springfield, just north of Branson and a wonderful destination that most people coming to Branson just pass through - maybe they make a fast food stop or pull off the freeway to gas up the car, but they often have no idea how much Springfield has to offer. Kimberling City is Branson's closest neighbor, and most people would think that a whole day isn't necessary to visit a place that's really just minutes away, but once you know more of what this lovely little lakeside spot has to offer, you may want to spend more than just a couple of hours here! And then our favorite "neighbor" in Arkansas, the beautiful, historic, and more than just a little bit quirky and unique, Eureka Springs, is an incredible destination, filled with beautifully restored homes and inns, as well as dozens of charming shops, eateries, and attractions.
Planning a late-fall visit? Hours below reflect the November season, but many attractions adjust schedules around holidays and weather, so call ahead before you go.
SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI
Most travelers heading to Branson come through Springfield on Highway 65. We want everyone to know that this prosperous and interesting city should be more than just a pit stop on your way to, or back home from, the incredible live entertainment destination known as Branson! Why Springfield? Let us count the reasons:
1. It's the home of Bass Pro Shops: One of the biggest outdoor retailers was born in Springfield, and still maintains its flagship store, the company's largest, here. Known as "The Grandaddy of All Outdoor Stores," this nearly 500,000-square-foot store is filled to the brim with everything from a crazy enormous selection of fishing gear, to a nice variety of boats and other watercraft, to just about everything you'll need for a great outdoor adventure. With seven aquariums, indoor waterfalls and an alligator swamp, you don't need to hunt, hike, fish, or even spend much time outside to enjoy a visit to the original Bass Pro! Stay for a meal at Hemingway's Blue Water Café, the full-service restaurant inside the store. 1 Bass Pro Drive (S. Campbell Ave.), Springfield · 417-887-7334
2. Johnny Morris' Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium: Voted America's Best Aquarium seven times, this stunning attraction right next door to Bass Pro bills itself as the largest immersive wildlife attraction in the world. This fascinating attraction alone is more than enough to make a stop in Springfield! 500 W. Sunshine Street, Springfield · fall hours 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. · 1-800-456-4812
3. A vibrant downtown: Historic theaters hosting concerts, Broadway-level productions, and more, excellent shopping, a nice selection of micro-breweries and distilleries, and a variety of dining options are just a few of the things that draw people to Springfield's active downtown district.
4. Pythian Castle: An imposing and thoroughly enchanting structure, this Castle has been used for many things over the years, but it's probably most famous for being haunted! It's been featured on top paranormal TV shows, like Ghost Adventures, and they hold regular ghost tours and events. But you don't have to be interested in the paranormal to visit, the Castle is also a great place for an educational and entertaining daytime history tour where you'll learn so much about its fascinating history. Visits are by scheduled tour only, so buy tickets online in advance. 1451 E. Pythian Street, Springfield
KIMBERLING CITY, MISSOURI
Minutes from Branson, this lovely resort town is just down the road a bit from Silver Dollar City, and provides easy access to beautiful Table Rock Lake. Many people who live here work in Branson, and vice-versa, so it's much more of a neighbor than the other day trips we're showcasing, we just think it deserves consideration as its own distinct destination, one that offers lodging at the lake, marina services, a variety of eateries, nice scenery, and so much more. Why the Kimberling City/Table Rock Lake area? Because you'll find:
1. Port of Kimberling brings you the lake: Billed as the largest full-service marina and resort on Table Rock Lake, Port of Kimberling offers tritoon, deck boat, and double-decker boat rentals, houseboat vacations, marina services, and lodging that includes hotel rooms, lakeside cabins, and both RV and tent camping. Its floating restaurant, Pier 28 Pizza & Grill, is closed for the season and reopens in spring 2027. 201 Marina Way, Kimberling City · 417-739-2314
2. Talking Rocks Cavern has something to say: One of the most beautiful caves in a state known for an abundance of them, Talking Rocks glistens with crystallized formations. Originally known as Fairy Cave, Talking Rocks offers an hour-long guided walking tour at a steady 63 degrees year-round, plus fun above-ground activities like gemstone panning, mini-golf, and nature trails, along with a great gift and rock shop. Tours include more than 200 steps, so wear closed-toe shoes. 423 Fairy Cave Lane, Branson West · open daily, generally 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
3. Lakeside dining beckons: Big Buoy's sits right on Table Rock Lake near the Kimberling City bridge, with a courtesy dock for boaters and a menu of burgers, sandwiches, and signature meatloaf. Hours are seasonal, so call ahead in the fall (417-739-6131). For those with a sweet tooth, check out Simply Baked by Chandler for hand pies, scones, cinnamon rolls, and coffee (12056 MO-13, 417-527-1933).
4. Dogwood Canyon Nature Park is minutes away: Another attraction from Bass Pro Shops and owner, Johnny Morris, this 10,000-acre preserve offers trails, both rugged and paved, wildlife tours, trout fishing, horseback riding, biking, dining at the Mill & Canyon Grill, and much more. 2038 West State Highway 86, Lampe · park open daily 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Mill & Canyon Grill Monday–Thursday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Friday–Sunday 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. · 1-800-456-4812
EUREKA SPRINGS, ARKANSAS
One of the country's most beautiful states is about an hour's drive south of Branson; Arkansas has not only been blessed with gorgeous scenery, it's home to the charming, eclectic, artsy, eccentric, and all around fascinating little city known as Eureka Springs. Why Eureka Springs? What we just shared should be reason enough, but if you need more:
1. Thorncrown Chapel is one-of-a-kind: Boasting an astonishing 425 windows with more than 6,000 square feet of glass, this unbelievably majestic structure appears both simple and complex at the same time. Following its opening in 1980, it received the American Institute of Architects' National Honor Award in 1981, and AIA members later ranked it fourth on their list of the top buildings of the 20th century. 1.5 miles west of Eureka Springs on Hwy 62 West · open March through December, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed January and February · November Sunday service at 11 a.m.
2. The 1886 Crescent Hotel: One of Eureka Springs' most imposing and beautiful places to stay, the Crescent has a fascinating history that includes everything from being a girls' college, to operating as a cancer-curing facility run by one Norman Baker, who wasn't really a doctor and certainly didn't cure cancer. For those looking for the ultimate in luxury mountain top lodging, this is your place, but it's also the perfect "haunt" for those seeking genuine paranormal experiences...the hotel has been featured on 17 national and international paranormal TV shows and offers nightly ghost tours! Dine at SkyBar Gourmet Pizza or the Crystal Dining Room for breakfast. 75 Prospect Avenue, Eureka Springs · 855-725-5720
3. Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge represents the "heart" of the area: If you're a fan of "lions and tigers and leopards, oh my," then you must experience what these amazing folks are doing to protect God's glorious creatures. There's a reason we've been blessed with dogs and cats, they make ideal domestic companions - Mother Nature never intended for animals like the residents of Turpentine Creek to become household pets. Your love and support is vital to the survival of this refuge...we think Turpentine Creek says it best "... exotic and native wildlife deserve to live out their lives with dignity, allowed to be the wild animals they instinctually are. We will continue to be their voice, both for those forced to live in captivity and those struggling for survival in the wild." Amen. 239 Turpentine Creek Lane, Eureka Springs · 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. after Daylight Saving Time ends; Thanksgiving 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. · 479-253-5841
4. The enchanting Victorian-style city itself is a rare and authentic gem: Great dining, "only here" shopping options, phenomenal live music, a wide variety of artists and crafters, and simply some of the best people-watching and sightseeing around, Eureka Springs defies simple explanation of what it's all about. You simply must come and experience it for yourself...if its singular charm escapes you, then you must be in the wrong city - check the map and see if you took a wrong turn somewhere!
We love Branson and enjoy sharing it with you throughout the year, so we hope you'll plan a visit soon, and tack on another day, or three, to be "neighborly" with our friends in Springfield, Kimberling City, and Eureka Springs!
We think you'll find the information in these recent posts to be helpful in planning your Branson visit, and enjoying it to the fullest while you're here: "Branson, Missouri - Discover What's Where in the Live Entertainment Capital" -- "Trails in Branson - Everything You Need to Know" -- "Extreme Rides - Finding Branson's 10 Biggest Thrills!" -- "Discovering Branson's Nightlife - 10 Great Places to Hang Out!" -- "FREE in Branson - 20 of the Best No-Cost Things to Do!" -- "Your Branson Shopping Center List of Stores & More!" -- "Branson - 11 Good Things to Know Before You Go!" -- "A Branson Trip in the Works? Let's Find the Lodging That Fits You Best!"
You certainly can't visit Branson without enjoying the biggest thing that sets it apart from every other destination - the huge variety of live entertainment options - find comprehensive listings here: https://bransonshowtickets.com/shows