From Caves to Mountain Coasters, Find Out Why Tourists Visit Branson Attractions

Neil Sawford • October 26, 2022

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.

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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.