Almost a century before J.K. Rowling became the world's best-selling author and Harry Potter a household name, another writer named Harold Bell Wright brought to life Old Matt, Sammy and young Pete, and the place they lived called Mutton Hollow.
Wright's "The Shepherd of the Hills" was an international best seller of the time, nearly as popular as today's Harry Potter series. Consider reading it with your children before your family vacations in Branson Missouri, because "The Shepherd of the Hills" highlights the widespread recognition given to this otherwise remote and isolated region that has since become an ideal family vacation destination.
Located in southwest Missouri in the rolling landscape shared with Arkansas, The Ozarks, Branson is as wholesome and family-friendly as they come. Some people compare Branson to Pigeon Forge Tennessee, but while there are some similarities, Branson offers a more compact and intense experience. Others compare Branson to Nashville, but while the music is of comparable quality, there is a greater variety of entertainment options available in Branson;
On almost any day, more than 100 live shows in 53 theatres entertain thousands of visitors of all ages with a showmanship similar to Vegas, but with a conservative, patriotic style that the Ozarks region is known for. Kick in more than a dozen museums, four theme parks (including the family-favorite Silver Dollar City), numerous outdoor activities, shopping and restaurants, and Branson becomes a place for much more than great music.
Many families come to the Ozarks for the hiking, fishing and water sports in two exceptional man-made lakes: Table Rock and Taneycomo. A number of resorts on these beautiful lakes also have fully equipped marinas. Table Rock State Park offers scuba diving in the lake's crystal clear waters in addition to many other amenities including camping, biking, fishing, and swimming.
Branson, MO Family Vacations
Branson, MO Family Vacations

Families will love:
- More than 100 live shows in 53 theaters
- The beauty of The Ozarks
- Table Rock State Park
Written by Diana Lambdin Meyer
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by sfrancis
My daughter and I had a wonderful 3 days in Branson. The drive from Michigan to Branson though was a long and winding one once we got into Missouri. ...
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