While Branson, Missouri has unique theme parks, museums and beautiful lakes for a multitude of water sports and activity, Branson is best known as the "Live Music Show" Capital of the world. For a half century, live shows have been the staple of Branson vacations, and today the city boasts more than fifty theaters and over 100 shows playing morning, afternoon and night with a variety of entertainment options. The Jim Stafford Show at the Jim Stafford Theatre features a rollercoaster ride of music and laughter all year long. Voted Branson's best entertainer, Jim has an action packed, fun filled show for the whole family. For a four-course meal with some real kick, Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede Dinner Attraction is a must see. Highlighted by thirty two magnificent horses, a talented cast of trick riders, hilarious racing pigs and a stampede of Longhorn steer, this fabulous feast is guaranteed by owner, Dolly Parton to be Branson’s most fun place to eat.
Not far from the bright lights of Branson, outdoor adventure can be found. Table Rock Lake, Lake Taneycomo and Bull Shoals Lake provide hundreds of miles of shoreline and more than 100,000 acres of wilderness areas open to visitors. Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, a privately owned 10,000-acre park southwest of Branson offers natural rock bluffs, dozens of waterfalls and crystal clear streams brimming with trout. The park's guided tram tours offer guests the opportunity to see bison and elk, and mock city slicker "cattle drives" complete with horses, cattle, gear and chuck wagon meals can be arranged for larger groups.
Among the more than 200 miles of hiking, biking and horseback riding trails in the Branson area, the Lakeside Wilderness Hiking Trail is a part of a city park that borders an undeveloped portion of Lake Taneycomo and is easily accessible from Highway 76, Branson's "Strip". Additional popular hiking destinations are the trails of the Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area, which preserves a unique section of Ozark Mountain scenery. The White River Balds Natural Area played an important role in the history and folklore of the region. Several features of this area were immortalized in Harold Bell Wright's book, Shepherd of the Hills, including Dewey Bald, Boulder Bald and a portion of the "trail that is nobody knows how old".