Originally envisioned as a center for lumber shipment from the Ozark Mountains, Branson began to develop tourism in the 1930s. Today, Branson is a major regional destination in the United States with a well-known reputation for live music theaters, primarily in the Country genre. The city hosts three major amusement parks, as well as a diversified armada of live theaters that house everything from comedy and magic shows to variety music and dancing. Built along a portion of Highway 76 nicknamed "The Strip" because of its Las-Vegas-style roadside neon signs, Branson has built its reputation as the family-friendly Las-Vegas.

Author, painter, and pastor Harold Bell Wright began visiting the area in 1898 and used it for the setting in his book Shepherd of the Hills. Following publication in 1907 of The Shepherd of the Hills, locals began to see the first tourists longing to experience the scenic Ozarks as Wright had. Today the outdoor production of the Shepherd of the Hills is still being performed, and enjoyed by thousands of family's every year.

Over the years Branson has grown to include over 100 live shows in nearly 50 theaters; other tourist attractions include museums, three pristine lakes, 10 championship golf courses, an IMAX Theater, year-round festivals and events, as well as countless ways to enjoy the majestic beauty of the Ozarks outdoors.

In the 1950s the first two country music shows, The Baldknobbers and Presleys' Country Jubilee, appeared along Branson's main thoroughfare, Highway 76 followed by many others. These great shows are still running today.

Local Attractions .... include Silver Dollar City and Celebration City, Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede, White Water, Showboat Branson Belle, The Shepherd of the Hills, Stone Hill Winery, and Ride The Ducks, to name just a few.

Famous Celebrities .... In Branson have included Cristy Lane, Roy Clark, Wayne Newton, Mel Tillis, Ray Stevens, Jim Stafford, Yakov Smirnoff, Boxcar Willie, Andy Williams, Bobby Vinton, Charlie Pride, Tony Orlando, The Duttons, The Osmonds, and many others.

Table Rock Lake .... Over 800 miles of shoreline & 43,000 acres of true ozark beauty and World-Class Bass Fishing. Table Rock Dam, impounds the White River and forms the lake.
The lake temperature varies according to season:
Spring 56 to 77 °F Summer 85 to 90 °F Fall 71 to 82 °F Winter 42 to 47 °F

Lake Taneycomo .... Named for the county in which it is located,
The cool waters from Table Rock lake have helped it earn it's reputation for world class Rainbow and Brown Trout fishing.
Lake Taneycomo's water temperature is in the upper 40's to low 60's
year round.

Bull Shoals Lake .... Is an artificial lake in the Ozark Mountains of northern Arkansas and southern Missouri. With a thousand miles of shoreline and to many coves to count, Bull Shoals is perfect for boating, water sports, swimming, and fishing. Almost two dozen parks around the shoreline provide campgrounds, picnic areas, boat launches, swim areas, and marinas.

.........Weekly State Wide Lake Report

The Branson Scenic Railway .... In Downtown Branson.
The train departs from a historic depot in downtown Branson offering visitors a 40 mile trip through the Ozark Mountains. The railroad was originally built as the White River Railway between 1902 and 1905. Because of the rugged terrain of the Ozarks, a number of trestles and tunnels were required in order to create a level railroad grade. The railroad made it possible for tourists to travel into the region, and it helped to make Branson and the Ozarks the tourism destination it is today.

Silver Dollar City .... The park is an 1880s themed experience that fits Branson's vision as a family friendly vacation destination with down-home charm. Just a few of the parks favorites include: The Homestead Barnyard, The Wilderness Church, The Giant Barn Swing, and many local art and craft demonstrations.