If you think Branson is only for summertime fun, you’re missing out. There are many reasons to visit during the offseason, from incredible fishing, miles of hiking and biking trails, museums, and, yes, even music shows and theme parks. If you need a winter getaway, a trip to Branson is worth the price of admission.

Where to Stay
Located just 13 minutes from downtown Branson, Big Cedar Lodge offers a high-end escape in the heart of Missouri’s Ozarks, where Mother Nature is the star. Developed by Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris, Big Cedar is situated on over 4,600 pristine acres and features three world-class rustic lodges overlooking Table Rock Lake. Beyond the lodges, guests at Big Cedar can also stay in charming lakeside cottages or one- and two-bedroom log cabins tucked away near the lake’s shoreline.

The year-round amenities at Big Cedar include the acclaimed Osage Restaurant, as well as Lost Canyon Cave and Nature Trail and the immaculately curated Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum. Plus, there’s Fun Mountain, an endless indoor adventure offering bowling, laser tag, darts, billiards, a climbing wall, a ropes course, a playground, and an arcade.

Rotunda Room at Osage Restaurant. (Big Cedar Lodge)

Where to Play
Dogwood Canyon Nature Park in Lampe, Missouri, is a 10,000-acre world of adventure. Visitors can enjoy guided trout fishing, manicured biking and walking trails, horseback trail rides, guided kayak tours, and narrated wildlife tram tours that cross into Arkansas to view the local herd of American bison that calls the nature park home. Dogwood Canyon is open year-round, and visiting during the winter season is a great way to avoid the summertime vacation crowds.

Table Rock Lake State Park boasts the White River Valley Trail System, 11 miles of rough-and-tumble Ozark terrain perfect for hiking and mountain biking. Additionally, visitors can rent canoes and kayaks to paddle out on the tranquil waters of the lake during the winter to view bald eagles and a variety of wildlife.

Three of Branson’s most popular variety shows are open during the winter: The Haygoods, the Grand Jubilee, and the Comedy Jamboree. Additionally, the legendary Silver Dollar City, an 1880s-themed amusement park with numerous roller coasters and themed rides, is open year-round, and you won’t find the same crowds in January and February that you would during the summer, fall, or holiday season.

Hiking in Branson. (Explore Branson)

Trout Fishing Near Branson
Got a case of the wintertime blues? Cast them away on Lake Taneycomo. Originally a section of the famed White River, Lake Taneycomo retains the feel of a secluded river. But it’s no small pond. Its cold water is stocked annually with 750,000 trout (rainbow and brown), making it one of the best trout fishing destinations in the Midwest. In fact, the Missouri state record trout was caught on Taneycomo in 2019 and weighed 40.6 pounds, just two pounds shy of the world record. Pro tip: Lean on one of the many experienced guide services to ensure a successful outing. And be sure to dress for the weather.

To learn more about Branson, go here.

Author: Kyle Wayne Stewart is a frequent contributor to Terrain.

Top image: Big Cedar Lodge.