Branson Area Info and Weather Forecast

T he Branson/Lakes Area is naturally entertaining! The theaters and shows allow visitors to revel in the glittering lights and sparkling stars, but for some, a vacation means enjoying a slower, but equally entertaining pace. Escaping the world while listening to the rhythm of the waves in a peaceful cove, soaring over the water while parasailing or landing the catch that will be talked about for years to come are just some of the ways to enjoy the natural side of Branson's entertainment offerings.

Nestled in the scenic Ozark Mountains, Table Rock Lake, Lake Taneycomo and Bull Shoals Lake offer water enthusiasts an incredible choice of activities. Visitors can swim, ski, boat, sail, scuba dive, jet ski, parasail and of course, fish. Access to the water is easy. Lake Taneycomo flows through the city of Branson and Table Rock is just a ten-minute drive from the central district. Bull Shoals Lake, just 20 minutes away, provides a secluded, rustic getaway.

All of Branson's lakes offer camping and picnicking facilities in addition to a wide range of accommodations. Several commercial docks provide fuel, supplies and boat rentals including ski boats, pontoon boats, bass boats and wave runners. Also, most of the resorts on the lakes offer rental boats and private dock facilities for their guests' boats too.

Golf has become one of the area's fastest growing activities with championship golf courses becoming an integral part of the landscape. Several courses offer spectacular vistas of the surrounding Ozarks and challenging holes sure to please both the novice and expert golfer. For more information about golfing in the Branson/Lakes Area, please visit www.golfbranson.com .

Wildlife is plentiful in the Ozarks, and the lakes provide the perfect backdrop for spotting wildlife of all kinds. Frequent sightings include eagles, deer, wild turkeys, cranes and other water birds. Even during the busy summer months, visitors can find a private spot to drop in a fishing line or just enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The lakes' pristine waters never freeze, welcoming visitors year-round.

The nearby State Parks, National Forests and Conservation Areas provide a wealth of outdoor recreation activities set amidst the scenic splendor of the Ozark Mountains.

Whether diving in for a day filled with activities or awaking before dawn in search of a championship catch, Branson's lakes are another perfect way for visitors to experience Branson's natural entertainment.

A s golf's popularity sweeps the country, the Branson/Lakes Area has responded with new and challenging golf courses. Some are chiseled right out of the Ozark Mountains. Nine 18-hole courses (with more on the way) and one 9-hole executive course provide golfing opportunities that will delight both scratch players and novices.

Most courses offer private and group lessons by PGA Certified Pros as well as a full range of equipment rental. All area courses are open to the public and are open year round.

Area courses:
Pointe Royale Golf Course - A 6,067 yard, 18-hole course, Pointe Royale is a premier championship course located in a scenic condominium resort setting in Branson on Lake Taneycomo just below Table Rock Dam.
Thousand Hills Golf Resort - A 5,111 yard, 18-hole course, Thousand Hills is conveniently located in the heart of Branson.
Holiday Hills Golf Club - Located just three miles east of Branson, newly renovated Holiday Hills offers a 5,771 yard, 18-hole course.
Ledgestone Golf Course - Located in Stonebridge Village, Ledgestone is a 6,724 yard, 18-hole course with scenic and challenging terrain.
Branson Creek Golf Club - This all-new Tom Fazio-designed 18-hole course offers 7,012 yards of scenic and challenging golf.
Top of the Rock Golf Course - This 9-hole executive course was designed by Jack Nicklaus and offers 1,330 yards overlooking Table Rock Lake.

Area public golf courses can also be found at:
Kimberling Golf Course
Kings River, Shell Knob
Oakmont Community Golf Club
Taneycomo Golf Club

T he Branson/Lakes Area offers many full service campgrounds and RV parks . In addition, primitive wilderness camping is available at Hercules Glade Wilderness Area, Piney Creek Wilderness Area, the Buffalo National River, and other National Forest areas. Table Rock Lake also has a system of public campgrounds, for reservation information contact the U.S. Corps of Engineers at 417-334-4101 or log on to www.swl.usace.army.mil .

T he Ozark Mountains provide outdoor enthusiasts with a wide array of recreational opportunities that offer both exhilarating enjoyment and a chance to appreciate the surrounding environment. The Branson/Lakes Area community is keenly aware of the need to secure the future of its natural surroundings and has taken steps to preserve and defend the environment.

The Branson/Lakes Area is an ideal spot for enjoying nature at its finest. Bald eagles soar above Ozark Mountain bluffs in the fall and winter providing an ideal opportunity for viewing the majestic bird in its natural habitat. Deer, wild turkey and other wildlife flourish in the rugged and sheltered Ozark Mountains.

Branson also recognizes trees as an important natural resource and, since 1994, has had one of the strictest landscape ordinances in the state. Because of Branson's efforts, it has been named a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation four years in a row and has received the Governor's Town Treescape Award for improving the community through tree planting.

The Corps of Engineers Dewey Short Visitors Center on Table Rock Lake offers audio-visual programs and an informative staff that highlight the area's commitment to preserving the environment. Visitors can also learn about the fascinating construction of the Table Rock Dam. The exhibits are free and open to the public from April through October.

The Shepherd of the Hills Trout Hatchery & Visitor Center , located next to Table Rock Dam, is the largest trout hatchery in Missouri. The visitor center has free exhibits, aquariums and slide shows describing hatchery operations. You can even buy fish food and feed the hungry trout.

Area state parks, national forests and conservation areas are ideal for hiking, camping, fishing, canoeing, picnicking, horseback riding, studying nature, birdwatching and exploring nearby caves. Discover Outdoor Missouri maps are available at the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce.

Henning State Forest is located just west of Branson in the rugged White River Hills region. Here, visitors will find 1,534 acres of scenic vistas and miles of walking trails. The trees are labeled for a natural tutorial.

The Busiek State Forest and Conservation Area is located 14 miles north of Branson and covers 2,505 acres with steep, rocky hills and gravel bottom creeks. Visitors can enjoy hunting, fishing, hiking, camping and birdwatching. Self-guided nature trails and the tranquil surroundings are ideal for communing with nature.

The Drury-Mincy Conservation Area is approximately 12 miles southeast of Branson. The massive 5,699-acre wildlife area was the conservation department's first deer refuge. Visitors can camp, hike, birdwatch and fish in the rushing stream.

Dogwood Canyon Nature Park , a 10,000-acre private wilderness refuge, features herds of elk, bison and Texas longhorns who make their home along with whitetail deer, turkey and other wildlife. With the assistance of an experienced guide, visitors can discover the Fire Pit Cave, the Great Spirit Rock Shelter and the oldest human remains discovered in Missouri. The park is accessible via a scenic walking and biking path or by an open air tram tour.

Missouri, the "cave state" boasts more than 5,000 registered caves. In fact, Missouri has more caves than any other state and more "show caves" (caves open for tours) than any other state. Marvel Cave , located at Silver Dollar City, is one of America's three largest caverns soaring 20 stories underground. The cavern is so large, in fact, that hot air balloons have been launched in the main room! Guests can visit Marvel Cave while enjoying a day at Silver Dollar City. At Talking Rocks Cavern and Nature Center , visitors will be amazed at the immense rooms and fascinating details in this unique subterranean wonderland. America's only ride-through cavern, Fantastic Caverns is both thrilling and educational. Although sunlight never penetrates Fantastic Caverns, life exists in the Cave. Cosmic Cavern is Arkansas' most beautifully decorated show cave. Magnificent formations and bottomless lakes make this a unique attraction.

Trek the Ozarks is one of the area's newest outdoor recreation outfitters and features kayaking, canoeing and hiking trips from downtown Branson to Rockaway Beach.

Visitors can also enjoy the recently opened Lakeside Forest Wilderness Area . This 130-acre park, located on Fall Creek Road, just south of Highway 76, offers scenic views and rugged hiking trails. The Wilderness Area includes a two-mile stretch along the Lake Taneycomo shoreline. Within the city limits of Branson, there are 16 public parks and natural wilderness areas that total 1,817 acres.

The Branson/Lakes Area is surrounded by other conservation areas including the 31-acre Ashe Juniper natural area, located approximately 11 miles southwest of Branson. The 181-acre Boston Ferry conservation area can be found about five miles north of Branson. Other natural areas include: Shelvin Rock Access, Delaware Town Access, Hilltop Tower Site, H.L. Kerr Access, Wire Road Wildlife Area, and the Jessie Hollow Conservation Area.

Branson Attractions feature fun-filled adventure for the entire family. Branson is becoming known an exciting Family Vacation Destination. Located in the heart of the magnificent Ozark Mountains, Branson is ideally situated to entertain both the music lover and those who like to enjoy Nature to its fullest. As a member of the Branson Chamber of Commerce we take pride in our city and we hope that the Branson Information contained on our website will assist you in deciding what you would like to do when you visit Branson.

Branson Scenic Railway
Ride with us on a 40-mile roundtrip excursion thru Ozark foothills and tunnels. You will learn the history of the area as you cross bridges and trestles. Experience the luxury of rail travel from yesteryear.

Butterfly Place
Visit The Butterfly Place to experience Branson's most relaxing atmosphere in a beautiful floral garden with winding paths and over 1000 beautiful flying butterflies. This photographic and joyful experience happens every day in their climate-controlled atrium.

Celebration City
Branson's Nighttime Theme Park celebrates the best of the 20th-century America! This multilayered theme park offers nightly adventures, highlighting some of the most colorful and entertaining yeas of the 20th century. A unique family park with over 20 rides and attractions including lights, music and games plus and classic 10-story wooden roller coaster Ozark Wildcat and a spectacular nightly laser light show at park closing.

Dogwood Canyon - guided tours
Our specially designed open-air trams allow guests to ride in comfort across our many custom bridges and low water crossings. Experienced guides enhance your adventure with an informative glimpse into both natural and cultrual history. As you cruise on the canyon floor, you'll be introduced to Indian Burial Cave and Great Spirit Rock Shelter, where archelolgists made some fascinating discoveries. Reseervations are strongly recommended. Also, trail rides on horseback are a bit more challenging than some and therefore, we have set a minimum age for riders at 12 years. Our trails explore ridges and hollows that are not seen by our tram or from walking and biking train. Reservations are required for this1/2 hour ride. Trout fishing on Little Indian Creek affords a two-hour opportunity to Catch and Release or Catch and Keep (price per pound). This stream is stocked periodically providing an exciting and challenging angling experience for individuals and families. Seasonal conditions, expertise, and fishing pressure all aggect your level of success. Equiptment responsibility of guest, with a maximum of 10 anglers at any given time.

Ride the Ducks
There are certain telltale signs of Spring. In Branson, Missouri, and important signal of the new season includes two ton "duckies" rolling their way through town, across Table Rock Dam, to the top of Baird Mountain and into the lake where they cruise as effortlessly as a mother Drake leading her hatchlings across the water. Ride the Ducks, the amphibious sightseeing adventure abord renovated WWII military landing vessels called DUKW's.

Ripley's Believe It Or Not
The Most Photographed Building In Branson! Do you know why our building looks the way it does? Most people think California has had the worst earthquake, when actually Missouri holds the record. In 1812 an earthquake measuring more than 8.0 on the Richter Scale occured at New Madrid, Missouri. Our building reflects that odd event, and Ripley's...Believe It Or Not!? in Branson has become one of the most photographed buildings in the world!

Roy Rogers - Dale Evans Museum
You'll find family photos dating back to Roy and Dale's childhood, colorful costumes, parade saddles, memorabilia from the silver screen and television, artifacts from Roy's real-life safari adventures, fan mail, comic strips, Roy and Dale's Remington collection, tributes to his friends and sidekicks, and much, much more!

Silver Dollar City Theme Park
Silver Dollar City is one of Branson's top attractions, and with good reason. From the minute you set foot in the theme park, you find yourself in an 1800s Ozarks setting. Good old-fashioned family fun surrounds you: there are so many thrills and attractions in the park, you'll keep the whole gang occupied with excitement and activities for hours on end. Come back for o ne of the nation's finest holiday festivals! Silver Dollar City becomes a Christmas wonderland with over four million lights, a five-story special effects Christmas tree, the dazzling Holiday Light Parade each night, holiday shows and more special presentations. Plus, treat yourself to tasty holiday foods.

The Track Family Fun Parks
Fun in the Fast Lane! With five locations on Hwy. 76 in Branson. The Track Family Fun Parks offer go-karts, supersoaker bumper boats, adventure mini golf and more for the entire family! And, the fun has reached new heights with Branson's only multilevel wooden go-kart tracks, Wild woody and The Lumber Jack. These wooden tracks feel like a hire-energy mix between a go-kart ride and a wooden roller coaster!

Trek the Ozarks Kayaking & Cycling Tours
Trek the Ozarks is the outdoor adverture center in Branson. They offer daily kayak and cycling tours. The Ozark Mountains are best seen by kayak choose either a few hour tour or a multi-day kayak camping adventure.

Veterans Museum
A visit to the Veterans Memorial Museum in Branson, Missouri is a powerful, emotional experience for everyone. As you wander the great hall of the museum you'll be captured by the stories of these men and wormen who gave so much for us . The museum is packed with memories and showcase an incredible collection of wartime exhibits covering the heights and depths of human experience.

Waltzing Waters
The only show of its kind in the entire world. Thrill to the incomparable music of the only performing artist in the world who plays two grand pianos at the same time! Even...2 different songs on 2 different pianos at the same time!!! Gasp at the awesome action as dancing pianos duel against 40,000 gallons of living rainbows and liquid fireworks.

White Water
Escape to Branson's Beach Within Reach! New ride in 2003-Raging River Rapids! Surf's up and the tide's high for water-wonderful family adventure. You'll have a sun-sational time creating memories worth repeating.

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