A trip to Branson, Missouri wouldn’t be complete without a stop by the Landing. So if you’re taking a family trip to the Ozarks, don’t forget to visit this incredible gathering spot to experience the fountain and fire show. Plus, there’s even more here to check out.
We recently took a budget family vacation down to Branson, Missouri and knew that the Landing was one attraction we didn’t want to miss! The thing that drew us in was the fountain show. It’s completely free for the entire family and something unique and memorable to Branson.
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The Experience
The first thing we noticed when we drove to the landing was the landscape. This part of town is very hilly and you’ll see a whimsical downtown on your way toward the landing, where shops line the street on both sides. The main drive is pretty steep, so if you’re stopping to shop, you might want to start at the top and work your way down.
There is plenty of parking near the Branson Landing. We ended up parking in a free city parking lot off the main drag so that we didn’t have to worry about an attempt at parallel parking on such a steep slope and tight space.
We took a short stroll downhill toward the water, where the landing is located. We visited during the off-season (February), so it wasn’t too busy. Another option is the free trolley in Branson, called Ride Sparky. There are multiple stops near the landing and near the various parking lots in town.
Are you taking a road trip through the Ozarks? Rent a van to fit the whole family or a car so you don’t have to worry about the extra wear and tear on yours! Check rates by clicking the button on the left.
Once we arrived at the Landing, we stepped down near the water. There are restaurants, bars with outdoor seating, paved walking paths, bridges, and of course—the fountains! We explored close by as we waited until the show began.
At the top of the hour, we enjoyed one song-length fountain and fire performance. We thoroughly enjoyed it, and it left us wanting to see more!
So, we planned to return for the 7 pm show, where three songs play consecutively. Plus, it would be dark and make the show even more fantastic on the nighttime sky backdrop!
We were not disappointed! The 7 pm show started with the Star Spangled Banner and continued with two additional songs. During the show, the fountains shoot super high up into the air with a backdrop of the water and a hillside.
Get close and you can feel the heat of the fire cannon and get a nice little splash from the 120-foot geysers. Stand toward the top of the landing to see the whole show from a higher perspective.
Check the schedule here to catch a specific performance—we did notice that the on-site sign has the 3-song performance at 7 pm and the online schedule lists it at 8 pm, but it occurred at 7 pm during our visit.
What is Branson Landing?
Branson Landing is a gathering spot on Lake Taneycomo in downtown Branson, Missouri. This $7.5 million attraction is absolutely free for families and all to enjoy! And as long as it’s not below freezing, the fountain and fire show runs daily every hour, on the hour, between noon and 9pm. Besides the fountain show, there’s other things to do at Branson Landing, too.
More Things to Do at Branson Landing
While you’re waiting for the fountain show to begin, check out other things to do at the Landing, like shopping, walking, and snacking.
Walk the Boardwalk
There is a walking path that runs along Lake Taneycomo and even bridges behind the fountains at Branson Landing. Be sure to take a stroll on this path to get some pleasurable exercise outdoors on flat land! We didn’t explore too far, but it’s worth checking out with the fam!
Shop
Branson’s Landing is a giant, sprawling outdoor shopping center that extends from both sides of the fountains on the boulevard. Check out this interactive map of the Landing to see which stores are there and where to find them.
Here’s a small sampling of what’s available:
American Heroes
Bass Pro Shops
Build-a-Bear Workshop
Earthbound Trading Company
It’sugar Candy Shop
Grab a Bite to Eat
If you’ve worked up an appetite, you’re in luck. The Landing has many restaurants, bars, and snack stops where you can get something to satisfy your taste buds.
Here are a few places to eat at the Branson Landing:
Auntie Anne’s Pretzels
Cinnabon
Black Oak Grill (Pictured Right)
Guy Fieri’s Kitchen & Bar
Mellow Mushroom Pizzeria
Landshark Bar & Grill (Lakeside Seating)
Big Whiskey's
Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen (for a large family style meal)
Cantina Laredo (Modern Mexican)
Events
You might get lucky and be able to attend an event at the Landing during your stay in Branson. Check the events calendar to see if anything is planned. It’s not uncommon for outdoor concerts and other fun and free festivities to occur here!
Branson Landing is a short drive to many other attractions in the area, including walking distance to the historic downtown area filled with famous Branson shopping opportunities!
Plan Your Trip to Branson
Find a place to stay near the Branson Landing so that you can experience the show over and over again throughout your vacation. Whether you prefer a traditional hotel room or a unique vacation rental, Branson has a place to welcome you and yours during your Ozarks family vacation.
One thing to keep in mind is that if you’re visiting during the off-season (between October and March), some places may be closed or have limited hours. On the other hand, if you’re visiting during peak season (Spring break through September), it’s going to get busy! Just keep that in mind while you’re planning and be sure to check the hours of the attractions you plan to visit.
To help plan your other activities in Branson, check out our post on 12+ Family-Friendly Things to Do in Branson. Enjoy and tell us about your experience!