It happens all the time. When people that come from somewhere else and spend time with us dockside we get some very similar questions. Is this a lake or a river? What river are we sitting alongside? Why do they call this a lake when it looks like a river? We thought this would be a good place to explain some of the mystery of the picturesque and river (or lake) in Branson, Missouri.
History of Lake Taneycomo
Lake Taneycomo is a man-made lake or reservoir created from a section of the White River in Taney County Missouri. The name of the river comes from that county that it is located in. From the early 1900s to 1958 the lake was a warm water lake. Once Tablerock Dam was completed in August 1958, the source of Lake Taneycomo came from the bottom of Tablerock Lake. From that time onward, the lake has remained a fairly constant 50ish degrees. As you can imagine, with this change, swimming near the Rockaway 
Beach area declined and many of the tourists wanting to get into the water instead moved toward other activities in Branson. Swimming in a cold water lake just wasn’t desirable.
Fishermen soon found that the chilly waters of Lake Taneycomo became a premier location for Trout fishing. Whether you prefer fly fishing or other methods, you will be hard pressed to find a more suitable location to catch Trout. With the completion of the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery in 1957, Lake Taneycomo became one of the best year-round locations for Trout fishing. No matter the time of year, it is rare to find the lake deserted of fishermen.
The best of a river and lake aspects are included in Lake Taneycomo. It has become a terrific location for fishing, hiking, boating, sightseeing, and many other activities.
See it all Unfold at Main Street Marina
The beauty of the Ozarks comes to life at Main Street Marina! Get off the dock and out on the water with Main Street Lake Cruises. Sightseeing and Dinner Cruises give you an opportunity to see the history as it unfolds in front of your eyes while one of our Captains tells you about the lore of the area.
If you just want to get out by yourself or with a few close friends or family Main Street Water Sports Rentals may be just what you’re looking for. We can get you on a Paddleboard, Hydrobike, Kayak, or Craigcat Motor Boat, to get around the lake in the manner you would prefer.
If you are looking to stay on the dock, check out The Paddlewheel. There is always something fun going on for you to enjoy with family and friends. Check out our amazing menu. Great food made for you in our scratch kitchen and delicious drinks created by our bartenders are there at a moments notice. Our friendly staff is ready to show you a bit of that Ozark hospitality that has become so popular.
If it’s nightlife you are after come out and Rock The Dock as many others do every evening as The Paddlewheel becomes Branson’s LARGEST Nightclub! There is no better place in the area to unwind!
Don’t just take our word for it. Come out and see for yourself why everyone is talking about this amazing spot on Lake Taneycomo. The spot where locals come and visitors always want to come back to. We look forward to seeing you!
What an amazing New Year’s Party we had at 
During the week, at the Paddlewheel, we have Open Mic Night on Wednesday Night. On the weekend we will always be on the lookout to bring the best entertainment that the area has to offer. In addition, until March 1st, if you mention that you are a local you will receive 20% off your tab at The Paddlewheel. We really appreciate your business, so while many of our industries may 
be slower, we want to try to make it a little easier on your budget. It’s our way of saying thanks for making The Paddlewheel the most popular spot to be in Branson!
Our water sports rental dock at Main Street Marina saw so many individuals and families that wanted to get out on the water on a more personal basis. With hydro bikes, stand up paddleboards, kayaks, and the speedy Craigcats available, many folks were able to use the option they wanted to get out on the water.
The Paddlewheel has not only become one of the best places to sample local fare but it has also become the largest nightclub in the area. 
If you want to stay on the dock, we have your party going on at 
Think back to a time when you got out of your car after a long week and looked out at the waterfront for the first time. The wind blowing softly carrying your cares and agenda out with the breeze. That first refreshing breath of air that you draw as you step onto that beach or walk 
along the dock. We bring that feeling to you every day of the year. You know that feeling. That is your “Lake Attitude” descending upon you. In addition, there are so many ways you can catch that feeling at 
Climb aboard The 
If your idea of relaxation involves getting out on the water by yourself or with those close to you, we have all the gear you might need at 
If you plan to stay on the dock you won’t be disappointed in the experience, because the Paddlewheel offers the best of everything there is in Branson! By day you can sit dockside and enjoy an amazing view, and by night The Paddlewheel turns into the Largest Floating Nightclub the area has to offer.
right here at The Paddlewheel. Don’t worry if it’s cold there are several fire pits in the area, and if it rains we have plenty of room inside.
places throughout the country. If you are looking for something representing “Local Flavor” when you come to Branson then you need to look no further than 
of that amazing view from our docks while you are here. Whether you are at our dockside restaurant or on one of our sightseeing or dinner cruises, we know that you will see the best the Ozarks has to offer. We feel fortunate to have this scenery around us always changing every day of the year.
Family means different things to different people, but in the Ozarks, we take the concept of caring for others very seriously. We are proud of our staff because they truly enjoy getting to know people as they take care of them. We are excited for you to get to know them.
The musicians and entertainers in this area have a very distinct flavor that represents the culture of the area. We work hard to make sure that special flair is represented in the live entertainment we bring to you. In the evenings The Paddlewheel turns into the largest nightclub in the Branson area, and we know how to 
