Just outside of Branson, at the foot of Table Rock Dam, is the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery. This facility is a great place to spend an afternoon and best of all, it's free, unless you choose to drop a quarter in the fish food vending machine. ![]()
For the trout production program of the Missouri Department of Conservation, this facility ranks as the largest. Over 1 million catchable rainbow and brown trout are produced here each year. Some of these fish are released into Lake Taneycomo and others are put into other Missouri trout management areas.
Over 250,000 people visit the hatchery each year. Guided tours are provided four times per day during the week, Memorial Day through Labor Day. In addition, there are hiking trails and fishing access points along Lake Taneycomo.
For more information, visit their web site and enjoy your tour!
Click here to learn about more FREE things to do in the Branson area.
If you haven't been to the city of Forsyth recently, you'll probably be surprised. This southwest Missouri town is growing with the opening of several new businesses.
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One of the new additions to town is an eatery called Two Fat Daddies BBQ, which will be located on Missouri 160 next to Dr. Schanda's office. The expected open date is mid-September.
Another restaurant, named Charlie's Steak-Ribs & Ale, is projected to open by August 15. This business will be located at the corner of Missouri 160 and Y Highway.
These two projects join other recently opened businesses that include Branson Bank, KFC/Taco Bell, Yummy Donuts and Coffee Shop, Fanatics Pizza, and Langoino's Pizza.
Next time you visit Forsyth, be sure to check out all of the new businesses that have opened.
For more info on Forsyth, click here.
On Table Rock Lake, you can watch the sky light up several times a year when it comes to holidays. This upcoming Labor Day weekend is no exception.
On August 31st, both The Chateau on the Lake and Big Cedar Lodge, will be displaying their traditional Labor Day fireworks. You can see the show from many places on land near these two resorts.
Several boaters choose to watch the fireworks by water. It's almost as much fun to see all the boats congregate in one area on Table Rock Lake as it is to observe the fireworks.
For more details, visit these web sites by clicking on the following links: Big Cedar Lodge and Chateau on the Lake.
To be notified of events in the Branson/Lakes area, click here.
In the Ozark Mountains of Missouri, between Table Rock Lake and Bull Shoals Lake is is a waterway called Lake Taneycomo. This lake was formed in 1913 with the completion of Powersite Dam. Lake Taneycomo streches from Table Rock Dam to Powersite Dam and passes through Hollister, Branson, Powersite, Rockaway Beach, and Forsyth.

Because Lake Taneycomo's water comes from the bottom of Table Rock Dam, it is a cold water lake with an average temperature of 58 degrees. These cool waters are stocked annually with rainbow trout and many consider it a world-class place to fish.
The orgin of the name of Lake Taneycomo is interesting. The word TANEY is the name of the county, CO stands for county, and MO for Missouri. Put it all together and you get Taneycomo.
Along the shores are resorts, campgrounds, RV parks, condos, lakefront homes with docks, and marinas. You'll also see canoes, fishing boats, kayaks, and pontoon boats up and down the stream.
In downtown Branson, it's easy to enjoy the beauty of Lake Taneycomo from the Branson Landing. Available is a boardwalk along the lake, an excursion boat, several restaurants on the lakefront, and public fishing docks on the shores of adjoining North Beach Park.
Whether you're an avid fisherman or you just like to relax beside the water, Lake Taneycomo is a great place to do both.
Separated from Lake Taneycomo by a dam is Table Rock Lake. Click here to learn more about this beautiful lake.
This is the 20th year for this popular event that draws fiddlers from all around the Midwest. There are divisions for all age groups: Youth, Junior, and Seniors.
This year's location for the contest is the Branson Best Western at 403 W. Main Street. Registration for participants begins at 9:30 a.m. and the final rounds of competition start at 7 p.m.

For complete information on this festival, visit the Downtown Branson Main Street Association.
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