You won't find a city in the entire Midwest that can provide as many thrills and adrenaline-rushing adventures as Branson, Missouri. This Midwestern city has become a mecca for thrill-seekers, thanks to its many theme parks and epic attractions. Whether you're a roller coaster junkie, a water park fanatic, or a zipline daredevil, there are plenty of ways to add a touch of heart-pounding, blood-rushing excitement to a trip to Branson. Get your thrill on with this guide to the most insane attractions across the city!
For tons of thrills in one convenient location, those in search of an adrenaline rush should head to Silver Dollar City. It may have a theme that evokes simpler times, but it's got some super impressive coasters. The most thrilling rides include Outlaw Run (the world's 2nd steepest drop), a corkscrewing wood coaster; FireFall, a ride that's an epic eight-story drop; Powder Keg, a coaster that launches riders from 0 to 53 MPH in 2.8 seconds; and the savage WildFire, with plenty of loops, rolls, and super high speeds. If you're traveling with those less excited about drops and loops, there are plenty of other rides and attractions for every thrill level, along with shows, shops, and restaurants.
If your kind of thrill involves getting behind the wheel, the Xtreme Racing Center is your spot. The top-of-the-line karts here are the fastest in town, running on the longest high-speed track in the country, with tons of twists and turns to keep things interesting. There is a junior track for kids under 11 who want to practice their racing skills. For added excitement, visit at night for an after-dark racing experience unlike any other!
Cool off during the summer while experiencing an adrenaline rush at White Water, a 13-acre water park with some pretty crazy slides. The two most exhilarating are Kalani Towers, which is a 75-foot free fall that lets riders reach speeds up to 40 MPH, and KaPau Plummet, which is 245 feet tall with a 70-degree drop, that has riders freefalling at 26 feet per second. Once you conquer the slides, reward yourself with a soak in the lazy river, some time in the wave pool, or some relaxing in a private cabana. Ahh!
Another attraction with tons of thrills is Branson's Track Family Fun Park. Home to the 150-foot-tall Ferris wheel that once graced Chicago's Navy Pier, this is the best place to get an adrenaline rush with a view. You can also find the Skycoaster here, a 100-foot-tall swing that sends riders, harnessed horizontally, rushing through the air at 70 MPH. The Fun Park also has a four-story go-kart track, for those with the need for speed.
Fearless daredevils can climb walls, zipline, slide, and tackle a ropes course (among other things) at Fritz's Adventure. The indoor facility offers endless adventure for all skill levels, with a massive complex of walls to climb, tunnels to burrow through, slides to rush down, and rope bridges to balance across. It's the perfect spot to burn off energy, especially on a rainy day, and is great for active kids and adults to try their hand at something new and exciting!
The closest thing to a personal jetpack is flyboarding, a water-propelled hoverboard of sorts that lets you glide through the water and float above the surface. All you have to do is head to the marina at Table Rock Lake, strap the water jets onto your feet, and the instructors will help you get a handle on maneuvering your jetpack. Once you get the hang of it, you'll be flipping, spinning, diving, and gliding around the lake like a futuristic mermaid!
For a totally offbeat thrill, head to Branson Landing to experience Parakeet Pete's Steampunk Balloon. The hilariously geeky balloon operators will take you almost 200 feet up for a 360 degree bird's eye view of the city. Parakeet Pete's also has a waterfront zip line conveniently located at the Landing as well, so you can get in some excitement after your shopping spree.
The best place for an adrenaline junkie to stay in Branson might be Stillwaters Resort, because it features plenty of activities to keep guests busy. Not only is it right on the lake, but it offers free kayak, paddleboard, aqua cycle, and paddleboat rentals, has a full-service marina, several pools, a waterslide, mini golf, fishing poles, hiking trails, jet skis, basketball and volleyball courts, and tons more. It's kind of like being back at summer camp; you won't have a boring moment here, unless you're looking to relax in the hot tub!
There are a few great ziplines in Branson, but none are as utterly epic as those at Branson Zipline and Canopy Tours at Wolfe Creek Preserve. That's because Wolfe Creek Preserve has one of the country's only freefall ziplines, the Blue Streak Fast Line & Free Fall Xpress. From the nature preserve, you'll get driven to the top of the mountain in a Pinzgauer Swiss Army vehicle. Then you'll climb the first tower and begin your zipline adventure, which culminates with a 100-foot freefall off the top of Everest tower. This attraction also offers zipline experiences at night... if you've already done a few ziplines before, this is a whole new experience that will have you speeding through the pitch-black dark at high speeds!
For a mental thrill, there's Branson's Escape Code. Six totally different escape room experiences offer in-depth and cerebral scenarios that you and your friends must work together to defeat. Whether you're looking for government secrets in an abandoned military base or trying to discover the treasure left behind by a crazed tycoon, there are some fascinating and challenging stories to experience. Less than half of the teams who attempt any of the rooms can make it out in time, and there's even one that starts players off blindfolded and handcuffed!
As you tackle high-speed go-karts, epic waterslides, heart-pounding roller coasters, intense ropes courses, huge Ferris wheels, and exhilarating mental challenges across Branson, you'll make some unforgettable memories... and leave with a few pretty awesome stories. Whatever your type of thrill, Branson can give you the adrenaline rush of a lifetime!