This Rock Is a Jewel

Under the right conditions, the earth will form precious stones like diamonds, rubies in sapphires in processes that run millions, even billions of years.

It took the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to help produce the gem that we know as Table Rock Lake in southern Missouri.

The Corps is responsible for dozens of flood-control projects throughout the Midwest, but Table Rock is something special: With its construction from 1956-1959, the Corps dammed the flow of the White, James and Kings rivers to produce an attraction that, at normal elevation, sprawls more than 43,000 acres just north of the Arkansas border. 

The distinguishing feature of this lake is the clear water that flows in the White River, along with a rocky lake bed that produces clarity unsurpassed by other flood-control water sources. So boating, fishing, kayaking and skiing, yes, but also some of the best scuba diving location can find with an inland waterway, including attractions they call the Enchanted Forest and Oasis, which a century ago was a small village, but is now 100 feet under the surface.

And you don’t have to leave civilization behind to find this slice of paradise: the east end of the reservoir sits just outside Branson, where you’ll find shopping, dining, theme parks and entertainment, as well as hotels, resorts, and campgrounds.

With 750 miles of shoreline, the lake provides hundreds of nooks and crannies where  you can tie up your fishing rig or pontoon boat and enjoy the solace of a day on the water almost uninterrupted by others lake traffic. 

It’s also an angler’s mecca, with Table Rock Lake providing opportunities to go after bass, crappie, catfish, and bluegill; on the other side of the dam, the cold water released from the bottom of the lake supports trout populations in Lake Taneycomo. And from there, the waters flow to Bull Shoals Lake before making their way into Arkansas.

One can normally find upwards of 500 properties listed for sale across the length of the watershed, and thousands of lots suitable for construction. On the water itself you’ll find boat services from dozens of marinas, rentals and restaurants—including many that have their own boat slips.

As the locals and regular visitors know, Table Rock is a one-of-a-kind venue to celebrate the nation’s birthday. Hundreds of night-time boaters are able to take in fireworks displays that light the sky, reflect off the water and make the Table Rock experience one unlike any other in Missouri.