Branson News Guide

As the selected destination for more than seven million visitors per year, the city of Branson is keenly aware of its need to provide the entertainment needs for today’s vacationer and for future generations of visitors as well. Whether it be the condition of the city streets or the quality of the water in the pristine lakes, rivers and streams, Branson is working hard to ensure that area businesses, residents and government offices are aware of and committed to preserving the environment.

Branson is one of the most progressive communities in the state thanks to its Environmental Excellence Challenge. The City of Branson began the program in 1996, reflecting the area’s commitment to preserving the natural resources of the Ozarks. The program is a partnership between the City of Branson and the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & Convention and Visitors Bureau and works to advocate environmentally friendly practices within area businesses.

Those who show an outstanding commitment to protecting the environment are rewarded with the opportunity to display the program’s official logo. The Environmental Excellence Challenge gives businesses, churches and schools and opportunity to earn points for such items as recycling, water conservation and beautification.

The Branson area is also tremendously committed to preserving the water in Table Rock Lake and neighboring rivers and streams. To this end, the James River Basin Partnership was instituted to monitor and enhance the area’s water quality. Fifty years ago the James River was a pristine stream meandering through the wondrous Ozark landscape.

Today, sections of the river are threatened by years of misuse. The James River Basin Partnership is working against the clock to protect the river from further pollution and enhance the water for fish, wildlife and future generations of residents and visitors. The ultimate goal is to protect and improve the water quality in area streams, lakes and rivers including Crane Creek, Spring Creek, Flat Creek, Wilson Creek, James River, Finley River, Lake Springfield and Table Rock Lake.

Every resident and business in Branson can participate in the city’s recycling program. The City of Branson operates a drop-off recycling center that accepts paper, yard waste, metals, plastic and glass. A recycling guide is available from the City that outlines the recyclable materials accepted.

Branson also recognizes trees as an important natural resource and, since 1994, has had one of the strictest landscape ordinances in the state. In fact, Branson considers tree management so important that the City’s landscape administrator has worked with the engineering department to inventory all trees on city property utilizing a computerized global positioning mapping system. Because of Branson’s efforts, it has been named a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation for three years in a row and has received the Governor’s Town Treescape Award for improving the community through tree planting.

Environmentally friendly practices throughout the Branson/Lakes area are in place to encourage residents and visitors to retain the Branson area’s natural resources – a leading reason why vacationers have been traveling to the community for many decades.

Whether spelunking in a cave, dunking in a water park or plunking in a line and fishing hook, Branson provides the ideal bunking spot for a fun-filled family vacation.

More than ever, families are selecting Branson as their vacation destination for much the same reason seven million others do—Branson provides a unique combination of exciting shows, attractions and shopping areas along with natural features such as lakes, caves and nature trails. And, while summer is the time most families visit Branson, actually everyday is family day in the Branson/Lakes Area.

No matter the time of year, families will always find exciting activities and a host of live entertainment options. In fact, every show in Branson is appropriate for kids, parents and grandparents, every day of the year.

Lodging accommodations in the Branson/Lakes Area are ideal for families.

Luxury, full-service resorts with family-sized cabins, hotels with family suites and large sleeping rooms provide comfort for the entire family. Area eateries also cater to families. Mile long buffets, casual upscale restaurants and on-the-go quick stops all serve meals that will appeal to every family member.

ATTRACTIONS

Attractions throughout the Branson/Lakes Area are sure to bring out the kid in everyone. Silver Dollar City, voted the top theme park in the World in 1998 by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, offers shows, bands, demonstrating crafters and great food in addition to several exciting rides all in a 1890s atmosphere. The new high flying, mulit-looping, cobra-rolling coster Wildfire drops drops 15 stories and reaches speeds up to 66 miles per hour. Buzz Saw Falls, the world’s first liquid roller coaster of its kind, thrills kids of all ages. This, in addition to the Thunderation roller coaster, Lost River and the World’s Largest Tree House at Splash Harbor.

Silver Dollar City also offers special events including the nation’s largest children’s festival, National Children’s Festival, making it a truly special place for families.

The all-new theme park Celebration City celebrates the top events and entertainment of the 20th Century. The new theme park features 30 themed rides, attractions and activities, including the wooden roller coaster, Ozark Wildcat. The park also features themed eateries, shops and an outstanding multi-media laser production show Celebrate.

At Dixie Stampede, families can enjoy a fingers only full-course dinner while cheering on their trick ridin’, whip crackin’, gut bustin’ team. The show filled with unique special effects, colorful costumes and hilarious comedy—including the only Ostrich races in town!

Missouri is known as the “Cave State” for good reason. In the greater Branson area, three caves await the family that loves to explore. Cosmic Cavern, an hour south of Branson in Berryville, AR., Fantastic Caverns, approximately 40 miles north in Springfield, and Marvel Cave, at Silver Dollar City offer tours through these fascinating natural wonders.

Ride the Ducks, one of the area’s most popular rides, is great fun for kids and parents. With “quackers” in hand, riders get a brief history of the area while riding on brightly painted amphibious vehicles and then dive into Table Rock Lake with a splash. Kids are encouraged to take a turn at the wheel and receive a complimentary “Captain’s Certificate” when the stint at the helm is complete.

Families can experience the tropics and cool off during the warm summer months at White Water. This spectacular 12-acre park is a great way to cool off. From the giant Surfquake pool to the 207-foot drop of Paradise Plunge to Splash Island for Kids, White Water is a wet and wild family adventure.

For those looking for a little zip, the Track, with several locations in Branson, offers go-carts, mini golf and arcades for hours of fun. Miniature golf can also be found inside the Grand Country Square. Rain or shine this entertainment complex offers shows, shops and fun all year long.

Two intriguing museums add a touch of the weird and wonderful to any family’s vacation. Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum showcases the strange and unusual and includes the world’s largest ball of nylon string. At the Hollywood Wax Museum, legendary stars are depicted in life-like replications.

Branson is also home to the Discovery IMAX Theater. Here, families can enjoy spectacular films on a 10-foot high screen everyday of the year. The complex also includes a restaurant and shops.

For a unique combination of history and entertainment, families should stop by the Shepherd of the Hills Homestead. This National Historic Landmark is home to the outdoor amphitheater production of “Shepherd of the Hills.” Visitors can also see old-time craftsman and take the elevator high atop Inspiration Tower for a panoramic view of the entire Branson/Lakes Area.

SHOWS

Family shows are an important tradition in the Branson/Lakes Area. Since the beginning of Branson’s entertainment scene, families have been performing together in great music and comedy shows. The Presley and Mabe (the Baldknobbers) families have been providing visitors with family-oriented shows for more than 40 years.

Several other entertainers also include family members in their show including The Lennon Sisters and their sons and daughters, the Shoji Tabuchi Show features daughter Christina and the Jim Stafford show includes numbers with his children.

In addition, the Lennon Brothers, the Osmonds, the Duttons and the Hughes Brothers all have shows that are not only family comprised, but family-oriented as well.

Branson also offers large production shows that feature non-stop music and great special effects. In addition to the musical entertainment, comedy and magic shows are sure to delight every member of the family.

NATURAL FEATURES

Branson’s three lakes, Table Rock Lake, Lake Taneycomo and Bull Schoals Lake, provide myriad opportunities for families to enjoy the great outdoors. Boating, fishing, swimming or building sandcastles along the beaches are just some of the many exciting lake activities. Many of the resorts on the lakes offer boat and water craft rentals.

The Ozark Mountains also offer hiking, biking and nature trails that provide the ideal chance to learn about the wildflowers and wildlife that call the Ozarks home.

Branson is also an ideal place to celebrate a family reunion. Lots of activities for the whole group and a great wholesome atmosphere will make for a memorable gathering.

Branson, Missouri, one of the most popular destinations in the country, boasts 50,000 theater seats—more than on Broadway, three pristine lakes, dozens of attractions, 22,000 lodging rooms 30,000 restaurant seats and more than 200 outlet retailers. Home to big-name entertainment and breathtaking scenery, Branson offers year round entertainment for the whole family.

BRANSON, MO – With 62 percent of all adults in the United States taking a trip to a small town during the past three years, rural tourism is more popular than ever. The unique charm of a small town, and especially one set within an historical environment, provides a perfect alternative to the hustle and bustle of a large, urban city.

In Branson, Missouri an old-fashioned sense of Americana is combined with dazzling, world-class entertainment in a vacation destination unlike any other. Visitors can enjoy the ambiance of a small town while strolling through the historic downtown area where tree-lined streets and lakeside shopping is reminiscent of a Norman Rockwell painting. In the same day, visitors can experience the dazzling excitement of a world-class entertainment center while enjoying any of the 70 shows performed morning, afternoon and evening.

Truly Branson’s appeal is in its dedication to the family and family-oriented activities. Nestled in America’s heartland, visitors to the Branson/Lakes Area can enjoy the warmth and hospitality of real Americans. The spirit of patriotism can be felt at many of the entertainment properties and throughout the community. The American flag is proudly waved and solid family values are confidently observed. At all area shows and attractions, kids, parents and grandparents can enjoy the entertainment without being offended by any of the music, comedic material or costumes.

Veterans of all the armed services are welcomed in the Branson/Lakes Area every day of the year. At area shows Veterans are recognized through special patriotic musical numbers and are frequently asked to stand while the entire audiences says “Welcome Home.” This commitment can be seen in area attractions and restaurants as well.

The traditional flavor of the Ozarks can also be found at area theme parks. Silver Dollar City depicts the Ozarks in the 1880s with traditional crafts, food, music and costumes. Voted the best theme park in the world in 1999, Silver Dollar City presents five festivals per year all celebrating the very best in music, culture, and family-oriented activities. The park also features thrilling rides, tucked away behind the trees, that provide thrill seekers great exhilaration. The all-new Wildfire roller coaster is 2.5 minutes of unending excitement.

Shepherd of the Hills Homestead takes visitors back in time to the early 1900s when author Harold Bell Wright visited the Ozarks and penned his famous novel, “The Shepherd of the Hills.” The homestead features crafts, horse-driven carriage tours of the area and an outdoor drama depicting the story of the novel.

While in the Branson/Lakes Area, visitors can experience a simpler time—when the pace of life was a bit slower and neighbors all knew one another, when smiles were genuine and wholesome was admirable. This family environment is what makes Branson so special and the reason more than 75 percent of all visitors return to the area.

Branson, Missouri, ranked 16th among overnight leisure destinations in the country, boasts more than 59,000 theater seats, three pristine lakes, dozens of attractions, 22,000 lodging rooms, 30,000 restaurant seats and more than 200 outlet retailers. A unique combination of neon and nature, Branson offers year round entertainment for the whole family.

Branson is called the “Live Entertainment Capital of the World” for Good Reason.

With more than 40 theaters and 80 musical, comedy, magic and large production shows, Branson is an ideal location for groups or individuals who want to be dazzled by big-name stars and state-of-the art technical wizardry. Show business legends such as Andy Williams, Glen Campbell, the Osmond Brothers, Pam Tillis and the Lawrence Welk orchestra featuring the Lennon Sisters are joined by all-stars such as Jim Stafford, Mickey Gilley, Yakov Smirnoff and Shoji Tabuchi.

Branson Combines Neon And Nature

Branson’s theaters are just one of the numerous entertainment options available in the Branson/Lakes Area. Three scenic lakes surround the area and for anyone fishing for fun, the lake offer boating, swimming, parasailing, jet skiing and fishing. World-class trout and bass fishing make the Lakes a tremendous draw for anglers of all levels.

The Story That Started It All

On 1907, Harold Bell Wright’s book, Shepherd of the Hills, was published and Branson has never been the same. The fourth most widely read book in history, the novel depicts the lives of Ozark Mountain families and their struggles for survival and happiness. The book is depicted every evening during the summer months at the Shepherd of the Hills Ampitheatre.

Branson Is Always Family-Oriented Fun

No matter the time of year or the show or attraction, Branson is ideal for every member of the family. All shows in the Branson/Lakes Area are appropriate for kids, parents and grandparents. The celebrities are committed to keeping the material clean and the performances great.

Branson Offers Its Visitors Five Seasons Of Great Entertainment

Four seasons just aren’t enough to accommodate all Branson has to offer! During the winter, an historically slow period for the area, more and more shows, attractions, lodging facilities and restaurants are opening up for visitors.

In springtime, the Dogwood and Redbud bloom and the excitement surrounding the new season swells. Summer is Branson in full swing. Families, groups and couples enjoy the shows, lakes, attractions and restaurants as the town puts out the welcome mat for every visitor.

In autumn, Branson turns glorious hues of gold and bronze with cooler days and crisp nights providing an ideal time for shopping at any of the three outlet malls or hiking, biking and wildlife watching in the spectacular Ozark Mountains. During the fifth season, Ozark Mountain Christmas, the town is illuminated in millions of lights. At Silver Dollar City, a five-story tree lights in rhythm with some of the beloved Christmas classics. During November and December, the Branson/Lakes Area Festival of Lights draws visitors from around the country.

Branson Honors America’s Veterans Every Day

Patriotism is alive and well in Branson and throughout the year veterans are honored at the shows and with special events. During the week surrounding Veteran’s Day, Branson hosts thousands of veterans from all branches of the military for a week of parades, festivities and remembrance. Veterans young and old are honored by the town of Branson for their courageous service to the country.

Throughout the year, patriotism can be felt throughout the town. Whether as a recognition to veterans and a rousing selection of patriotic song during a show or the flags whistling through the wind, Branson shows its dedication to its country 365 days a year.

Branson Is Dedicated To Environmental Preservation

The Branson/Lakes Area has taken steps to reverse the damage done to the environment following years of tourists and area mismanagement. The City’s Environmental Excellence Challenge brings the entire community together in an effort to reduce, reuse and recycle. The James River Basin Partnership works to protect and improve the water in area lakes and rivers. And, the Dewey Short Visitors Center on Table Rock Lake provides visitors with audio-visual programs and other information that highlight the area’s commitment to preserving the environment.

New Roads Mean Easy Travel in Branson

The City of Branson recently invested more than $37 million to build a multi-route new road system that makes getting around town quick and easy. Although many still “choose to cruise” on West Highway 76, otherwise known as “The Strip,” colored routes steer visitors directly to their destinations.

Entrepreneurs Alone Developed the Branson/Lakes Area

No other vacation destination has been as successful entirely through the efforts of local entrepreneurs. In the beginning, it was the vision of a few Ozark natives who developed the area into a draw for tourists. No major company entered the Branson area until the Branson/Lakes Area had become a tourism phenomenon.

Branson Is Ideal For Groups

Voted the number one motor coach destination of the decade, Branson knows how to make a group feel very welcome. From the vacation services that provide soup to nuts planning to the large parking lots, ample seating in restaurants and celebrity meet and greets, groups are always treated with care.

Meetings Are More Fun In Branson

Branson is so much fun, meeting planners will have a hard time getting participants to attend the sessions! Several facilities in the area provide ample space for groups of up to 2,500 and some provide space for up to 4,000. Hotels, resorts and theaters all work together to offer meeting planners the finest facilities in the Midwest.

Branson Is A Wonderful Place To Retire

Safe neighborhoods, a moderate cost of living, mild weather, great golfing and some of the best fishing in the county make Branson an ideal place to retire. New communities are being planned that will fit an active senior’s life to a tee. Golf, hiking and strolling along the scenic Ozark hills provide any retirees with activities galore. For those who want a part-time job, Branson’s economy is robust and offers seniors many opportunities for enhancing their financial situation. Branson also offers a full-service medical facility with a 24-hour trauma center. The Branson/Lakes Area was voted as one of the top 10 retirement destinations by Money magazine, and in 1999 was sited as the 11th fastest growing retirement area in the nation in a survey released by Jacksonville State University in Alabama.