Category Archives: Table Rock Lake

Five awesome reasons to be in Branson for the Memorial Day Weekend

"KaPau Plummet" at White Water, Silver Dollar City's "Outlaw Run," Sight and Sound's "Moses" and Fireworks are just part of the fun and excitement in Branson over Memorial Day Weekend!

“KaPau Plummet” at White Water, Silver Dollar City’s “Outlaw Run,” Sight and Sound’s “Moses” and Fireworks are just part of the fun and excitement in Branson over Memorial Day Weekend!

“Summer doesn’t officially start until June 21st, but in terms of Branson’s Summer Season, it starts over Memorial Day Weekend,” said Preston Garrison, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest providers of tourism services and information. “From its pristine lakes and beautiful Ozarks scenery, to its shows, attractions, and dozens upon dozens of other activities Branson is ready to share the fun, adventure, and excitement of summer with its visitors,” he added.

Although there’s literally hundreds of awesome reasons to plan to spend any summer weekend or vacation in Branson, here’s a list of five that specifically focus on Memorial Day Weekend:

1. White Water, Southwest Missouri’s largest water park, opens with two million gallons of cool wet fun ensconced in a 13 acre Polynesian themed “island” in the middle of the Ozarks. Its $1.7 million thrill ride, KaPau Plummet, launches riders from a drop-floor four stories in the air into a 70-degree plunge into a thrilling 240-foot spiraling loop slide to the bottom, and that’s just one ride! When you add in the iconic seven story multiple slide Kalani Towers; Aloha River at Hula Bay, with “over 800 feet of unexpected twists and turns, fountains, misters, bubblers, geysers, and a 30-foot tall tiki water tower; and so much more, it’s easy to understand why White Water is sometimes referred to as “Mid-America’s Nearby Island Adventure.”

2. Branson’s Pristine Lakes, Table Rock Lake, Bull Shoals Lake, and Lake Taneycomo are a virtual aquatic paradise offering boating, swimming and a wide range of other water sports and activities, along with some of the finest bass and trout fishing anywhere. There are many opportunities to experience the beauty and relaxation of Branson’s lakes such as by boat, canoe or kayak; walking along the Branson Landing Boardwalk; hiking one of the many lakes trails; sitting on a sandy beach, or while cruising aboard cruise boats such as the Showboat Branson Belle, Main Street Lake Cruises Lake Queen or Landing Princess.

3. Fireworks will light up the Memorial Day Weekend sky over the Ozarks in two major firework displays at dusk on Sunday evening, May 29. One display will be at the Chateau on the Lake, as part of its Memorial Day Celebration, and the other at Big Cedar Lodge, as part of its Patriotic Picnic and Fireworks event. The public is invited to both; with the best views from Table Rock Lake, the property’s grounds or, in the case of the Chateau on the Lake, the peninsula area located just north of the Table Rock Dam to the west of its auxiliary spillways.

4. Moses, Sight and Sounds newest spectacular biblical production to perform in Branson, “is the most spectacular, technologically advanced, show that Sight & Sound Theaters has ever put on stage,” said Mike Pitman, the Business Development Manager for the theatre. This powerful and epic biblical story follows Moses on his quest for personal identity that would change the course of human history. Journey back to that time with your family and witness some of the greatest moments in biblical history; experience the exhilaration and celebration of the Israelites as they brush past you on their path to freedom; feel God’s awe-inspiring power as you sit in the midst of the parted Red Sea, and the moment He first speaks to Moses at the burning bush, all presented as only Sight and Sound can depict.

The iconic violin played by bandmaster Wallace Hartley as the Titanic sank.

The iconic $1.7 million dollar Titanic violin, played by bandmaster Wallace Hartley as the Titanic sank, on exclusive exhibit at the Titanic Museum Attraction through May 29.

5. The Titanic Museum Attraction’s exclusive Branson presentation of the $1.7 Million Dollar Bandmaster Titanic Violin through May 29. RMS Titanic bandleader, Wallace Hartley’s violin has become the iconic symbol of the Titanic saga. Found strapped to his body after the sinking, it was returned to his wife-to-be, only to be lost to the world until it resurfaced almost a century later. Now, for the first time since an unnamed owner took possession of the violin, visitors to the Titanic Museum Attractions will be able to experience for themselves, the overwhelming sense of emotion it evokes,” says Mary Kellogg-Joslyn, co-owner of the Titanic Attractions.

And that doesn’t include all the rest of the fun, excitement, adventure and live shows that Branson is noted for. BTC’s Garrison points out that Memorial Day Weekend is not only the start of Branson’s Summer Season, but one of the busiest weekends of the year. He suggests advance reservations for shows and lodging to ensure not only availability, but the best seating and accommodations. For additional information on Branson’s Memorial Day Weekend activities or information on tickets for any of Branson’s 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.

 

Did you know this about the US Army Corps of Engineers and Table Rock Lake?

Jim Sanderg, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Table Rock Lake  Operations Project Manager of Table Rock lake

Jim Sanderg, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Table Rock Lake Operations Project Manager of Table Rock lake

When Table Rock Dam was completed in 1959 it formed Table Rock Lake, with its 43,100 surface acres and 745 mile shoreline of aquatic fun, adventure and scenic beauty. Along with Silver Dollar City and Branson’s live shows,it is one of the lynchpins that helps make Branson such a wonderful unique travel destination.

Table Rock Lake is owned, managed and controlled by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, (Corps). The Corps is directly involved in all aspects of the lakes use, both by daily visitors and the many commercial operations on the lake that enhances its recreational value. Recently, the Branson Tourism Center (BTC) had the opportunity to interview Mr. James Sandberg (JS), the Operations Project Manager responsible for all of the Corps operations at Table Rock Lake. His responses and insights are presented below in a “Q and A” format.

BTC: What is your position with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) and what does it entail?
JS: Operations Project Manager. I am responsible for all of the operations here at Table Rock Lake including natural resource management, recreation, flood damage reduction, hydro power operations and serve as the liaison between the public and our District office in Little Rock.

BTC: How long have you been at Table Rock Lake?
JS: I started as a Park Ranger in 1989 left for another assignment in 2002 and have had my current position since December of 2006.

BTC: What were the three main reasons Table Rock Dam was built?
JS: First and foremost, flood damage reduction, then hydropower and water supply.

BTC: Water supply?
JS: The allocation for water was for the fish hatchery [Shepherd of the Hills Trout Hatchery] just below the dam. Right now there is no allocation for residential/domestic use.

BTC: Where does recreation and fishing come in under that hierarchy?
JS: Recreation is one of the Corps missions, but it was not one of the authorized purposes of the project. Recreation is an authorized mission, as well as natural resources, but we do not make any changes on the management of the Water Control Plan based on recreation or natural resource management.

BTC: Why do the “normal,” levels of Table Rock Lake fluctuate from 915 feet to 917 feet at different times of the year?
JS: We maintain a “normal conservation level” of 915 above MSL between December 1 and May 31 when it is increased to a “seasonal conservation level” of 917 above MSL until November 30. The increased level is authorized by the Water Control Plan so that we can make the minimum releases during that period required to maintain oxygen levels and water temperature downstream for the trout fishery.

BTC: Does the Corps manage tourism related activities on Table Rock Lake?
JS: Yes, we have 12 recreation areas that we run and 15 commercial marinas that we manage for the benefit and enjoyment of the public. In addition, we have more than 100 “Limited-Motel Resort” leases we manage that support recreational activities and tourism on Table Rock Lake.

BTC: So if there is a resort, marina or other business operation on Table Rock Lake it is operated in co-operation with the Corps?
JS: Correct. Table Rock Lake is a federally owned project and owns the vast majority of the lakes shoreline. As a general rule any commercial business on Table Rock Lake operates through a lease or other agreement with the Corps.

BTC: What are the primary Corps facilities or managed areas that Branson visitors are most likely to come in contact with?
JS: Table Rock State Park and the State Park Marina, the Dewey Short Visitors Center at Table Rock Dam, the recreation areas [which include camp grounds and boat launching ramps] at Indian Point, Cricket Creek Old Highway 86, as well as Mill Creek and Aunts Creek and of course “Moon Shine Beach” located on the north end of Table Rock Dam which is one of our most popular areas.

BTC: What is the impact of Table Rock Lake on tourism in the Branson area?
JS: I think it is a big part of the recreation and tourism in the Branson area. I have been given some number that recreation in Stone and Taney Counties is a two to three billion dollar industry of which Table Rock Lake is directly responsible for about 25% of that. It is estimated that visitors to just the Corps operated recreation areas spend about $60 million per year in the local economy and that’s not counting the other areas on Table Rock Lake such as Big Cedar, Chateau on the Lake, Table Rock State Park and Marina and the other commercial marinas, resorts etc. operating in cooperation with the Corps.

BTC: In closing, what one thought would you like to leave with our readers?
JS: The Corps wants to make sure that we maintain the resources that we have at Table Rock Lake so locals, visitors and their families can enjoy them now and that future generations will also be able to enjoy this precious resource. We want to be proactive in protecting the lake to make sure that it stays the lake that we all enjoy today.

 

 

CPAA/Bass Pro Fall Big Bass Blast provides opportunity for amateurs to win big money

Central Pro Am Fall Big Bass Blast

BRANSON, MO, July 23, 2013 – “With a guaranteed prize of $10,000 for the biggest fish, weigh-ins and prizes every two hours and no professionals or guides permitted, the Central Pro-Am Association’s Fall Big Bass Blast (Blast), presented by Bass Pro Shops and the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB, is an excellent opportunity for amateurs to fish for a day, have fun and win a lot of money,” said Mike Webb the owner of the Central Pro-Am Association. The Blast will be held on Nov. 2, from 7 AM to 3 PM at Bass Pro Shops Long Creek Marina, 378 Long Creek Road, Ridgedale, MO on Table Rock Lake.

He further explained that the Blast is designed for non-professional fisherman and, unlike normal tournaments where there is one weigh-in and it is the total weight of all the fish that wins, in the Blast, there are four independent weigh-ins with only one Bass from each fisherman eligible to be weighed in at each. There will be cash prizes paid for the largest bass at each individual weigh-in.

Although the amounts for each will vary, depending on the number of registrations, with 300 registered participants, EACH independent Weigh-In Payouts would be 1st: $3,000 2nd: $2,000 3rd: $1,000 and progressively less from 4th to 10th place. The independent Weigh-Ins will take place every two hours at 9 AM, 11 AM, 1 PM and 3 PM. In addition to the cash prizes for the individual “Weigh-In Payouts” there will be “Big Bass Payout”, for the three biggest fish of the day of 1st: $10,000 2nd: $5,000 and 3rd: $3,000.

Webb points out that although the amounts shown as payouts above for each of the four Weigh-In Payouts and 2nd and 3rd in the Big Bass Payouts are based on 300 registrations for the Blast. If there are more or less the prizes would be adjusted up or down accordingly. The $10,000 1st for the Big Bass of the tournament is the guaranteed minimum regardless of whether or not there are less than 300 registrants.

Another unique feature of this event is the way the tournament starts. There will be no day of tournament registrations or massive “take off” from one spot. All participants must pre-register and participants can be anywhere they want to be on Table Rock Lake ready to fish when they get the text message at 7 AM that the tournament has started.

To facilitate this type of start all participants must Check-In at the Springfield Bass Pro Shops, 1935 S. Campbell Avenue, Springfield, MO between the hours of 12 PM and 7 PM on Nov. 1. Registration is $150.00 per participant and may either be done on line or at the Check-In. All participants “must be enrolled in the Bass Pro Shops®Outdoor Rewards® Program which is free and may either be done on line at www.basspro.com/rewards or on site during the event Check-In. You may also enroll on-site during event Check-In and either way, all Blast participants received double rewards points on all purchases made at the Springfield Bass Pro Shops

There will be additional on-site activities on Nov. 2 in addition to the Weigh-Ins at the Bass Pro Shops Long Creek Marina. These include free NITRO® Boat Demo Rides, free Food and Beverages and NITRO®, Mercury®, and NASCAR® displays.

Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, one of the sponsors of the Central Pro-Am Association reminds those attending and participating in the Blast that Nov. 2 is during the first week of Ozark Mountain Christmas and signals the beginning of one of busiest periods of the entire Branson season. She recommends making advance arrangements not only for lodging, but for shows. For information or tickets for any of Branson’s shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please feel free to contact the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services by calling 1-800-785-1550 or through its website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Webb wins Central Pro-Am Angler of the Year

Mike Webb with a 7.30 pound bass he caught in the CPAA March Tournament on his way to winning Angler of the Year.

BRANSON, Mo., October 23, 2012 — “A big congratulations to Mike Webb on winning the coveted title of “Central Pro-Am Association Angler of the Year,” said Tiffany Isnard, the Director of Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center, one of the major sponsors of the Central Pro-Am Association (CPAA). After a series of tournaments, spanning a period of approximately ten months, all fished on Branson’s Table Rock Lake, Webb, with a final score of 1262.58, nosed out fellow fisherman Brad Butler, with a final score of 1250.73, for First place by just 11.85 points. Bob Neff was Third, with 1233.34 points, Pete Wenners Fourth, with 1196.80 points and Jeff Durr Fifth, with 1182.85 points.

The quest for the CPAA Angler of the Year Award started on Dec. 3, 2011 and ended seven tournaments later on Sep. 15. The “points” earned by each fisherman are more than merely the total pounds of fish caught. They are a combination of points awarded for each tournament in the series, with points being awarded for participation, number of fish caught, total weight and placement in the tournament. To win the title, a fisherman must consistently produce at a high level throughout, the seven tournament series.

Going into the last tournament of the competition Webb and Butler were “neck in neck.” Although both Webb and Butler caught four bass, Webb’s 13.29 pound total weight, including the tournaments biggest bass, weighing 6.95 pounds” and First Place tournament finish; coupled with Butlers 11.06 pounds total weight and Sixth place tournament finish, earned Webb the coveted title of “Angler of the Year.” After earning the title Webb said, “This has been a goal of mine since I started fishing Central Pro Am 20 years ago. I’m ecstatic about winning my second event and the Angler of the Year title.”

Branson Tourism Center’s Isnard points out that Webb also runs a program called K.A. S. T. (Kids Are Special Too.) K.A.S.T. was founded in 1996 to educate kids about the hazards of drug use and provide an alternative to that use. Since that time Webb has traveled to countless school assemblies and other gathering of kids giving a “kid oriented” antidrug presentation and sharing fishing and the outdoors as an alternative to drugs.

As if that’s not enough, Webb is a professional fishing guide operating Webb’s Guide Service and has become the new owner of CPAA. He will take over the operation of CPAA with the start of its 2013 season. The first tournament of the 2013 season will be the two day Pro-Am Tournament, “The Bass Pro Fall Spectacular,” on Table Rock Lake out of the Ahoy’s ramp. Entries will be taken for the 2013 Bass Pro Shops Fall Spectacular and the rest of the 2013 CPAA season both on-line at or via phone at 417-485-5644.

Five cool ways to stay cool and have fun in Branson

White Water's iconic 7-story multiple slide "Kalani Towers."

BRANSON, Mo., June 26, 2012 — Branson is one of the “hottest” travel destinations in America in terms of the family fun, adventure, entertainment, shopping, excitement and things to do. Outside of the temperature, one of the “hottest” things in Branson this summer is the variety of fun filled “cool” options Branson offers to “beat the heat and stay cool.”

Here are five of my favorite ways to beat the heat and the  reasons why:

1. Spending a day at White Water Branson’s only outdoor water park. From its iconic seven story multislide thrill ride “Kalani Towers” to the “Aloha River at Hula Hula Bay” and much more, including it’s millions of gallons of cool tropically themed relief from the heat.

2. Take a cruise or boat ride on Lake Taneycomo – Lake Taneycomo, flows 22 miles from the foot of “Table Rock Dam” to the “Power Site Dam.” It’s waters average a temperature of about 48 degrees near its source at the dam providing cooling relief for those cruising or boating on her waters. Main Street Lake Cruises’ Lake Queen and Branson Princess, located in the Main Street Marina at Branson Landing, offers sightseeing and dinner cruises and peddle boat rentals. Scotty’s Trout Dock and Marina, located at the south end of the City of Branson’s “Lake Side RV Park” offers pontoon and other boats rentals as does “Lilly’s Landing” located off of Fall Creek Road.

The sands of Moonshine Beach on Table Rock Lake.

3. Activities or Swimming in Table Rock Lake or Moonshine Beach – The 43,000 surface acre Table Rock Lake, operated by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, offers a variety of ways to beat the summer heat including swimming, boating, fishing or just about any water sport or activity anyone would want to enjoy. The Corps also operates Moonshine Beach, on Table Rock Lake, near the north end of Table Rock Dam on State Highway 165/265. It’s the largest sand beach in southwest Missouri, has many amenities and is conveniently located within minutes of the famed Branson Strip.

4. Silver Dollar City – From its guaranteed to get wet water rides such as “American Plunge,” “Lost River of the Ozarks” and “RiverBlast,” to exhilarating, exciting and cooling rides on coasters such a “PowderKeg” and “Wildfire;” the depths of “Marvel Cave” and the cooling shade of its tree lined streets, the fun filled 1880’s styled theme park has to be one of the “coolest” theme parks in America.

5. Going to any of Branson’s over 100 live shows or indoor attractions – The shows are “cool” not only in terms of their air conditioned climate controlled environment, but in terms of the entertainment they provide. Like the Titanic Museum Attraction, with its opportunity to touch an iceberg and feel the icy cold temperature of the water into which the mighty ship sank over 100 years ago; the vast majority of Branson’s indoor attractions also offer their fun and excitement under cool climate controlled conditions.

Treehouse Condominiums provides spectacular vacation “view”

Even on a cloudy cold early Spring Day the view of Table Rock Lake is spectacular.

BRANSON, Mo., May 2, 2012 — “Along with Silver Dollar City, Table Rock Lake is one of Branson’s biggest attractions,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “In terms of lodging, the Treehouse Condominiums offers not only virtually traffic free access to both, but one of the most spectacular  views of Table Rock Lake and our scenic Ozark Hills.

Tamy Bond, Director of Internet Marketing for Treehouse Condominiums amplifies saying, “We are known for our incredible view of Table Rock Lake from every single unit.” Bond continues, “In addition, we are just one mile and couple of traffic free minutes from Silver Dollar City on Indian Point Road. This easy access permits our guests the convenience of visiting Silver Dollar City while being able to come back to the condo, relax, take a nap or enjoy the lake and go back later in the day. All the live shows, attractions, dining, shopping and excitement and adventure of Branson is, but a short distance, about a ten minute drive away.

In addition to the spectacular view and convenient access to Table Rock Lake, Silver Dollar City and all that Branson offers, Bond stresses that whether it’s a family vacation, reunion, corporate gathering or other event, that the spacious and elegantly appointed 1 – 3 bedroom condominiums of Treehouse provides a  “quiet family getaway place right on the lake that is your home away from home. All you need to do is bring the food; we supply everything else from pots and pans to dishes, blow dryers, linens towels and almost anything else you will need.” Amenities include an Indoor Fitness Center with state of the art gym equipment, an indoor exercise pool, outdoor pool with Gazebo, a walking trail to the lake, two docks, a swimming area at the lake, micro waves, flat panel TVs, DVD-VCR, and much more.

Kitchen area.

Tim Chancellor, a Sales Agent for  Caldwell Banker said, “All the units at Treehouse Condominiums are individually owned. Those available to nightly rental are managed by Treehouse Condominiums.” He was extremely excited about the completion of Treehouse’s new Building 14 at the top of the property which offers eco-friendly high-efficiency geothermal heating and cooling systems, high-quality, energy-efficient appliances, windows, and doors, is sound and fire-proof with roomy parking garages located in the lower levels. It also contains the exercise room and indoor exercise pool, which is open to all Treehouse guests. Although there is an unobstructed view of Table Lake from every condominium at Treehouse, the view from the new building is extraordinary.

Branson Tourism Center’s Tammy Johnson said, “The Treehouse Condominiums offer a wide variety of unit sizes and styles to meet every need. It is an excellent lodging choice in terms of its combination of value, quality of its units, amenities, view of Table Rock Lake from every unit and easy access to Silver Dollar City.” For more information on the Treehouse Condominiums Branson’s shows and attractions please feel free to contact the Branson Tourism Center 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.

Central Pro-Am Associations Pro Champion to win $40,000 Ranger-Mercury Package

The CPAA Pro Champion will win a $40K Ranger, Mercury Motor and Trailer Package.

BRANSON, Mo (April 7, 2012)  “Even at this point, it’s the best opportunity most fishermen are going have to win a Ranger Bass Boat,”  said Jim Thompson, the owner of the Central Pro-Am Association (CPAA). Thompson was referring to the fact that the winner of the CPAA’s Pro Division, at the end of its seven tournament series will, in addition to the prize money won for each tournament and being the CPAA Champion, also wins a 19 foot Ranger Bass Boat, 200 horse power Mercury Engine and trailer package valued at over $40,000.00.”

To be eligible to win the Ranger, the fisherman must be a member of the CPAA and have fished five out the seven of the 2012 CPAA Pro-Am Tournaments, all of which are being held on Table Rock Lake. Thompson said, “Although two of the seven tournaments have already been held, fisherman who fish all of the remaining five CPAA Pro-Am Tournaments, the first of which will be held next Saturday, April 21 out of Mill Creek on Table Rock Lake, are eligible to win the boat. The other four tournaments will be held on May 5, June 9, June 30 and September 15.

Thompson mentions that out that the total Championship scores for the 50 fishermen who fished the first two events range from a low of 25 to the high of 376.09. When asked if someone who started fishing next week could win the tournament Thompson chuckled and said, “Absolutely, this is after all bass fishing and anything can happen.” He clarified by explaining how the scoring system works.

There are three types of points, “Show Up,” “Weight” and “Placement.” Every fisherman in the tournament gets 25 Show Up Points just for showing up and fishing. The second element of the score is Weight Points, the total weight of the fish each weighs in. Placement Points are awarded based on the placement of the fisherman in the tournament with 150 points for First Place and a one point reduction for each place under that, i.e. 2nd Place 149, 3rd 148 etc. Fishermen must weigh in at least one qualifying fish to get any Placement Points.

Thompson points out that it’s every bit a possibility that a fisherman starting next weekend could win the Championship and the Ranger Mercury Boat Package. If the new fisherman caught 15.50 pounds and placed 15th in the tournament their score would be 25 Show Up Points, 15.50 Weight Points, and 135 Placement Points for a total of 175.50 Championship Points “With five tournaments to go and fishing being the sport that it is, although obviously the person with a 376.09 point lead at this point has an advantage, anything can, and probably will, happen.

The Championship and competition for the boat package is in addition to, based on 60 boats per tournament, up to $2,000 in the prize money that can be won at each of the five tournaments. The winner of each of the individual CPAA Tournaments in the series is based strictly on the total weight of the qualifying fish caught and weighed in. The total weight for each tournament is included in the Weight Points awarded towards the Championship and the Placement within each tournament based on that weight determines the number of Placement Points awarded.

Anyone wanting to enter next week’s tournament or more information on the CPAA can do so in person at the CPAA Office, located in the at 220 Branson Hills Parkway, Ste B, on the east end of the same building that Branson 1st Stop and the Branson Tourism Center are located in or by calling 417-335-5075.

Championship wakeboarding event makes first Branson appearance

MasterCraft Pro Wakeboard Tour coming to Branson

BRANSON, Mo. The terms “Krypt,” “Tantrum,” “911,” “Tweety Bird” and “Tootsie Roll,” just to mention a few, all have different meanings and connotations to many people, but not to the athletes and who will be competing in Branson on June 8 and 9, 2012 in the MasterCraft Pro Wakeboard Tour.  “What a testimony to Table Rock Lake and the Branson area that it is able to host championship water events as diversified as the FLW and Bass Masters fishing tournaments and the  Pro Wakeboard Tour,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “The competitors, fans and spectators will experience an action filled exciting event and be just minutes away from Branson shows, attractions, shopping, value priced lodging and all the other fun things Branson has to offer.

“Wakeboarding” is an exciting action filled sporting event involving a rider on a wakeboard being pulled behind of motorboat at speeds of up to 25 miles an hour. Just how fast depends on the skill of the rider, water conditions, the tricks they will be performing and other factors. The terms “Krypt,” “Tantrum,” “911,” “Tweety Bird” and “Tootsie Roll,” are all names from the “trick lexicon of these championship athletes, competing in a sport that combines the excitement of water skiing, surfing and snowboarding into one action filled event.

Ross Summers, CEO of the Branson Lakes Chamber of Commerce and CVB, one of the events sponsors, along with,Ozarks Rivers Heritage Foundation, said, “The MasterCraft Pro Wakeboard Tour is one of the premier wakeboarding events in the country.” He also pointed out that this is the first time that the event has been held in Branson and is a new stop for the tour.

The Branson stop is the third stop on the MasterCraft Pro Wakeboard Tour and an integral part of winning the Pro Tour Title. Tour competitors accumulate points during every stop on the Tour based on their placement in each contest. The one earning the highest total number of points at the end of the five stop Tour is  crowned the “Pro Tour Champion.”

The event will be held at Table Rock Lake’s Moonshine Beach on June 8 and 9, 2012. The Pro Men’s Qualifying, Junior Pro Men’s Quarterfinals and Pro Women’s Semifinals will be held on Friday, June 8. The Pro Men’s Quarterfinals, Junior Pro Men’s Semifinals, Pro Men’s Semifinals and Junior Pro Men’s and Women’s Finals will be held Saturday June 9, prior to the Pro Men’s Finals and the “Big Air Kicker Contest”  which will conclude the days competition.

Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson said the Moonshine Beach area of Table Rock Lake will provide excellent viewing for spectators, both from land and the lake, and is only minutes south of the Branson Strip on State Route 165. It should be noted that although the Wakeboard Tour will span two days, June 8 and 9, Sunshine Beach will be open to the public both days with standard Day Use Rates applying on June 8 and the Wakeboard Tour rate on Saturday June 9.

She points out that Branson’s summer season will be fully underway and suggests that those planning to attend the MasterCraft Pro Wakeboard Tour or visit Branson that weekend give consideration to making advance arrangements for lodging and shows. Please feel free to contact the Branson Tourism Center, for information or tickets for any of Branson’s shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements by calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Midwest Living designates Branson as one of the “25 Coolest Midwest Lake Vacation Spots”

The Showboat Branson Belle cruising on Table Rock Lake combines the natural beauty of the Ozarks with great dining and entertainment.

“Branson’s designation as one of the ‘25 Coolest Midwest Lake Vacation Spots‘ by ‘Midwest Living’ is yet another recognition of what millions of people have already found out,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. “Branson, Missouri is a ‘cool’ place for individuals, families and groups of all types to visit for vacations, meetings, special events and to simply relax, have fun, be entertained, shop or enjoy any of the many other amazing activities Branson offers,” she continued.

In designating Branson as one of “25 Coolest Midwest Lake Vacation Spots,” the article specifically mentions Table Rock Lake, one of Branson’s three “Tri-Lakes,” the other two being Lake Taneycomo and Bull Shoals Lake. Table Rock Lake with its 43,100 surface acres is the “crown jewel” of Branson’s water related recreational activities, is located just minutes from the famed Branson Strip and provides 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.

In terms of Branson, the “cool” referred to in the article title goes well beyond Table Rock Lake, which is actually mentioned only minimally in the article when it says, “Chill on Table Rock Lake, take a cruise on the Showboat Branson Belle, then settle in for one of this southwest Missouri town’s glittering live music shows.” In addition to Branson’s live shows the article attributes Branson’s selection as one of the “25 Coolest Midwest Lake Vacation Spots” to Silver Dollar Cityhistoric downtown Branson, loaded with little souvenir shops and cafes and its ” posh outdoor shopping mall,” Branson Landing.

Johnson points out that what’s really “cool” is that  during 2011, in addition to being named as one of the “25 Coolest Midwest Lake Vacation Spots” by Midwest Living, Branson has received a number of recognitions for the quality of the entertainment experience it provides. These include being named the ‘Best Small City for a Weekend,” for the second year in a row, by the AAA in the July/August issue of ‘AAA Midwest Traveler’ magazine and being named by “TripAdvisor” as a winner of its inaugural “Travelers’ Choice Family Award-winning Great U.S. Destinations to Discover.”

“Everyone in Branson works so hard to make sure our visitors have a great experience while they are in Branson,” Johnson continued. “It’s rewarding when organizations like Midwest Livinge, AAA and Trip Advisor, whether directly or through their readers or members, recognize that effort and help us share what a wonderful place to visit and vacation Branson, Missouri is.”

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.