Table Rock Lake is the beating heart of outdoor recreation in the Ozarks. Just southwest of Branson, MO, you can find the huge concourse of inlets and coves. These are all made possible by the Table Rock Dam. To see where it all starts at Table Rock Lake, you can visit the dam, visitor center, and fish hatchery. There is plenty to check out for the whole family.
Find out more about all the fun near Amazing Branson Vacation Rentals when you check out our Things To Do page. It’s full of the best recommendations for things to see and do like enjoying a day at Table Rock Dam.
Magnificent Table Rock Dam Has an Interesting History
Table Rock Lake reaches 79 miles upstream creating a massive complex for beautiful boating and fishing. The bastion that makes this possible is Table Rock Dam. The 6,423 feet long dam generates approximately 200,000 kilowatts of hydroelectric power and has operated since 1961. An auxiliary spillway was installed in 2005 to support the main spillway in the event of a worst-case scenario flood. The dam regulates the White River due to its tendency to flood. The multi-beneficial Table Rock Lake thus secures homes and property on the White River and creates one of the largest water recreation areas in the region.
The name of the dam comes from the original site of the dam, Table Rock Mountain. It was deemed unstable, but the name stuck. The lake covers 43,000 surface acres and has 745 miles of shore in Missouri and Arkansas. Without this dam, a place like Branson would never be possible, due to flooding of the White River.
Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery
As part of the dam’s draw, the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery is a fun tour to see all the varieties of fish that exist in the lake. The hatchery exists to stock the lake with fish and ensures the numbers of each variety. It’s the largest trout-rearing facility run by the Missouri Department of Conservation. Just six miles to the southwest of Branson, the hatchery is a fun place to check out while at the dam. Open year-round, the facility is free-of-charge to visit. Additionally, you can take a walk on trails available near the hatchery.
Dewey Short Visitors Center is the Perfect Family Stop
You can’t visit Table Rock Dam without visiting the Table Rock Dam Visitors Center. Opened in 2012, the visitors center has been called the “crown jewel” of Table Rock Lake. There you can check out the intriguing exhibits that showcase Native American artifacts, dioramas of the Ozarks region, wall murals, and a model of the inner-workings of the dam. You’ll also learn more about the history of the Army Corps of Engineers that built the dam.
Table Rock Dam is Only a Few Minutes Away
The dam is just one of many fun things to do in the Branson area. Here at Amazing Branson Rentals, we can help your vacation or getaway reach its full potential. Our rental properties are just minutes away from all the best activities. Check out our available rental properties and contact us to book today!
