20 Towns Similar to Branson, MO

Branson, Mo is a dream family vacation destination nestled in the Ozark Mountains. From family-friendly theaters, theme parks, interactive museums, adventure tours, zoos, lodgings with indoor waterparks, and the world’s most visited dinner attraction Dolly Parton’s Stampede, you will have a fantastic time. It makes you think what other towns are similar to Branson and its entertainment magic?

20 Towns similar to Branson, MO, with regards to family entertainment:

Pigeon Forge
Gatlinburg
Wisconsin Dells
Helen
Keystone
Myrtle Beach
Maggie Valley
Chattanooga
Eureka Springs
Sandusky
Manitou Springs
New Braunfels
Jackson
Solvang
Woodstock
Santa Claus
Frankenmuth
Carlsbad
Panama City
Asheville

Branson is a town that has perfected the art of hosting a vacation. The vibe is holidaying all the way, and the town makes you feel that this is your off-time, free to relax and encouraged to explore and unwind. With many activities for young and old alike, Branson is a top holiday destination worth visiting.

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20 Town Similar To Branson, Missouri

Towns similar to Branson, MO, have to have similar attractions to offer. Be it unusual culinary experiences, theme parks, extreme thrills, live entertainment, or a full itinerary to keep you busy daily. No town is alike, but the following towns will to a degree, offer what Branson offers their holidaymakers.

Indoor and outdoor waterparks are a magnet for kids who loves to make a splash, and Branson has a wide variety of those. Some lodgings offer an indoor waterpark to their clients, ensuring that there is fun to be had, even when you retire “home” after an exciting day. Branson is a town with a vibe, and the main aim is to entertain and provide the visitor with some relaxing and fun activities to destress the body, mind, and soul.

1. Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

This little town, situated in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, is an absolute entertainment oasis. Visit once, and the chances are very high that you will visit again and again. Pigeon Forge is an all-year-round family-friendly destination and offers an impressive to-do-list:

For The Kids

Pigeon Forge caters to the younger generation. Keeping them busy won’t be a problem; here’s how:

For The Family

Whether it is spending time together indoors or outdoors, family fun is guaranteed. Here are some options:

2. Gatlinburg, Tennessee

This popular vacation resort rests right on the border of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, along U.S. Route 441, connecting to Cherokee and North Carolina. Gatlinburg has an interesting history, and it’s estimated that 10 million people visit this highly-rated family vacation town.

William Ogle started to build the first “house” in Gatlinburg in 1802, claiming to his wife and children that he had found “The Land of Paradise.” He never completed the house as he fell ill with malaria. However, his wife and kids finished the cabin and moved in a few years later.

If you are a family-orientated guy like Mr. Ogle, bring your family down for a holiday and experience some of the following attractions which Gatlinburg offers:

3. Wisconsin Dells

Welcome to the self-proclaimed ” Waterpark Capital of the World.” Wisconsin Dells has the largest concentration of indoor and outdoor waterparks on the planet. For the family who loves fun in the H2O, there is no other place to go.

Camel riding your thing? Want to pet a kangaroo? Then head to Timbavati Wildlife Park, where you can interact with the animals, and get up close and personal with them. There are lots to experience in Wisconsin Dells, and here are the best activities to do while you are there:

4. Helen, Georgia

Helen only has a population of close to 600 residents. However, no other town packs as much charm and activities into a mere 2.1 square miles. First, it was home to the Cherokees, then European settlers looking for gold and timber. Today, it’s the southeast’s own little Bavarian village reminding visitors of Germany.

Helen invites you to some of the quaintest hotels, cobblestone walkways, and natural beauty when you arrive at the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Enjoy their wineries, artisan tours, festivals, and some of the following activities:

5. Keystone, South Dakota

Nestled in the middle of the iconic Black Hills, only two miles from Mount Rushmore, Keystone has a population of fewer than 400 residents. The town comes to life from April through to November. Keystone is a town that provides activities to people that enjoy a slice of nature more than artificial entertainment.

People who love spending quality time in the great outdoors will find Keystone a real treat, especially the historical tours on offer. Here are some top activities that you can indulge in when visiting Keystone:

6. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is located in the center of a continuous stretch of beach called “The Grand Strand.” Locals and visitors alike simply refer to it as “The Beach.” Expect spectacular coastlines, tropical weather, culinary delights, and a feast of entertainment for everyone.

There is more to Myrtle than just the beach. Browse through the holiday guide and see what they offer during these special times. Here is a good bucket list to complete when holidaying in Myrtle Beach:

7. Maggie Valley, North Carolina

Maggie Valley has a population of just over 1,200 residents, but what they lack in numbers, they make up for it by large portions of Southern hospitality in everything they do. Situated in the Great Smoky Mountains in North Carolina, Maggie Valley caters for the family, or the lone ranger traveler, offering a great variety of activities topped off with good food, music, and dancing.

Should you be interested in history, make sure to stroll through the Wheels Through Time museum, which includes the world’s premier collection of vintage American motorcycles, a must for anyone in love with these two-wheeled machines. Make sure to make use of these alternative attractions:

8. Chattanooga, Tennessee

Chattanooga lies in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, on the banks of the Tennessee River- the birthplace of the tow truck. Chattanooga can be explored via hot-air balloon, helicopter, horse-drawn carriage, or walking tours.

Chattanooga offers a unique holiday experience, drenched in history and other fun activities to do. Here are some of the top attractions:

9. Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Located in the center of the Ozarks, with a little over 2,000 residents, Eureka Springs is a little town like no other. With more than 66 springs, it is no wonder that the town is often referred to as “the city that water built.” Eureka Springs provides over 100 events and festivals per year.

An outdoor holiday that includes camping, water sports, fishing, hiking, and mountain biking is something to look forward to. Here are some of the town’s action attractions:

10. Sandusky, Ohio

Situated at the mouth of Sandusky Bay, claiming over 26 miles of Lake Erie’s shore, including the Chausee and Cedar Point Peninsula, which extends for 5 miles into the lake, you will find Sandusky and its protected bay. Home to the well-known Cedar Point Amusement Park and a wide variety of children’s attractions, Sandusky is a fantastic place to spend a holiday with the family.

Sandusky’s street grids are unique in design, one of two masonic street grids, the other being Washington, DC. The downtown waterfront is filled with charming boutiques, historical architecture, and amazing views over Lake Erie. Here are some of the activities you can explore in Sandusky:

11. Manitou Springs, Colorado

Residents, the 5000+, and visitors all agree the water in Manitou has healing properties. This little holiday town received a part of nature that rejuvenates the body and the soul. It is not by chance that people have traveled here to the foot of Pikes Peak for centuries to experience the magic firsthand.

12. New Braunfels, Texas

New Braunfels is a charming oasis located between San Antonio and Austin in the beautiful Texas Hill Country. New Braunfels caters to visitors in winter, mostly winter Texans and summer visitors making it an all-year-round vacation destination.

As the name suggests, you will find a solid German heritage when you visit, highlighted by the annual world-famous Wurstfest in November. New Braunfels offers you the small-town charm, but with Texas-sized fun. Here are things to do in New Braunfels:

13. Jackson, New Jersey

Jackson is a popular tourist destination in New Jersey’s Ocean County and is very popular due to its Six Flags Great Adventure Park. The park features over 100 rides, special events, shows, and theme areas such as Frontier Adventures, Fantasy Forest, and Movie Town. Your kids will love every moment.

Jackson also caters to the ladies with an extensive shopping layout and outdoor recreation opportunities through its natural parks. Make sure to partake in the following activities as you explore Jackson:

14. Solvang, California

Solvang looks like an old-fashioned Danish village, acts like a Danish village, and was built and founded by Danish immigrants in 1911. Solvang translates to “sunny field” in the Danish language and lives in the center of the Central Coast of California.

Expect world-class authentic pastries at their world-renowned bakeries, admire the European architecture sprinkled with traditional windmills, and unwind your mind in the Santa Ynez Valley. Be it a trip for a day or an extended holiday, ensure you check out the following:

15. Woodstock, Vermont

Woodstock has visitors all year round. Whatever the season, whatever the reason, Woodstock is an excellent getaway for friends and family alike. Here you can explore nature through miles of hiking- and mountain bike trails, meandering brooks, and rivers. With a host of outdoor adventures waiting for you, Woodstock and its welcoming spirit will cater to you in every way.

When the winter snow arrives, it’s time to fasten your skis, snowboard, or hop onto a snowmobile and hit the slopes of the Suicide Six Ski Area, don’t worry about the name. The course is very family-friendly and safe to use. Let us look at things to do in Woodstock that will hopefully lead to magical memories:

16. Santa Claus, Indiana

Are you in need of some serious Christmas spirit? Then there is only one town for you and your family to pay a visit to, Santa Claus, where a letter to Santa gets posted directly to him from the Santa Claus post office. As the name suggests, it’s a unique town where residents go all out to infect visitors with some good old “jolliness.”

The red-brick Candy Castle, dictated on December 22, 1935, sponsored by the Curtis Candy Company, is regarded as the first themed attraction in the United States. If your idea is to take your family to a town that personifies the good-hearted North Poleon, pack your sleigh, and make sure to include the following activities in your trip:

17. Frankenmuth, Michigan

Frankenmuth, located in Saginaw County in Michigan, may only have close to 6,000 people, but don’t underestimate this Bavarian town’s party spirit. Besides their annual Oktoberfest, the only one sanctioned by the German government outside of Germany, they host many events throughout the year.

With a telephone number of 1-800-FUN-TOWN, you get an idea of what this town is all about, fun! And they don’t just cater for humans, as Frankenmuth host’s the world’s largest Olympic-style dog festival, Frankenmuth Dog Bowl 2022, during memorial weekend. Here are some of the fun attractions that Frankenmuth has to offer:

18. Carlsbad, California

During the 1880s, a local farmer tapped into some mineral springs, and Carlsbad, the spa town, was born. Today, you will find a family-friendly destination that provides ample entertainment for young and older souls. Before we get to the interactive and fun activities for the kids, let us look at the place where the farmer found the mineral springs.

Omni La Costa Resort and Spa is the place to stay. Your partner will love you forever, as this Spanish Colonial getaway has a stunning spa, eight separate pools, two legendary golf courses, and over ten tennis courts. Thanks to theme parks, a beautiful beach, golf courses, and much more, Carlsbad is not a bad choice for a holiday destination. Here are some of the activities that will keep you busy when visiting Carlsbad:

19. Panama City, Florida

Are you looking for a four-season paradise? Are you a water sports enthusiast? Do your kids only want to go where there is water, and water-based activities are a must? Then Panama City might be the place to go. Here you will find some of the largest concentrations of wild bottlenose dolphins in the world, and a dolphin cruise is an ideal way of seeing them in their natural habitat.

20. Asheville, North Carolina

Framed against the scenery of the Appalachian Mountains, Asheville is a thriving mountain city with a rich architectural legacy. The city is a mix of Art Deco, Neoclassical, and Beaux-Arts and has a retro-urban feel. While other cities typically underwent major overhauls, Asheville’s downtown remains beautifully preserved.

Asheville is a uniquely special place that will creep into your heart once you decide to visit. Make sure to take in everything that Asheville has to offer:

Conclusion

After going through the above-listed towns, I hope you will find one similar to Branson. Each of the holiday destinations discussed offers the visitor a unique experience, filled with a host of activities catering to the young and old.

Wherever you choose to visit, I am sure that you will make beautiful memories.

References:

Frankenmuth.org – FUN THINGS TO DO IN LITTLE BAVARIA

Solvangusa.com – Home Page

Triptodiscover.com – 11 Best Small Towns to Visit for Christmas in the U.S.

Familydestinationsguide.com – 25 Best Things to Do in Branson, MO — Top Activities & Places to Go!

Quora.com – What is Branson, MO known for?

Travel.report – Branson named top-20 destination in US

Tripster.com – 5 of the Best Family Vacation Spots in the US

Yahoo.com – The 20 Best Little Lake Towns in America

Travel.usnews.com – Best Places to Visit in the USA

Patriotgetaways.com – The 10 Best Smoky Mountains Towns You Need to Visit