How to encounter celebrities, sloths, and more in Branson

Not to be confused with Top of the Rock in NYC, Top of the Rock in Ridgedale, MO, is the perfect first stop on a family trip through the Ozarks. Offering world-class recreation in the heart of Branson, Top of the Rock is jam-packed with attractions that everyone will love. The Lost Canyon Cave and Natural Trail, for example, is a two-and-a-half-mile guided tour into a cave, over a lovely Amish footbridge, and past a jaw-dropping four-story waterfall. Or there's the Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum, which provides an entertaining and insightful look at the region's past, from dinosaurs to Native Americans to the Civil War. Top of the Rock is also home to two world-class golf courses: the Jack Nicklaus signature golf course and the Buffalo Ridge course, designed by Tom Fazio. You'll find restaurants here as well, so feel free to buy the Top of the Rock Adventure Pass and enjoy a full day of fun.

Walking around celebrity hotspots in hopes of a snagging a picture with your favorite icon is so outdated. Snap photos with all your favorite celebrities and pop icons at the incredible Hollywood Wax Museum, a landmark attraction off Highway 76. With dozens of detailed and lifelike wax statues of big-name, present-day stars like Gwyneth Paltrow and Jamie Fox, along with historical icons like Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe and more, you and your entire group will have a blast getting to "meet" your celebrity heroes. It's open 365 days a year; stop in anytime to get a taste of stardom. Photos are encouraged, so snap as many shameless selfies with your favorite celebs as you want!

After you’ve had enough hanging out with the top celebrities from around the world, take a drive to Branson’s Promised Land Zoo and get up close and personal with nature’s biggest names... all in the comfort of their backyard. With over 75 acres of driving and walking trails, you’ll be blown away by the wide range of furry and feathered friends roaming the Promised Land Zoo. With your admission you’ll be able to see live animal shows, go on a self-guided foot safari, and even make your way to Parakeet Paradise, a crowd favorite. Upgrade to the Better Experience Admission and go on a guided tram ride. After that, a guide will let you actually meet three to four animals, such as sloths, lemurs, kittens, owls and more—because sloths are way more cuddly than a wax Elvis Presley!

Continue getting up close and personal with nature’s best during an unforgettable visit to the Butterfly Palace and & Rainforest Adventure. Immerse yourself in a setting populated by thousands of live tropical butterflies, imported from rainforests around the world. There's nothing quite like witnessing their incredible beauty first hand. Purchase a three-day wristband and choose your own adventure with visits to the Banyan Tree Bungee Adventure, the Living Rainforest Science Center, and the Emerald Forest Mirror Maze in addition to the Exotic Butterfly Aviary. The visit will be just as educational as it is fun, and makes for a one-of-a-kind Branson adventure!

For your next stop, travel back in history and learn the incredible story of the Titanic with a visit to the Titanic Museum Branson. Go beyond what you learned in the movie Titanic and get an in-depth look at the stories of the people sailing on that tragic day, from the wealthy passengers in First Class to the average Third Class traveler. There are lots of interactive details here, including the chance to touch a glacier, see real artifacts from the ship, read newspaper clippings from the day, and, of course, you can't leave without snapping a photo on the re-created Grand Staircase.

Begin to wind down your adventure with tickets to one of Branson’s smash-hit shows, The Haygoods. Whether you’re a hardcore music enthusiast or just looking to enjoy a good time, The Haygoods deliver incredible performances with innovative harmonies, energetic choreography, and special effects, which include over 20 different instruments. With over 6 million people having taken part in this entertaining show, your trip won’t be complete until you’ve been to a performance. Last year, The Haygoods sold out over 70 of their shows, so be sure to buy your tickets as soon as you can.