Branson, Missouri is one-of-a-kind. The simplest way to describe it is a “G-rated Las Vegas.” We have been here for three mostly fun-filled weeks, and have one week to go. During that time we have experienced enough to be able to provide a pretty good summary of the place.
Unlike many of the previous “top 10” picture galleries, these are not necessarily the ten best photos. But they are ones that, in my mind, best summarize the character of this delightful place. I hope you find them interesting and enlightening.
Imagine a hilly, lakeside town of 10 thousand people with as many as 9 million visitors a year. Our RV park (in the background of the picture) is on a busy trout fishing lake. When I say hilly, think streets like Spokane’s south hill or the streets of San Francisco. 
A winding street runs through the heart of the town, with Vegas-style visuals. They call this “the strip.” While visually striking, it is not gaudy neon like Vegas. This is the Hollywood Wax Museum. King Kong is several stories tall. 
And across the street is one of the largest Titanic museums in existence. 
There are dozens of attractions for kids, including California style mini-golf, climbing courses, roller coasters, laser tag, bumper boats, high rise go-kart tracks, a top 5 rated water park, and so much more. 
The Ferris Wheel is huge, reminiscent of the one on the pier in Chicago. 
Patriotic themes are everywhere. Veterans get discounts and are specificially honored at every show. 
You don’t have to guess the politics here. 
But the main attractions are the shows, in dozens of venues like this one. There are 50 shows a day now, ramping to more than 100/day in peak season. Theatres seat from 100 to 1500 or more. We went to a show with 40 people in the audience and a packed house of 1200. And EVERY show is family-friendly. 
Even the shops are picture perfect. 
Restaurants are interesting enough that they will be the topic for another blog entry. After all, how often do you get to walk through a meatball to enter the place!
The Ferris Wheel is new to us. And so is the Reagan sculpture. Where is it located? Looks like something College of the Ozarks would put up.
Larry —
There is also a 218′ cross (steel, largest in North America) that is just being dedicated using donations (google: images at the cross). We didn’t realize it is also new, just finished this spring. It is on US 65 north of Branson). The Reagan statue is on the strip.
Ken