I’ve shared numerous posts over the last six to eight months about the various shows and restaurants found in and around Branson, Missouri. I’ve even sprinkled in a few posts about some awesome family attractions that should be a part of every Branson itinerary. Two of those attractions take you on an adventure that explores both the highest of heights and the deepest of depths. Come with me as we enjoy a ride on the Branson Ferris Wheel and tour the Titanic Museum. Bonus?? During the holidays, these two venues showcase some of the most beautiful Christmas decor and scenery in town. Â
I was invited as media by Stone Castle Hotel & Conference Center to explore and enjoy Branson. However, all opinions are 110% mine and mine alone.  This post also contains affiliate links. Please see my Disclosure policy for more information.
~ Branson Ferris Wheel ~
Back in April, I learned that the Ferris wheel that once stood proudly on Chicago’s Navy Pier had found a new home. In 2016, the 150 foot tall structure made its way from one midwest town to another and now serves as a beautiful icon on Branson’s busy strip.
Confession:
I’ve never been a huge fan of heights. In fact, I usually shy away from Ferris wheels and never even rode this when I lived in Chicago! However, when I braved it back in April, I found myself smiling more than anything. Even again in November, I took a spin or two around the wheel and just soaked in the views. I paid no mind to the heights we were climbing. I mean, the timing was near perfect as there were still autumn colors splattered across the mountains ~ something I don’t get to see much anymore having just moved south. There was just so much to capture my attention that I had no idea how far off the ground we were.
The View
The sights are spectacular! As I noted, the landscape is gorgeous. Seasonal changes can be seen in panoramic views. During the holidays, one can only imagine how gorgeous it must be to see the town lit up with Christmas lights or even snow capping the tops of the trees. Breathtaking, my friends!!!
The Branson Ferris wheel can be found at Track 4 of the Tracks Family Fun Park (there are currently three out of the five parks in operation). It carries 40 gondolas, each of which can hold up to 240 passengers. So, that’s about six passengers per gondola ~ and we certainly tested that! The wheel circulates in a continuous rotation. However, it can be stopped for guest assistance. Other than this ginormous attraction, the fun park itself has various other rides and activities, such as go-karts, bumper cars, bumper boats and an arcade. All of these are subject to seasonal closures.
One of the unique aspects of the Ferris wheel is that, each night, the wheel showcases a spectacular light display. Get this – there are approximately 16,000 LED lights used in this electrifying demonstration!
At Christmas time, the show turns festive and is such a joyful sight to see (and hear!) while driving down Hwy 76. I’m telling you – all the feels, my friends! All – the – Christmas – feels!
So, if you are in Branson and want to take a spin on the iconic Branson Ferris wheel, you can find more information by clicking here. Make a memory out of it – you will be amazed at how gorgeous the sights truly are!!
Ticket prices for the Branson Ferris Wheel are as follows:
- Adults (12 and up) – $12.00
- Kids (11 and under) – $8.00
- Toddler (3 and under) – FREE
~ The Titanic Museum ~
Now, we’ll go from one extreme to the other by sailing over to the Titanic Museum ~ which is pretty much right next door.
If you were following along in April, you know full well that this is one of my favorite attractions in Branson. It is most certainly in the top three. Now – here’s another tidbit about me. Just as I am not exactly one who enjoys heights, I was never really a huge museum fan either (guess I can say Branson changed me in more ways than one!). It was all about my attention span, to be honest. However, the Titanic Museum has tools in place to help maintain even the most distracted of attention spans for the duration of their self-guided tour.
A tool and a token
As you enter the museum, you are given two things. You are handed a listening device and a card. The listening device allows you to self guide yourself through the museum and listen in on various facts. Do this!!! What you will learn will leave you stunned. It’s a great place to take a history class or a homeschool group!!
The card holds information about a particular passenger who was truly and honestly on board the real Titanic that fateful night in 1912. It shows the name of the passenger, the age, a little bio and whether or not the passenger was a crew member, first class, second class or third class. Throughout the course of your tour, you may very well find that person’s name somewhere on one of the walls. So, be on the lookout!! The individual’s name will most certainly be found in the memorial room where visitors can discover the fate of their passenger at the end of their voyage.
Did your passenger survive the tragedy? If so, what became of him or her?
And don’t assume that because you were handed a crew member or a third class passenger that they didn’t make it. There are plenty of amazing and miraculous stories revealed in that one room.
More to do than just read…
The museum also has some great opportunities for hands-on learning. Whether it’s dipping your fingers or hand into 28° water, attempting to stand firm on an angled deck or sitting on a replica of a lifeboat, you can find ample opportunity to do more than just read a placard…or ten. Â
The Holidays at the Titanic Museum
During the holidays (early November until December 31st), the museum is decked out in gorgeous decor inside and out! The garland is thick, lights twinkle everywhere and big thick red and gold bows accent everything from trees to railings. You should see the grand staircase (oh, look – there it is)!!
Around Thanksgiving, the museum lights up with approximately 1500 magical luminaries and crew members greet you with holiday greetings as the Christmas season really takes off. It’s a beautiful time of year to visit the venue. Of course, in my opinion, this place should always be a part of a Branson itinerary.
To check out more information on the Titanic Museum, as well as some of the private and local events they host, click here.
Tickets prices for the museum are as follows:
- Adults (12 and up) – $26
- Child (5-11) – $13
- Child (4 and under) – Free
- Family Pass (Valid for 2 Adults and up to 4 Children ages 18 and under) – $89
Fun fact: Did you know the owner of the Branson Titanic Museum, John Joslyn, actually co-led an expedition to the site of the sinking?? For more on that story, click here!!
Who Is Ready to Explore Branson?
So, whether you are looking to soar above Branson to take in the breadth of its beautiful landscape or explore the depths of history, you now have two more amazing reasons to visit this family-friendly town. It’s honestly one of my favorite destinations on the US map and, after a recent visit, my family is in love with it, too! We cannot wait to return!
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My daughter would really love to visit the Titanic Museum. She loves that story and I think would really enjoy it!. Love your posts!
Awww – thanks, Jennifer!! I think she would, too. There is something there for every kind (and age) of student ~ things to read, hands on activities, visuals, movies…..so much to glean and gather. It is a fascinating part of history and they really do a great job at drawing you into the voyage. I truly do hope you get the chance to visit the museum one day!!!