Unless you like to drive the wonderful Ozark Mountain roads we have. I would take I 40 to Hwy 65. The only bad part of 65 is going through Harrison, stay in the left hand lane as the right has not shoulder and you are riding the curb the whole time.
It really depends what you like to do. One could really spend a week in my great town. We have a new Aquarium thats worth a visit. Or amusement park it ranked 1st for family parks. Even if you do not do rides its just great to walk around. Some of the best shows are daytime ones, so look at that. Bass Pros main store is in Springfield a 45 min drive on 65. If you are into Civil War history we have the Wilson Creek National Battlefield just North of Branson
https://www.nps.gov/wicr/index.htm
I would check out a couple of our newest things to do
WonderWorks https://www.wonderworksonline.com/branson/
and Beyond the Lens https://beyondthelens.com/branson/
Many good restaurants and shopping to be had
Good Luck and enjoy Branson
Itasca Meridian SE 36g
Road Master Tow Dolly