Shepherd of the Hills
In 1907 Harold Bell Wright published one of the first million-selling books in United States history, "The Shepherd of the Hills." This was the book that planted the seed which grew into the tourist mecca Branson is today. Wright came to the Ozarks in the late 1800s looking for fresh air and water to improve his case of tuberculosis. What he found was the story of a lifetime. More than a century later, Wright's depiction of life, love, faith and turmoil in the Ozarks is still acted out daily at the Old Mill Outdoors Theatre. The property on which the theater sits was originally owned by the two people who inspired the events in the book.
Shepherd of the Hills
5586 West Highway 76
Branson, MO 65616
(417) 334-4191
oldmatt.com
Ripley's Believe it or Not Museum
Ripley's in Branson is a celebration of the weird, offbeat, amazing and grotesque. The oddness begins the moment you enter the parking lot and see a building that appears to be falling down. It's not, but the unique construction has quickly made it one of the most photographed buildings in the world. Then come take a peek at 400 exhibits stuffed into seven themed galleries, including such oddities as a replica of the Roman Coliseum built with playing cards, a Cadillac stretch limo with a hot tub in back and a vampire killing kit from 1850.
Ripley's Believe it or Not Museum
3326 West Highway 76
Branson, MO 65616
(417) 337-5300
ripleysbranson.com
Titanic Museum
This commemoration of the most famous ship sinking in history was described by Regis Philbin as "frankly the best museum exhibition I think I've ever seen." High and justified praise from a man who's seen some impressive exhibitions. Unlike traveling Titanic displays, the Titanic Branson museum is a two-story permanent structure in the shape of the ship, built to half-scale of the original size. Four hundred artifacts in 20 galleries lead you along the way of a 90-minute, self-guided tour. The museum evokes the same power as the film "Titanic," by James Cameron. An interesting twist for tourists is receiving a card at the beginning of the tour with the name of an actual Titanic passenger. At the end, you find out if you lived or died.
Titanic Museum
3235 76 Country Blvd.
Branson, MO 65616
(417) 334-9500
titanicbranson.com
