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!

There is so much more to Branson than just shows, attractions and food. Since we all know vacations can get expensive, we want to help you keep the costs down for your next trip to Branson. Here are a few fun, free things to do in Branson!

1. Take the Trolley. Did you know Branson has a free Trolley? Three trolleys are on a constant loop for locals and tourists alike!
2. Visit College of the Ozarks. The grounds are beautiful year round and they have free tours on the campus. If you have time, eat at the Keeter Center Restaurant- trust us, you will love it!
3. Branson Landing. Go for a walk and explore the shops and scenery. Start by visiting Bass Pro and continue walking down the Landing. And you must stay and watch the water and sound show that takes place every hour!
4.  Table Rock Lake. Whether going for a swim or a peaceful afternoon spent by the water, you must visit this lake. Table Rock Lake is huge and there are a plethora of lake front areas for you to enjoy with the family. If you want, you can rent a boat or take a boat cruise as well.
5.  Table Rock Lake Dam. The architecture alone is spectacular.
6. Shepard of the Hills Fish Hatchery. One of Branson’s most popular tourist sites, the fish hatchery is located below Table Rock Dam. The center has several beautiful aquariums showcasing Missouri’s native fish.
7. Henning State Forest. 1,534 acre-park offers spectacular views, nature trails and nature studies.
8. Historic Downtown. Walk around the historic downtown and explore some of the charm of old Branson!
9.  Moonshine Beach. The perfect place to spend the day by the water with your family.
10. Lakeside Wilderness Area. Lakeside provides a great trail that leads to the shores of Lake Taneycomo. This area reveals the gem that is Branson’s beautiful outdoors.
11. Stone Hill Winery & Lindwell Winery. Take the free tour of either {or both} the Stone Hill Winery or Lindwell Winery and learn how they make wine! You can even enjoy a wine tasting!
12. Table Rock Lakeshore Trail. This beautiful trail is 2.2 miles long and runs from the Dewey Short Visitor Center to the Table Rock State Park Marina. It is perfect for long walks, runs or bike rides. You will be amazed by the various wildflowers, tree species and animals.

Then you can come home to your own private log cabin or cottage and enjoy a home cooked meal!

Boo! ‘Tis the season! We are about to enter the season of pumpkins, scarecrows, and haunted houses galore! For those that enjoy a good fright, Branson is your place! These are a few of the scariest haunted houses in the Ozarks and you don’t want to miss them!

Branson Haunted Hills
Many legends exist about the Corbin place. Strange things occur in those hills. Disappearing farm animals, chainsaws running at night, and most of all: the overly-friendly Corbin family make this place very realistic and original. For youngsters, they offer a “magic wand” to scare away the monsters. Affordable tickets and great hospitality too! You don’t want to miss the Branson Haunted Hills!

Branson’s Haunted Scream Park
So many spooky things to do here! Wander the mirror maze, escape the Doctor of the Dead, elude the Reaper in the Graveyard, brave through the haunted forest, kill zombies in the arcade, and so much more! This Scream Park has 10 new themes this year- so it’s new even if you went last year!

Castle of Chaos
This 5d adventure takes you on an adventure you’ll never forget! Chase robot outlaws or kill the terrifying werewolves with your lazer blaster! Over 400 movements per second, and spooky sound effects make the experience all the more realistic. If you love video games, rides and scream parks- this place is for you!

Haunted Lost Caverns at Top of the Rock
This isn’t public knowledge yet, as Big Cedar hasn’t revealed much information about their new haunted caverns yet.  Be sure to follow us on social media for updates!

But there’s so much more than Haunted Houses in Branson! Not everyone in your group into the scary stuff? No problem! What’s better than relaxing in your own private log cabin sipping homemade pumpkin spiced lattes while the others go off and take advantage of the haunted houses!  For other less spooky activities, visit our Branson Blog! Book your Branson cabin here. 

Branson is home to some of the strangest and most unique sights you’ll ever see. Whether it’s the largest chicken statue you’ve ever seen, or an amphibious vehicle with a load of folks blowing duck-beak kazoos at you, there’s never a dull moment. Sights like these are what give our kids a vacation they will never forget. Here are five remarkable restaurants that make for amazing pictures and even better memories. Visit rentbranson.com for accommodations and more photo-worthy places around B-town.

1. Great American Steakhouse: Remember the largest chicken statue I was talking about earlier? The Great American steakhouse is its home. The 43 ft. rooster is hard to miss going down Hwy 76. Dine out on the deck, or inside, and don’t forget to snap a photo!
2. Billy Gail’s Café: Billy Gail’s is hands-down the best breakfast place in the area. Ms Billy Gail started the restaurant when her husband complained about small portion sizes when he ate out. So, be sure to go hungry- the pancakes are bigger than the plates! Billy Gail’s fills up quickly so be sure to get there early. They do not accept cards so be sure to bring cash!
3. Top of the Rock’s Osage Restaurant: With breath-taking Ozark mountain views and homespun touches, Osage Restaurant provides some of the finest food in the area. Be sure to take a walk after dinner to enjoy the sights and take family photos! Resort attire is required.
4. Sugar Leaf Bakery: There’s just something about a bakery. Whether you need to fill a sweet tooth or decide to treat your kids to brunch, Sugar Leaf is your place. Also, an amazing place for photos! Don’t forget to tag them on Instagram and Facebook! (@sugarleafbakerycafe)
5. Lambert’s Café: Located in Ozark, about 40 minutes away, “The Home of Throwed Rolls” is well worth the drive. Bad grammar aside, Lambert’s is a local secret. Yes, they do literally throw the amazing, light and fluffy rolls at you- so be sure to catch it! Friendly service, and great southern food has made Lambert’s a favorite for decades.

Be sure to tag us on social media (@rentbranson on Instagram and Amazing Branson Rentals on Facebook)! For other great eats, and fun things to do in Branson, visit our Branson Blog. If you haven’t booked your Branson cabin yet, what are you waiting on? Rentbranson.com

September is an amazing time to visit Branson. We finally start to get a break from the heat and festival season starts! Here are some September Festivals in Branson and other amazing activities to plan your vacation around this fall.

1. Southern Gospel Picnic at Silver Dollar City: Starting August 24^th and ending September 4^th, the Southern Gospel Picnic is always a great place to be! Amazing food with some of Southern Gospels biggest names—does it get any better?
2. National Crafts and Cowboy Fest at SDC: September 13^th through October 28^th is a special time around the Branson area. Barn Dances, authentic chuck wagon cooking, Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show, and horses all come together to make an amazing experience for the whole family!
3. Outdoor Days at Bass Pro Shops: September 8^th-10^th Bass Pro Shops will be hosting Outdoor Days at Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery. The event is free of charge and dedicated to educating about the outdoors.
4. Lifted Truck Nationals: Hosted at the Branson Cedars Resort, hundreds of lifted trucks will gather for an exciting weekend of fun, family, trucks, and music! September 8^th-10^th.
5. Autumn Daze Fest: September 14^th-16^th Downtown Branson is the place to be. Artists and crafters from all over the US will visit the area to display their work. Many vendors will also be demonstrating their techniques.

Amazing Branson Rentals has the accommodations for your fall getaway! For year-round activities in the Branson area, and other great info, visit our Branson Blog.