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Branson Centennial Museum: A Glimpse into the Past

Discover Branson's captivating history at the Centennial Museum: Rotating exhibits, artifacts, and stories of the Ozark's rise to tourism.

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The Branson Centennial Museum, located in historic downtown Branson, showcases the city's rich history from its founding in 1912 and earlier. Through rotating exhibits, the museum tells the story of Branson's evolution from a small mountain settlement to a popular tourism destination.

A brief summary to Branson Centennial Museum

Local tips

  • Check the White River Valley Historical Society's website for information on current exhibits.
  • Allow at least one hour to fully explore the museum's exhibits and learn about Branson's history.
  • Consider visiting during the off-season for a more relaxed and less crowded experience.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Branson Centennial Museum is located in historic downtown Branson on Commercial Street. From most points in the downtown area, it is easily accessible on foot. From the Branson Landing area, walk west on Branson Landing Boulevard, then turn right onto Commercial Street. The museum will be on your left. Allow 5-10 minutes walking time. There is no cost associated with walking.

  • Public Transport

    Sparky, the free downtown Branson trolley, provides convenient access to the Branson Centennial Museum. The museum is located near trolley stop #12. Check the RideSparky website for the trolley route and schedule. The trolley operates from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. March through December and with limited hours in January and February. There is no cost to ride the trolley.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Branson. A short taxi ride from Branson Landing to the museum will cost approximately $8-$12. Expect higher fares during peak season or special events.

  • Driving

    The Branson Centennial Museum is located at 120 S Commercial St in downtown Branson. Free street parking is available on Commercial Street, but it is limited to 2 hours. Additional parking is available in the Awberry Parking Lot on Atlantic Street, immediately north of Main Street, which is also free. There are also paid parking garages in the downtown area.

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Discover more about Branson Centennial Museum

Step back in time at the Branson Centennial Museum, a treasure trove of local history located in the heart of downtown Branson. Established to celebrate Branson's centennial in 2012, the museum's exhibits reveal stories dating back to 1839 with the arrival of the first permanent residents. The museum occupies a historic space that was rebuilt after the 1912 fire. Inside, you'll find rotating exhibits that cover a wide range of topics, including the publication of Harold Bell Wright's novel "Shepherd of the Hills" in 1907, the early days of aviation in the 1930s, the rise of outdoor recreation like pro-golf, fishing, and float trips in the 1940s and 50s, and the emergence of music shows in the late 1950s and early 1960s. The museum also explores the journey of Ozark music from its humble beginnings in caves and churches to the grand stages of Branson. Exhibits are constantly changing, so there's always something new to discover. Previous exhibits have included themes such as "School Days," "The White River/Flooding," "The Branson Fire," and "The Roots of Tourism". You'll find pioneer-era artifacts, autographs of famous musicians, and priceless photographs and newspapers that bring Branson's history to life. Admission is free, making it an accessible and enriching experience for all. Donations are welcomed to support the museum's continued operation.

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