Branson is often overlooked as a destination for student trip due to its reputation of being a Mecca for senior citizens. There are some shows that I would certainly steer clear of with a student group, but there are tons of options for groups without visiting attractions that your student group might consider ?lame?.

One great option to keep your students impressed and to keep their bellies filled is to experience the Showboat Branson Belle. You will be taken on a two hour cruise of Table Rock Lake aboard an old fashion paddle wheel boat. You will be intrigued by the beauty of the boat and entertained by the show while on board. Before or after the show, make sure you step outside onto the decks to watch some of the wonderful shoreline passing by.

The Ozark Mountain, especially around Table Rock Lake, is some of the most marvelous sights in the Midwest. You will want to make sure that you have your camera available as this will make an marvelous backdrop for a group photo!

Once back inside, you will be treated to an amazing meal which menu will vary depending on if you are there for lunch or dinner. I have never in my lifetime had a bad meal on the Branson Belle so I'm sure your group will not be disappointed.

In addition to great food and great scenery, you will have the chance to see one of the best family shows in Branson. There are several award winning performers on board, and once again, your show will vary depending on which meal and which time you are cruising.

Some of my favorites are Todd Oliver and Friends, and Andrei and Marina. Todd Oliver is a nationally known comedian and ventriloquist whose on stage friends are a cast of talking dogs. His humor is clean but hilarious and you will have a hard time trying to eat as you will be laughing out loud during his performance. He and the dogs are so talented you often forget that the pooches aren't REALLY talking!

Andrei and Marina are a married couple from Russia. Andrei a Russian acrobat and Marina a Russian ballerina perform together in a breathtaking act of skill and grace that I have been hard pressed to find a rival for. You will be amazed at their feats of strength and agility and will hold your breath as Marina balances high above the stage with barely an arm to support her from falling.

Make sure that you leave time before or after boarding to shop at the specialty shops on White River Landing. Your group will be able to find the perfect treasure or souvenir along the shore of beautiful Table Rock Lake. Layton Mercantile has things such as specialty candies, coffees, and clothing. For nautical themed gifts or souvenirs, take a look around McAdoo's Boatworks. On board, you will have plenty of time to browse in the Showboat Branson Belle's souvenir shop if you don't have time to look around at the Landing.

Showboat Branson Belle is a great choice for any group from adults to students. When you schedule the Branson Belle for your group it makes a great way to take care of a show and a meal at the same time which is not always easy to do in Branson. If you are planning to go to Silver Dollar City, White Water or Celebration City, combo tickets can make keeping the budgeting of several activities for your group economical. Make sure that your bus or motor coach heading to Branson puts the Branson Belle on their itinerary.