Category Archives: Table Rock Lake

Branson’s “hot” attractions provide cool relief from summer heat

Silver Dollar City's new $7 million dollar RiverBlast literally provides a watery blast of relief from the summer heat.

Even in the midst of the summer’s heat, Branson’s “hot” shows, attractions, activities and the excitement and adventure they offer makes it one of the ‘coolest’ vacation and entertainment destinations in America,” said Tammy Johnson, Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. “Branson’s attractions and activities provide a variety of ‘cool’ fun filled ways to get relief from the heat.”

Silver Dollar City, an international award winning 1880s themed park and Branson’s most popular paid attractions has many ways to cool off. The “American Plunge” is an exciting traditional log flume ride providing a thrilling five story plunge at speeds up to 35 miles an hour into a splashdown that guarantees a refreshing soaking. Other rides that provide a similar soaking would be the “Lost River of the Ozarks” or Silver Dollar City’s newest water ride, the $7 million “RiverBlast” which provides a leisure float into what might be the biggest “water fight” on the planet. Another interesting way to get cool at Silver Dollar City is to take the Marvel Cave Tour.

The Branson area is blessed with three fresh water lakes, Table Rock Lake, Bull Shoals Lake, and Lake Taneycomo. Many people are aware of the great fishing, boating and other recreational activities available on the 43,100 plus acres of pristine waters of Table Rock Lake. One feature a lot of Branson’s visitors might not be aware of however, is Moonshine Beach located just north of Table Rock Dam on State Highways 165/265 within minutes of the Branson Strip. Moonshine Beach is operated by the U.S. Corps of Engineers and, in addition to its large sand swimming beach has a play ground, picnic areas, a boat launch ramp, flush toilets and showers. It is open from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and there is a daily charge of $4.00 per vehicle.

White Water, southwest Missouri’s largest water park, is located on 12 acres right on the famed Branson Strip. It has two million gallons and of cool liquid excitement, more than 7,000 feet of water slides and a dozen rides to help provide a fun filled way to find relief from the summer’s heat. One of its major rides is “Kalani Towers”, a seven story tall six slide ride. Two of the slides have 300 foot drops enabling speeds of up to 40 mph and four have 312 foot slides located immediately adjacent to each other that permit lane racing at speeds up to 25 mph. Other cooling rides are the Raging River Rapids a two slide ride wrapping around a huge five story high waterfall as riders race to the pool below; the Bermuda Triangle, a fast paced enclosed slide; the Caribbean Plunge and Tropical Twister rapid-water raft rides; Surfquake, a 500,000 gallon wave pool producing 4-foot waves and the Lazy River, a gently moving river for just floating and relaxing.

The majority of Branson’s shows and indoor attractions are air conditioned but iceberg located near the entrance to the Titanic Museum is an indication of some special “cool things.” Does it get much cooler than touching an iceberg? In addition, as guests near the end of their exciting adventure aboard the Titanic, after it has hit the iceberg, they will encounter a chilling experience followed by a real “cool “hands on experience in the interactive area near the lifeboats.

For additional information on these and other really cool Branson shows, attractions, and activities or for lodging arrangements please call the Branson Tourism Center at 1-800-875-1550 or visit www.BransonTourisimCenter.com.

Could Branson be the adventure capital of the world?

Kalani Towers is just one of the adventures at White Water.

Many people know that Branson Missouri has so many live shows it is sometimes referred to as “the live music show capital of the world.” Still others know about the fabulous shopping that is available at venues like Branson Landing or the specialty shops in historic downtown Branson and other places throughout Branson, but one has to wonder how many people look at it as an adventure destination. Paul Miller, General Manager of the Branson Tourism Center says, “From one end to the other, day in and day out, Branson is one big adventure.”

With almost a gleam in his eye Miller says, “The term ‘Adventure’ has various definitions one of which is ‘an undertaking involving risks or unknown dangers.’ Another, and the one that applies to the type of adventure Branson offers, is ‘an exciting or remarkable experience.’” He goes on to say, “The ‘adventure’ most families coming to Branson are looking for is to share a special time of fun, newness, and excitement with each other. From that perspective and in terms of its uniqueness, variety of activities, natural beauty and its friendliness, Branson could be the ‘adventure capital’ of the world.”

The Payne Stewart Tribute Course is but one of Branson's many golfing adventures.

Branson has so many live music shows presenting just about every genre of music anyone could want, but Miller points out, the adventure of Branson’s shows transcends just music. Shows such Acrobats of China, Yakov’s Moscow Circus, the magic, comedy and ventriloquism of the Hamner Barber Variety Show, the amazing dinner entertainment experiences provided by the Showboat Branson Belle or Dixie Stampede or a performance of shows such as Cirque Montage provide still a different type of adventure.

Branson provides a golfing experience second to none. From nationally recognized championship courses such as Payne Stewart and Branson Creek to other great courses such as Thousand Hills, Pointe Royale and others, Branson provides golfing adventure and excitement for every level of play from the beginner to the PGA pro.

Not a golfer, how about an adventure on one of Branson’s beautiful lakes such as fishing, swimming or boating on Table Rock Lake with its 43,000 acres and hundreds of miles of shoreline. If fishing is your thing, Branson area lakes provide a unique opportunity to catch lunker Large Mouth and Small Mouth Bass in Table Rock and Bull Shoals Lakes as well as trophy sized Rainbow and Brown Trout all within about five minutes of each other. If you want a watery adventure in a theme park environment, then White Water with its 12 acres and 2 million gallons of wet fun, and 7000 feet of water slides, featuring the seven story Kalani Tower, is for you.

It's hard to top the excitment & adventure of Silver Dollar City's "Wildfire."

Branson largest and oldest attraction, Silver Dollar City, is an 1880’s themed amusement park with over 30 rides, craft demonstrations and shows providing adventure at every turn. From the excitement of its world class coaster “Wildfire” and its newest ride the $7 million Tom & Huck’s RiverBlast to its Grand Exposition Area containing rides that the oldest to the youngest members of the family can share together; Silver Dollar City will provide all the adventure, fun and excitement that most families could ever want.

“And that’s just the highlights of the adventure and excitement that awaits families in Branson,” said Miller. “From attractions such as the Titanic Museum, the Hollywood Wax Museum, Butterfly Palace and Rain Forest Experience, Branson Scenic Railway and Ripley’s Believe It or Not to go carts, miniature golf, hiking, bird watching, helicopter rides, kayaking, Branson’s newest thrill Adventure Zip Lines of Branson and many more activities, Branson has an adventure to share with everyone.”

For additional information or tickets for any of Branson’s shows, attractions and activities or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center, 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.

Water safety is important part of Branson vacation

Table Rock Lake Dam plays an important part for two of Branson's Lakes, the 43,000 acre Table Rock Lake, behind the dam and Lake Taneycomo flowing 22 miles down stream from the foot of the dam.

In a recent article entitled “Why spend Memorial Day Weekend anywhere else but in Branson?,” Paul Miller, General Manager of the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, said, “Every weekend in Branson is special, but there’s just something about Memorial Day Weekend in Branson. Perhaps it’s because that’s the long weekend many people associate with the ‘unofficial’ beginning of summer, but one thing is for certain, there is a synergy in the air in Branson that just seems to shout, ‘Let the summer fun begin.’”

“For many families, a part of that summer fun will involve swimming, boating, fishing or other activities on one of the three beautiful lakes, Table Rock Lake, Lake Taneycomo and Bull Shoals Lake , that help make Branson the unique, one of a kind fun filled travel destination it is,” Miller continues. He points out that even with the recent rains, Table Rock Lake is at ideal levels for every type of water activity from boating to swimming and everything in between. This includes “Moonshine Beach,” the public beach operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, located off the north end of Table Rock Dam. It has full facilities, a sandy beach and a beautiful view of Table Rock Lake while being only five minutes drive from the famed “Branson Strip.”

Moonshine Beach is a popular public beach operated the Corps of Engineers.

“Safety, is an inherent part of water activities and helps ensure that an outing on the water becomes a memorable activity of the best kind,” Miller said. “A recent U.S. Army Corps of Engineers press release reminds us of some safety tips that can ensure that happening.”

It points out that at certain times, such as major Holiday Weekends like Memorial Day Weekend, “parks, lakes and rivers will be congested” and reminds “visitors to be courteous while waiting at boat ramps, sharing beaches or traveling waterways” and to “obey signs and barricades that restrict access to any areas that are closed off.”

In addition it contained specific water safety tips in two general areas “Swimming” and “Boating:”

“Swimming:

Learn to swim.
Watch your children at all times, and put a life jacket on them.
Never dive into lakes or rivers.
Never rely on inner tubes, water wings or other toys to stay afloat.
Don’t over-estimate your swimming skills.
Reach or throw a flotation device to help someone in trouble.  Don’t go in the water!
Swim only in designated areas.
Never swim alone.

Boating:

Don’t drink alcoholic beverages while boating.
Wear a life jacket.  It’s the law for children 12 and younger and a great idea for adults.
Know your boat and know the rules of the water.
Check your boat for all required safety equipment.
Don’t overload the boat.
Check the weather forecast and flow conditions if boating on a river [Lake Taneycomo]…”

Miller says, “Our areas lakes and waterways, when used safely, are an inherent part of many people’s Branson experience and memories along with its shows, attractions, shopping and other exciting fun activities.” For additional information or tickets for lake attractions such as the Showboat Branson Belle’s dinner show cruise on Table Rock Lake, any of Branson’s other shows, attractions and activities or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center. They can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Showboat Branson Belle is 1,250 tons of floating entertainment and excitement

The magnificent Showboat Branson Belle

“Branson, Missouri has so many fun filled things for people and families to do that the choices almost boggle the mind,” said Paul Miller, General Manager of the Branson Tourism Center. “One of its most unique shows and attractions, from its banana launch on August 12, 1994 to the entertainment experience it provides is the Showboat Branson Belle.”

Themed to capture the beauty, legend and lore of the early 1800 showboat era; the Showboat Branson Belle provides her passengers with a unique chance to experience the elegant grandeur of a bygone era while being able to dine, see a show, and experience the beauty of the Ozarks and its constantly changing scenery as they cruise the pristine waters of Table Rock Lake. “The whole Showboat Branson Belle experience, has made its cruises one of the most popular attractions in Branson for individuals, families and groups of all sizes,” Miller said.

“When you first see her, you know that she is something special,” He continued. Her four decks and smoke stacks reach over 112 feet into the Ozark’s sky and her picture book grandeur transcends time, reminding everyone of the romance, adventure, and history of riverboats and sets the mood for the adventure, fun and entertainment that those boarding her will have.

As impossible as it sounds, the Showboat Branson Belle was built completely on the shores of Table Rock Lake in the immediate area of the White River Landing, where she is now berthed. On August 12, 1994 she was launched down a 140 foot launch ramp, that had been greased with an environmentally friendly two tons of bananas instead of other lubricants, into Table Rock Lake. She was christened on April 13, 1995 and made her first cruise that same month.

At 278 feet in length, 78 feet in width, and weighing 1,250 tons, the $8 million Showboat Branson Belle is almost as long as a football field and carries over 700 passengers as she cruises the scenic waters of Table Rock Lake. She is believed to the largest paddle wheel excursion vessel sailing in a landlocked waterway and is one of the few vessels of her size that does not provide alcoholic beverages or gambling of any type.

Like the true sternwheelers of the past, the Showboat Branson Belle is actually propelled through the water by her two huge stern paddlewheels at a peak speed of 11 miles per hour and an average speed of six miles per hour. Each is 24 feet in diameter, 16 feet wide and propelled by its own independent motor. Although her navigation into and out of her mooring facility is handled by bow and stern thrusters she is steered by a 10 foot 2 inch Captain’s Wheel “made of solid maple wood Restored from the C.C. Slider which operated 1928 – 1952.”

Miller said that the theatrical entertainment and great meals prepared onboard the ships galley for its lunch and dinner cruises are provided in an atmosphere that is as close to the elegance and adventure of the historical river boat era as one is likely to find. “In addition,” he said, “The Ozarks scenery seen from Table Rock Lake, as the Showboat Branson Belle cruises its waters, provides an unsurpassed constantly changing show of its own.

For additional information or tickets for the Showboat Branson Belle or any of Branson’s other shows, attractions and activities 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.

Table Rock Lake produces big for CPAA Tournament

Beautiful, 7.34 pound Table Rock Lake bass caught by Jeremy Mabry with another bass from his 3 bag limit.

Earlier this year when asked, “Why fishermen should plan a fishing trip to Table Rock Lake this spring,” Jim Thompson, a successful local businessman who has been fishing Table Rock Lake for over 25 years said, “Because there is nothing like it anywhere. Table Rock Lake is one of the premier bass fisheries in the United States and the spring is a prime time to catch bass in large numbers and size.” He pointed out that in addition to the Largemouth and Kentucky Bass, Table Rock is also an excellent Smallmouth fishery.

Thompson is also the owner of the Central Pro-Am Association (CPAA), one of the regions premier bass fishing tournament organizations. On May 1 and 2, the fishermen competing in CPAA’s Table Rock Lake Pro-Am and Team Tournaments illustrated just how accurate Thompson was and why Table Rock Lake is such a great bass fishery.

Over the two days of tournaments, 523 “keeper” bass, weighing a combined weight of 1,385 pounds and averaging 2.7 pounds each were weighed in. At the weigh-ins, fisherman after fisherman said how great the fishing was.

Thompson points out that the fish weighed in were just the tip of the iceberg in terms of the total number of fish caught during the two days. He said that only fish 15 inches or longer could be kept and weighed in and that fisherman had to catch and cull quite a number of fish to get to the fish they actually weighed in.

Local fisherman, Tim Sainato from Walnut Shade, who took 2nd in the Pro-Am Tournament and won the Team Tournament with his partner, Steven Redford from Branson, weighed in a five fish limit each day. He said that on both days he had caught in excess of 30 “keepers” which he constantly culled to stay within the five fish limit and estimates his total fish count for each day to be in excess of 40 fish. He said that he positioned the boat in about 14 feet of water, threw a 4 inch Bass Pro XPS Grub into the bank and “retrieved it slowly as fast as he could” emphasizing that “Slow was good.”

Sainato and Redford won the CPAA Team Tournament and the $3,600 first place prize with a five fish limit weighing 18.03 pounds. Interestingly and somewhat unusual, their winning “bag” (limit) was composed entirely of Smallmouth Bass. Second place and a prize of $2,000 went to the husband and wife team of James and Donna Gilzow from Bella Vista AR with a five fish limit weighing 16.05 pounds.

On the Pro-Am Side, Dave Donham of Highlandville, Mo, won first place in the Pro Division and $3,500.00 with a five fish bag weighing 16.62 pounds. In the Non Boater Division Jeremy Mabry of Fayetteville, AR won the first place prize of $1,750.00 with a maximum three fish bag weighing 14.00 pounds. Mabry also won the Big Fish Prize of $350.00 in the Non Boater Division with a bass weighing 7.34, which was the biggest bass caught in the tournament.

“What a living testimony as to just how great a bass fishery Table Rock Lake is,” said Paul Miller, General Manager of the Branson Tourism Center, an avid bass fisherman who was at both weigh-ins. “When that is combined with Branson’s shows, attractions, shopping and everything else that Branson has to offer, Table Rock Lake offers a quality unique bass fishing experience not available anywhere else in the world.”