A field trip that will leave you and your students in shock!
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! in Branson, Missouri, is the perfect field trip destination for both curious creatives and studious scientists alike. There’s something enriching for everyone. Spanning 12,000 sq. ft. on the Branson Strip, your class of young adventurers and historians will have a full day of fun.
History
Robert Ripley was an adventurer and cartoonist in 1918. His cartoons would showcase his adventures around the world and the rarities he found along the way. His second issue was titled “Believe it or Not,” and the name stuck; it became the catch phrase we all know and love today. Ripley’s first showcase museum opened in 1933 at the Chicago World’s Fair and was fittingly called the “Odditorium”. Much like a circus, the museum featured live performances, oddities, cartoons, and unique artifacts; it alone attracted 2 million visitors. From there, Ripley continued traveling, discovering, and sharing. In December of 1950, the first permanent Believe it or Not museum opened in St. Augustine.
Attractions
Throughout the museum, you will find 30,000 unique pieces, including some of the world’s smallest art. It fits on the head of a pin or in the eye of a needle. The museum provides a microscope that can zoom up to 400 times to see the art’s detail and intricacy.
There is also Ripley’s Super Fun Park, an additional attraction that is an entertainment center built for play. This park will test your sport, skill and speed. Featuring laser tag, a 12,000 square foot interactive maze, “Smash and Dash,” an activity that tests your reflexes and speed, as well as a laser maze for spies in the making to avoid laser beams and make it to the end.
Educational Opportunities
Ripley’s museums offer learning opportunities by teaching students about unique cultural practices, from modern, historic, to ancient. With exhibits showcasing wonders from all around the world, your students will learn about biological wonders, historical artifacts and unique artwork such as shrunken heads and skull bowls. There is an entire exhibit dedicated to World War 2, including some of the armored vehicles used, uniforms and a two-thousand-pound eagle sculpture made entirely from auto parts. The museum is filled with hands-on science and exhibits that inspire creativity and promote team building.
Accessibility Features
Ripley’s “Believe it or Not” museum in Branson strives to be fully accessible for differently abled students. Here are some key accessibility features the museum offers.
● Inclusive environment
● Accessible Bathrooms with grab bars
● Accessible elevators
● Trained team members
● Ramps
● Wider halls
● Guide dogs and service animals allowed (not including emotional support animals)
Group information
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! offers many accommodations for group booking and field trips, including:
● Discounted rates for groups of 20 or more
● Free parking
● Self-paced tours for all day fun
● Wheelchair accessible
● Backpacks and outside food/drinks may not be allowed; however, backpacks and coats can be checked at the entrance.
