Dewey Short Visitor Center

What is not to like! Right next to the Dam just south of Branson. This is the new visitor center with wonderful interactive exhibits that appeals to both kids and adults. It is very clean and inviting. There are bright bathrooms. Learn about the area, how the Dam was built, and about the local wildlife. Start here and take the paved walking trail all the way to the Marina. ~2 miles there and then 2 miles back. Parking is FREE.
We always come here for a short hike with the kids and to enjoy the beautiful view of the lake.
Check it out when you are in Branson!

When you visit Branson, make sure you visit the museum, Dewey Short Visitor Center! It’s very educational, well thought out and very well organized!

This visitor center is probably one of the most well done and worth well visitor centers that I have ever visited. For such a relatively small building, there is a lot packed inside. It was opened in April of 2012 and still looks brand new.
Some of the exhibits include incredible wall murals, displays of the local flora and fauna. I was very interested in the Ozarks’ Most Unwanted animals as well as threatened and endangered species.
There is also a Native American exhibit and history of the area. Loved the floor map inlaid in the floor showing the water’s layout and the location of the Table Rock Dam. There is also a cut away model showing the working of a hydroelectric dam. Lucky for you, there is not quiz, so you don’t need to bring a notebook.
We loved the cute water safety display complete with Bobber the dog. The interactive displays as also fun. I wish I can power my own light at home like I did here!
Another was plus is the gift shop. They have great gifts and merchandise as well as some education games, toys, etc.