Everyone loves saving money. That is why we clip coupons, shop sales, drive bargains, and bundle our insurance. Saving money is an important way to build wealth, prepare for an emergency or an unexpected bill or auto repair, and set an example for your family. While saving money is responsible and awesome, you don’t want to skimp on fun family and social activities. Luckily for all you penny pinchers out there, Branson, Missouri, the Live Entertainment Capital of the Midwest, has some very cool activities that you can enjoy for free! And what better way to save money than that?

Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery: While this stop on your Branson activities list is a little ‘fishy,’ it is certainly free! This interesting and educational facility offers visitors self-guided and conducted tours through the nature center/museum (filled with information about the trout that are raised at the hatchery and then released into Lake Taneycomo) and the outdoor concrete raceway area (filled with – what else- fish!). You can get up close and personal with the trout that are raised here, and even feed them from one of the on-site fish food stations.

Stone Hill Winery: If you like local and you like wine, or perhaps both, take a free tour of the Branson Stone Hill Winery! These free tours offer guests a firsthand look at the complex process of creating and aging fine wines. You’ll see a short film giving the history of the business, followed by a look around the Sherry room, where the sherry is baked and aged, and then take a look at how the finished wine is bottled. The tour ends with free tasting of Stone Hill’s wines – plus grape juice for the kids!

College of the Ozarks: A trip to this unique college should definitely be on your list of free Branson activities! Take a stroll around the beautifully landscaped campus, and gaze of the shores of Lake Taneycomo at Point Lookout. Check out the on-campus dairy, where the school’s herd of Holstein cows are milked daily; follow that with a tour of the gardens, where the produce that is sold at the C of O Farmers Market is grown. Edwards Mill offers free tours and demos of weaving, basket making and grinding flour. Don’t forget to stop in at the Keeter Center for some samples of their delicious ice cream!

Dewey Short Visitor Center: Just across the lake from the Table Rock Dam, the Dewey Short Visitor Center is often referred to as the crown jewel of Table Rock Lake. This beautiful facility showcases interactive exhibits and historical information about the dam’s construction, and information about the lake and its surrounding wildlife. The Visitor Center also offers picnic sites and swimming access for visitor enjoyment.

These are just a few of the great free Branson activities that are available to visitors and locals alike. Don’t miss any of these opportunities to have fun and save money in Branson!