If you and your family take an annual vacation, chances are that you have heard that Branson, Missouri, is a popular choice for family getaways. But if that’s all you’ve heard, you’re probably wondering just what exactly Branson is all about. Well, Branson is…
Historical: To understand and get the most out of Branson, Missouri, it helps to know the town’s unique background. In 1882, a man named Reuben Branson opened a post office and general store in the uncharted and rugged Ozark Mountains. The area where he staked his claim featured a post office and a general store. Shortly after, the area took on the shape of a real town, and in 1912, the site became officially incorporated as a township by the name of Branson, Missouri, named after Reuben Branson himself.
Before Branson became a federally recognized town, locals were already getting a jump on attracting tourists from outside areas. In 1894, William Henry Lynch purchased a local cavern that went by the name Marble Cave, switched the name to Marvel Cave, and began charging visitors a fee to tour the cavern. In 1907, Harold Bell Wright’s timeless classic ‘The Shepherd of the Hills’ book was published, and tourists began flocking to the area to see this strangely exotic place and the people Wright had so vividly written of.
After Branson became a dot on national maps, still more exciting entrepreneurial ventures were launched. 1959 marked the finish date of the long awaited Table Rock Dam, as well as the first live music show on The Strip, the Baldknobbers Jamboree. Also in the 1950s, the Herschend family leased Marvel Cave and began hosting square dances inside the cavern – something most people had never contemplated before! They restructured the cave by adding electricity and staircases, and in 1960, the Herschends’ opened the now world famous Silver Dollar City, which was back then a replicated frontier town where actors and actresses played out the ‘Hatfield and McCoy’ story. That same year, Shepherd of the Hills began showing the famous book as an outdoor drama, and people flocked to Branson in droves. The town has kept its unique live entertainment tradition alive and well, and features more shows that almost anywhere else in the U.S.
Patriotic: Known as the Veterans Capital of the Nation, Branson, Missouri, takes great pride in honoring our nations past and present military, and celebrating our American history. Each year, Branson hosts the Traveling Vietnam Wall, and goes all out with a stellar Veterans Day Parade. Many restaurants, stores and attractions offer military discounts, and lots of the live entertainment shows love to present tributes to honor military guests in the audience.
Rugged: Nestled in the tough and beautiful terrain of the Mark Twain National Forest, Branson, Missouri is a paradise for outdoorsmen and women. With miles of hiking trails in the surrounding nature and wildlife preserves, numerous campsites and places to fish, you and your family won’t have to risk running out of places to explore! Horseback riding, ziplining and boating tours are some of the other great activities that can be enjoyed in rugged Branson.
Fun: During your visit to Branson, you and your family will want to do things that are fun and memorable. The amount of attractions in Branson can be overwhelming, but be sure to check out these timeless favorites: Silver Dollar City is one of America’s premier theme parks, and a first time vacation must – rides, shows, shops, live demonstrations, food and more await you here! The Inspiration Tower at Shepherd of the Hills Historic Homestead will give you the best view around of Branson. Branson Landing is also quite the experience – and you will also have the opportunity to view Lake Taneycomo. And don’t forget to stop for lunch at The Keeter Center at College of the Ozarks – it’s an Ozarks tradition!
Branson, Missouri, is one of those rare destinations that truly does have something for everyone. So plan a trip and take it all in!
