Branson appeals to folks with all kinds of interests. Those who love history will adore Branson’s historical pride in their town, and will enjoy attractions like Shepherd of the Hills Historic Homestead and Old Mill Theater, or the museum at the Dewey Short Visitor Center that chronicles the history of the Table Rock Dam. If your interest lies in classic cars, Branson is home to great summer car shows, not to mention an auto and farm museum, plus several classic diners that feature old school car memorabilia. If you are one of those who have an interest in bird watching, you are in luck! There are numerous Branson birdwatching opportunities in and around town.
Table Rock Lake: Table Rock Lake can be a great place to get in some Branson birdwatching. Not only is it a beautiful place to visit anyway, but you can get the chance to view some shorebirds and water loving birds to add to your life list! The Greater Ozarks Audubon Society says that grebes, ducks, loons and Bald Eagles are just a few of the species that you can see when you are down on Table Rock Lake!
Busiek State Park: Busiek State Park, located just north of Branson off of Highway 65, is hundreds of acres of Branson birdwatching paradise. Not only can you hike, mountain bike or ride horseback on Busiek’s miles of beautiful trails, but you can view some great birds while you are there. Bluebirds, cardinals, goldfinches and other songbirds are almost always present in the woods, and oftentimes different species of hawks can be seen flying over the creek. Busiek State Park is also prime warbler territory during their migration.
Roaring River State Park: Roaring River is one of the most beautiful parks in the Ozarks – and it is great for birdwatchers too! Located south of Branson, Roaring River State Park has loads of hiking trails, picnic areas, cabins for rent, plus an on-site trout hatchery that makes for great fishing! The Greater Ozarks Audubon Society notes that “Roaring River State Park resides in one of southwest Missouri’s Important Bird Areas, where migrating warblers, thrushes, empid flycatchers, grosbeaks, and vireos are abundant. Many species nest here too, including Wood Thrush and two Tanager species.”
Springfield Conservation Nature Center: Located about twenty minutes north of Branson on just off of Highway 65, the Springfield Conservation Nature Center, operated by the Missouri Department of Conservation, is a wildlife paradise on the edge of town – perfect for birds, and birdwatchers! According to the Greater Ozarks Audubon Society, “The center has 3 miles of trails that offer bottom land, forest, and glade-savannah habitat, and a bird feeding area where birds are fed year-round. Turkey and Black Vultures and a variety of waterfowl are found in winter, while Cooper’s, Red-shouldered, and Red-tailed Hawks nest in summer. Many neotropicals use the area during spring migration, while Prothonotary, Northern Parula, Black and White Warblers, and Louisiana Waterthrushes are just a sampling of the summer breeding species.”
