Branson Tornado Damage and Closings - Saturday Afternoon (3/3/2012)

Branson's Titanic Museum Attraction

Great news from Branson's popular Titanic Museum Attraction. Electricity has been restored and they are once again open and operating!  They report that the only damage they received was to their electronic sign and that the museum and exhibits are just fine.

I will continue to provide updates as more information is made available, but please be assured that most of the popular Branson area will be up and operating for the Spring season. Of the more than 200 hotels in Branson, 12-15 sustained damage. And of the more than 100 attractions and shows, five or six sustained damage.

Most of Branson's hotels and shows are open or are preparing to open for the spring season. If you have any questions about where you are planning to stay, just call ahead.

Here is the latest information I've been able to assemble:

• Country 76 has reopened for the entire length of the "Branson Strip."
• Branson Landing reports that the majority of its retailers and restaurants will reopen for business today.
• Bass Pro Shops and Belks at Branson Landing remain open for business.
• Branson Airport was not damaged.
• Titanic Museum Attraction is closed until electricity can be restored.
• Silver Dollar City reports no damage.
• Sight and Sound Theater reports no damage.
• Showboat Branson Belle reports no damage.
• White Water reports no damage.
• The Wilderness reports no damage.
• Tanger Outlet Mall reports no damage. 
• 76 Express is closed for repairs.
• Angle Inn is closed for repairs.
• Best Western Center Pointe Inn is closed for repairs
• Blue Bayou Hotel is closed for repairs.
• Branson Express Inn is closed for repairs.
• Caprice Motor Inn is closed for repairs.
• Dollar Save Motel is closed for repairs.
• Grand Plaza is temporarily closed until electricity can be restored.
• Guest House is close for repairs.
• Hall of Fame Motel is closed for repairs.
• Hillbilly Inn is closed for repairs.
• Hilton Convention Center Hotel is closed for repairs.
• Holiday Inn Express is closed for repairs.
• Kimberling Inn in Kimberling City is closed for repairs.
• Leisure Country Inn is closed for repairs.
• Melody Lane Motel is closed for repairs.
• Music Lane Motel is closed for repairs.
• Ozark Mountain Inn is closed for repairs.
• Ramada Inn is closed for repairs. 
• Ramada Limited closed for repairs.
• Ria Motor Inn is closed for repairs.
• Riverboat Inn is closed for repairs.
• Silver Fountain Inn is closed for repairs.
• Green Gables Inn has reopened.
• Rosebud Inn has reopened.
• The Branson Variety Theater is closed pending repairs. This impacts the following shows: Twelve Irish Tenors, Hooray for Hollywood and Four Seasons/Beach Boys Tribute.
• The Baldknobbers opening night is postponed until Thursday, March 8 at 8 p.m. Phones and box office are still open.
• The Americana Theatre is closed pending repairs.
• Dick Clark's American Bandstand Theater was damaged and is closed. The Legends in Concert and Brett Family Morning Show have been cancelled for the time being.
• Hot Hits Theater is closed for repairs.
• The Icon Theater is closed for repairs.
• Owens Theater is closed for repairs.
• Adventure Helicopter Tours is closed for repairs.
• The Track #4 for Track Family Fun Parks is closed for repairs
• The Branson Auto Museum is closed pending repairs.
• The Branson Veterans Museum is closed pending repairs.
• Dinasour Musem is closed for repairs.
• Lost Treasure Mini Golf is closed for repairs.
• Splash Country is closed for repairs.
• Branson Mall is closed pending repairs.
• The Branson Bridal Show scheduled for Saturday has been moved to the Clarion Hotel and Conference Center on Highway 76.
• Dancing with the Stars of Branson has been rescheduled for March 7th. It has been moved to the White House Theater. The VIP party begins at 5:30 p.m. and the show at 7 p.m.
• Wal-Mart on Highway 76 is closed for repairs.
• The following restaurants are closed: Branson Landing Restaurants, The Burger Shack on 76, Candlestick Inn, Charlie's Steak, Ribs and Ale, Level 2/Clear at Hilton Convention Center, Mazzio's Pizza, Montana Mike's on 76, Shoney's on 76, Taco Bell on 76, Time-Out Sports Bar, Ahoy's Restaurant (KimberlingCity), Cakes & Cream, Dairy Queen, Ell Charro, Elenita's on 76, Great Wall, Hong Kong Buffet, Jimmy John's, Maggie Moo's, McDonald's on Highway 76, Mexican and Chinese Cuisine, Midtown Cafe at Dick Clark's American Bandstand Theatre, Pancho Villa, Papa John's, Starvin Marvins on Highway 76, Subway on Highway 76, TCBY.
• The following businesses are closed: Branson Mall, Branson Heights Shopping Center, Dalton's Express, Gourmet Coffee Downtown, H&J Gifts, House of Ink, Jubilee Foods, NASCAR Fan Zone, Nature Sunshine, Old Time Photo, Oozles, Ozarkland, Pit Stop, Port of Kimberling Marina, Quilts & Quilts, Same Day Auto, Vista Tee, Wal-Mart on 76, Weezies Upscale Resale, 76 Tire and Auto.

 I will provide the next update this evening or sooner if important information becomes available.  You can read more about Branson anytime at www.exploresouthernhistory.com/branson1.

If you want to see photos or video of the damaged areas, KY3 in Springfield has excellent online coverage at www.ky3.com.