As any Branson/Tri-Lakes area local will be happy to tell you, it can get a little warm here during the summer. The sun likes to make its presence known and the high humidity level will drive all but the most stalwart outdoorsmen inside. But staying indoors all summer is not exactly everyone’s idea of fun and enjoyment – so what can you do to stay cool in the sticky Missouri heat? Why, hit some of the area lakes for a summer of swimming, fishing and boating, of course! Don’t forget the sunscreen.
Swimming
Almost everybody loves to go for a swim on a hot summer day. Branson lakes provide some great opportunities to jump in and start swimming. Moonshine Beach, located on Table Rock Lake just across the dam off of Highway 165, is a fantastic place to swim. It is a true beach here is the Ozarks – complete with sand! For $5 per vehicle, you can bring your swim gear, your sunscreen, and a picnic and stay all day long. The whole cove at Moonshine Beach is roped off with a thick floating yellow cord, so swimmers know where the safest area to swim is. There is no lifeguard on duty at the beach, so make sure to keep an eye on your little ones and make sure that everyone in your group knows basic swimming safety rules. Then dive right in! The cool water may take a minute to get used to, but it’s one of the most refreshing areas to swim on the Branson Lakes. Moonshine Beach also offers amenities like bathrooms, showers, picnic pavilions (with barbeque grills) and a playground. So come enjoy some sand and surf in the Ozarks – plan a swim trip to Moonshine Beach!
Fishing
Branson Lakes are well known for their great fishing. Folks come from all over the country hoping to get a bite. The cold, crisp waters of Lake Taneycomo (short for Taney County Missouri) hold some of the nation’s best fishing opportunities – especially for trout! All year round, the Brown trout and the Rainbow trout in Lake Taneycomo make a great challenge for the avid fisherman. For a cool summer fishing experience, the shallow waters near the foot of the Table Rock Dam (next to the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery) average a chilly 48 degrees Fahrenheit – so don your waders and jump in! Lake Taneycomo is sure to keep you from sweating. Many record breaking Rainbow and Brown trout have been reeled in from this lake – it’s no surprise, what with 750,000+ trout stocked annually. If you want to beat the summer heat while still getting some bites, Lake Taneycomo is certainly the place to be!
Boating
If you’re the type who likes to be out ON the water instead of in it or near the edge, you are certain to love boating on Branson lakes. The State Park Marina on Table Rock Lake has all the ingredients you and your family and friends need for a safe, successful and fun boating experience! The State Park Marina offers boat rentals, wave runners, parasailing, scuba diving, guided fishing trips and unique watery tours aboard ‘The Spirit of America,’ the pride of the marina docks. The marina also features a boathouse store, where boaters can purchase all the staples for a day on the water – hats, sunglasses, snacks, sunscreen, fishing gear, inner tubes, ropes and life jackets are all available here. Once all boaters are wearing a properly fitted life jacket, you and your crew are ready to hit the waters of Table Rock for some boating fun!
Lodging
Of course you’ll need a place to stay next time your’re visiting the lakes in and around Branson. It used to be that you had to choose–you could stay in town close to the shows but a bit of a drive from the lake or you could stay on the lake but be further from the shows. But thanks to the Majestic Condos at Thousand Hills Resort, you get the best of both worlds! Spectacular lakeview condos are available today overlooking the main channel of Table Rock Lake. In addition to all the amenities of home these condos are an experience of pure luxury with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and a location that can’t be beat–right on the lake and only 3 minutes from the heart of Branson’s strip & theater district. There is an outdoor pool, sun deck and grills for resort guests and a resort dock with private boat slips ready for you to enjoy your summer on Table Rock Lake.
Branson lakes are a great way to beat the Missouri summer heat. With a bit of planning and by following water safety rules, your trip to the lake is sure to be a memorable success!
