Branson, Missouri, is a great place to spend Earth Day of 2014. Why? Because Branson offers some of the best nature experiences in the Ozarks! Branson has it all – lakes, forests, streams, nature preserves, zoos, and nature museums. There is so much here to appreciate on Earth Day – and every other day too! So get ready to experience some Branson nature – it will be an Earth Day to remember in 2014.
Henning Hawk Watch Tower: For a bird’s eye view of nature – and Branson – that will take your breath away, climb to the tip top of the Henning Hawk Watch Tower! This nature tower is located within the Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area, just off of West Highway 76, neigShowtimering Shepherd of the Hills Historic Homestead. The paved trail that leads to the tower winds gently uphill through a beautiful oak forest, and is dotted with park benches where hikers can sit, rest and observe the wildlife. Once you reach the tower and (carefully!) climb to the top, you will be able to see for miles – and you may even spot some high flying hawks while you are up there!
Promised Land Zoo: For some of the cutest – and craziest – animals in the Branson/Tri-Lakes area, come to the Promised Land Zoo, located on Shepherd of the Hills Expressway. Get ready for lions and prairie dogs and tortoises – oh my! Here at the Promised Land Zoo, you will not only be able to take a self-guided tour along the mulched paths of this five acre zoo, you will also be able to get up close and personal with some of the animals here, through daily bottle feedings for the baby animals and daily live animal shows with Jungle Josh! Here you will get to see pythons, lemurs, armadillos and more. The zoo recently welcomed a baby sloth to their menagerie – a real rarity in captivity! Promised Land Zoo also features a Parakeet House and a gift shop to purchase zoo souvenirs.
The Butterfly Palace: For some of the smallest Branson nature the area has to offer, take a trip to the Butterfly Palace on West Highway 76! Here you will find brightly colored winged jewels that will make you appreciate Mother Nature a whole lot more. Play in the Banyan Tree Bungee Maze, or twist and turn your senses in the Emerald Mirror Maze, or visit the Science Room before you head into the Butterfly Aviary. In the Butterfly Aviary, you will be dazzled by the sheer amount of butterflies fluttering above your head in this tropical rainforest room. If you are lucky, they might even decide to use you as a perch! Be sure to bring a camera – the tropical butterflies and birds in this room will make for some great photo opportunities.
There are great places to spend your Earth Day in Branson – all you have to do is look! So get ready to fall in love with Mother Nature here in the Ozarks – it will give you a deeper appreciation for the Earth.
