In 1983 Branson began its transformation into a major tourist attraction when the 7,500 seat Swiss Villa Amphitheatre opened in Lampe, Missouri. The theatre, which was later renamed the Black Oak Mountain Amphitheatre before ultimately closing in the early 2000s, proved there was a market for large music gatherings.

Branson is a popular destination for vacationer which is truly a remarkable. Branson has 52 live performance theaters, three pristine lakes, thrilling family attractions, breathtaking Ozark Mountain scenery, unforgettable dining experiences, 12 championship golf courses, an international award-winning theme park, dozens of attractions and museums, shopping galore, and a host of hotels, motels, resorts and meeting and conference facilities.

Branson provides afford remarkable vacation, if you compare the average daily hotel rate in Branson is $75.90, compared with a national tab of $103, according to industry research group Smith Travel. Show tickets in Branson average $29, compared to an average $130 to $150 per ticket for Las Vegas. In addition, the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce/CVB sponsors a popular "Gas Buster" program to further offset the cost of travel. The program provides visitors who present at least $40 in gas receipts at either of the Chamber's two Welcome Centers with a card worth $50 in discounts.

Visitors can choose from more than 100 different shows in 52 state of the art theaters ranging from intimate 50-seat show rooms to 4,000 seat indoor theatrical palaces. Branson is known for its variety of live music shows. There you will find Big Band, Broadway, country, swing, rock 'n' roll, pop, bluegrass, jazz, gospel, patriotic, classical, and more musical variety. You also will find another live show like magic, comedy, special effects, animals, acrobats, lumberjacks, trick-riders, water displays and pyrotechnics.

For Outdoor activities you can visit The Branson/Lakes Area, it is so known because of its three pristine lakes: Table Rock, Taneycomo and Bull Shoals. Water sports enthusiasts can swim, water ski, wakeboard, tube, boat, sail, scuba dive, Jet Ski, parasail, kayak, and of course, fish. The lakes' waters never freeze, welcoming visitors' activities year round. All three lakes offer camping and RV parks, and easy access to the water at a number of public marinas and boat docks/launch areas.

The Branson/Lakes Area offers thousands of camping and RV sites that can put you right in the heart of the action or in a quiet spot far from the cares of the world. You can also visit Lakeside Wilderness Hiking Trail, which begins just a short distance from The Strip. The trail offers some amazing views of Lake Taneycomo and the College of the Ozarks campus.

Branson is a cannot miss if you are headed to Missouri, either for business or pleasure, make sure to visit Branson, the Country Music Capital of the Midwest.