Branson Tourism History

Neil Sawford • October 27, 2023

In 1960, Branson's tourism sector began to boom, forcing the Missouri Pacific to suspend all passenger operations on its White River Line.

Traffic on the winding U.S. 65 from Springfield to Branson frequently slowed down travel due to the many passengers arriving by car. A new road was carved out of the limestone hills using dynamite crews and earth-moving tools, reducing the 75-mile trip between Springfield and Branson to 40 miles.

Traveling to Branson has become more straightforward since the establishment of this new route, and the city has long seen an increase in tourists from adjacent Missouri cities and even from other states.

Because of its breathtaking scenery, fascinating history, many top-notch attractions, and wide range of thrilling activities, Branson has grown to be a well-liked tourist destination. One of the newest activities that many tourists want to do these days is adventuring in Branson. To find out more about the history of Branson's tourism, look at these important facts.

1984 – Marvel Cave Opens for Tourists

The Osage Indians initially discovered Marvel Cave around 1500 AD. The Spanish came to the region in 1541 in pursuit of the Fountain of Youth, but they were frustrated. In 1869, miners from St. Louis went there in search of marble and lead ore, but they came away equally disappointed.

William Henry Lynch, a Canadian mining specialist, acquired the Marvel Cave and moved to the Ozarks with his two daughters to become the region's first tourist attraction after learning about it. Marvel Cave has been in operation for close to 50 years and originally welcomed guests in 1894.

The Herschend family leased the cave in 1950 and made extensive improvements to enable easy access for tourists. In 1960, the Herschend family built an 1880s Ozark Mountain Village at the entrance to Marvel Cave, which marked the start of the construction of Silver Dollar City. After experiencing fantastic boating in Branson, don't miss visiting this tourist attraction.

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

An ambitious writer from Kansas named Harold Bell Wright relocated to the Ozarks in 1898 and made his home on John and Anna Ross's farm. Wright wrote The Shepherd of the Hills, which was published in 1907, as a tribute to the magnificence of the Ozarks and its people, and it was inspired by his delightful life in Branson, Missouri. The book's publication was a huge success, selling millions of copies.

For more than ten years following the book's release, more individuals inquired about "Old Matt's Cabin," as Wright referred to the Ross Homestead in the book. The Ross Homestead was purchased by Lizzie McDaniel in 1923, and she converted it into a museum. McDaniel was the first to hold Shepherd of the Hills reenactments on the lawn of the homestead.

1910s – Rockaway Beach Becomes a Favorite Tourist Destination

Constructed in 1913, the Ozark Beach Dam supplied Lake Taneycomo with water and enabled the development of the nearby tourist resort of Rockaway Beach. An inflow of tourists eager to enjoy swimming, fishing, and boating in Lake Taneycomo's waters accompanied the development of nearby residents in the area.

The majority of guests come to Rockaway Beach through the White River Line Railway depot in nearby Hollister, Missouri, and then go to the beach by boat on Lake Taneycomo.

Before Table Rock Lake was created in 1959 as a result of the construction of the Table Rock Dam, Rockaway Beach enjoyed a long period of popularity. As Rockaway's lake became unfit for swimming, it lost some of its appeal as a holiday destination.

On the other hand, Rockaway Beach has transformed into a picturesque lakeside village with some of the best trout fishing in the country.

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

In 1959, the Baldknobbers, a group of Mabe brothers, made Branson famous as the first Missouri community to host live entertainment events. The group's combination of comic relief and country music in Branson proved to be a winning formula for the genre, which is still prevalent in many current hit shows.

The singing comedians moved to their new theater on W from their previous location close to Lake Taneycomo.

1960 – Silver Dollar City Opens Its Doors

When Silver Dollar City originally started operating in 1960, it offered a steam train ride from the 1880s, as well as themed shops, live entertainment, and craftspeople on show. When "Beverly Hillbillies," the well-known TV series, filmed several episodes in the theme park in 1967, the entire country became aware of the spectacular sight.

By the year 1963, Silver Dollar City had become Missouri's most well-known tourist destination.

1980s – More and More Things to Do in Branson

The live music performances in Branson as well as various other outdoor recreational pursuits, attracted tourists to the region. For many years, Branson has expanded the types of entertainment it offers and lengthened visitors' stays.

With so many tourist attractions in Branson, many visitors who have enjoyed their time in this well-known Midwest vacation site want to stay longer and partake in additional activities, such as excellent adventuring 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.