Branson Table Rock Lakes
Branson Table Rock Lakes were created with the completion of Table Rock Dam in 1958. Table Rock Lake offers 52,000 acres of exciting water fun. Of course it wasn’t always this way. The history of the Branson Trilakes Area begins with the history of the lakes-and in the case of Table Rock Lakes, the building of the dam.
Table Rock Dam was constructed primarily for flood control, hydroelectric power and water supply. The originally chosen site for Table Rock Dam was located at Table Rock Mountain (this can be viewed by taking a Duck ride from Highway 76). Further geologic surveys revealed this site was unstable and therefore unsuitable for the dam. The site was changed to the present location but the name “Table Rock” was retained. Once the dam was completed across The White River, the Branson Table Rock Lakes began to fill.
One of the primary purposes of Table Rock Lake is electricity generation. When electricity is generated at Table Rock Dam it is used to meet peak energy demands. Table Rock is a link in a chain of power-producing stations that provide power to about seven million end-use customers in six states (Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas) with power to meet peak demand periods. The Southwest Power Administration is the governing agency and it sells and delivers this power to about one hundred electric cooperative systems in these six states.
Of course the lake isn’t just functional-it’s fun too! Visitors to Branson Table Rock Lakes can hop aboard the Showboat Branson Belle (an 1890s paddle wheeler) and enjoy a scenic cruise with elegant dining and live entertainment on the lake itself. A renowned bass fishing lake, Table Rock Lake is a great spot for largemouth & smallmouth bass, crappie, bluegill and catfish. If fishing is what you’re looking for, don’t forget to look below the dam too; in 1958 when Table Rock Dam was completed Lake Taneycomo below changed from a warm to a cold water lake and became a perfect habitat for trout.
There’s not shortages of places to stay on the lake either. Branson Table Rock Lakes have over 100 resorts to choose from for families picking a vacation destination in the Ozarks. While many are located on the Kimberling City side of Table Rock, the Branson side of Table Rock Lake is where the majority of vacationers choose to stay.
Of course any stay on the lake wouldn’t be complete without some boating. For those visitors who do not want to operate a boat but still wanting to experience the beauty of the area from the water, 3 commercial boat cruises or rides operate on Table Rock Lake. Full service marinas operate on Table Rock Lake at various locations to provide service and convenience to boaters. The State Park Marina is the best choice for any type of water craft rentals, they have everything from wave runners to daily cruised on a 48 ft. sailing catamaran.
The Branson Table Rock Lakes are one of the crown jewels of the Branson trilakes area and are a primary draw for toursists. Over the last 50 years many area attractions have come and gone but the lake has grown more popular than ever!
More Table Rock Lake Information:
- Table Rock Guide Service – Looking for all the best fishing spots for your Table Rock getaway? Table Rock Guide Service has years of experience fishing in the Ozarks.
