The City of Branson, located in Taney County, Missouri, was named after local businessman and postmaster, Reuben S. Branson. Prior to that, the town was called “Lucia.”
Branson is located in Taney County in the Ozark Mountains. The name “Ozark” comes from the French pronunciation of the term “aux arcs.” The exact origin and definition of the term continues to be debated.
Before Branson was world-famous for music shows, it was best known for the novel “The Shepherd of the Hills,” written in 1907 by Harold Bell Wright. The book was inspired by the people living in the Ozark Mountains, and some of the book was actually written in Branson. The story is still shared in Branson today as an outdoor theater production.
Branson may be famous for its live entertainment — with shows covering just about every genre of music — but there are three other activities that draw millions of visitors including attractions, shopping, and outdoor recreation.
Branson’s attractions are many and varied; museums, go-karts, ziplines, and more. The Titanic Museum Attraction, and the are just a small sample of the attractions found in Branson.
Branson is home to more than 200 shops, including those found at Tanger Outlets, in historic Downtown Branson, in Branson Hills, and at Branson Landing, where you’ll find 95 acres of shopping, dining, lodging, lakefront living, and a variety of entertainment.
Other popular outdoor activities include hiking, horseback riding, and a wide range of water sports, like skiing, boating, and riding Jet Skis.
Anglers fish for bass, crappie and more on Table Rock Lake, while the colder Lake Taneycomo is famous for both brown and rainbow trout.
On any given day, there can be more than 100,000 visitors in Branson, but its year-round population is just over 13,000. (U.S. Census – 2023)
Branson has approximately: 57,000 theater seats – 16,500 lodging rooms – 35,000 restaurant seats – 2,870 campsites.
Table Rock Lake has more than 745 miles of shoreline, 43,100 surface acres, and was officially “opened” in 1959 following the construction of Table Rock Dam on the White River.
Table Rock Dam is 6,423 feet long and 252 feet high, and is one of two dams in the Branson area; the other is Powersite Dam in Forsyth. Both dams were constructed to generate hydroelectric power and for flood control; the positive side effect was a boost in tourism with the creation of Table Rock Lake.
The Huffington Post named the Ozarks as one of the top destinations in the US for fall foliage.
What about Branson Shows and Attractions?
Branson is home to more than 50 theater venues, with the majority of facilities featuring live music, comedy, variety, and magic shows.
Branson has more theater seats than Broadway in New York City.
The first show in Branson was opened in 1959 by the Mabe Brothers – the Baldnobbers Jamboree, now rebranded as Branson’s Famous Baldknobbers.
Presleys’ Country Jubilee was the first music theater built on Branson’s famous Highway 76 – The Strip.
Both the Baldknobbers Jamboree and Presleys’ Country Jubilee continue to perform today in the first theaters they built on Highway 76.
Inspiration Tower at Shepherd of the Hills stands 230 feet high, includes more than 92,000 pounds of steel, can withstand a constant wind of 172 mph, and has over 4,400 square feet of glass. It’s the second tallest free-standing structure in Missouri; the first being the Gateway Arch in St. Louis.
Animals are big stars in Branson! uses as many as 50 animals in their productions. The Shepherd of the Hills uses more than 20 horses, donkeys, mules, and sheep in their outdoor drama. Grand Country’s Pets and Giggles is another animal-included show with a cast of canines who show off their speed, agility, teamwork and trust throughout!
Silver Dollar City has genuine artisans, or craftsmen, in the park year-round, including wood carvers, potters, glassblowers, candy makers, and a blacksmith.
Silver Dollar City is home to Outlaw Run, the first and only wood coaster with a double barrel roll with three upside down twists. It was voted the Best New Ride of 2013 in the world by Amusem*nt Today! Their most recent addition, Fire in the Hole, featuring a three-story indoor family roller coaster remodeled after the original ride — but twice as big and fun!
Branson is home to an incredible array of tribute artists; more than you’re likely to find in any destination! Tributes honor artists like Elvis Presley, George Strait, Neil Diamond, Patsy Cline, Marty Robbins, and Neil Sedaka; and famous groups like ABBA. There’s even an entire show devoted to paying tribute to the legends of the music industry, Legends in Concert!
Why use Branson.com to book my vacation getaway?
The exceptional customer service and ethical business practices of Branson.com have earned the company the highly coveted A+ Rating from the Better Business Bureau.
Branson.com’s co-founder was named one of the area’s Most Influential Women in 2015, and was the top fundraiser for the featured charity of the 2015 event held to honor these incredible women.
Over 6 million Branson show tickets have been sold by Branson.com!
Branson.com operates Branson’s official information website, Branson.com, and also operates the vacation planning site BransonTourismCenter.com.
Branson.com is the first, and most comprehensive, Information & Welcome Center you’ll find after entering Branson’s city limits.
Our full-service Group Department features full-time, experienced tour operators that can handle all aspects of group travel for your next trip whether it’s family, student, bank or church groups!
