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| Branson’s oldest continuously running attraction, Marvel Cave in Silver Dollar City. |
At first, with its reputation for being a family destination, to say “passion” is a reason to visit Branson almost appears to be an oxymoron. On reflection however, “passion,” defined as “boundless enthusiasm or the object of such enthusiasm,” would be a prime reason for visiting Branson because the chances are whatever your passion for family, fun, and excitement is Branson can satisfy it.
The great thing for families and those looking for a special entertainment experience is that ever since the Lynch family started Branson’s first and oldest attraction, “Marble Cave” in 1894, is that Branson has had a passion for giving visitors an entertainment experience that meets or exceeds their expectations. And the reason for that is clear, from Marble Cave to recent years, Branson’s entertainment industry has been built by families having a passion for what they were building and sharing it with others.
“Marble Cave,” with its name changed to “Marvel Cave” sometime after 1927, was owned and actively operated by the Lynch family until leasing it to the Herschend family for 99 years in 1949. The Herschend family not only improved the experience of visitors to Marvel Cave but built and opened Silver Dollar City in 1960. Like the Lynch family before them, the Herschends took what was there and, with their own money, passion, blood and sweat, improved upon it and built what has become an international award winning theme park and is easily Branson’s biggest drawing paid attraction.
The publication of Harold Bell Wright’s famous novel “The Shepherd of the Hills” in 1907 brought many tourists to the area and serves as a reminder of the area’s Ozark Heritage. Thanks to the passion, investment and commitment of the Trimble and Snadon families, to preserve the legacy of the “Shepherd of Hills” with its “homestead” and the decades of performances of the exciting action filled outdoor drama, “The Shepherd of the Hills,” Ozark visitors today can still experience some of that heritage and history.
Branson’s first show the “Baldknobbers,” started by the Mabe family in historic downtown Branson in 1959, and its first show on the now famous Branson Strip, “Presleys’ Country Jubilee” in 1967 were successful because of the passion, commitment, effort, and persistence of the Mabe and Presley families. To a large extent the Branson of today, celebrating 50 years of shows and offering about 100 shows daily to its guests, wouldn’t be here but for those passonate pioneering efforts.
From shows, museums, attractions, outdoor and water activities and shopping of just about every type Branson has a family activity for just about everyone’s passion. The unique and special thing about Branson, Missouri is that, throughout its successful entertainment history, its success has been built by people passionately dedicated to making sure that Branson’s guests have an entertainment experience that they will not only remember, but will want to return and experience again.
Branson Tourism Center is passionate about Branson, all that it has to offer, and making sure that the Branson visitor has a great Branson experience. For additional information or assistance please call 800-785-1550 or visit the Branson Tourism Center or Branson.Com websites.
