The History of Tourism in Branson

Neil Sawford • Sep 13, 2024

The History Of Tourism in Branson

The History of Tourism in Branson


Branson's tourism industry took off in 1960, so much so that Missouri Pacific stopped passenger service on its White River Line. Traffic on the winding U.S. 65 from Springfield to Branson often delayed passage since many people arrived by automobile.

A new road through the limestone hills was constructed with the assistance of dynamite teams and earth-moving equipment, cutting the 75-mile distance between Springfield and Branson down to 40 miles. After this new road was built, Branson has long seen a surge in visitors from nearby Missouri cities.

Branson's stunning scenery, fascinating history, amazing sights, and thrilling activities have made it a well-liked tourist destination. The exciting river journey on a jetboat in Branson is one of the newest attractions that many people want to experience.

See more about Branson's tourism history by reading important historical facts.



Marvel Cave was first discovered by the Osage Indians about 1500 AD. The Spanish came to the region in 1541 hoping to find the Fountain of Youth and were let down. In 1869, miners from St. Louis went there hoping to find marble and lead ore, but they left just as disappointed.

William Henry Lynch, a mining specialist from Canada, discovered the Marvel Cave, bought it, and moved to the Ozarks with his two daughters to become the region's first tourist destination. Marvel Cave has been operating for almost 50 years, initially welcoming visitors in 1894.

The Herschend family leased the cave in 1950 and performed substantial renovations to facilitate simple access for visitors. The Herschend family built an 1880s Ozark Mountain Village around Marvel Cave's entrance in 1960, marking the start of Silver Dollar City's development.

1907 – Shepherd of the Hills Puts the Ozarks on the Map

Aspiring writer Harold Bell Wright from Kansas relocated to the Ozarks in 1898, settling on John and Anna Ross's land. Wright wrote The Shepherd of the Hills, a 1907 publication that honored the magnificence of the Ozarks and its people, as an homage to the beauty of his delightful life in Branson, Missouri. After being published, the book was a huge hit, selling millions of copies.

For over ten years following the book's release, there was a surge in tourism in the region, with many visitors asking questions about "Old Matt's Cabin," as Wright called the Ross Homestead in the book. In 1923, Lizzie McDaniel purchased the Ross Homestead and converted it into a museum. McDaniel staged the first Shepherd of the Hills reenactments on the homestead's lawn.


1910s – Rockaway Beach Becomes a Vacation Hot Spot

Constructed in 1913, the Ozark Beach Dam provided water to Lake Taneycomo. She facilitated the development of the nearby vacation resort of Rockaway Beach. After the surrounding community grew, tourists eager to enjoy boating, fishing, and swimming in Lake Taneycomo's waters arrived.

Most tourists to Rockaway Beach get there by boat from the White River Line Railway depot in nearby Hollister, Missouri, located on Lake Taneycomo. Today, Lake Taneycomo makes it a great destination to enjoy a thrilling river journey on a jetboat in Branson.

Before Table Rock Lake was created in 1959 due to the Table Rock Dam, Rockaway Beach was well-liked for a long time. As the lake at Rockaway grew unsafe for swimming, the resort lost its appeal as a holiday destination.

Conversely, Rockaway Beach has reinvented itself as a quaint village on the lake, offering some of the country's greatest trout fishing.


1959/1960s – Live Music Starts in Branson

In 1959, the Mabe brothers, also referred to as the Baldknobbers, made Branson famous by being the first Missouri community to host live entertainment events. The group's combination of humor and country music created a winning formula for the genre in Branson and is still featured in many hit performances. The singing comedians moved to a new theater on W. Taneycomo from their old location near Lake Taneycomo Country Road.

Moreover, Branson is fast emerging as one of the country's premier golf destinations, partly because of Johnny Morris, the founder of Bass Pro Shops, who made significant investments there. Five nationally acclaimed golf courses may be found near Morris's Big Cedar Lodge, an opulent forest resort south of Branson. Branson is one of the nation's greatest and most stunning golf destinations, home to Big Cedar Golf and numerous other award-winning golf courses.

Branson is steadfast in providing a holiday spot that appeals to all travelers. Branson continues to expand, drawing tourists for decades due to its natural beauty, outdoor leisure opportunities, live music events, and family attractions.



With so many tourist attractions in this most visited city in Missouri, many guests who have had a wonderful vacation here want to extend their stay and enjoy even more of their time with fascinating water adventures, such as on a thrilling river journey on a jetboat in Branson.

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Take Your Group Out On the Lake in Branson Discover the natural wonders of the Ozark Mountains while boating in Branson. No matter where you are in town, the allure of pristine lakes awaits you and your family. Each of the three lakes—Table Rock Lake, Lake Taneycomo, and Bull Shoals Lake—offers a unique experience, from the expansive shores of Table Rock to the trout-filled waters of Lake Taneycomo and the renowned bass fishing in Bull Shoals. Here are some coolest ways for your group to enjoy Branson Lakes. Jet Boat Ride Look no further than the Branson Jet Boats for an adrenaline-pumping adventure on Lake Taneycomo . Nestled dockside at Branson Landing, these high-powered boats, equipped with three 400 horsepower engines, take passengers on a thrilling 12-mile, one-hour ride. With 360-degree rotations and the ability to stop on a dime, the jet boat offers an exhilarating experience for up to 60 passengers per trip, ensuring an unforgettable family outing. Dining Cruises The Showboat Branson Belle beckons with its nostalgic charm if you prefer a more leisurely exploration. This 700-passenger paddlewheel ship, reminiscent of 1800s river showboats, cruises Table Rock Lake for two hours. Indulge in a three-course dinner and a live show while enjoying the scenic beauty. Whether a scheduled cruise or a private event, the Showboat offers a delightful and memorable experience. Set Sail on Table Rock For those seeking a sun-soaked lake adventure, set sail on the Spirit of America catamaran on Table Rock Lake. Based at State Park Marina, this boating in Branson adventure with the 48-foot sailboat accommodates up to 49 passengers, providing a perfect setting for relaxation and enjoyment. Dive into the crystal-clear waters during the scheduled swimming excursions, with a large inflatable slide and water toys. With tours available twice daily during warmer months, reservations are recommended for this idyllic lake experience. Fly-fishing Consider a fly-fishing adventure on Lake Taneycomo for a more active and unique family bonding experience. Embrace the opportunity to cast a line in some of North America's best fly fishing waters, where the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery consistently stocked the lake. With over 300,000 pounds of trout released annually, fishing outfitters and guides, such as Lilley's Landing Resort and Marina and Fall Creek Marina, are ready to assist in planning an angling adventure for your family, providing licenses and tackle for an immersive fishing experience. Swim at Moonshine Beach Embark on an aquatic adventure at Moonshine Beach in Branson, a haven for exhilarating water sports in the heart of the Ozarks. Nestled on the northern end of Table Rock Lake, this sandy oasis provides the perfect setting for family-friendly activities, from invigorating swims to leisurely picnics and camping under the stars. The beach, offering breathtaking views of the lakeside surroundings, becomes an ideal retreat after the adrenaline-fueled excitement of the Branson Mountain Coaster. Kayaking and Canoeing Kayaking is a thrilling option for those seeking a more intimate connection with the water. Glide along the lake's surface, soaking in the stunning vistas of the Ozark landscape. The kayak, with its bench seats and dual-bladed paddle, offers a unique perspective compared to traditional canoes. Speaking of canoes, the Tri-lakes region beckons with the allure of canoeing—an engaging water activity that brings you close to the water's edge, allowing you to absorb the beauty of the many lake attractions. Perfect for fishing, leisurely paddling on Table Rock Lake, or drifting along the river's current, canoes are an excellent choice for families seeking a relaxed aquatic experience. Scuba Diving For those drawn to the mysteries beneath the surface, scuba diving in Table Rock Lake unveils a world of submerged secrets. Beneath the deep waters lies the remnants of the small village of Oasis, evacuated in the 1950s to make way for the construction of Table Rock Lake. Dive services near the lake promise the discovery of relics and valuables from this bygone era. Paddleboarding For a water adventure with a unique twist, paddleboarding awaits. Stand tall on a paddleboard, available for rent from various businesses around the lake, and experience the thrill of gliding over the water while standing upright. A close cousin to surfing, paddleboarding adds an element of excitement to your water escapades, requiring balance and finesse. In Branson, the call of the lakes is not just an invitation; it's an opportunity for your family to connect with nature and create lasting memories. Whether it is boating in Branson or other adventure, let the lakeside charm of Branson captivate your family's hearts.
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