With Spring in the air, the Dewey Short Visitor Center has opened for the 2024 recreation season. Located near Branson, Missouri, the Dewey Short has been called the "crown jewel" of Table Rock Lake. Three stories tall, with an impressive glass and steel façade facing the lake, the Dewey Short is not only a beautiful building, but also one of the most popular visitors
centers in all the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Hosting around 150,000 guests each season, the Dewey Short allows visitors to enjoy incredible views of the lake and nearby Table Rock Dam while also offering several detailed exhibits in their interpretive center.
According to Lead Ranger Ryan Bratten, there are several additions that have been added for the 2024 recreation season.
"Come by and see 11 newly installed taxidermy animals including an immature golden eagle, two owls, and other local wildlife. We also have a new display case that exhibits historical items from the Corps of Engineers, including parts of a World War I combat engineer's uniform."
The visitor center also has exhibits about the White River Watershed, local habitats, and the Table Rock Dam, as well as several interactive exhibits including maps, hydrology, power generation and water safety.
The center also offers regular viewings of a 20-minute film entitled, "Taming of the Riviera Blanche". This film is an introduction to the Table Rock Lake area and details the construction and purpose of Table Rock Dam.
Visiting Table Rock
Winding down through the valleys and hollows of the Ozark Mountains, from Branson, Mo. to Eureka Springs, Ark., the Table Rock Lake project is massive consisting of more than 62,000 acres and 758 miles of shoreline.
Table Rock Lake is located right outside of Branson, Mo., one of the most popular vacation destinations in the United States.
With the Ozark Mountains as the backdrop, Table Rock Lake offers visitors incredible outdoor recreation opportunities that cover everything from water sports to hiking, camping, and picnicking, while also being just minutes away from Branson.
To make reservations, please visit Recreation.Gov.
Visitors to Table Rock Lake can purchase both Corps Annual Day Use passes, and America the Beautiful passes at the Dewey Short Visitor Center.
For 2024, the Dewey Short Visitor Center hours of operation:
March 1 – May 25, Tuesday – Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
May 26 – September 2, seven days a week, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
September 3 – November 30, Tuesday – Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.