The Coolest Visitor Center In Missouri Has An Overlook With Gorgeous Views Of Table Rock Lake
By Beth Price-Williams|Updated on May 03, 2024(Originally published August 28, 2023)
×
Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
Have you ever noticed how we’re never really very far from our next adventure in Missouri? We can even find adventure in places we might not expect it, like perhaps the best visitor center in Missouri. Carve out at least an hour or two for your visit to this unique destination that offers something for the whole family.
Billed as the “Crown Jewel of Table Rock Lake,” the Dewey Short Visitor Center opened in 2012 and has become a must-stop for both Missourians and visitors from out of state.
Nestled on Table Rock Lake and right next to Table Rock Dam, the three-story visitor center offers plenty to do indoors and outdoors. Start your visit at the theater, where you’ll learn more about the dam during a short 20-minute film.
A stroll through the Missouri visitor center will provide a fascinating glimpse of Native American artifacts, how dams work, and the importance of water safety, the latter of which is especially important if you plan to visit the lake during your time in Branson.
One of the highlights of the visitor center, however, is the viewing decks. Each promises sensational views of either Table Rock Lake or Lake Taneycomo.
How about bringing a picnic along to have a relaxing meal at one of the picnic tables outside of the visitor center? A meal is the perfect prelude to a stroll along the two-mile Table Rock Lakeshore Trail.
Rated easy the picturesque path tallies just over two miles one way and will take you from the Dewey Short Visitor Center to Table Rock State Park Marina.
Have you been to the Dewey Short Visitor Center, the best visitor center in Missouri? What did you like best? Let us know in the comments! Then take a peek at all there is to do at Table Rock Lake, a popular destination in Branson, Missouri.
Be sure to wear a pair of comfy shoes, too, especially if you plan to explore outside of one of the best Missouri visitor centers.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
