As early as 1894, William Henry Lynch had purchased Marvel Cave and had already begun charging visitors to see it. Half a century later, the Herschend family bought the cave in 1950 and began hosting square dances in it. These dances became so popular so quickly that were televised on Red Foley 's Ozark Jubilee . The Herschend Family also modernized the cave with electricity and cement staircases, and in 1960, they opened Silver Dollar City which was a recreated frontier town of five shops and a church. It also featured a log cabin with actors playing out the feud between Hatfields and McCoys .

Also at the early turn of the twentieth century, Harold Bell Wright had published his novel about life in the Ozarks, The Shepherd of the Hills . The Old Mill Theater and Homestead tour is located on the exact location described in the book and although the names were changed, all of the chacters have been proven to be true residents of the area during Wright's lifetime. In 1960, they began their first outdoor production of the play based on the novel and the show still runs today. Not surprisingly, many of the actors have been in the play for decades, simply changing chacaters as they age.

1963 saw the completion Table Rock Dam on the White River, which created Table Rock Lake . The Presley family started their show on HWY 76 not long after in 1967 and a short time later, The Baldknobbers moved their show almost directly across the street. From these humble beginings, this part of the Ozarks would eventually grow to more than 50 theaters hosting multiple live entertainment shows daily, most of which are located on the same HWY 76, or what the locals refer to as The Strip.

However, most long time residents believe that Branson began its transformation into a major tourist attraction in 1983, when the 7,500 seat Swiss Villa Amphitheatre opened in Lampe, Missouri . The theatre, which was later renamed the Black Oak Mountain Amphitheatre, showed to everyone that there was definitely a market in this area for the larger music gatherings taking place countywide. This theater proved to be tremendously successful, especially as it started out as a venue for rock bands such as Def Leppard , Lynyrd Skynyrd , REO Speedwagon , Steppenwolf , and Ozzy Osbourne . [4]

Also in 1983, Roy Clark opened the Roy Clark Celebrity Theatre , becoming the first contemporary famous music star to have his own venue in Branson. Many of the performers that have played in Branson, got their first start at that venue. A series of larger theatres opened on the Strip soon thereafter and in 1987, Box Car Willie became the first entertainer with a permanent schedule in Branson.

Jumping ahead to the future, in 2007, ground was broken for the $155 million Branson Airport on land formerly belonging to Tennessee Ernie Ford . Scheduled to open as soon as May 2009, it has claimed that it will be the single largest privately-owned commercial airport in the United States. The construction, which involves flattening several Ozark mountains is said to be the largest earth moving project in Missouri history.

However, this development is already assured success as currently the closest commercial airport for the annual average of seven million visitors a year is Springfield-Branson National Airport which is located 50 miles northwest of Branson.

Branson , MO sits in an enviable spot, sounded by mountains and pristine lakes, outdoor activities abound. Table Rock lake is a must see and there are plenty of different opportunities to experience it. The Dewy Shore Visitor's Center offers a complete history of the lake and dam and is free of cost, including its magnificent walking trails. Also free of cost is the tour of the fish hatchery where naturalists walk you thru a living history of our waterways and little ones can feed and experience aquatic life at all different growth stages. Boat rentals are available at State Park Marina and on Lake Taneycomo for both the fishing enthusiasts and those interested in a relaxing personal cruise.

Another way to cruise Table Rock Lake is on the Showboat Branson Bell where you can enjoy both a great meal and show on an authentic 1800 riverboat. Or you can stay ashore and simply visit the Chateaux on the Lake to see an incredible view of both the lake and the dam or even take in a sunset in all its glory. The view from anywhere there is outstanding and they offering everything from ice cream and sodas to warm drinks and cocktails as you stroll their deck and check out the scenery. They also have a highly recommended dining room and world class spa that both offer incredible vistas.

Silver Dollar City is another one of the biggest draws to Branson Missouri , especially with some of the country's the best decorations during the Holidays. For the holiday seasons at Thanksgiving and Christmas, the number of lights displayed is staggering, in the multiple millions, and it is truly something to be seen. Some of you might remember the Beverly Hillbillies filmed quite a few episodes there and the producer, Paul Henning loved the area so much that he purchased an enormous piece of land that will never be developed. Now called the Paul and Ruth Henning Nature Preserve, there is a scenic over-look to this property located on Hwy 76 on your way to Silver Dollar City. Also close by is the Shepard of the Hills Homestead which hosts tours of the property, Inspiration Tower and a live play in an outdoor amphitheater. It is one of the must-see activities while visiting Branson , Missouri .

Other amusements for the family in Branson include water parks, both indoor and outdoor. White Water is a tropical adventure park with multiple water-filled rides and attractions including two seventy-five foot freefall drop slides and four racing lanes over three hundred feet long. Situated in the Grand Country Music complex, Splash Town is an indoor water park with slides, pools and a lazy river that make it fun for the whole family. They also offer snacks and restaurant dining and an indoor mini golf course to round out your experience.

Designed for the young and old alike, Branson offers an abundance of family activities such as multiple opportunities for mini golf, go-carts, arcades, bumper boats and fun-filled adventure attractions. Other fun family adventures are close by with offerings as varied as the Titanic Museum with over four hundred actual artifacts from the ship, Ripley's Believe It or Not and Odditorium with a strange and interesting collection of weird items from around the globe, the Hollywood Wax Museum which houses more than a hundred lifelike images including a monster's hall and celebrity gift shop, the Butterfly Palace and the Veteran's Museum. No matter what your kids are interested in this exact moment in time, you can certainly find something to please the entire family.

The new Branson Landing is a $400 million complex that offers a great opportunity for shopping, walking, eating, drinking and just plain old people watching. The Town Square offers visitors a dazzling light, fire and water show at the top of each hour plus a promenade filled with boutiques, specialty shops, high-end retailers, corner taverns and great restaurants. You can stroll along the new river walk or the center of the promenade, but visitors of all ages continue to be amazed at Branson's newest attraction.

For those shoppers looking more for a bargain, factory outlet shopping has become quite popular here in Branson , Missouri . The Tanger Outlet mall is located at the center of the strip and offers incredible wholesale discounts on clothing, accessories and everything else you can imagine. With outlets including Banana Republic, Tommy Hilfiger, Coach, Levi's, Coleman, Nike, Izod and many more, even the most seasoned shopper is sure to find a bargain that will amaze their friends back home. Branson Meadow's Mall also offers bargains that are either at or below most other outlet prices plus their complex also hosts a multiple screen movie complex and several different theaters.

Factory Merchants is another outlet mall that has offerings for even the most discriminate buyers. Also known as a Vanity Fair Outlet, the stores here include numerous clothing, shoes, accessories, and house wares outlets all with offerings way below current retail prices. Another recent addition to the Branson shoppers' list is the new center at Hwy 65 and Bee Creek Road . In the last year alone this area has seen the arrival of a Target, Wal- Mart Super Center , Books-a-Million, Marshall 's, Kohl's, Home Depot and Pet Smart to name just a few. Rivaling the cost of a lot of the outlet, this area has become the new Mecca for the bargain hunters here in Branson.

A different shopping experience offered here in Branson includes trips to Engle's Block, the Grand Villages and Branson Mill. These malls offer an insight into true craftsmanship from a long ago era. Here you can watch the artisans work their craft such as glassblowers, blacksmiths, candy makers and woodworkers. This type of shopping experience is both educational and truly fun for everyone in the family. Plus, the experience can often be even more valuable than the items you buy because it will stay with you for a lifetime.

Hotel in Branson MO plus Show Tickets and $30 Gas Cards available through Staysavers Vacation Packages

Branson MO Christmas Packages Offered by Staysavers With Complimentary $30.00 Gas Cards

Branson Show Package Company Staysavers gives away The Promise tickets as Travel Incentive