Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner Attraction in Branson Missouri
While visiting Branson Missouri there are a few places that you do not want to miss. The Dolly Parton's Stampede Dinner Attraction is one of them. This year is the 25th year for the Stampede Dinner Attraction in Branson and they continue to sell out almost every show. That should tell you how popular it is and why you shouldn't miss it.
I was given complimentary admission as part of a #BloggingBranson event. However, all thoughts and opinions are my own and are not influenced by the brand or sponsor.
When you arrive on property, make sure to allow time to enjoy your surroundings as you walk towards the main building. The flowers and pathways are gorgeous. They are a perfect backdrop for some special moments to capture a picture or two, especially the floral butterfly on the front lawn.
Meet the stars of the show up close!
On the pathway to the main entrance, you will see the open air stables where the main performers (the horses) are waiting to capture your attention. Each of the horses are waiting for the chance to pose in a photograph with you. Honestly, I had to laugh as some of our crew tried to take photos and one of the horses kept sticking out his tongue.
Pre Show Activities
Once you make your way inside the building, there is an opportunity to have your picture taken with your group. Along the walkway, there are photos that you won't want to miss!
The White River Wranglers
Then you are directed through the Gift Shop where you can purchase branded items to take home. I recommend the package of soup and a souvenir boot cup. Although my grand daughter is crazy about her “dancing” flower.
Just outside the gift shop is an open multi level open stage area where you will enjoy about 45 minutes of entertainment from the White River Wranglers.
Make sure to grab some popcorn and a specialty non-alcoholic drink in a souvenir mug while you enjoy the comedy and music.
The Show
Each show is held in their 35,000 square foot arena surrounded by stomping, cheering (and eating) guests while 32 horses race through the arena with a cast of top-notch trick riders.
The entire show keeps you entertained with amazing riding and horse tricks, adorable animal competitions, audience competitions (have you ever tried tossing toilet seats in a horse shoe showdown), and some of the funniest comedy routines from SKEETER & NUGGET® that I have ever heard.
As the show unfolds, the story of the American past is displayed in the arena.
From the struggles and challenges of the wagon trails to the beautiful American Indian.
The Arena
The show arena is set up in a large horseshoe shape with tiered seating so there is not a bad seat in the house.
We were seated almost to the top of the horseshoe and had a wonderful view of all the activities during the evening.
As the evening progresses, a challenge showdown between the North and the South is played out. After each challenge event, the winning side earns a star for their wall and at the end of the evening the winning side is announced. Which side would you cheer for? During our visit the South won the competition so I know the North would be looking to even the score at the next showtime.
I don't know which side holds the record for wins. I did ask but no one could tell me for sure. The North claims the title but the South chimes in strongly that they are in fact the champs. This might be one of those things that we may never know.
Dinner Menu
The dinner menu consists of a four course meal. No worries here, there is more food than you can eat! I heard dinner was served without any silverware and thought this would be unique. If you are curious about the reason, you can read more about the #BanTheFork (just search for the hashtag). However, there was a fork on the plate setting when we arrived. But then everyone around us started passing their fork down towards the end of the row to the server. So, we joined in and dug in with our hands.
Our meal started with a bowl of soup which is easy enough to consume without silverware. But then the server plopped a whole chicken on the plate! About this time the lights were lowered as the show was beginning and I was unable to get photographs of the remaining courses.
Whether you support the #BanTheFork or not, each of the menu items are simple enough to eat with your fingers. It was a fun experience and one that I am sure the rest of my family would enjoy.
For the regular dinner menu, each person receives:
- The Stampede’s Original Creamy Vegetable Soup
- A Whole Rotisserie Chicken
- Hickory Smoked Barbecued Pork Loin
- Homemade Biscuit
- Hot Buttered Corn on the Cob
- Herb Roasted Potato Wedge
- The Stampede’s very own Specialty Dessert
- Unlimited Coca-Cola®, tea or coffee
Special Needs and Menu Options
They do offer alternate menus for those needing a Vegetarian and or Gluten Free meal. Make sure that you purchase your tickets in advance and let them know if you need one of these alternate dinners. Same day or walk up tickets do include the regular menu so keep this in mind when you plan your trip. Other special needs or concerns should be addressed at the time you make your reservation. Limited seating for handicap or limited mobility is available.
Special Memories
I enjoyed the entire evening from the pre show to the finale. However, there were two performances that captured my attention. The first one was a beautiful demonstration of a Native American song. You could feel each beat of the drums as the music and drummers floated down from the ceiling.
The other scene was the “Belle's” dancing around and around a floating platform with style and grace. It was beautiful to watch them dance.
If you are planning a trip to Branson Missouri anytime this year, make sure to put the Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner Attraction on the top of your reservation list. And if your family is as large as mine, make sure to reach out to the group sales office for special pricing at (800) 520-2101.
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This is a great destination for Dolly Parton fans!
Sounds like a fun place to visit. Thanks for sharing!
This looks like it would be fun I’d love to go
Sounds like a good idea for a fun vacation
this place is a great famiy based place to go have dinner and a good time!
Looks like a fun place, I have never heard of the ban the fork, so will have to check it out. Eating all that food, omg a whole chicken you sure were right when you said it was a lot of food! I think eating without silverware would be a totally new experience for me, but would be willing to try it. If I ever get to Branson definitely want to go there.
This sounds like a lot of fun! I have never been to Branson Missouri before and I didn’t realize that there was a Dolly Partons Stamped dinner attraction was there.
It sounds like fun. I’ve been to Pigeon Forge but Branson is on our TO DO list. Thank you for all your great pictures!
I have been to the one in Pigeon Forge Tenn.
I’m not a big fan of country music. I like Dolly Parton and found this interesting.
Have never been to Branson but this looks like a place that would be fun to visit
I have never been to Branson. But I have been to Dolly Parton’s Stampede twice in Pigeon Forge and love the show and food.
Looks like a great way to spend and evening. I love watching horses.
Always wanted to go!
Looks like a lot of fun!
What fun! I want to go to Branson. Thanks for posting!
Looks so fun!
I will have to remember this for the next time we are in Branson.
I have been to the Dixie stampede in pigeon forge Tennessee, it is similar. It was fun!
oh wow! I would love to visit there!
Looks fun
Have always wanted to go there.
Hope to get there one day
I’ve been to the Dolly Parton’s Stampede in Tennessee. My family and I enjoyed it!
Looks like a real good time!!
Oh how I wish that I could go there..Been 14 years since I have been anywhere..But I would
never be that lucky. I have forgotten what fun is …that’a is so sad..but true ( a long story behind
why I have not been)
Sounds fun!
such fun!
Sounds like a family friendly place. Maybe we should plan to get to Branson one day.
I dont care how much of an icon she is or how great a show they put on, I just…no. save me a biscuit though.
looks like fun
Branson is a fun place to visit.
a great family park
This looks like a lot of fun! Thank you for sharing!
Never have been there, but it looks like a lot of fun. Thank you for sharing.
This looks so much fun to go to. I have not been to Missouri before.