Branson Titanic, Worth a Visit

The disastrous fate of the Titanic has entranced, saddened, and entertained generations since the tragedy first happened in 1912. Now, visitors to Branson, Missouri have the chance to explore the ultimate Titanic Museum.

Designed like that fateful yet wondrous ship, Branson Titanic is 17,000 square feet and was developed as more than just an attraction; the Museum is a memorial to those who perished when the Titanic sank.

The Branson Titanic is known by the name,"Titanic: The Legend Continues". It has many artifacts from the Titanic including hundreds that have never been released for public viewing before. Essentially, the Branson Titanic will allow visitors the opportunity to see, feel, and experience the Titanic, as they never have before.

There are so many things to see relating to the Titanic, a visit to the museum is essential for anyone traveling to or through Branson. History buffs, Titanic enthusiasts, and schoolchildren will all learn something by going to this museum. However, a visit is recommended for nearly anyone no matter where his/he interests lie.

The next time you travel to the Branson area, check out the museum. It offers a beautiful memorial wall. The wall has etchings upon it of the names of all of the passengers and crew aboard the ship.

Other highlights of the attraction include a hard-to-find original menu from this ship (worth $100,000 today) and a display of photographs showing life on the Titanic while it was sailing across the Atlantic. This is the only visual documentation available to show life on the ship, which exists today!

All photographs were taken by Father Francis Browne. Browne was not only a Jesuit Priest, but also a first class passenger of the Titanic.

Additionally, there are over 400 artifacts, which are scattered throughout the attraction. There are several items, which were recovered back in 1912, after the disaster happened.

These items include photographs, items purchased while on board the Titanic, artifacts used by passengers while on the ship, and items passed down from survivors of the tragedy to their relatives and friends. Some examples of artifacts on display are deck chairs, lifejackets, menus, dinnerware, personal letters, and jewelry.

The massive size of the Branson Titanic is reminiscent of that great majestic beauty the original Titanic possessed. Branson Titanic has a forecastle nearly 50 feet high, and smokestacks, which rise an impressive 75 feet.

The attraction is owned by Cedar Bay Amusements. The president of Cedar Bay, John Joslyn, wanted this done right, to emulate the real Titanic and provide a scaled replica of the ship.

Your ticket to the attraction will list the name of a real passenger aboard the ship. You will get the chance to explore that passenger's destiny. You can walk through re-constructed versions of the Bridge, Marconi radio room, Verandah Cafe, the Boiler Room, and the Grand Staircase.

Children will love the attraction as they get to view an actual iceberg. In this interactive area, children can send SOS messages and steer the ship around the iceberg. Movie memorabilia is also available from all of the Titanic films including the 1997 Oscar-winning, Titanic, directed by James Cameron.

You can go on a 90-minute tour of the ship. As you enter the attraction, you must walk through the "iceberg", which is located in the exact area where the iceberg hit the Titanic. You will not want to miss the chance to sit in a lifeboat while you listen to tales of survival concerning passengers on the Titanic.

You can follow the grand staircase down to third class from first class and see two ships so historically perfect and nearly identical to the real Titanic (includes James Cameron's 26-foot version of the bow used in the hit movie and an 18-foot version of the ship).

Other features include a rare pair of shoes and a dress from 1912 that were created by designer Lucy "Lady Duff" Gordon (who was a first class passenger on the Titanic), a scaled Titanic propeller (you can stand beside the huge propeller it is so big) and reconstructed rooms.

The Branson Titanic is wheelchair accessible. This ship is one attraction you will not want to miss, whether you intended to stay in Branson or not. If you love the Titanic, "Titanic: The Legend Continues" is a necessary stop on your next vacation to Branson, Missouri.