When you visit Branson, you can't help but see a unique kind of Duck that has been a part of the landscape and charm of the area for more than 27 years. Although they look and certainly sound much like their namesake water fowl, they are actually something much different.

Originally military vehicles designed to carry troops and supplies from ship to shore, these war heroes (dubbed DUKW's) are completely re-engineered and renovated by Ride The Ducks of Branson, into the ideal sightseeing vehicles used today for land tours and lake cruising, all in a single trip!

Vessels of this origin have been used for sightseeing for more than 50 years in several locations around the world. Industry experts estimate that more than 1 million people travel via amphibious ducks every year. Yet the vehicles developed and manufactured by Ride The Ducks in Branson are a breed of their own. A steadfast dedication to reliability, comfort and safety has produced vehicles complete with automatic curtains, power steering, dual line disc brakes and increased freeboard. It's what the development team there likes to call their "super duck," for obvious reasons.

Extensively trained, highly skilled and extremely dedicated U.S. Coast Guard-certified captains command the vessels and provide interesting local lore, traveler tips and plenty of humor along the way. Adding to the fun are plastic, duck-bill-shaped noise makers, which are included with each admission. These Wacky Quackers have been known to get even the most mild-mannered tourists quacking along.

Highlights of the 80-minute "show on wheels" include an exclusive trip to the top of Baird Mountain for one of the area's most spectacular 180-degree lake views, the trout hatchery, Country Music Boulevard and Table Rock Dam. Of course, the most unique part of the journey is the driving splash down into Table Rock Lake followed by a relaxing lake cruise.

Ride The Ducks is open seven days per week with tours departing frequently. Adult admission is $13.44 plus tax. Children ages 4-12 ride for half price ($6.70 plus tax). Children under 4 ride for free. And there is a new discount for seniors (60+) this year. Ride The Ducks is located on West Hwy. 76, next to McDonald's. Look for the bright yellow and orange, two-story building. For more information, call 417-334-DUCK.