Branson Facts
Fact 1: Affectionately referred to as the "Live Music Show Capital of the World," Branson boasts over 40 theatres and features over 80 shows. With over 56,797 seats, Branson has more seats than New York's Broadway.
Fact 2: Despite all the glitz and glitter of Branson's many theatres and shows, the city is also one of unspoiled natural beauty. Enveloped by the majestic Ozark Mountains, Branson is surrounded by three mountain-fed lakes – Table Rock Lake, Bull Shoals Lake, and Lake Taneycomo.
Fact 3: Located in Silver Dollar City theme park and originally named Marble Cave, Marvel Cave remains a favorite attraction for Branson visitors, both present and past. Miners in the 1800s explored the cave's depths, convinced that one of the cave's walls was made of solid marble. Today, visitors can explore the mysteries of this cave via guided tours.
Fact 4: In 1957, the very first musical show to make its debut in Branson was "Baldknobbers Jamboree." Today it's as popular as ever and features Gospel music and patriotic songs as well as side-splitting comedy routines.
Fact 5: The Shepherd of the Hills Homestead and Outdoor Theatre attraction is based on the 1907 novel of the same name by Harold Bell Wrights that describes life in the Ozark area. Guests can enjoy seeing authentic craftsman at work, watching an engaging outdoor drama, and riding to Inspiration Point, a lookout tower located on the homestead property.
Fact 6: Did you say hot air balloons underground? That's right! Marvel Cave's large underground room (the largest in the country in fact) has actually served as host "air space" for a number of hot air balloons.
Fact 7: There's not doubt about it – tourism's the biggest draw for Branson! In fact, this "big city with a small town feel" generates a yearly average of over $1.5 billion through its tourism industry alone.
Fact 8: The first theatre in the Branson area was constructed by the Presley family in 1967. It was built on Highway 76, which is affectionately dubbed, "The Strip."
Fact 9: Branson's first signs of economic industrial independence asserted themselves in the form of an ice plant, a candy factory, and a soft drink bottling company in Branson soon after its incorporation as a city in 1912.
Fact 10: Although many of the theatres in Branson carry the name of one country music legend or another, it wasn't always that way. Roy Clark was the first country star to lend his name to a Branson theatre, and now having your name in lights is a right of passage for country stars in this city that pays tribute to country and gospel tunes!
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