Branson area museums offer visitors of all ages truly exceptional, educational encounters that are historical and patriotic, as well as entertaining and extraordinary.
The world’s largest Titanic Museum Attraction resides in Branson. History comes alive in unique and mysterious ways aboard Branson’s Titanic, a two-story, half-scale replica of the ill-fated ship. Home to 400 priceless artifacts in 20 galleries, the museum soars 100 feet above the “76 strip.”
Anchored in water to create the illusion of being at sea, the Titanic Museum’s 90-minute, self-guided tour reproduces many experiences of the passengers onboard Titanic’s 1912 maiden voyage. Climb a replica of Titanic’s elegant Grand Staircase, steer the ship, touch the frozen surface of an iceberg, tour first-class staterooms, send an SOS, and much more. Upon entering, your boarding pass reveals the name of an original Titanic passenger. At journey’s end, discover the fate of your assigned traveler. Of the 2,208 people that boarded Titanic, only 712 survived.
A trip back in time at The World’s Largest Toy Museum creates a completely different historical experience. Filled with one-of-a-kind toys and attractions from the 1800s to today, highlights include a British Embassy Rolls Royce, a 1935 replica of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, 1800s carriages, Star Wars items and GI Joes. Purchase unique toys from yesteryear for your own fun at the gift shop.
Located in the same building is the Harold Bell Wright Museum, which features memorabilia from one of the most famous authors in American literature. Enjoy a 27-minute video depicting the life and times of Wright, who wrote Shepherd of the Hills - his acclaimed novel that spawned vast interest in Branson and distinguished him as the first American author to sell over one million copies of a book.
Amidst the hundreds of priceless belongings displayed are original handwritten manuscripts, including Shepherd of the Hills, displays of all 18 first-edition books, the box that he used to safeguard his manuscripts and a letter from President Ronald Reagan expressing the impact of Wright’s first book on his personal faith.
If classic cars and 1950s memorabilia rev your engine, a stop at ‘57 Heaven, part of the Dick Clark American Bandstand Theater Complex, is a must. Set in a re-created 1950s “Hometown America,” complete with fire and gas stations, a drive-in movie, barbershop and more, the 30,000-square-foot interactive exhibit is home to the world’s largest collection of 1957 cars. A tour of this museum truly transports you back to the golden days of rock ‘n’ roll when stamps were three cents and gas was 24 cents a gallon. Wow...’57 was heaven!
If you are crazy about the Beatles, you will definitely enjoy Branson’s newest, exclusive museum. The Beatles’ Museum is at the Starlite Theater, home to the Liverpool Legends show. Louise Harrison, George Harrison’s sister and founder of the Beatles tribute band, is curator of the museum. The Starlite Theatre boasts Branson’s only five-story glass atrium, with flying yellow submarines, London red phone booths, and the famous Abbey Road crosswalk. Beatles’ fans can purchase memorabilia at the gift shop.
For fans of classic westerns and heroic cowboys, The Roy Rogers-Dale Evans Museum is a treat. Filled with family photos dating back to Roy and Dale’s childhood, colorful costumes, parade saddles and memorabilia from the silver screen and TV, the museum keeps the spirit of the American West alive and pays tribute to two beloved icons. Also featured are larger-than-life replicas of Roy and Dale’s famous horses, Trigger and Buttermilk, and Pat Brady’s Jeep, Nellybelle.
Ever wanted to get up close and personal with your favorite stars? Branson’s Hollywood Wax Museum, with exhibits of current and past TV and movie stars, makes it possible. Snap a photo with Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, or Tom Cruise; follow Dorothy’s Yellow Brick Road, or even stand on the set of TV’s classic M*A*S*H. Every detail is fine-tuned to enhance a figure’s lifelike qualities, and some even feature actual star clothing, such as Michael Jackson’s “Bad” jacket and belt, Hugh Hefner’s famous PJ’s and smoking jacket, and much more.
Interactive stops and a state-of-the-art theatre present more Hollywood history.
Beyond extraordinary to somewhat bizarre is Ripley’s Believe It or Not® Museum. From the world’s biggest ball of twine to a real shrunken head, there are stops at the Roman Coliseum replica made from 1,971 ordinary playing cards, a two-headed calf, and a human unicorn. These are just a few of the more than 400 exhibits in seven uniquely themed galleries on an amazing self-guided experience. Robert Ripley, considered the real-life Indiana Jones, traveled the world for over 40 years seeking strange items to amaze, astound and amuse.
For the patriotic, a stop at the Veterans Memorial Museum, where veterans of all American wars and conflicts are honored, is a must-see. Photos, uniforms, artifacts and equipment from all branches of service have been gathered and are on display for visitors. A bronze sculpture tribute to World War II soldiers is a centerpiece of the museum’s impressive collection. Each image is modeled after an actual serviceperson from each of the 50 states.
If you’ve ever dreamed of sitting in the Oval Office, The American Presidential Museum will help you realize your dream. The Oval Office replica offers a great photo opportunity. Also notable are the Air Force One replica, the First Lady Inaugural Ball dress collection, and a room dedicated to our country’s founding fathers. Review copies of the Constitution and many other documents that have served as the foundation for liberty and justice in America. If you can’t travel to Washington, D.C., this is a great alternative.
A recent addition, the Dinosaur Walk Museum features life-size sculptures of 50 different dinosaurs in one of the world’s largest collections of prehistoric animals. Carefully researched, the models are designed for realism and set among flora and fauna of the eras. A movie theatre also brings dinosaurs to life in high-definition. A dinosaur fossil dig, coloring stations, and books provide hands-on activities for children. Information stations throughout the self-guided tour enhance the educational experience for the entire family.
Nearby is the Ralph Foster Museum at College of the Ozarks, highlighting Native Ozark legend and lore, an impressive collection of weaponry, and the original Beverly Hillbillies car. Also, Bonniebrook, the rebuilt home of Kewpie originator Rose O’Neill, is located just north of Branson on Highway 65. The nearby museum houses her magazine illustrations, as well as the Kewpies that took the world by storm in the early 1900s. |
