Category Archives: Outdoors

Plungers Freezin’ for a Reason as Branson Polar Plunge benefits Special Olympics of Missouri

Be a Polar Bear for the 2012 Branson Polar Plunge .

BRANSON, Mo. At 2 p.m. on February 11 some special people are going to be “Freezin’ for a Reason” as they plunge into the cold water of Table Rock Lake in the 7th Annual Branson Polar Plunge. The reason the participants, appropriately designated as “Plungers,” will be “freezin'” is to support the more than 1,700 athletes in the Southwest Area of the “Special Olympics of Missouri (SOMO).” The 2011 Branson Polar Plunge raised more than $30,000 for the Special Olympic Athletes. The goal for the 2012 is $34,000.

Branson’s Polar Plunge will be held at the marina of the Still Waters Resort, 21 Still Water Trail, just south of Silver Dollar City in Indian Point, Road . Registration starts at Noon and the Plunge itself is right after the “Plunger Parade of Costumes,” at 2 p.m. After the Plunge there will be “free food, music and a silent auction” at the Post Plunge Party that will be held at the Best Western Branson Inn and Conference Center in Branson West.

Stephanie Milton, Director of Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center, one of the corporate sponsors of the event and herself a past “Plunger” said, “The event a great fund raiser for a great cause and is a lot of fun, not only for the ‘Plungers,’ but for those who come out to watch and support them.” She notes that there will be food and concession sales featuring food and warm “Plunge” clothing. One of the highlights will be the opportunity to see the costumes worn by some of the competing “Plungers” as groups and individuals compete for the coveted “Golden Plunger Award.”

Milton encourages everyone to come out and support the event and to donate what they can to support the “Special Olympics of Missouri” and its athletes. For further information on the Branson Polar Plunge or other Branson shows, and events please call Branson Tourism Center at 1-800-785-1550 or visit their web site wwwBransonTourismCenter.com.

Chances are what “they” love most about Branson is what you will love about Branson

Silver Dollar city's world class coaster, "Wildfire" and its spectacular view of the Ozark Hills and a small portion of Table Rock Lake.

BRANSON, Mo. Recently, in connection with making a video for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, the question, “What do you love most about Branson?,” was asked. When the question was posted on www.1Branson.com, the responses paint a wonderful picture of Branson, what it has to offer and why Branson just might be the ideal place to visit or plan your next vacation.

Originally, I was going to separate the ten representative responses into categories, but in retrospect, their testimony speaks for itself and needs no categorization. Each post is preceded by the poster’s online name in italics:

Suselit… The Patriotism is what I love because I love America and Branson shares my love of God and County. And Branson has the right mix of Excitement and that comfortable feeling you get when you feel at home some place. Live Entertainment! We love attending Shows and Branson has some wonderful Shows!

Irishgirl… My home state is quite beautiful, but there is something magical about the hills there in SW Missouri….especially when the fog/haze comes over them. My second favorite thing will always be Shepherd of the Hills – the story, the play, and the park. The history of the area is fascinating to me.

shis1…The thing that brings us to Branson is the live music, the live Country Music. And the music we love the best is that music we hear at Clay Cooper‘s theatre!

biscuitcreek… Silver Dollar City, the lake, the variety of music available, the history of the area, the hills…

Lynndaof NJ…Branson is more than 1,000 miles from where we live, yet we’ve visited for the past 3 summers and already have reservations for July. We keep coming back because we feel that Branson epitomizes patriotism and basic American family values.

rjw1991A1…I could say a lot about the shows, SDC, the great restaurants, and of course my favorite, and what started it all for me, the trout fishing. But with all that, it’s the general friendliness of the people I met when I’m there. From the resort owners, and staff to the restaurant servers. From shop owners and clerks to ticket sellers and ushers in the shows, and everybody at Silver Dollar City, their friendliness has always come to the forefront and has been sincere.

MNtrveler…I like that a small city of about 10,000 permanent residents, with all the friendliness and values of a typical small town, has entertainment, dining and shopping options that you usually only find in cities of over 100,000 people. It is a great place to visit in a beautiful part of the country. Yes, at times I think they need to broaden their offerings, but it is still a GREAT vacation destination.

Zack7777…As MNtraveler has mentioned and I totally agree….It is really awesome to live here in a small town atmosphere and have big city options in a beautiful area of the USA….anything you want is within minutes, lakes, caves, dining, shopping, entertainment of every sort….shows, movies, golf, SDC. And great medical options here and only a few miles to the north….my regrets are I didn’t move here sooner. These last 10 years have been heaven.

ggh…The dogwood, the water, fishing, the fall colors, water skiing, the winding roads, nature, with SDC, shows, music, lights, go karts, and shopping all intertwined. You can enjoy upscale lodging, and restaurants, or enjoy some rustic lodging and comfort foods. There is definitely something for everyone in Branson.

Jalva2…I can name a lot of things I like about Branson, but if I have to pick one, It’s the Ozark landscape. Absolutely beautiful. If I can add a couple more: An outstanding theme park (which is also an outstandingly THEMED park) [Silver Dollar City]; and some of the best hotel prices in the country!

The responses indicate the wonderful experience most who visit have and are reasons why those who haven’t might want to consider doing so,” said Stephanie Milton, Director of Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center (BTC). For information on all that Branson offers, provided by people who live and work in the Branson area, please feel free to contact BTC by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Fall foliage is one of the best shows in Branson

A shot of beautiful color as a tree begins to turn. It was taken from the balcony of our condo today in the rain.

BRANSON, Mo. It’s a beautiful thing to see as the first blush of color starts to paint the foliage covering the beautiful Ozarks. That first blush gradually paints the entire Ozarks with the colors of fall, one leaf at a time. Although this year’s color might not be as spectacular as some in the past, on any year it is a beautiful sight to see and experience providing one of the best shows in Branson.

One of the questions that is often asked is “What’s the best way to see the foliage?” The general answer would be, “Just keep your eyes open as you experience Branson.” It might be just a couple of trees with vivid color as you drive down the road, a panoramic vista filled with color as you gaze out from one of the area’s overlooks or, as is the case illustrated in the photo taken from the deck of my condo as I was writing this piece this morning, simply noticing the beautiful foliage that can be seen at just about every turn in Branson.

The fall foliage is an inherent part of many of Branson’s outdoor activities and attractions. It would be hard to get better a panoramic view of the Ozark’s foliage than from a cruise on Lake Taneycomo, aboard either the Branson Landing Cruises’ Lake Queen or Lake Princess or on Table Rock Lake aboard the Showboat Branson Belle. Experiencing the fall foliage is an added benefit of golfing on one of the many Branson golf courses or visiting Branson attractions such as Silver Dollar City, zip lines such as the Vigilante, Inspiration Tower, Branson Scenic Railway and others.

Another great way to see magnificent panoramic vistas is from some of the area’s “overlooks. The Overlook on State Route 165, about a mile south of its intersection with State Route 265, and the Table Rock Dam Overlook, located on the south end of Table Rock Dam across the road from the Visitors Center, both provide unique views not only of the foliage, especially if you look downstream from either of these points, but of the general area. In addition, the Table Rock Dam overlook also provides closeup view of the Dam and the Shepherd of the Hills Trout Hatchery.

A third overlook is provided at the Henning Conservation Area located about a mile west of the junction of State Route 76 and State Route 376 on the north side of the road. Its view to the north from the parking area is just breathtaking anytime and made even more so when one factors in the fall foliage. As you drive to and from Henning, the view off the south side of Route 76 is also spectacular.

There are many ways to experience to fall foliage “up close and personal.” One is by walking some of the many trails that are available. These include the trails at the Henning Conservation Area, the Shepherd of the Hills Visitor’s Center at the foot of Table Rock Dam, the White River Valley Trail System, the city of Branson’s Lake Side Wilderness Trailand others.

The views available looking along the bluffs across from Branson Landing are another way to get a panoramic view of the fall foliage as it changes. The paved Branson Landing Boardwalk, accessible from either the Belk or Bass Pro Shops parking lots, runs the length of Branson Landing along the Lake Taneycomo shoreline providing convenient level access for everyone to see not only the foliage, but the boats, birds and other activities taking place on the lake.

The foliage and the natural beauty of an Ozark’s Fall becomes an even better experience with its almost seamless integration into the other things that Branson offers live shows, attractions, shopping and dozens of other activities. It is that unique combination of natural beauty, entertainment and fun, combined with its spirit, that makes Branson, Missouri the special unique place that it is to visit and to live.

New White River Valley Trail System adds the repertoire of fun things to do in Branson

Trail head for the trail.

BRANSON, Mo. It’s known for its outstanding live shows, great attractions, shopping and lakes, but Branson’s newest activity might just put it on the “map” for mountain bikers and hikers. “What a wonderful new attraction for Branson,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center in connection with the recent dedication of the “White River Valley Trail System.”

The trail is intended for hikers as well as bikers and is the first in the Branson area to be designated for mountain bikes. Its Trailhead, with its parking and rest rooms, is located just south of the entrance for the Showboat Branson Belle and north of the main entrance to Table Rock State park on State Highway 165. The natural surface trail is divided into major loops designated by color, a 2.5 mile Red Loop, 3.0 Mile Blue Loop, .6 mile Orange Loop and a 1.25 mile Green Loop with various Connectors Trails that combine to make up the 10.25 mile roundtrip length of the trail.

The 2.5 mile Red Loop starts and ends at the Trailhead. The other Loops start off of Connector Trail 2 located at about the midway point on the loop. The Red Loop is a convenient way for most families to take advantage of the White River Valley Trail System as well as exploring an area of Branson to which most have not previously had convenient access. In addition, if Connector Trail 1 is used,it provides a nice 1.25 mile loop. The trail will take hikers and bikers “near old homestead ruins, relics of the Table Rock Dam construction during the 1950s” and through miles of nature at its Ozarks best.

The trail received a “2011 Coalition for Recreational Trails Award in the Multi-Use Management and Corridor Sharing Category,” earlier this year. Bill Bryan, Director of Missouri State Parks, said, “Our primary goal for this trail is to provide a new recreational opportunity for people who enjoying hiking and mountain biking, which is a growing sport in this area.”

It was partially funded with ” Recreational Trails Program” grants and is a “joint land-use project between the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.” Part of the trail is on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers property and part in Table Rock State Park. In addition, the project received broad community support from the Branson Tri-Lakes and Hollister Chambers of Commerce, “local city governments, Volunteers for Outdoor Missouri, students from Hollister and the College of the Ozarks, Boy Scouts working on Eagle Scout projects, and other volunteers.”

Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson points out the addition of the White River Valley Trail System to the list of outdoor activities available to enjoy in Branson is yet another reason that Branson is such a great travel and vacation destination. Like Table Rock Lake, Lake Taneycomo and all the other outdoor activities Branson offers, it is about ten minutes from the Branson Strip and everything else Branson has to offer. For additional information on the trail or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Have an unforgettable Labor Day Weekend in Branson

Labor Day weekend is the last chance to ride White Water's 7-story multiple slide "Kalani Towers" for the 2011 season.

BRANSON, Mo.  Throughout the nation, Labor Day is kind of the “informal” end of the summer season and most people look forward to the three day weekend as a special time to enjoy the fun and excitement of summer with their families one more time. With its three lakes, live shows, world class theme parks, attractions, shopping and other activities from fireworks to concerts, Branson is the perfect place to do just that, not only on Labor Day, but just about any time of the year.

One of the big things to do over Labor Day weekend for a lot of people coming to Branson is to enjoy its lakes. Both Table Rock Lake and Lake Taneycomo, although two entirely different lakes in terms of the recreation they provide because of the differences in water temperature, are at normal levels as compared to the much higher levels that they started the Summer with over the Memorial Day weekend. From trout fishing to bass fishing, boating, swimming and just about any water sport Branson’s lakes are ready to provide a wonderful and exciting weekend on the water.

“The wonderful thing about having fun on Branson’s lakes,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, “is that the fun doesn’t stop there.” All Branson’s shows, attractions, shopping and other activities are, but minutes away from its lakes. One of Branson’s favorite shows and attractions is actually located and operated on Table Rock Lake, the fabulous Showboat Branson Belle with its cruise, dinner and show and one of Branson’s major shopping attractions, Branson Landing with its shops, restaurants, and famous fire, water and music show is located on the shores of Lake Taneycomo.

The vast majority of Branson’s 100 attractions, shows, shopping, restaurants and everything else that makes Branson one of the nation’s premier travel destinations will be open. All of Branson’s attractions will be open including Silver Dollar City, Branson’s award winning theme park which will be celebrating the final days of its Southern Gospel Picnic. White Water, with its millions of gallons of water and fun, the new “Aloha River at Hula Hula Bay” and its iconic seven story multi slide thrill ride “Kalani Towers” will be open for its final weekend of the season. The Branson Titanic Museum Attraction will be boarding passengers for its exciting and unique “voyage” as well as continuing its events leading up to the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the ship which includes the opportunity to participate in the “Rose Petal Memorial Tribute At Sea.” To see a list of attractions that will be open, sorted by day and time, along with prices, descriptions, pictures and, in most cases, videos, click here.

As would be expected in the city called “The live music show capital of the world,” the vast majority of Branson’s live shows will be open, offering Branson visitors an unsurpassed opportunity to experience some of the best live entertainment in the world. With over 100 live shows to pick from there is sure to be one that is just right for everyone. To see a list of shows that will be open, sorted by day and time, along with prices, show descriptions, pictures and, in most cases, videos click here.

Labor Day Weekend will be a shopper’s delight with the vast majority of Branson’s unique specialty shops open, including Historic Downtown Branson, as well as the Grand Village, Imax Complex and other areas all over Branson. Its two major outlet malls, the Tanger Outlet Center and Factory Merchants Branson, as well as its major shopping mall, Branson Landing, will be open and providing Branson visitors with the great shopping experience for which Branson is famous.

For more information on Branson’s Labor Day Weekend events or tickets for Branson’s shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Branson golf and entertainers featured in GOLFWEEK article

The Payne Stewart Golf Course is but one of Branson's many golfing opportunities.

When most people think of Branson, Missouri in conjunction with Shoji Tabuchi, Marty Haggard and Buck Trent they are thinking Branson shows, music and being entertained, but the August 12 edition of “GOLFWEEK” magazine presents them, and Branson, from a different perspective. In an article entitled, “A Lark in the Ozarks” Martin Kaufmann describes not only his golfing experiences with Tabuchi, Haggard and Trent on some of Branson’s fine golf courses, but does an excellent job of tying in what else Branson has to offer, not only in terms of its shows and entertainment, but in terms of lifestyle and a bit of history.

“What a wonderful way to share not only the great golfing that is available in the Branson area, but the total Branson experience,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. The article shares Kauffmann’s personal golfing experience with some of Branson’s premier entertainers at some of Branson’s best golf courses, personal insights on them and presents an interesting, very entertaining and insightful overview of Branson even to the point of saying, “Beyond Branson’s music, golf and other activities, what you’ll find here is a full-throated, unapologetic acclamation of the best of America: enterprise, initiative, unabashed love of country.”

Kaufman points out that Branson is home to “three Missouri’s top four public-access courses in the “GOLFWEEK’s Best rankings,” Branson Creek, Payne Stewart and Murder Rock.The article describes playing the newest, the Payne Stewart Golf Club, located in Branson Hills near the north side of Branson, with Marty Haggard. As he discusses playing the 210 yard par 3 second hole and the challenges it presented he shares Haggard’s reaction as they played the hole when he said, “Whoever designed this must have been angry the first few holes.”

He played another of Branson’s finest golf courses, Branson Creek, with Ross Summers, CEO of the Branson Convention and Visitors Bureau, Shoji Tabuchi and Gene Litner. Kauffmann said, that the “Tom Fazio design, with its long views of the Ozarks, helped put Branson on the golf map when it opened in 1999.” In describing one hole they played, the par 5 18th hole, he compared it to Pebble Beach’s closing hole except that instead of the Pacific Ocean as the hazard there is a “sea of trees.” In pointing out Shoji’s evident love of golf Kaufmann said that he jokes about his hopes that his daughter Christina, who sings and dances in his show and has “a budding career in Nashville, ‘makes it big real quick so I can play golf every day.'”

While in Branson, Kauffman also played the LedgeStone Golf Club saying, among other things, its “back nine – with its elevated tees, doglegs and risk-reward options – might be the most thrilling stretch of holes in town and the centrally located Thousand Hills Golf Course. He also mentioned Buck Trent and The Pointe Royale golf course, which Trent finds time to play most afternoons. In discussing Trent he pointed out that Trent settled in Branson about 20 years ago because he liked the people, saying, “They’re my kind of people.” Somehow, as one reads Kauffmann’s article about golf and Branson, it’s not too hard to believe he knows and appreciates exactly what Trent meant.

A tale of contrasts, what a difference a few months makes

Lake Taneycomo facing downstream from lake bed on July 24 during one of the very infrequent "board" draw downs that brings the lake down to its lowest level.

BRANSON, Mo. Powersite Dam, also known as “Ozark Beach Dam,” near Forsyth, Missouri was completed in 1913. It was the first impoundment of the “White River,” the first hydroelectric dam in Missouri, provided economic stability and income for the developing new town of “Branson” a few miles upstream, and formed Lake Taneycomo.

When they are not generating power or discharging water through the flood gates at Table Rock Dam, 22 miles upstream, the depth of Lake Taneycomo is controlled by the Powersite Dam. In addition to the water it runs through its generators the lakes depth is controlled by wooden “boards” inserted in the top of the dam to raise the water level of the lake.

Picture taken during the record high water levels of Easter week.

During periods of high water on Table Rock Lake requiring the release of water through flood gates of its dam, the boards either get damaged or have to be removed to minimize the flooding to low lying areas on Lake Taneycomo or its tributaries. When this happens Lake Taneycomo is drawn down to its lowest levels so they can work on or replace the “boards.”

Such a draw down took place over the weekend of July 23 and provided the opportunity to take a picture providing a comparison of Lake Taneycomo at its lowest level and its highest level. Both were taken off the River Point Road launch ramp. The first, upper right,  was taken July 24 from the lake bed, centered on the ramp, about 20 feet from the normal shoreline and is a downstream shot. The second was taken from the entrance to the boat ramp looking down into the lake during the record high water of Easter week.

To put things into perspective, the rushing water near the trees in the second photo is actually at the top of the boat ramp. The spot of the July 24 picture is actually 40 feet farther out into the lake. During the flood the water level would have been at least 12 to 14 feet over the top of my head standing in the spot from which the picture was taken.

Branson’s Tri-Lakes add to the uniqueness that is Branson

Table Rock Lake's Still Waters Lakeside Resort on Indian Point.

The Branson area is oft times referred to as the “Tri-Lakes” area because of its three lakes Table Rock Lake, Lake Taneycomo and Bull Shoals Lake. Together they provide fishermen, boaters and water sports enthusiasts with a year round selection of activities of every type from swimming, scuba diving and fishing to boating, wakeboarding, water skiing, parasailing and just about any other water sport or fun type of activity.

Of the three lakes, the two most often used by Branson visitors would be Table Rock Lake with its 741 miles of shore line and the 22 mile long Lake Taneycomo. Both are situated within less than 10 minutes of the famed Branson Strip, with all its fabulous live shows, attractions, thousands of hotel and motel rooms of every type, shopping and everything else that makes Branson the popular vacation destination that it is.

The 43,100 surface acre Table Rock Lake is the “crown jewel” of Branson’s water related recreational activities. Its warm waters provide the source for the majority of the water related sports activities in the Tri-Lakes and some of the finest bass fishing in the United States. Convenient public access to Table Rock Lake, from Branson, is available through the State Park Marina located just south of Table Rock Dam on State Highway 165 and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers boat ramps located at Moon Shine Beach, immediately north of the Table Rock Dam on Highway 165 and Indian Point Park located 8 miles west of Branson on State Highway 76, and about two miles south on Indian Point Road.

Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, points out that there are a variety of campgrounds and other lodging facilities located right on the shores and within minutes of the lake. “Two properties that immediately come to mind,” she said. “is the iconic Chateau on the Lake standing high above the lake near the dam and the Still Waters Lakeside Resort located right on the lake on  Indian Point.” She also points out that one of the most popular camping areas on Table Rock Lake is the “State Park Campground” located along with the State Park Marina just south of Table Rock Dam on State Highway 165.

Lake Taneycomo is a long narrow lake that runs from the foot of Table Rock Dam to the Power Site Dam, and the headwaters of Bull Shoals Lake, 22 mile downstream. It is a cold water lake due to the temperature of the water being discharged into the lake through power generation at the Table Rock Dam. In terms of the number of fish caught, Lake Taneycomo is one of the finest Rainbow and Brown Trout fisheries in the country.

Its cold water is not conducive to the same type of water activities as are the warm waters of Table Rock Lake. Although there is some excellent bass fishing available toward its lower end and in its creeks, Lake Taneycomo’s primary water activity is boating and trout fishing.

Lake Taneycomo has a number of lakeside resorts such as Trout Hollow and Lilley’s Landing and the city of Branson operates a lakeside campground with full facilities just south of Branson Landing on Box Car Willie Drive. Convenient access to the lake is provided at the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery, the Cooper Creek Launch Area and the south end of the city of Branson’s campground. Scotty’s Trout Dock, located near the public launch area in the city campground is a great source of information, boat rentals, bait, and guide services.

Bull Shoals Lake, a 45, 000 thousand acre impoundment, with over 1050 miles of shoreline, offers the same type of boating and fishing as does Table Rock Lake. Except for fishermen and probably because of the closeness of Table Rock Lake to Branson, Bull Shoals Lake does not play a major role in the water activities of most Branson visitors even though it is but 20 minutes away.

Branson’s “Tri-Lakes” not only provide a variety of water sports and activities, but in offering it so close to everything else that Branson offers they provide an element of uniqueness that helps make Branson such a special place.

Memorial Day and summer fun increase because Branson’s Table Rock Lake “has more lake to love”

Along with the obvious, swiming, boating and fishing, parasailing is just one of the many other exciting activities available on Table Rock Lake.*

“Of course it is and there’s more lake to love,” said Pat Cox, the co-owner of the State Park Marina, the largest marina on Table Rock Lake, located off of Highways 165/265 just south of the Table Rock Lake Dam. Cox’s statement came as part of a response to a question as to whether Table Rock Lake was ready for the Memorial Day Weekend and the beginning of the summer season after Easter Week rains raised the lake levels to record highs.

“The lake is always more beautiful when it is full than when it is lower,” Cox said. He explained that the lake clarity is good, there is nothing abnormal about any potential floating hazards and that the lake is ready to provide Branson visitors with all the water recreation, fun and excitement for which it is noted. He does point out that, with the higher water, while boating or wave riding, it is a good idea to stay out from shore and shallow water unless you are familiar with the area. He also suggests, as is the case on any lake at any time, that normal, prudent, and safe boat operation and practices will enhance not only the safety of your Table Rock Lake experience, but its enjoyment.

The State Park Marina is a full service marina with a 600-slip marina and much more. It is a one stop water recreation center offering boat and wave runner rentals, guided fishing trips, parasailing, a full service dive shop and cruises on the “The Spirit of America”—a 48-foot sailing catamaran. In addition, it has everything from ice and sunscreen, to bait and tackle, Danna’s BBQ, Hawaiian Shave Ice, shopping at the “Boathouse Boutique store” and much more.

“Table Rock Lake is one of the major Branson outdoor attractions that helps make it the wonderful, exciting and unique tourist destination it is,” said Levi Kurtright, Director of Marketing for Branson Tourism Center one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. “‘With more lake to love,’ he continued, “this could be one of the most exciting and fun filled years ever on Table Rock Lake.”

For additional information on Table Rock Lake or Lake Taneycomo or for information or tickets for any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

*Photo courtesy of State Park Marina.

City of Branson Campground RV Park reopens

Some of the first campers back into the city's Campground and RV Park after its reopening.

BRANSON, Mo. The city of Branson’s Campground, located on the shore line of Lake Taneycomo is again open for business. The record setting release of water from the Table Rock Dam caused the closing of the closing of the camp ground. During an interview on May 6, Jim Dikes, who manages the campground for the city with his wife Sherrell, said that, thanks to the tireless efforts of the city administration and its employees, the campground has reopened for business.

Dikes said although not all the spots, especially those nearest the lake are ready for occupancy, there is a large number that are. He also said that electric, cable, water etc. are available for all the sites that are open as well as the campgrounds public washrooms, toilets and showers.

He points out that the city is continuing the work on the rest of the spots and they will be opening on an “as available basis.” He suggests that those who made reservations prior to the camp grounds closing might want to call the camp ground at 417-334-2915 to reconfirm. That number may also be used to make reservations for the campground as well.

“What a great job the city has done in getting its campground reopened as quickly as they did,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “It is unique in terms of its location right next to Historic Downtown Branson, Branson Landing and Lake Taneycomo and it’s just one of Branson’s many campgrounds and RV parks.” Bransons’s selection offers a choice and variety of camping facilities to meet every taste. Combine that with everything else that Branson has to offer and the result could be one of the most exciting and entertaining camping experiences ever.”

For additional information on Branson area campground and RV parks or for information or tickets Branson’s shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.