Branson

Branson is a city in Taney County, southwestern Missouri, located in the Ozark Mountains along Lake Taneycomo and near Table Rock Lake. It lies at the intersection of U.S. Route 65 and U.S. Route 76, about 40 miles south of Springfield. The city has a tourism-based economy, known for live entertainment and family-friendly attractions.

The area was settled in the 19th century and named after Reuben Branson, a local landowner. Branson began to grow as a tourist destination in the 1950s and 1960s with the development of theater venues and later the Silver Dollar City theme park, which opened in 1960. The entertainment district along Highway 76, sometimes called the "Strip," features numerous theaters, musical shows, and attractions.

Major attractions include Silver Dollar City, the Titanic Museum Attraction, the White Water water park, and the Branson Landing shopping and entertainment complex on Lake Taneycomo. Branson hosts hundreds of live performances each year, ranging from country music and gospel to comedy and family-friendly productions. The city remains a popular destination for conferences, weddings, and vacations.

The Branson area includes scenic lakes, fishing, boating, and outdoor recreation in the Ozarks. The climate is humid subtropical, with hot summers and cool winters. The area is served by Branson Airport and by Springfield-Branson National Airport in nearby Springfield.