Fish Hatchery and Table Rock Dam

[eternally]

Can anyone tell me about the Fish Hatcery and Table Rock Dam? We will be taking a lunch cruise on the Showboat Branson Belle, and I noticed these things seemed to share a parking lot. I can't find a website with specific details, i.e. when do these things open? how long, on average, do they take to tour? are they handicap accessible? How much do they cost? etc.

Thanks for any information you can give me.

[CMI]

Both are free and I believe both close at 5 pm.

Here is the link to the Dewey Short Center (Dam) - http://www.swl.usace.army.mil/parks/...visitorscenter


Here is the link to the Fish Hatchery - http://mdc.mo.gov/areas/hatchery/shepherd/


I really enjoy the Fish Hatchery because I am an outdoors girl. They have snakes and spiders (ALL IN CAGES) and the really fun - in my opinion - thing to do is to feed the fish as they are like phirana's when they feed. They are falling over each other. The Fish Hatchery is a great place for Missouri information as they have lots of pamphlets and nice hiking trails. The main trail follows Taneycomo.



The Dewey Short Center used to be one of my favorite places to go, but they took away so much stuff. They have a stuffed Golden Eagle and there is a lot of information about the dam, but not nearly as fun as it used to be. They also have a wonderful hiking tail that is PAVED and runs along Table Rock Lake. If you are out tonight you might see me jogging

[STLmomof3]

We have been to Branson 3 times and always go to the Fish hatchery its FUN my kids like it ...We just fed all the fish and walked around inside never knew there were any trails around there I will have to check that out !

[eternally]

Thank you for the websites and information.

I just called, and unfortuntely, the Dewey Center will be closed in November. They don't do tours of the dam since 9/11.

We'll look forward to doing the Fish Hatchery tour.

Thanks again.

[Arkiegirl]

The Fish Hatchery is the best form of FREE entertainment in Branson! Its a must go every time with our kids. Start by going into the building. There you should come in contact with an employee--who is always very knowledgeable on many subjects besides the fish. You can watch a short film on how the hatchery works, view snakes , spiders, turtles. Then you can go outside and feed the fish. Suggestion--take a small cup or baggie with you to collect the fish food you get from the machine.

November will be cold to visit, maybe you will luck out with a cold day.

Its fun and educational!!

[MysteryFan]

I always try to take in the Hatchery and their trails along Taneycomo near there. Inside the Center is where I saw my first Brown Recluse Spider I also enjoyed looking at the bird nests and all the nature stuff they have as well as the HUGE Fish Tank with the HUGE Trout in it!

[julieneale]

hi
i just read one of your threads and see that you have been to branson 3 times. what suggestions do you have for moderately priced entertainment with children (12 year old)? thanks

[ggh]

Take them to the fish hatchery, and the dam, both are fun, learning experiences. ~ and nearly free, I think the fish food is a quarter.

[StarsRUs]

Originally Posted by julieneale

hi
i just read one of your threads and see that you have been to branson 3 times. what suggestions do you have for moderately priced entertainment with children (12 year old)? thanks

There's a ton of things to take children that age to do. Not sure what will be going on in November.

Silver Dollar City is great for every one. Kids love it and it's a great time of year to go.

The Fish Hatchery is great. We spent about 2 hours there. Great fun to feed the fish. .25 for feed, and yes, take something to gather the feed into. It's allot easier.

There's a museum at the College of the Ozarks. We didn't get a chance to see it, but hear it's great fun too. Free for school age children and something like $4.50 for adults. We want to see it sometime while there.

The Light & Fire show down at the Landing is awesome, kids and adults alike enjoy it..it's also free. Top of the hour every hour (from 10:00 a.m til 10:00 p.m. I think) Go in the evenings when it's dark to really enjoy it.

There's so much more.

Have a great time while you're in Branson.

[sonobabe2000]

We love the FIsh Hatchery. We have gone there every year since I was a kid!! Take some quarters and a baggie of some kind so you can feed the fish. Our kids love it!! Go early morning when it is cooler, otherwise you will roast in the hot sun beating off the pavement!!

Mel

[flyfishinggolfer]

Fishing is the most moderately priced thing to do. If you have your own rods and reels it can be free.

Fly

[QueenAngie]

We love the fish hatchery too.
Everybody enjoys feeding the fish and seeing the exhibits.

Best part: free.

The fish food has an odor, so bring the baggie or a cup to place the fish food into.

Go back inside and wash your hands good w/ soap and water afterwards, so you smell fresh again.

Bring a picnic lunch. Bring a frizbee and a baseball/bat. Make it a fun day.