The Branson Airport, which opened in 2009 has the distinction of being not only the largest privately owned commercial airport in the country but the construction -- which involved flattening the tops of several of the nearby Ozark Mountains -- earned it the title of the largest earth-moving project in Missouri's history.Nestled in the Ozark Mountains, Branson is a popular entertainment destination for Missouri residents and vacationers from neighboring states. Named after postmaster and general store owner Reuben Branson, the city was founded in the 1880s and has a population of 10,520, per 2010 U.S. Census data.
Branson owes its entrepreneurial and showmanship history to William Henry Lynch who in 1894 purchased Marvel Cave and began charging visitors to tour it
The Branson Airport, which opened in 2009 has the distinction of being not only the largest privately owned commercial airport in the country but the construction -- which involved flattening the tops of several of the nearby Ozark Mountains -- earned it the title of the largest earth-moving project in Missouri's history.Nestled in the Ozark Mountains, Branson is a popular entertainment destination for Missouri residents and vacationers from neighboring states. Named after postmaster and general store owner Reuben Branson, the city was founded in the 1880s and has a population of 10,520, per 2010 U.S. Census data.
Branson Bound
Branson owes its entrepreneurial and showmanship history to William Henry Lynch who in 1894 purchased Marvel Cave and began charging visitors to tour it. Subsequent owners Hugo and Mary Herschend expanded the attraction and opened Silver Dollar City, a recreation of a frontier town. While you don't have to be a performer in one of the many entertainment theaters along 76 Country Boulevard and Shepherd of the Hills Expressway, it certainly helps to have an appreciation for the wholesome, almost kitschy shows that dominate Branson's entertainment calendar. Many stars such as Tennessee Ernie Ford, Roy Clark, Mel Tillis and Ray Stevens have or had their own theater in Branson. Still others have performed regularly in one of the town's many live music venues including country stars Conway Twitty, Waylon Jennings, Loretta Lynn and Vern Gosdin, and music giants like Lynyrd Skynyrd, Ozzy Osborne and Def Leppard.
While condos for rent or two bedroom apartments for rent can be found in the "live music capital of the entire universe," as 60 Minutes anointed Branson, you're more likely to snag a home for rent in Branson once you start searching for rental housing.
Neighborhoods in Branson
Branson: The largest section of town, the northwestern area is just called Branson. This suburban area is a mixture of renters and owners, with several apartment complexes available as places to rent.
Table Rock: This southern corner of town borders the lakes of Dogwood Canyon Nature Park. Sure, waterfront property is possible here, but you're more likely to score a small home rental or even smaller studio apartment.
Gretna: Sandwiched between Branson and Table Rock, this is a great area to find larger homes and apartments.
Long Beach: The entire eastern side of town is considered Long Beach. Sometimes called Mildred, this is a mostly rural area where few rentals will be found.
Living in Branson
Visit the Ralph Foster Museum at the College of the Ozarks to view the 1920 Oldsmobile truck used in The Beverly Hillbillies. Paul Henning created the popular 1960s TV series after a Boy Scout camping trip in the Ozarks. You can also spend your free time visiting the more than 50 music theaters in town, or take pictures with celebrities at the Hollywood Wax Museum. Sample vino at Stone Hill Winery, or enjoy the great outdoors on a cave tour or zipline adventure. Animal lovers will get a kick out of visiting the butterfly palace, Rainforest Adventure or the National Tiger Sanctuary. Those not exactly inspired by nature can head over to Branson Landing along the Lake Taneycomo waterfront in downtown Branson. The outdoor mall is chock-full of great retail chains and plenty of restaurants.
