Branson Tourism History

Neil Sawford • August 3, 2023

Branson has become a popular tourist destination due to its gorgeous landscape, rich history, outstanding attractions, and exciting activities. The thrilling adventure ride with the mountain coaster in Branson is one of the newest things many visitors desire to enjoy nowadays. Check out these crucial Branson historical facts to learn about the city's tourism heritage.

1984 – Marvel Cave Opens for Tourists

Around 1500 AD, the Osage Indians found Marvel Cave for the first time. In 1541, the Spanish visited the area in search of the Fountain of Youth but were disappointed. St. Louis miners visited the location in 1869, searching for lead ore and marble, but they were equally disappointed.

When Canadian mining expert William Henry Lynch learned about the Marvel Cave, he bought it. He relocated to the Ozarks with his two daughters to develop the Ozarks' first tourist attraction. Marvel Cave opened its doors to visitors in 1894 and has operated for nearly 50 years.

In 1950, the Herschend family leased the cave and made significant modifications to give tourists easy access. The Herschend family began the development of Silver Dollar City in 1960 when they erected an 1880s Ozark Mountain Village surrounding the entrance to Marvel Cave. It is the ideal place to visit after an exciting trip on the mountain coaster in Branson.

1907 – Shepherd of the Hills Puts the Ozarks on the Map

Harold Bell Wright, an aspiring author from Kansas, moved to the Ozarks in 1898 and settled at the property of John and Anna Ross. Inspired by his precious life in Branson, Missouri, Wright penned The Shepherd of the Hills, published in 1907 as a tribute to the grandeur of the Ozarks and its people. The novel's publication was significant, with millions of copies sold.

Tourism to the area increased for over a decade after the book's publication. Many people inquired about "Old Matt's Cabin," as Wright referred to the Ross Homestead in the novel. Lizzie McDaniel bought the Ross Homestead in 1923 and turned it into a museum. McDaniel was also the first to host the Shepherd of the Hills narrative reenactments on the homestead's lawn.

The 1910s – Rockaway Beach Becomes a Vacation Hot Spot

The Ozark Beach Dam, which supplied water to Lake Taneycomo and supported the construction of the Rockaway Beach vacation community in the region, was built in 1913. Residents in the surrounding area began to develop, followed by an influx of visitors eager to enjoy swimming, fishing, and boating in Lake Taneycomo's waters. Most visitors arrive at Rockaway Beach through the White River Line Railway depot in adjacent Hollister, Missouri, and then take a boat journey down Lake Taneycomo to the beach.

Rockaway Beach was popular for many years before Table Rock Lake was formed in 1959 due to the construction of the Table Rock Dam. Rockaway's attractiveness as a vacation resort declined as its lake became unsuitable for swimming. On the other hand, Rockaway Beach has remade itself as a charming lakeside hamlet with the best trout fishing in America.

1959/the 1960s – Live Music Makes Its Mark in Branson

The Mabe brothers, known as the Baldknobbers, established Branson's reputation as the first city in Missouri to hold live entertainment events in 1959. The group's blend of country tunes and comedy became an excellent formula for the country music genre in Branson, which is still seen in many popular shows today. The singing comedians relocated from their previous venue near Lake Taneycomo to their new theater on W. Country Rd.

1960 – Silver Dollar City Opens Its Doors

Silver Dollar City opened its doors in 1960, featuring a steam train ride from the 1880s, themed stores, live music, and displaying artisans. By 1963, Silver Dollar City had become Missouri's most famous tourist attraction. In 1967, the entire country took notice of the stunning theme park when "Beverly Hillbillies," the popular TV program, filmed several episodes inside the park.

In 1960, tourism in Branson began to thrive, prompting the Missouri Pacific to suspend all passenger operations on its White River Line. With so many people arriving by car, traffic on the twisting U.S. 65 from Springfield to Branson frequently delayed passage.

To reduce the 75-mile route between Springfield and Branson to 40 miles, dynamite teams and earth-moving equipment helped create a new road through the limestone hills. Branson has long received an influx of visitors from adjacent Missouri communities since the construction of this new route.

1980 – More and More Things to Do in Branson

The live music shows in Branson, and numerous other outdoor leisure activities drew visitors to the area. Branson has boosted its entertainment offerings and increased the length of stay for guests for many years.

With so many tourist attractions in Branson, many guests who have had a good vacation in this prominent Midwest vacation location want to extend their stay and enjoy extra activities, such as a thrilling trip on the mountain coaster in Branson.

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Close-up of a souvenir t-shirt featuring a mountain coaster design

Shop & Adventure in Branson

By Neil Sawford • August 29, 2025

When you visit Branson with your family to enjoy a wonderful vacation, don't pass up the opportunity to shop at some of the best shopping locations. Branson shoppers will find everything on their shopping lists, from specialty shops to department stores. If you've had an exciting ride on the roller coasters in Branson, MO, the next thing you should do is go shopping at some of the shopping malls listed below. Branson Landing Branson Landing, the Midwest's shoppers' paradise, is one of the most visited shopping destinations, offering almost everything you need for your holiday shopping in Branson. This fantastic shopping destination is home to the famous Belk Department Store, which provides a wide range of clothing and accessories. It also has Bass Pro Shop, which has everything you need for outdoor adventures. Branson Landing, a center for great shopping and dining opportunities located between Lake Taneycomo and historic downtown Branson, is one of the most visited attractions in town. The easily walkable Branson Landing is less than a mile long. It features a lakeside boardwalk, an open-air promenade, and more than 100 retail shops and fine restaurants. Shopping is the ideal activity after a thrilling adventure ride on the roller coasters in Branson, MO. Historic Downtown Branson Historic Downtown Branson's famous shopping destination is a short walk from Branson Landing. Shopping in Historic Downtown Branson can undoubtedly relieve the stress of visitors who are having a great time touring the many exciting places in this vacation paradise. You will enjoy what Branson offers as you walk through the beautiful streets, old buildings, and nostalgic themed shops in downtown Branson. You can see the beginnings of Branson in the Ozarks in Historic Downtown Branson. But there's more to Branson than just reminiscing. With many shops and dozens of exciting attractions for people of all ages, this neighborhood transforms into a thriving complex full of exciting activities. Whether you're looking for gourmet foods, baked goods, or original art, the historic downtown Branson has it all. There are many fine restaurants and eateries in the historic downtown Branson, a time-enhanced exciting location. Branson Craft Mall Visit the Branson Craft Mall for a retail market that focuses on the unique and original. The Branson Craft Mall, lined with vendors and specialty craft goods, is also home to the famous Pickin' Porch Grill. You won't leave hungry with a diverse menu that includes House-Smoked BBQ, sandwiches, wings, and even tacos. For an after-meal treat, take a stroll down the candy aisle. Branson Craft Mall is a fantastic shopping destination where you can buy unique arts and crafts and enjoy a delicious dining experience at some of the finest restaurants. This expansive 160,000-square-foot craft mall offers visitors one-stop shopping from over 200 vendors, artists, and crafters. Many of these vendors sell clothing, quilts, leather goods, jewelry, rugs, baskets, pottery, and other items. The Shoppes at Branson Meadows The Shoppes at Branson Meadows provides a wide range of shopping experiences. Shepherd Hills Cutlery, Tuesday Morning, Neil's Home Store, the Consignment Clothing Exchange, Touch of Class Boutique, Made in the USA, and more are all worth a visit! Visit Branson's 1984 Arcade for a nostalgic and rejuvenating break. The Shoppes at Branson Meadows offers discounted local brands, chic home goods, and one-of-a-kind clothing. This shopping spot is a treasure trove of housewares and other household goods. Grand Village Shops Over 25 distinguished novelty stores can be found at Grand Village Shops. With each offering its distinct originality, you're sure to leave with a perfect memory of your time in Branson. The Grand Village Shops are an excellent place to find a meaningful gift for everyone on your list. With the diversity of shops, there is something for everyone in this great shopping spot in Branson. While shopping in this fascinating place, you'll see singing waiters entertain shoppers. At the same time, they enjoy diner-style food and tasty ice cream from the soda fountain at Mel's Hard Luck Diner. Tanger Outlet Mall No shopping spree in Branson is complete without a trip to Tanger Outlets. You will find well-known brands at a discounted price at this unique shopping location. Tanger Outlets is located inside Branson's Entertainment District and offers extended shopping hours and great discounts to reward members. Tanger Outlets have everything that you need and even hard-to-find items. Conveniently located on Highway 76 West, the fully stocked mall offers discounts for favorite name brands such as Gap, Levi's, Polo Ralph Lauren, J. Crew, and much more. When looking for great shopping spots to shop and adventure after an exciting ride on the roller coasters in Branson, MO , don't forget to check out the shopping malls listed above.