Area Information

Earliest area records say that 2 brothers named Yocum first settled here. They gave birth to the legend of a lost silver mine and the famous Yocum silver dollar. The Yocum brothers reportedly traded with Native Americans for information about silver in the area and were soon mining ore and minting their own silver dollars. After 2 Yocum family members were trapped in a mine collapse, the survivors hid the mine entrance so well that its location remains a mystery to this day. The only "lost treasure" ever found here has been in businesses and attractions that have promoted the legend. These ventures and the completion of Table Rock Lake in the 50s have drawn tourists and investments alike.

While Branson is known for its variety of live music shows, you'll also find shows filled with magic, comedy, special effects, animals, acrobats, lumberjacks, trick-riders, water displays and pyrotechnics. Broadway-style productions, original musicals, dinner shows and theme productions provide even more diversity. Branson's live entertainment is suitable for the whole family. Theaters feature widely known entertainers including Roy Clark, Mel Tillis, Jim Stafford, Mickey Gilley, Moe Bandy, Sons of the Pioneers, Buck Trent, Barbara Fairchild and Shoji Tabuchi. Original family music shows such as Presleys' Jubilee and Baldknobbers Jamboree Show also draw their share of attention and success. Although Branson is best known for country music, pop entertainers are a big Branson offering. Andy Williams, Wayne Newton, Bobby Vinton, Anita Bryant, Lennon Sisters, Yakov Smirnoff, Tony Orlando, Charley Pride and the Osmond Family have built their own theaters or are performing in Branson for a major portion of the tourism season. Silver Dollar City, built in 1960 atop Marvel Cave, is a turn-of-the-century Ozarks village featuring the handcrafts and artwork created by resident crafters, mountain music at locations throughout the park, street shows, restaurants and snack stands and themed rides such as an 1880s steam train, log flume and others. It has been Branson's largest single attraction throughout its history and is one of the Midwest's leading attractions. In Branson West you can enjoy such attractions as Talking Rocks Cavern with gemstone mining, Talking Rocks cave tours such as Powell Cave and Mud Cave, also known as Indian Creek Caverns. Branson West and Branson also offer a number of museums, historic sites, wineries, mini golf and area parks. Mutton Hollow Craft and Entertainment Village enters its 28th year of operation. Long popular for its working crafts people, specialized shops and old-time atmosphere, it also offers a historical museum, country fair area and other family entertainment. The park offers several live music shows daily and are currently featuring the nationally known "Platters." Hundreds of artists and crafters create a unique shopping opportunity in the Branson/Lakes area. Custom made and other specialty items from home furnishings to jewelry are readily available at craft villages, arts and craft malls and many small shops throughout the area. Dozens of antique shops and flea markets offer collectibles. Three enormous factory outlet shopping centers have quickly gained a national ranking for Branson as the second largest outlet shopping in the nation. Shepherd of the Hills Homestead and Outdoor Theater, opened in 1960, is the home of the nation's largest outdoor historical drama. Named for one of the most widely read novels in publishing history, Harold Bell Wright's "The Shepherd of the Hills," the novel is re-enacted nightly by a cast of native players in a huge outdoor amphitheater. The Homestead offers crafts, music, shops, games, trail rides and other entertainment during daytime hours, as well as the 230 foot Inspiration Tower and the historical "Old Matt's Cabin." The 3 main lakes in the Branson Tri-Lakes area are Table Rock Lake, Bull Shoals Lake and Lake Taneycomo. They offer a combination of water activities unsurpassed anywhere else in the world. Whether it's fishing for "warm water" fish like largemouth bass or "cold water" fish like rainbow and brown trout or swimming, boating, water skiing, dinner and entertainment cruises, dinner on a "floating gourmet restaurant" or just a relaxing stroll on a nature trail, there's a world of recreational opportunities! If golfing is more your style, you'll enjoy Ledgestone Golf Course in Branson West. Southwest Missouri's largest commercial airport is Springfield-Branson Regional Airport, about 45 miles north of Branson, which offers several large airlines. A smaller commercial facility is located in Harrison, AR, about 35 miles south of Branson. An estimated 24,000 motel, hotel, resort, bed and breakfast, and condominium units are available in the Branson/Lakes area. More than 5,000 camping spaces are offered. Many facilities are available year-round.

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