Few places in Missouri — actually, few places of its size in the country — offer as much to do and see as Branson.  It has become the state’s tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world to see its many shows, eat at its fine restaurants and take in its many museums and other entertainment venues.

Among Branson lodges, a standout is The Lodges At Table Rock.  Also serving as a Silver Dollar City lodge because it’s only a few steps from the world-famous theme park, The Lodges At Table Rock offers six bedroom/six-bathroom and four-bedroom/four-bathroom units that are ideal for families and groups of friends.

The spacious units provide all the comforts of home.  The rooms feature king-size beds, TVs and DVD players.  Some bathrooms even have Jacuzzi tubs.  Each lodge has a full kitchen and washer/dryer, as well as free long-distance phone service and free Wi-Fi.

In other words, a Table Rock lodge is the perfect headquarters from which to explore Branson attractions, such as these museums:

• Branson Auto Museum.  More than 100 cars indoors and more outdoors change regularly.  A gift shop offers die-cast cars, apparel, books and magazines.  Look for unusual toys, as well as hotrod parts and accessories.  Phone: (417) 335-2600.  Web: www.bransonmuseum.com.

• Dinosaur Walk Museum.   Take a stroll deep into prehistory and face down Tyrannosaurus Rex.  A movie theater shows high-definition educational films. There are many hands-on activities.  Exhibits include flying reptiles, bone and skull replicas, skeletons and much more.  Phone: (417) 335-8739.  Web: www.BransonDinosaurs.com.

• Hollywood Wax Museum.  Meet the Men in Black, along with many other heroes and villains, up close and personal at this family-owned museum.  After 40 years in business, it’s the longest-running wax museum in the country.

• Laura Ingalls Wilder Home and Museum.  Everyone loves the "Little House" books.  This is where Laura Ingalls Wilder wrote them.  Artifacts from more than 100 years are on display in the national landmark.  Phone: (877) 924-7126.  Web: www.lauraingallswilderhome.com.

• Ralph Foster Museum.  Located on the campus of the College of the Ozarks, the museum is among the Midwest’s foremost historical preservation sites.  It includes a large collection of Western and Native American artifacts.  Phone: (417) 690-3407.  Web: www.rfostermuseum.com.

• Roy Rogers-Dale Evans Museum.  Memorabilia from the storied lives of Roy and Dale fill this extensive collection.  Once housed in Victorville, California, the artifacts were moved to Branson 2003.  Phone: (417) 339-1900.  Web: www.royrogers.com.

• Veterans Memorial Museum.  Wars throughout the 20th century and the men and women who fought them are the subject of the Veterans Memorial Museum.  Ten halls bring back World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm and more.  Phone: (417) 336-2300.  Web: www.veteransmemorialbranson.com.