Branson Centennial Museum—Displays, Location, and Opening Times

Branson is attracting visitors from all over America with its numerous outdoor activities, beautiful lakes, live entertainment, and thrilling theme parks. But when and how did Branson become such a popular getaway?

After relaxing in the spacious rooms of your favorite Westgate resort, take a 10-minute drive to Branson Centennial Museum to uncover the city’s rich history and cultural heritage. This museum will take you back in time and show you the old Branson through historical photos, artifacts, and exhibits.

Things To Know Before Visiting the Centennial Museum in Branson

1. About the Experience

2. Exhibits and Displays

3. Gift Shop

4. Location, Duration, and Opening Hours

1 | About the Experience |

Established in 2012 to celebrate Branson's centennial anniversary, the Centennial Museum is located in historic downtown and showcases over 100 years of the area’s history.

While the city of Branson was officially founded on April 1, 1912, the museum’s exhibits reveal stories dating back to the arrival of the first Branson residents in 1839! Whatever you wish to know about the area’s rich history, you’ll find it at this incredible establishment.

The museum offers a glimpse into the lives of the past residents that made Branson what it is today. There are artifacts related to the publication of Harold Bell Wright's novel Shepherd of the Hills from 1907 and notable people like Mary Herschend, a founder of the Silver Dollar City theme park.

The museum’s exhibits rotate every six to eight weeks, so you’ll see different displays each time you visit. The usual exhibits include various photos, artifacts, personal items, and stories related to the area’s culture and people. This includes highlights of Branson's live music shows, festivals and events, lakes, and food.

If you happen to visit the museum on a Tuesday, you’ll have a unique chance to attend Tuesday Talks and hear fun stories about Branson’s history. These talks are free for everyone and feature authors, historians, comedians, and other notable people from the area.

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2 | Exhibits and Displays |

The Centennial Museum offers various exhibits that change periodically. These displays give you a one-of-a-kind chance to learn intriguing facts about the area’s tourism, river, firefighting history, and entertainment industry.

Roots of Tourism

The Roots of Tourism exhibit teaches about Branson’s tourism history. Various items and images present the area’s past and current tourist attractions. The exhibit includes a replica of an early-1900s tourist cabin with authentic period accessories, an iron bed, and a quilt.

Certain vintage items on display highlight the individuals who contributed to the development of tourism in Branson. These include the Presley and Plummer families’ costumes, musical instruments, and glasses that belonged to Ike Morrill, the Notch postmaster made famous by H. B. Wright.

White River Memoirs

The White River Memoirs is a large exhibit divided between the Centennial Museum and the White River Valley Historical Society Museum. It features art, photography, and various items collected by author/photographer Chris Engholm.

Engholm set out on a journey down the White River in his handmade canoe in 2012. He paddled over 550 miles of the 700-mile river and created multimedia interpretations of Branson's stunning lakes, including Table Rock Lake and Lake Taneycomo!

He also conducted interviews to collect as much information on the area as possible. If you want to read all the stories and interviews Engholm wrote down, you can find copies of the ‘Memoirs’ in the gift shop.

Among many fantastic displays, you’ll find the glass negatives of the photographs developed at a floating studio in the early 1900s by Hugo and Gayne Preller. These provide a unique chance to see the river-delta region and its inhabitants.

Fire & Water

The Fire & Water exhibit is a phenomenal display of Branson’s firefighting history and the history of the White River.

One part of the display was designed by the Branson Fire Department, and it includes items like vintage firefighting equipment and photos focusing on fires in the area. The other part of the exhibit is about the White River and the history of dams significant to Branson’s hydroelectric system.

You’ll learn about Powersite Dam’s history, which dates back to its opening in 1913. The exhibits also highlight the Table Rock Dam, which was completed in 1958 and stands 252 feet tall.

Branson Boom Years

Branson is famous for its live entertainment. The Branson Boom Years exhibit reveals how Branson’s live shows became such a popular attraction.

The exhibit was created by Michael London, the publisher of the Branson Update Magazine. It features stories and photos of major attractions and shows in Branson throughout history.

London has collected thousands of photos and hundreds of stories since starting the publication in 1994. His magazine offers live-action show photography and detailed information on various popular Branson shows, most of which are a part of the display.

3 | Gift Shop |

After learning all about Branson’s incredible history, head to the gift shop to find the perfect item to commemorate your visit. This small shop is also a bookstore, so you’ll have a chance to purchase various books related to the distant and recent past of Branson and Missouri if you wish to explore the area’s history further.

Learn more about Taney County and its communities by getting the Taney County Missouri History & Families in a beautiful navy leatherette cover. You can also purchase a unique collection of photos—The Bittersweet Ozarks At A Glance—collected over 30 years ago by Ellen Gray Massey and her students.

Besides historical books, you can also get White River Historical Society T-shirts in various colors and sizes—perfect to bring as a souvenir for family and friends.

4 | Location, Duration, and Opening Hours |

The Centennial Museum in Branson is located at 120 S Commercial St, Branson, MO 65616, near Branson Landing and the scenic boardwalk along Lake Taneycomo. It’s also close to popular restaurants like Clocker’s Cafe, Cantina Laredo, and Guy Fieri's Branson Kitchen + Bar, so you can grab a delicious meal before or after the museum tour.

You can visit the museum every day between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., except on Sundays when the museum is closed. As for the tour duration, visitors typically spend one to two hours in the museum, but you can explore it at your own pace since there’s no tour guide.

Admission to the museum is free, but you’re welcome to make a donation if you wish to contribute. For more information, feel free to call 417-239-1912.

Use Our Handy Map To Find the Centennial Museum in Branson

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Frequently Asked Questions About Branson Centennial Museum

Which exhibits can I see at the Centennial Museum?

Branson Centennial Museum features numerous exhibits that showcase the history of its live entertainment, residents, festivals, lakes, and more. Some of these displays include photographs that date back to the early 1900s and items like an early-1900s tourist cabin.

Which attractions are located near the Centennial Museum in Branson?

After visiting the Centennial Museum in Branson, you can go for a walk along the Lake Taneycomo boardwalk and see the fire and water fountain show at Branson Landing. You can also explore numerous shops in Downtown Branson and dine at amazing restaurants like Black Oak Grill and Farmhouse Restaurant.

When is the Centennial Museum in Branson open?

The Centennial Museum in Branson is open every day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., except on Sundays. Admission to the museum is free, and the tour usually takes between one and two hours.

Is there a Branson Centennial Museum gift shop?

Yes, the Centennial Museum features a lovely gift shop with a small bookstore. In the shop, you can buy various souvenirs and books that reveal interesting details about Branson and the surrounding area in different historical periods.

Is the Centennial Museum in Branson suitable for kids?

While there’s no age limit, the Centennial Museum in Branson may not be entertaining to small children as it exhibits Branson’s history. The experience is more suitable for older children and adults.

Branson—The Perfect Blend of History and Modern Attractions

Branson’s fantastic attractions amaze visitors of all ages! From incredible amusement parks and water parks to wonderful antique stores and exquisite dining, there won’t be a dull moment during your Branson vacation! For more information on Branson hotels and attractions, visit our Westgate Resorts Travel blog.

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At Westgate Resorts, when you Check-In, there’s a LOT to Check-Out! Your Branson vacation awaits! Explore our Branson resorts today or talk with a vacation planner at 888-852-2959 or 407-355-2690.

* Westgate Resorts is in no way affiliated with the attractions featured in this article. Items or places listed are current as of the publishing date of this article. Please call or visit the respective website for the most up-to-date offerings and details.