Table Rock Lake, MO

Located in the center of the Ozarks in the scenic hills of the White River valley, Table Rock Lake is located in one of the most popular recreational areas in Missouri. This area is host to millions of visitors each year. Just a few miles southwest of the world-renowned tourism destination of Branson, the lake offers an ideal location for vacationers and outdoor enthusiasts wishing to take advantage of all the attractions and entertainment in the area.

Progress brought a new aspect to the Ozarks in the late 1950s with the construction of Table Rock Dam. The dam, built on the White River to control floods and generate hydroelectric power, created the 43,100-acre Table Rock Lake with a shoreline of nearly 800 miles. Table Rock Lake received its name from a rock shelf that stands high above the White River about one mile downstream from the dam site. The lake, along with nearby Lake Taneycomo, has created an area with outstanding recreational opportunities.

Those same waters that provide such an abundance of "Fish Stories" provide perfect conditions for swimming, tubing and all around general fun when warmed by the summer sun. Many parks around the lake have roped off swim areas. Jet skis can be rented at most marinas on the lake and the young and young at heart find them an exhilarating way to explore the lake.

Another favorite sporting activity around the area is sightseeing. The prized photo of a sunset over the lake has graced many a mantel or vacation album. Sightseeing is enjoyable no matter what the season or the weather. In the spring, the Ozark mountains bloom with redbuds, dogwoods and other flowering trees. Summers are lush green with more trees than you can imagine. For autumn, the oak and maple trees are like pillars of fire among the shades of gold and bronze on the hillsides. And in the winter, the green of the cedars and pines blend with the soft browns of the forests to contrast with the water reflecting the bright blue of a crisp clear day.

The attractions around the lake are almost as numerous and varied as the colors in its gorgeous sunsets. From go carts to golf, there's something for every age. For the more adventurous there are water slides and bumper boats. While those who want both feet on the ground can walk miles and miles of well manicured golf courses. There are nearly a dozen courses within a half hours' drive. Don't want to walk? Well, how about a ride. There's everything from horseback trails to steam engines. Now, when you're ready to sit down for a spell, you just might want to do it in one of our fine outdoor theaters. If you're one that needs to be on the move, just take a hike ... and we mean that literally ... hiking trails dot these hills and mountain. It's a beautiful way to see the countryside. If you want to see what's under that countryside, cave exploration is another popular pastime in the area.

The largest town on the lake is Kimberling City, located right in the center of the Table Rock Lake area on Highway 13. Branson West is close to Kimberling City, at the junction of Highways 76 and 13. The many shops and restaurants in Branson West, as well as entertainment opportunities, make Branson West a must-do spot to visit.

Reeds Spring, just a few miles north of Branson West on Highway 13, has its own brand of charm. Many artists and craftsmen have delightful shops there and welcome visitors to watch them work or buy their wares.

On the James River Arm of Table Rock is Cape Fair. Its location, just five miles from Mark Twain National Forest and Piney Creek Wilderness Area provides hiking trails and camping areas that are hard to match. Beautiful resorts dot the area, too.

Notch is another growing residential community located on scenic ridges of Highway 76. Quaint Ozark hillbilly style shops and buildings accent the highway in Notch and are beautifully contrasted by the modern town growing up on the hillsides.

Just a few miles east of Notch, on Indian Point Road, is the famous Silver Dollar City, best known for the giant theme park of the same name. Silver Dollar City is home to craftsmen who are masters of every 19th century handiwork.

All of the towns and cities on Table Rock Lake are vacation spots unto themselves and each is only minutes from what has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country ... Branson.