Top 5 Things to Do in Branson This Fall
When the Ozark hills trade summer green for copper and gold, Branson becomes the kind of place you daydream about—cool evenings, cinnamon-spiced treats, and that perfect “let’s-make-memories” pace. Whether you’re planning a family weekend, a date night, or a friends getaway, here are the top 5 fall experiences to put on your list—starting with the one that captures the season’s heart better than anywhere else: Fall Roundup at Sycamore Creek Ranch.
1) Fall Roundup at Sycamore Creek Ranch (Weekends, Oct 4–Nov 2)
If “Hallmark fall” had a home address, it’d be Sycamore Creek. On Saturdays and Sundays from 2:30–8:30 p.m., the ranch comes alive with classic, wholesome fun across wide-open spaces—think hayrides, a 6-acre maze (plus a brand-new Maize Lookout), cow train, Ranch Rider super slide, Jump Pad, Harvest Hoops Basketball, outdoor games, pickleball, hay-bale fort, corn bins, a friendly barnyard (alpaca, mini Scottish Highland cow, donkey, goats & chickens), and so much more. Warm up by the fire pits, grab a wood-fired pizza, and don’t miss the local favorite: apple cider slushies. Tickets are available online (with season passes offered), and select add-ons like birthday party tables make it easy to host a fall celebration on-site. Sycamore Creek
And for the ultimate fall weekend? Book a stay in one of Sycamore Creek’s Conestoga wagons—a cozy, family-friendly overnight lodging experience right on the ranch property. Imagine waking up steps from the corn maze, sipping coffee by the fire pit, and having a front-row seat to Branson’s autumn skies. These unique stays sell out quickly, so plan ahead if you want to turn your Fall Roundup adventure into a full blown getaway.
Quick details: Open weekends Oct 4–Nov 2, 2:30–8:30 p.m. Online and at-the-gate tickets available. All but one activity included with admission. Concessions, pumpkins, and merchandise available for purchase. Weather updates post to social media the day of. Sycamore Creek
2) Stretch Your Legs on a Scenic Fall Hike
Balance the festivities with some peaceful Ozark color. Two easy favorites:
Ruth & Paul Henning Conservation Area – 5.6 miles of trails, scenic overlooks, and interpretive stops that showcase the region’s glades and woodlands—ideal for peak foliage photos. Missouri Department of Conservation
Table Rock Lakeshore Trail – a mostly flat, paved path along the lake between the Dewey Short Visitor Center and State Park Marina—great for strollers and casual walkers. Missouri State Parks
3) Silver Dollar City’s Harvest Festival (with Pumpkins in the City)
By night, the park glows with tens of thousands of pumpkins, towering illuminated sculptures, and the whimsical Garden of Giants—plus crafts, music, and fall flavors throughout the park. It’s a dazzling complement to your ranch day and a fantastic after-dark photo op. (Typically runs mid-September through late October.) Silver Dollar City Attractions+2Silver Dollar City Attractions+2
4) Branson Market Days (Fall Edition)
This twice-a-year favorite fills the Branson Convention Center with handmade goods, vintage finds, and boutique booths—a cozy, browse-and-sip kind of outing that pairs perfectly with a quiet morning before your Roundup afternoon. (The fall/holiday market typically lands in November—check the current dates.) Branson Market DaysFacebookSpringfield MO
5) Cap the Night with a Sycamore Creek Barn Dance
Keep the ranch vibes going with a multi-generational barn dance—7:00–10:00 p.m. with light instruction, classic country two-step, waltz, swing, and line dances. The wood-fired pizza truck opens at 6:30 with seating inside the barn and picnic tables outside. Advance purchase of tickets is required due to high demand. Tickets are not sold at the door due to consistent sell out crowds. Family-friendly policies keep the night wholesome and welcoming. Sycamore Creek’s next barn dance is scheduled on 10/10/25. Be sure to check the Sycamore Creek website for additional event dates and times - and a link to purchase tickets. Sycamore Creek
Pro tips to make the most of your weekend
Attend the Fall Roundup first. Arrive by mid-afternoon to enjoy the activities, purchase pizza for dinner, catch golden-hour photos when the string lights come on, and enjoy a cozy firepit and s’mores as the sun sets. Sycamore Creek
Pair experiences smartly. Hike in the morning, Fall Roundup in the afternoon/evening, then either Harvest Festival lights or the Barn Dance to close the night. Silver Dollar City Attractions Sycamore Creek
Watch dates & tickets. The Fall Roundup runs weekends Oct 4–Nov 2; SDC’s Harvest Festival typically spans mid-Sep–late Oct; Branson Market Days usually hits in November—book ahead. Sycamore CreekSilver Dollar City AttractionsSpringfield MO
