Lakes

There are numerous group activities that can be enjoyed at our area lakes. Listed below are some of the most popular. Be sure to give your group the opportunity to experience the beautiful lakes surrounded by the Ozark Mountains.

Group Activities

• Showboat Branson Belle

• Kayaking on Lake Taneycomo

• Dewey Short Visitor Center

• Branson Jet Boats

• Spirit of America Catamaran

• Boat Rentals/Fishing

• Relaxing at Moonshine Beach

• Branson Duck Tours

Branson and the Ozark Mountains first gained fame in the early 20th Century with publication of the novel, Shepherd of the Hills. While seeking out the beautiful rolling hills about which they had read, they also found great fishing in the peaceful valleys between those hills. The White River, which begins and ends in Arkansas and meanders through Missouri, quickly became a favorite spot of tourists. Many early visitors loved the Ozarks so much that they moved here (and still do), and soon the need for electrical power compelled the construction of hydro-electric dams.

The construction of six dams on the White River has transformed fishing and life in the Ozarks. Six beautiful and diverse lakes can today be found in the White River Basin, and three of them are in the immediate Branson area. Table Rock Lake, Lake Taneycomo, and Bull Shoals Lake are all popular among fishermen, boaters, swimmers, and those seeking fun in the sun.

Lake Taneycomo was created in 1913 with the construction of the Powersite Dam a few miles downstream from Branson. The cold-water lake, which has the personality of a river, is today stocked with over half a million trout annually, making it one of anglers’ favorite spots in the U.S., though fishing is not the only adventure to be found on Taneycomo. Visitors to Branson love to explore the river on a Branson Duck Tour or get wet on the exciting Branson Jet Boats.

Table Rock Dam was a marvel when it was constructed in 1958. At over 6400 feet long, it was then the longest dam in the world. The depth of the water at the dam averages 250 feet. When the gates are fully open, the dam releases 500,000 cubic feet per second (or about 3.76 million gallons). The dam is not the only wonder to behold on Table Rock Lake.

Visitors and locals alike enjoy boating on the lake which boasts 800 miles of shoreline. The lake is known for its record-setting bass, but fishermen also enjoy catching crappie, catfish, bluegill, and perch. Boats and pontoons can be rented at many marinas around the lake, including State Park Marina near the dam or Indian Point Marina. Scuba divers love exploring the lake.

Visitors and locals alike enjoy the excursions on the Showboat Branson Belle, a paddleboat that offers worldclass shows and meals. Many guests love to swim at Moonshine Beach. Nearly everyone stops at the Dewey Short Visitor’s Center next to the dam to learn both the history and current conditions on the lake.