Area Entertaiment: WonderWorks—A place for discovery, events and contests

I recently went to find out the story behind the upside-down building and this is what I discovered. 

Right now, they are having a couple of contests.

·       OZART: for Missouri and Arkansas young artists.

Each year, WonderWorks accepts art submissions from Missouri and Arkansas students, ages six to 20. Applications close December 12, so get your entries in. Rules and entry forms may be found on the website. This year’s contest theme is "America the Beautiful." July 4th, 2026, will mark 250 years of American independence! What a way to celebrate by having a winning artwork piece displayed for all to see all year in the building.

·  WonderKids: This is a program that highlights a student's achievement in and around the classroom. This is an educational mission to make science fun and entertaining, to exhibit an excitement and an expertise in the world of mathematics, to embody being a distinguished member of their community, and embody what it means to be an original thinker and an inspired visionary. What a way to be inspired and recognized along with other cool prizes! These contests for this year are coming to a close quickly so don't wait, get your submissions in now. 

They have several events and programs going on consistently, so go check it out on the web. 

WonderWorks has something for everyone, the STEM/STEAM programs, homeschooling kids, seniors, teachers, locals, fundraisers, military, reunions, groups, birthday parties, business parties, tour groups, scouts and schools. You name it, they probably can do it! You may even sign up for emails and for the birthday club. It combines both education and entertainment into one venue. 

Now to the story of the reason they are upside down:

On a remote island, in the mysterious Bermuda Triangle, there was a top-secret research laboratory led by Professor Wonder. He was working on an experiment to harness the power of a tornado and something went wrong! The wind grew stronger than expected! He tried to stop the experiment, but it was too late! Being too strong, it spun out of control, leaving the island and taking the building and the Professor, and dropping them on Highway 76 in Branson, where they've been for five years now. 

Now, when you enter the building, everything will be upside-down. So, in order to participate in the fun, you must step inside the inversion tunnel and be turned right side up! Once you're properly aligned, then your adventure and family fun awaits! 

You will want to wear close-toed shoes to be more comfortable for all that awaits you. There are levels of fun on different levels in the building for all ages. You will expect to spend an average of three to four hours on your adventure. You can even leave and come back the same day, as long as you're wearing your wristband. They have two dining areas inside that are good for your convenience, too. 

Don't wait to go see them. They are not hard to find. Just look for the crumbling upside building on Highway 76, awaiting to be saved by the big octopus across the way!

WonderWorks has different locations in Orlando, Pigeon Forge, Panama City Beach, Myrtle Beach and Syracuse. They each have their own themed originality. I'm so glad that we have one here in Branson.

WonderWorks is located at 2835 W. 76 Country Blvd., Branson. Phone 417-231-9999. Hours are daily, 365 days a year, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. They are handicapped and wheelchair friendly in all levels of the building and the parking area. 

Here are their other media sites:

WonderWorksBranson on Facebook

WonderWorksBR on Twitter

WonderWorks_br on Instagram