Branson, Missouri

Monday June 28 through Thursday, July 1, 2004

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To see all of the pictures taken in Branson, Missouri, click here!

Branson is located near Springfield, Missouri.  Springfield is in Southern Missouri. Branson is an amazing little town. Branson is on Table Rock Lake and Lake Taneycomo. Both Lakes are manmade. Table Rock Lake is formed by Table Rock Dam. Lake Taneycomo is the lake make by the next dam downstream. Branson is not a typical lake resort town.

Over the past 30 years, creative entertainers have been building theatres in Branson. The Best Read Guide lists over 60 live shows for the 2004 summer season. We chose Branson as a destination because of the shows. We didn't have any clear idea of what we wanted to see. There are morning, matinee, and evening shows. Some performers will do more than one show a day. We felt one show a day was enough. We saw Mickey Gilley's evening show and Shoji Tabuchi's matinee show.

A number of people we talked to strongly recommended the Branson Belle cruise (A Silver Dollar City Attraction). They take you out on Table Rock Lake in a large stern wheeler. They feed you and entertain you. The people we talked to said the food was good (big surprise) and the entertainment was remarkable. We didn't have time this trip but next time around, I think we will try this one.

Branson is a terrific tourist town with plenty to do. In addition to the forty plus theatres, there are theme parks, silly museums, go-cart race tracks, and other fun things to do.

We brought our RV to branson and stayed at the Branson KOA campground. The KOA campground is a good campground and a great place to stay. It is also a great place to stay because if you purchase your show tickets through the KOA, they will get you to your shows and pick you up when the show lets out.

Right - The Branson KOA Free Show Shuttle drops us off at Mickey Gilley's Theatre for an evening show.

Something that we should have done that we didn't do was to Ride The Ducks. These vehicles leave regularly from their "mooring" and take people on a tour of Branson and the lake. We saw a number of groups riding the ducks and all the folks looked like they were having a great time.

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Above left - roller coaster from amusement park.

Above right - Roy Rodgers & Dale, Evans Museum and Happy Trails Theatre

Below left - Ray Stevens Theatre

Below right - The Dutton's Family Theatre

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Above left - Mickey Gilley Theatre and Gilley's Texas Cafe.

Above right - Lost Treasure Golf. If you are into Putt-Putt Golf, this is the venue for you.

Below left - Ripley's Believe It or Not!

Below right - Jim Stafford Theatre.

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Above left - Scenic overlook on HIghway 165. Overlooks Branson KOA, Branson, Lake Taneycomo, and Table Rock Dam.

Above right - As seen from scenic overlook, folks fishing in Lake Taneycomo.

Below left - Panoramic view of Branson and Lake from overlook.

Below right - The overlook really hangs out there over a ledge.

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Traffic around Branson can be very heavy at times. It is especially bad on the weekends. Consider alternative forms of transportation when you visit.

The Branson KOA was especially helpful in this regard.

 

Copyright © 2004 Larry Pearson - All Rights Reserved