Dewey Short Visitor Center - Just 2 Miles From Your Favorite Branson Coaster

Neil Sawford • April 5, 2024

Dewey Short Visitor Center – Just 2 Miles From Your Favorite Branson Coaster

Don't forget to visit Table Rock Lake if you vacation in Branson with your entire family. Every visitor to this artificial lake will discover a fascinating history when they visit the recently opened Dewey Short Visitors Center.

Situated about two miles from the Dewey Short Visitor Center, this is the perfect place to spend the afternoon following an exciting morning of activities or an exhilarating ride trip on the Branson coaster at Branson Mountain Adventure.

Take an educational tour of the Dewey Short Visitor Center to add fun to your Christmas visit to Branson. Visit the Dewey Short Visitor Center to see how the United States dammed the White River in the 1950s and built the artificial Table Rock Lake by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Table Rock Lake was constructed to gauge the waterway's ability to manage flooding.

The Table Rock Dam was constructed following the formation of Table Rock Lake, and it was called for a sizable rock that had slid a mile downstream from the dam's location. When you visit the new Dewey Short Visitors Center, you will discover fascinating history and facts about these two man-made structures.

The Dewey Short Visitors Center is named for Congressman Dewey Jackson Short, a Republican US Representative from Missouri's 7th Congressional District elected to a remarkable twelve office term. It is situated immediately off of Highway 165 near to the dam.

Dewey Short was a fervent advocate for the Table Rock Dam and played a significant role in securing funding for the project. As a result of his tireless efforts, the construction of the dam was made possible in 1954.

The congressman's vision, the dam, and many other topics are now available for tourists at the Dewey Short Tourists Center. The visitors' center is a striking modern structure situated on the lake's edge. Table Rock Lake's "crown jewel," the visitors center, opened its doors in April 2012.

Among the outdoor features of the visitor centers are a garden with a wooden bridge, a walking path, and an outdoor viewing platform. Three levels of educational exhibits and a 20-minute film about the dam are located within; after your thrilling trip on the Branson roller coaster, head over here.

The interactive exhibits at the Dewey Short Visitor Center provide a larger-than-life story about the White River and the Table Rock Dam while showcasing the animals of the Ozarks. Following Congressman Dewey Jackson Short's election to Congress, the Visitor Center was built.

Dewey Short, a Republican congressman from Missouri's 7th congressional district who was a fervent backer of the Table Rock Dam, emerged as the project's strongest proponent in terms of funding. Today, visitors to the Dewey Short Visitor Center may discover the fascinating history of Congressman Dewey Short's vision as well as the history of the dam.

The unique, contemporary Dewey Short Visitor Center building is situated on the lake's edge. The facility earned the title of Table Rock Lake's "crown jewel" when it debuted in April 2012. There is an outdoor viewing deck, a walking trail, and a rock garden with a wooden bridge near the Dewey Short Visitor Center.

There is a theater within the stunning structure where you can view the movie about the dam's construction and a Discovery Shop with unusual gift items. Unique products created by regional artists and craftspeople, including wood carvings, handcrafted goods, and souvenirs with Table Rock Lake themes, are also available at the Discovery Shop.

Wall displays on the ground level of the Dewey Short Visitor Center describe the history of the Table Rock Dam. You can learn about the history of the previous life of the local Indians by visiting the exhibitions of native American artifacts inside the Visitor Center.

Suppose you have an interest in nature and wildlife. In that case, the diorama room with fish, birds, and other critters in Table Rock Lake is fascinating. You can capture stunning and unforgettable photos of the dam from the building's viewing deck, adding to the awe and memory of your visit to the Dewey Shorts Visitors Center.

Table Rock Lake's "crown jewel" is this well-liked destination close to the lake. Information on Table Rock Lake and the other dams used to control the water in the White River Watershed is available through three stories of interactive exhibits.

The value of wearing a life jacket is illustrated in an interactive water safety exhibit, and you can create virtual rain and mountains in a hands-on sandbox using a 3D topographic map. Enjoy the stunning views of the lake and dam from two levels of outdoor decks.

When you visit the Dewey Short Visitors Center after your thrilling ride on the Branson mountain coaster, the Runaway, you will discover fascinating information regarding the damming of the White River, in addition to taking in the gorgeous views of the magnificent Table Rock Lake.

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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.