Downtown Branson
Located just east of highway 65 along the shores of Lake Taneycomo, Downtown Branson definitely has the feel of an old-time main street, but great things are happening as new shops and restaurants mix in with the long-standing favorites.
From brick sidewalks and Victorian lampposts to the historic rail depot that is now the Branson Scenic Railway, Downtown is just a charming, relaxing destination with over 60 shops, restaurants and attractions for you to peruse.
You can arrange a guided historical walking tour. These are available by appointment; call the Downtown Branson Main Street Association (417-334-1548), or click here to visit their website. If you'd rather go it on your own, you can do the walking tour yourself. All you need to do is pick up the self-guided tour map at the Downtown Branson Main Street Association's office. Here's the address.
There's a new way to explore Downtown Branson, even when you have no particular place to go. Discovery Trolleys began operating in October of 2006. The trolleys make a loop through the Historic District and Branson Landing. Stops are at Commercial & Main Street, Commercial & Pacific Street, Bass Pro Shop parking lot and Belks Department store parking lot. The trolleys run about every 10 minutes. Here's the trolley's hours of operation.
As you makes plans to visit Downtown, be sure to click here to download the Historic Downtown Branson Map from the Downtown Branson Main Street Association's website. It shows you some things you'll want to know, like street names, the 2-hour public parking lots, the free all-day parking lots, public restrooms and Historic Landmarks.
In October 2010, the new Branson Convention Center reported the top 3 activities of convention attendees:
shopping at The Branson Landing
shopping in Downtown Branson
attending music shows
Good news: there is a new time limit on two downtown parking lots – the Pacific Street lot and the Awberry lot behind Dick's 5 & 10. These two lots now have a 3-hour parking limit (it was 2-hours). All on-street parking will remain a two-hour limit, though. Be sure to park in one of those two lots if you plan to stay awhile in Downtown Branson!
You'll find plenty of lodging, restaurant and shopping choices Downtown. There's also special events scheduled throughout the year. Here's the current list:
Places to stay in Downtown Branson:
Branson Best Western Landing View Inn & Suites
Branson Lakeside RV Park
Branson Motor Court
Crescent Court
Hilton Promenade Hotel
Landmark Inn
Lilley's Landing
Stonewall Inn
Places to eat in Downtown Branson:
Bob Evans Restaurant & Gift Shop
Branson Cafe
Clockers Restaurant
Farmhouse Restaurant & Gift Shop
Liberty Tavern
McDonald's
Mr. B's Ice Cream & Deli
Mr. G's Pizza
Rocky's Italian Restaurant
Ruby Leana's Tea Room & Antiques
Smack's Deli & Ice Cream Shoppe
Steak 'n Shake
Thai Thai cuisine
The Shack Cafe
Wendy's
Fun things to do in Downtown Branson:
Branson Scenic Railway
Original Branson Carriage Company
Historic Owen's Theater
Scotty's Trout Dock
For when you just need to Shop Downtown:
Apple Market
Bee Discount
Branson Bill's Emporium
Branson Drug
Branson Landing - Urban Retail
Burlington Annex
Crain's Creations Gallery
Dick's Oldtime Five & Dime (Celebrating 50 Years in 2011! Still family owned. Watch this.)
Henry's Warehouse Outlet
House of 1000 Clocks
If the Shoe Fits
Ivy Rose Quilts & Gifts
Jigglin' George's Too
Kay T Bugs
Light House Gallery
Lightning Pawn Shop
Lil' Shoppe of Leather
Naturegraphics
New Balance Shoes
Ozark Quilts & More
Patricia's Victorian House
Premier Gallery
Reish Shoes
Sonya's Leather & Gifts
The Flag Store
Waterfront Trading Co.
Branson Tourist Information & Services:
Akers & Arney Insurance
American Family Insurance - Dale Sanders
Binswanger Glass
Bonnie Brook - Rose O'Neill Historic Home & Gifts
Branson Arts Council
Branson Convention Center
Branson Daily News
Branson Lodging Association
Branson Veterans Task Force
Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce
CenturyTel
Commerce Bank
Cox Communications
Delta Group LLC. / Chappy Mall
Edward Jones - Mitch Holmes
Empire District Electric Co.
First Community Bank
Hawthorn Bank HCW, LLC
Herrman Lumber Co.
KLFC Radio KOMC/KRZK Hometown Radio
L & J Plumbing Supply
Liberty Bank
Meeks Building Supply
Ozark Mountain Bank
Ozark Mountain Newspaper/Branson Daily Independent
Rankin Consulting
Regions Bank
RSC Equipment Rental
Shelter Insurance
Sir Speedy Printing
Staples
State Farm Insurance - Doug Baker
Summerwinds Resort Services, LLC.
Sunny Day Guide
The Vacation Channel
US Bank
Special Events in Downtown Branson:
Plumb Nellie Arts & Crafts Festival (see our May Events)
Olde Time Fiddle Festival (see our August Events)
Autumn Daze Arts & Crafts Festival (see our September Events)
Veterans Parade & Ceremony (see our November 11 Events)
Adoration Parade & Lighting Ceremony (see our December Events)
Santa's Workshop in Historic Downtown Branson (see our December Events)
Historical Notes for Downtown Branson: Former Downtown businesses: Family Inn, Golden Corral, My Cup of Tea, Hillbilly Moccasins, Rebecca's Victorian Boutique, Digital Blacksmith, Mr. Lyles Beauty Lounge, Tri-Lakes Ford