Since the discovery of Marvel Cave many decades ago, Branson has continued to evolve, offering recreational activities, world-class live entertainment shows, and numerous exciting attractions.

These activities allow vacationers to experience Ozarks hospitality in a fresh, new way each time they spend a wonderful vacation. Branson's brief history revealed numerous activities and adventures in the Ozarks that drew tourists to the area to see many popular attractions, including the Branson Mountain Coaster.

Marvel Cave became a tourist attraction in 1894

As one of the oldest caves in Branson, Marvel Cave was opened by William Lynch in the late 1800s as a tourist attraction. By the year 1894, Marvel Cave opened to tourists. Silver Dollar City was made known in part due to the discovery of the Marvel Cave. Silver Dollar City might not even be named. That same year, the cave became a tourist attraction in the area, and by 1960, it had become the focal point of the premier theme park in Branson.

The Herschend family leased the cave in 1950 and made vast improvements for the accessibility of tourists to the shelter. By 1960 the same family established an 1880s Ozark Mountain Village around the entrance to Marvel Cave, the beginnings of Silver Dollar City. This popular attraction in Branson is the perfect tourist spot to visit after you have enjoyed a thrilling ride on the Branson mountain coaster.

In 1907, the Ozarks put the Shepherd of the Hills on the map.

The name Shepherd of the Hills comes from Harold Bell Wright's famous book of the same name. The book is Missouri's most widely read publication. When the book was first published in 1907, thousands of readers were drawn in by the intriguing story and the detailed language describing the Ozark's regions and the characters in the story. Even today, the book inspires people by allowing them to learn about the story and its characters.

Tourism to the area increased for more than a decade after the book's publication, with many visitors wanting to know where to find "Old Matt's Cabin," as Wright referred to the Ross homestead in the novel. Other businesses capitalized on the novel's success by naming their establishments after characters in the book, such as The Sammy Lane Resort.

Lizzie McDaniel purchased the Ross homestead in 1923 and made it a museum. He was also the first to host the Shepherd of the Hills story reenactments on the homestead's lawn.

Rockaway Beach Becomes a Vacation Hot Spot in 1902

In 1913, the Ozark Beach Dam near Forsyth was built, creating Lake Taneycomo, which aided in the growth of the resort community of Rockaway Beach. The number of permanent residents began to increase, followed by an influx of tourists eager to enjoy the warm lake's boating, fishing, and swimming.

Many new visitors arrived at the nearby Hollister, Missouri, White River Line Railway depot and took a boat down Lake Taneycomo to Rockaway Beach.

Rockaway Beach quickly became one of Missouri's premier tourist destinations, with visits from movie stars and U.S. presidents. Al Capone, the famous Chicago gangster, is said to have vacationed in the resort community but also had a hideout nearby!

Rockaway Beach thrived for many years until the completion of Table Rock Dam in 1959. It then created Table Rock Lake (now nationally known for its bass fishing) and significantly cooled Lake Taneycomo's warm waters.

Rockaway's broad appeal as a tourist destination faded as its lake became unsuitable for swimming. However, Rockaway has reinvented itself as a charming lakeside community with some of the best trout fishing in America steps away in the last decade.

Live Music Makes Its Mark in Branson started in 1959/1960

The Mabe brothers, known as the Baldknobbers, founded Branson's reputation as a live entertainment destination in 1959. The brothers' combination of country hits and comedy became Branson's winning formula for the country music variety show, which is still used in several successful shows today. The Baldknobbers relocated from their location along Lake Taneycomo to their theater on W 76 Country Blvd in 1969.

In the 1980s, there was more to do and see

Visitors to Branson were drawn in by the live music shows, outdoor recreation, and water sports adventure, such as in the Tri-lakes area. However, by the 1980s, Branson had begun to expand its entertainment offerings of world-class performances, which in many cases increased the number of time visitors stayed in the area.

After visiting the caves, watching world-class entertainment shows, and taking a thrilling adventure ride on the Branson mountain coaster, you will understand why tourists visit Branson's famous attractions.