"A" is for an abundance of live entertainment. "B" is for beautiful outdoor attractions and the bustle of tourism. "C" is for the country charm of the Ozarks. All three are essential components of Branson, Missouri, the Ozarks mecca that beckons with lovely woods, lake activities and lots of outdoor adventures. The city is a good choice for campers who want to wander out of the woods on occasion for an evening on the town.
History of Branson
In the early 1800s, southern Missouri's White River Valley attracted settlers from North Carolina and Tennessee who missed the southern Appalachian Mountains. When Branson was established in 1903, its founders envisioned a business center "that would generate trainload after trainload of logs, lumber, and manufactured products for the outside world," according to the city's official website. However, soon after incorporation in 1912, tourism began to blossom. By the mid 1930s, Branson's Lake Taneycomo had become an inexpensive vacation spot, and tourism helped the city survive the Great Depression.
Campsites
There are 12,000 lakeside campsites, both public and private, in the Branson area, starting at Table Rock State Park and traveling down the White River through Lake Taneycomo and on to Arkansas' Bull Shoals-White River State Park. All three lakes are reservoirs that were created to control flooding by the White River.
Outdoor Activities
Boating is a favorite pastime on all three lakes. Missouri State Parks says visitors to Table Rock can water ski, para-sail, go scuba diving or take an excursion on a 48-foot sailing catamaran. Paddle, pontoon, and fishing boat rentals are available. The lake is famous for its bass fishing.
Fishing is also a top activity at Bull Shoals. However, the lake is split between Missouri and Arkansas, so visitors who intend to fish the entire lake will need fishing licenses for both states.
Hiking, backpacking, zipline tours, horseback riding and geocaching--an outdoor treasure hunt of sorts--are also popular.
Live Entertainment
Branson is referred to as the "live music show capital of the world." The city has 50 live performance theaters with concerts ranging from the blues to the classics to bluegrass. Visit Missouri maintains a lengthy calendar of Branson events, including chuckwagon jamborees, craft fairs, fiddle festivals, Ironman events and a harvest celebration. The website Explore Branson also provides a detailed, 12-month calendar of events. Yet another website, Branson Shows, lists all the performances in town from "Amazing Pets" to the "Yakov Smirnoff Show."
Other City Attractions
The online Branson Courier suggests a number of free, family-friendly activities in town. These include a trip to a working grist mill at College of the Ozarks, a fish hatchery tour, a walk along Lake Taneycomo's boardwalk and a ride on the Branson Discovery Trolley. It also recommends the elaborate water, fire, light and music shows at the Branson Landing fountains. Shows occur daily and approximately every hour from noon until about 10 p.m.
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