WHATS NEW

Butterflies at Branson is a community-wide art exhibit that will be decorating the Branson area from March 29, 2008 until October 10, 2008. Area artists, including Yakov Smirnoff will turn a 36” by 36” fiberglass butterfly into a work of art to benefit Christian Action Ministries. 

New fun on the water at Gage’s Branson Landing Marina & Shoppes. Branson Landing Cruises offers daily excursions aboard a luxurious 100’ yacht or authentic 100’ paddlewheel riverboat in the midst of spectacular Branson Landing and Lake Taneycomo waterfront. Or if you are in the mood for full service dining in a casual waterfront atmosphere, visit Shorty Small’s restaurant or Shorty’s Pub. Souvenirs can be found at Denney’s Harley Davidson and delicious ice cream at Ben & Jerry’s.

Long recognized as the “Home of American Craftsmanship,” Silver Dollar City takes the art of demonstration to a whole new level with the new Culinary & Craft School, designed to pass along knowledge of the long-forgotten crafts of yesteryear and other want-to-know secrets and tips such as country cooking techniques and craft seminars. Set within a new building stylishly decorated with handcrafted items from the park’s master craftsmen, the Culinary & Craft School will feature heirloom displays, multiple demonstrations, hands-on activities and classes for take-home skills.

THIS MONTH'S FEATURED SHOWS

The Haygoods - The Haygoods are known throughout the Midwest for their incredible, high energy, FUN performances. The 7 Haygood brothers and their only sister Catherine are proficient on a multitude of instruments including violin, saxophone, guitar, drums, piano, harp, bass, and lots more! Every type of music, from classical to country to oldies rock is featured in the show, and it is a perfect choice for ALL AGES.

Jim Stafford - The whole family will love the comedy and music of the talented Jim Stafford, and his award-winning Branson show features all of that talent, plus special effects and incredible set designs! However, Jim's antics are just the tip of the iceberg. Special effects accompany the show, making it a breathtaking performance.

MORE ABOUT BRANSON

Author Harold Bell Wright began visiting the area in 1898 and used it for the setting in his book The Shepherd of the Hills. Following publication in 1907 of The Shepherd of the Hills, locals began to see the first tourists arriving to experience the scenic Ozarks as Harold Bell Wright had. In the late 1950s the first two country music shows, The Baldknobbers and Presleys' Country Jubilee, appeared along Branson's main thoroughfare, Highway 76. In the early 1960s the Hershend family opened Silver Dollar City, an 1880s-themed craft village on the site of Marvel Cave. Over the years Branson has grown to include over 100 live shows in nearly 50 theaters; other tourist attractions include museums, pristine lakes, championship golf courses, an IMAX Theater, year-round festivals and events, nearby mountains, and wilderness areas.

Other local attractions include Silver Dollar City , Celebration City, Dixie Stampede, White Water Branson, Showboat Branson Belle, The Shepherd of the Hills, Ride The Ducks, The Branson Landing, The Tracks, Splash Country, and Thousand Hills Golf Resort.

Famous celebrities in Branson have included Glen Campbell, Roy Clark, Wayne Newton, Mel Tillis, Ray Stevens, Jim Stafford, Yakov Smirnoff, Johnny Cash, Boxcar Willie, Andy Williams, Bobby Vinton, Charlie Pride, Tony Orlando, and The Osmonds. In the spring of 2006, the surviving members of the original Bill Haley & His Comets began a long-term residency at Dick Clark's American Bandstand Theater.

Newly opened for the 2006 season, the Titanic Museum includes artifacts from the actual wreck. Also on display are models of the ship, a full scale replica of the grand staircase and recreations of various rooms of the ship, in addition to eye-witness accounts of the events that occurred.

Branson Landing opened in the summer of 2006 on the Lake Taneycomo waterfront in downtown Branson. The $420 million lakefront project includes retail space with Bass Pro Shops and Hudson Belk as anchors in an outdoor shopping mall of 100+ stores and restaurants. "The Landing" as it is affectionately called also contains a boardwalk as well as a multi-million dollar fountain that performs hydrotechnic shows every 15 minutes. Also, every hour on the hour, the National Anthem is played. In addition the site also offers condominiums located above the retail space, and a Hilton hotel and convention center are currently under construction.

Developers are laying out plans for Pinnacle Peak to be located adjacent to Celebration City off of Highway 76. The $250 million dollar European-themed development is planned to open in 2009 and will contain year-around attractions including an indoor water park, aquarium and themed restaurants and shopping.

Branson, Missouri, continues to expand its accommodation options for visitors including multiple hotels and motels as well as nightly condominium rentals.