Here you will find information for the Greater Table Rock Lake area and all that it has to offer. The links on the left side of this page will also provide you with additional information.
Branson, MO has always been known for its "Country Music Shows" on the "Strip". Those days are fading away and Branson is transforming itself to provide something to appeal to everyone. Of course you still find the classic shows on the strip, but now there is such a variety that you are sure to find something to satisfy everyone. There are magic shows, tribute shows, gospel, and patriotic shows just to name a few. Not to mention dinner cruises on Table Rock Lake and Lake Taneycomo, a world class theme park, water park, helicopter rides, and the latest attraction, zip lines above the ozark landscape.
History of the Area
In 1882, a general store and post office were opened by Rueben Branson. In 1912 Branson was formally incorporated. Construction of the Powersite Dam located nearby on the White River formed Lake Taneycomo.
William Henry Lynch bought Marble Cave in 1894 began charging visitors to tour it. In 1950 Hugo and Mary Herschend leased the cave on a 99 year lease and began hosting square dances inside it. The Herschend Family modernized the cave with electricity and cement staircases in 1960. The Herschends then opened Silver Dollar City which consisted of a town of five shops, a church, and featured a log cabin with actors playing out the feud between the Hatfields and the McCoys.
In 1907, Harold Bell Wright had published his novel about The Ozarks, The Shepherd of the Hills. The Old Mill Theater began its first outdoor production based on the novel in 1960. The show known as The Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Drama & Homestead still runs today. It is also the home of Inspiration Tower, the Sons of the Pioneers show, and other attractions.
Table Rock Dam was completed in 1958 on the White River, which created Table Rock Lake. Many people do not realize that Table Rock Lake is man made.
Inspired by a Boy Scout camping trip to the Ozarks, in 1962, Paul Henning created the Beverly Hillbillies, which ran on television until 1971. Season 8 of the first 5 episodes are set in the Branson area when the Clampetts returned to visit their home in the Ozark hills. Henning later donated 1,534 acres for the Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area near Branson. He also donated the modified 1921 Oldsmobile truck used as the vehicle in the series to the College of the Ozarks where it is on display in the Ralph Foster Museum today.
In 1967, the Presley family became the first to move their show to Highway 76, which has become known as the "strip". A year later the Baldknobbers moved their show to the "strip" as well. This stretch of road would eventually grow to more than 50 theaters.
In 1983 Branson began a transformation into a major tourist attraction when the 7,500 seat Swiss Villa Amphitheater opened in Lampe, MO. The outdoor amphitheater, later renamed the Black Oak Mountain Amphitheater before closing in the early 2000s, proved there was a market for large music gatherings. Ironically, it started out as a venue for rock bands Def Leppard, Lynard Skynard, Steppenwolf, Ozzy Osbourne and REO Speedwagon.
The Roy Clark Celebrity Theatre opened in 1983. Roy Clark became the first famous country music star to have his own theatre in Branson. Many of the performers who have their own theaters today in Branson got their start at that venue. Soon after, a series of larger theatres opened. Box Car Willie opened his theatre in 1987 becoming the first entertainer with a permanent schedule in Branson.
In May 2009 Branson Airport opened to the public. Constructed at a projected cost of $155 million on land formerly owned by Tennessee Ernie Ford, the airport is privately owned, and is the largest privately owned commercial airport in the United States. Its construction involved flattening the tops of Ozark Mountains and blasting rock to strategically place the runways. Previously, the closest commercial airport was Springfield-Branson National Airport 50 miles northwest of Branson, owned by the City of Springfield.