The Branson/Tri-Lakes area is well known across the country for – believe it or not – its lakes. Table Rock Lake is one of the most popular lakes around Branson – this man-made lake was created in the 1950s by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers when they dammed the White River as a measure of flood control along the waterway. The Table Rock Dam (named after Table Rock Mountain about four miles downstream from the dam site) has a fascinating story – if you want to know all about it, visit the new Dewey Short Visitors Center for a flood of history, interactive displays, and more!

The Dewey Short Visitors Center, located directly off of Highway 165 next to the dam, is named after Congressman Dewey Jackson Short, a Republican U.S. Representative from Missouri’s 7th Congressional District and elected for a whopping twelve terms in office. Dewey Short was a staunch supporter of the Table Rock Dam and was one of the biggest advocates of getting the project funded – thanks to his efforts, construction on the dam began in 1954 and it was dedicated in 1959. Today, visitors to the Dewey Short Visitors Center can learn about the Congressman’s vision, the dam and so much more.

The visitors center itself is a very distinct, modern-style building perched on the shores of the lake. Opened in April of 2012, the visitors center is known as the “crown jewel” of Table Rock Lake. An outdoor viewing deck, a walking path, and a garden with a wooden bridge are some of the visitor centers’ outside features. Inside, you’ll find a theater that shows a 20-minute film about the dam and three levels of educational exhibits.

Downstairs in the visitors center, you will find the history of the dam displayed in wall murals and educational displays. There is a Native American artifact exhibit where visitors can learn about the first people that lived in this area. An interactive display board showing the entire length of the White River will walk you through what happens when rainfall causes the dam to be opened or closed. You’ll learn about the inner workings of a hydroelectric dam and find out how much power it takes to hand crank enough electricity to an electric blender in yet another interactive exhibit. Water safety displays teach the importance of wearing a life jacket and following safe water/boating procedures while on the lake. If you’re interested in lakeside wildlife, you’ll love the wall-to-wall diorama room that showcases the fish, birds, and other critters at Table Rock Lake and is painted in such a way that you feel immersed in the Ozarks’ wild beauty. A stop out on the viewing deck to snap photos of the dam will round out your visit!

The Dewey Short Visitors Center is one of the most interesting and educational places to visit in the Ozarks – and no trip to the lake is complete without a stop at the Crown Jewel of Table Rock!