Branson, Missouri, the Live Entertainment Capitol of the Midwest, is a pretty memorable town. There are lots of places, people and things in and around Branson that really stand out in your mind. They are the kind of things that locals will refer to when they give you directions around town, and the type of things that you want to get your picture taken in front of. They are some of Branson’s best landmarks and photo stops! Read on to know what to look for when you’re cruising around town during your next Branson trip.
The Inspiration Tower at Shepherd of the Hills
The Inspiration Tower at Shepherd of the Hills is by far the tallest of the Branson landmarks, and one that you can see from all over town. This 230 foot tall tower was built at Inspiration Point, which was the first campsite of Harold Bell Wright, author of the book that made Branson famous: The Shepherd of the Hills. At the very top of the Inspiration Tower, you will find an inspiring 360 degree view of the beautiful Ozark hills. If you don’t want to take the elevator back down, ride down the Vigilante Extreme ZipRider – you will get your picture taken by a staff photographer of you soaring down the ZipRider – what a great photo opportunity!
Table Rock Dam
Table Rock Dam, built by the Army Corps of Engineers in the 1950s, is a landmark and photo opportunity that is as famous as it is functional! A brainchild of Congressman Dewey Short, the Table Rock Dam was built as a means of flood control along the White River. Today, it is the technology that controls the lake levels of both Table Rock Lake and Lake Taneycomo. This is one Branson landmark that you will want to take some photos of – the view from the top is amazing, and even better if you are lucky enough to catch the water being released! If you would like to tour the inside of the dam, tickets for tours can be purchased inside the Dewey Short Visitors Center, just a stone’s throw away from the dam.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum
Located on Highway 76 (The Strip) in Branson, the Ripley’s Believe It or Not museum is full of odd things worth taking a photo of. Shrunken heads, vortex tunnels, and transformers made from car parts are just a few of the fun and unique things you will find inside. Photo opportunities abound here, but what makes the museum one of the Branson landmarks is the building itself! The structure appears to have massive cracks going through it, and looks like pieces have tumbled to the ground. Don’t worry though – it’s supposed to look that way! This already unique museum is modeled after the 1812 Earthquake that hit Missouri and really did tumble buildings!
These are a few Branson landmarks and photo hotspots to get you around town – but don’t limit yourself to just what is listed above. Get out there and discover your own landmarks – and snap a few pictures while you are at it!
