Branson Museums: Take a Peek at These 7 Attractions
Branson has a reputation for down-home family fun. However, some may not realize the area celebrates Ozark Mountain living, Missouri history and worldwide culture through several museums. Cars, celebrities, toys and heroes – expect to see it all here. Read on to learn about the top Branson museums and add them to the must-see list.
7 Branson Museums for Culture, Fun and Learning
Ralph Foster Museum
Located at College of the Ozarks, Ralph Foster Museum features exhibits that showcase the Ozarks region. Since the 1920s, the museum has served as a local resource for Branson’s history and regional culture.
Exhibits include both vintage trinkets to noteworthy collectibles, such as Beverly Hillbillies’ truck. Other things to see include Poker Alice — the toughest female gambler in America — gems from the Ozarks, building replicas, cookware and antique clocks. The museum has three floors of exhibits, including a hands-on discovery room for children 4 to 9 years of age.
Veterans Memorial Museum
Branson strives to honor active military and veterans year-round. The city hosts an annual Veterans Week in November, however visitors are encouraged to support brave men and women at Veterans Memorial Museum. This attraction serves as a national tribute to men and women who have served during the 20th century.
Explore over 2,000 pieces honoring veterans who fought during WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Persian Gulf and other wars. In addition, many exhibits showcase individuals and their families in hopes to share personal stories, tribulations, and victories. While browsing, see weaponry, uniforms, ship replicas, photographs, letters, medals and memorabilia.
Titanic Museum
Hop aboard one of the most famous ships in U.S. history at Titanic Museum in Branson. With only one other location in Tennessee, this museum ranks as a must for American culture and history.
Purchase a ticket and receive a boarding pass. Once on board, Titanic’s staff takes visitors back in time. Explore a map room, model room, large memorials dedicated to the crew, photos and memorial room. Other things visitors do include shoveling coal, tapping S.O.S messages, and sitting in a lifeboat listening to survivor stories.
World’s Largest Toy Museum
See over 1 million toys at World’s Largest Toy Museum. This must-see among the top Branson museums sits in a complex that also includes National BB Gun Museum and World of Checkers Museum.
With toys from all decades, World’s Largest Toy Museum delights all ages. Visitors find toys from the 1800s dating to present-day favorites, including Disney, Barbie and superheros. In addition, see cast-iron toys, classic cars, sports toys and pull toys. There’s no limit to the imagination.
Hollywood Wax Museum
Branson’s Hollywood Wax Museum lets guests pose with some of Hollywood’s biggest stars. This attraction features life-size models of pop-culture icons including actors, athletes, musicians. For more fun, visitors are encouraged to take photos.
Examples include Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, King Kong, Sandra Bullock, Michael Jackson and Terminator. In addition, Hollywood Wax Museum is part of a complex of attractions, including Castle of Chaos, mirror maze and mini-golf. Get an all-access pass to explore all four at an affordable price.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Branson
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Branson brings the strange and unusual to the Ozarks. Eight galleries house over 450 artifacts from around the world, art, visual illusions and interactive exhibits. A few examples include a bison made of nails, a vampire woman, spinning vortex tunnel and life-size Operation game.
Celebrity Car Museum
For different celebrity icons, head to Celebrity Car Museum. This spot ranks among the top Branson museums for its collection of over 100 vehicles from movies and T.V. shows.
Celebrity Car Museum is family owned and operated. In addition, exhibits change often, so no two trips are the same. Signature favorites include the Mystery Machine, Jurassic Park Jeep, Batmobile, and A-Team and Star Wars vehicles. Guests are welcome to take photos, and sit in select vehicles for an additional fee.
Want to learn more about the area? Check out the top Branson tours and learn with locals. Then find a vacation rental in Branson.