Downtown Branson
Branson, Missouri
Top theaters and a buzzing waterfront comprise downtown Branson, also known as the “Live Entertainment Capital of the World.” It's here you can walk past brick buildings and Victorian lamp posts to Branson’s first theater, oldest commercial building, and the spot on which its first-ever show took place.
Downtown Branson encompasses a historic district and the Branson Landing, an outdoor shopping center and waterfront promenade. At the heart of the historic district is the free Centennial Museum, from which you can easily explore the shops and theater-lined streets in half a day. Don't miss the Historic Owen Theatre and the Branson Hot Hits Theatre. The shopping center on the west side is a top city attraction and takes about just as long to explore.
There are free public restrooms at Liberty Plaza and the corner of Commercial and Atlantic streets. There are hundreds of dining options downtown, from old-fashioned ice cream shops and restaurants serving international cuisine to pizza spots and steakhouses. For help with planning your trip, visit the Branson Visitor Center on Main Street just west of downtown.
Downtown Branson lies along Main Street and Veterans Boulevard on the east side of Branson. Both the historic district and the Branson Landing outdoor shopping center and promenade are ideal for walking. A free shuttle called Sparky serves the area daily from March through December, with limited service in January and February.
Like the rest of Branson, downtown is a year-round destination. Festivals such as the Autumn Daze Arts, Crafts, & Music Festival in early fall and the annual Veteran’s Day Parade are great times to visit. The Christmas Holiday season from November through January brings festive shopping, holiday lights, and a parade.
Quaint, old-fashioned shops are some of the highlights of downtown Branson. Walk along the historic area and find stores such as Dick’s 5 & 10, one of the last remaining “five and dimes" shops in the US, plus places hawking traditional quilts and antique versions of American and regional flags.
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