Branson, Missouri
A resort city in the Ozark Mountains, known for its live music shows and family-friendly attractions.
Branson is a resort city in the U.S. state of Missouri, situated in the Ozark Mountains. Most of the city lies in Taney County, with a small portion extending into Stone County. The community was named after Reuben Branson, a postmaster and operator of a general store in the area in the 1880s. As of the 2020 census, the population was 12,638, which constitutes nearly one fourth of the Taney County population. Branson has long been a popular destination for vacationers from Missouri and around the country, with entertainment theaters along 76 Country Boulevard and Shepherd of the Hills Expressway, including Dolly Parton's Stampede. Branson is also the site of the Branson Cross, the largest cross monument in North America.
Quick Facts
- Nickname
- Live Entertainment Capital of the World
- Leader
- Larry Milton
- Founded
- 1882
- Named for
- Reuben Branson
- Area (km²)
- 55.604
- Area water percent
- 0.59
- Population (estimate)
- 12869
- Population
- 12638
Lore & Background
Branson was formally incorporated on April 1, 1912, following the construction of Powersite Dam on the White River, which formed Lake Taneycomo. In 1894, William Henry Lynch bought Marble Cave (renamed 'Marvel Cave') and began charging visitors to tour it. Hugo and Mary Herschend leased the cave for 99 years in 1950 and modernized it with electricity and concrete staircases. In 1960, the Herschends opened Silver Dollar City, a recreation of a frontier town. Harold Bell Wright's 1907 novel 'The Shepherd of the Hills' became an international best seller, establishing Branson as a tourist destination. The Old Mill Theater began outdoor productions based on the novel in 1960, continuing into its 61st season in 2021. The historic farm is also home to Inspiration Tower and the Shepherd of the Hills Adventure Park.
Reader's Guide
Branson's attractions include the Aquarium at the Boardwalk, Hollywood Wax Museum, Wonderworks, Silver Dollar City, White Water, Dolly Parton's Stampede, helicopter rides, ziplines, cave tours, go-karts, mini golf, and more. The Titanic Museum is a half-scale replica of the famous ship. Branson Landing opened in summer 2006 on the Lake Taneycomo waterfront, featuring retail space with Bass Pro Shops and Belk, a scenic boardwalk, and the Branson Landing Fountains. The convention center opened September 7, 2007. The Branson Scenic Railway is located in the old depot across from Branson Landing. Due to Branson being known for family-oriented tourism, casino gambling is frowned upon and does not exist in this area. Branson's ferris wheel, moved from Chicago's Navy Pier in 2016, provides a scenic view of the Ozarks from 150 feet.
More in Locations & Operations
Elsewhere in Ozark
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