Things to see in Springfield

Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium

This will be a tour offering for Convention attendees. 

Wonders of Wildlife Museum is connected to the Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World headquarters in Springfield, MO.  State-of-the-art 4D dioramas will completely surround you with the sights, sounds and smells of the planet’s most extreme wildlife habitats. Each environment features meticulous attention to detail, including massive hand-painted murals, native foliage and special effects that deliver the chill of the Arctic and the dry sun of the African Savanna. The Aquarium is an expedition expanding the globe’s oceans, lakes and streams.  500 W. Sunshine St.  Springfield.  Open everyday. Free parking Online Single Day Tickets are priced at variable rates $39.00 – $45.00 child (4-11) $23.50 – $24.95

Pythian Castle

NOTE: This will be a Mystery Dinner offering through ABA.  Arrangements have been made to make it accessible.

This is a ‘certified’ haunted castle, constructed in Late Gothic Revival style, is a must see. There are history tours (daytime) $14, ghost tours (nighttime) $18, escape rooms $25, murder mystery dinners, and other events. See website for times and details. Note: tour involves walking and stairs.  1451 E Pythian Steet, Springfield, (417) 865-1464

Fantastic Caverns

Fantastic Caverns offers a complete ride-through tour, which lasts 55 minutes and is held in a Jeep-drawn tram. The trams drive along the path left behind by an ancient underground river. You’ll discover beautiful natural wonders; giant columns stretching from floor to ceiling, delicate soda straws glistening with minerals, tiny cave pearls hidden in crystal-clear water.  4872 N. Farm Road 125, Springfield   Phone: 417-833-2010.  8 am – 9 pm General Admission Adult: $34.00

Buc-ee’s

If you have never been to a Buc-ee’s, here is your chance.  A giant convenience store with over 100 gas pumps and the cleanest bathrooms. The travel center has a bakery, food counters, snack foods.  They also sell souvenirs, clothing, household goods and travel products. They are famous for their brisket and beaver nuggets (corn puffs).  Located off Interstate 44, at 3284 N. Beaver Road, Strafford, MO 65757 Open 24 hours.

Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden

In Springfield Botanical Gardens, the 7.5 acre, Mizumoto Japanese Stroll garden was created in 1985 and includes a large koi lake, moon bridge, meditation garden, tea house and traditional Japanese garden landscaping. 2400 S Scenic, Springfield, Open daily 10am-7pm

Springfield Conservation Nature Center

The Nature Center features an information desk, a self-guided exhibit area and gift shop.  There are three miles of hiking trails that showcase different types of landscapes often found in the Ozarks. The park is open 8am to 8pm, the Nature Center open Tues-Sat 8am-5pm.  Located in southeast Springfield just west of Highway 65 off the James River Freeway (Highway 60). (417) 888-4237

Route 66 Car Museum

The Route 66 Car Museum in Springfield is dedicated to showcasing and preserving some of the most quintessential and beautiful vintage sports cars and classic automobiles in history $15 adults, $13 Senior  1634 W College St, Springfield 9am to 5pm  417-459-2452

C Street Historic District

Historic C-Street uniquely combines a recognition of the past, appreciation of the present and hope for the future. It offers a diverse mix of locally owned shops and small businesses, international restaurants, colorful murals, eye catching sculptures, beautiful event venues, and more.

Things to see in Branson

Top of the Rock

This will be a tour offering (includes a golf cart)

Perched high above Table Rock Lake, Big Cedar Lodge’s Top of the Rock offers several amazing attractions. Explore the Top of the Rock Lost Canyon and Nature Trail in this dramatic 2.5-mile tour. Follow a beautiful trail created to highlight stunning rock formations, waterfalls, and lake views. The winding trail will also take through a marvelous cave as well as the scenic overlook where you can step out onto a skybridge for a breathtaking view of the Ozarks. Attendees also receive free admission to the Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum. It is a treasure trove of Ozarks history. Dioramas showcasing creatures who roamed the Ozarks in the region’s early days, an assortment of Civil War relics, and one of the largest private collections of Native American artifacts and art.

Branson Landing

Branson Landing is an outside mall that features a scenic boardwalk along the 1.5-mile Taneycomo Lakefront. At the heart of the Landing is a vibrant town square terracing down to the spectacular water attraction that features the first-ever merging of water, fire, light and music. You will be amazed by the dazzling interplay of water Fountains shooting 120-foot geysers and fire cannons blasting, all choreographed to light and music. Branson Landing Has Shopping, Dining, and Entertainment.

Branson Shows and Other Attractions

Our Monday Tour includes a show by the Hughes Brothers

Branson is home to nearly 50 theaters, several theme parks, three major lakes, and hundreds of shows, attractions, restaurants, and shopping venues.

Branson Shows This link tells you about the shows, dates and times.

Silver Dollar City

Discover the Heart of the Ozarks at Silver Dollar City, A Theme Park that lets you step back in time as you explore a mountain mining town filled with 30 one-of-a-kind thrilling rides & attractions, 40 live shows daily, 60 unique shops, a dozen family restaurants and over 100 demonstrating craftsmen. $92 (2 day pass – no one day passes)

Titanic Museum Attraction

Discover the incredible story of the RMS Titanic at the Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson. Explore over 400 authentic artifacts, from personal belongings to grand architectural pieces as you walk in the footsteps of passengers and crew and gain a powerful understanding of this pivotal moment in history.  $40, 3235 76 Country Blvd & Hwy 165, Branson. Toll-Free: 800-381-7670  Local: 417-334-9500

Butterfly Palace

Walk through the rainforest to explore over 1,000 live exotic butterflies imported from their native countries. Guests can feed the butterflies with a complimentary nectar flower! Watch the 3-D Flight of the Butterflies Movie (15 Minute Duration) to learn more about the Monarch Migration. Immerse yourself in the forest floor of the rainforest and walk through the Mirror Maze and Critter Center. 4106 W 76 Country Blvd, Branson, MO  $29