Lakes in Branson
by George Bailey
Three man-made lakes are accessible from Branson: Bull Shoals Lake, Lake Taneycomo and Table Rock Lake. Bull Shoals Lake is made possible by one of the largest concrete dams in the US. Work on the dam began in 1947 and concluded in 1952. The lake’s 45, 440 surface acres of water invite no end of recreation, such as fishing, boating and swimming. Thanks to the Bull Shoals Lake’s one-thousand mile, heavily foliated shoreline, avid hikers and sightseers can enjoy a day at Bull Shoals Lake as well as the most devoted swimmer. Fishers are likely to catch striped and largemouth bass. We urge you to pack tents and sleeping gear before you head out to Bull Shoals for the day. Its pristine waters and fertile wildlife make it hard to leave. Due to the numerous campsites below and above the dam provided by Bull Shoals-White River State Park, you don’t have to leave just because the sun’s going down. The slightly older Taneycomo Lake, named after the county containing it and Branson, has been motivating people to take a Branson vacation since the thirties. Fishers disinclined towards bass may prefer Lake Taneycomo to Bull Shoals Lake as it fortifies a trout fishery due to the cold water discharged from Table Rock Lake, just downstream of which Lake Taneycomo resides. Last but certainly not least, Table Rock Lake is a product of Table Rock Dam, which was erected in 1954 by the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers. Table Rock Lake flanks a number of commercial marinas; Table Rock State Park occupies the lake’s eastern side, extending both north and south of the dam. A trip to Branson affords one the unique opportunity to be immersed in nature and city life, all at one time. Don’t leave Branson without taking the time to appreciate three of the country’s most exquisite man-made natural habitats.