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By Tommy Jackson
On a recent itinerary-packed visit in Branson, we had allocated a couple of hours for the Roy Rogers Museum. We ended up staying more than four. I could have stayed longer if the next itinerary item would have allowed. The museum is a wonderful tribute to a wonderful family who had their share of the good life aong with more than their share of heartache as well.
I always liked Roy when I was a kid. He stood for everything good in those wonderful movies and television shows. Not only did Roy talk the talk, he walked the walk as well. That squeaky clean image lives to this day, even in death. There are many, many exhibits about Roy's movie career as you might expect. His sidekicks are also profiled including George "Gabby" Hayes as a young man and Pat Brady's jeep, Nellybelle. Trigger is there, reared up on those hind legs as you remember him. Roy's great love for sports, illustrated by gifts from some of his sports heroes to their cowboy hero is prominently displayed. The car that took Roy's family from Ohio to California is included. The Sons of the Pioneers of which Roy was a founding member are profiled, including their membership changes over the years. One of those went on to gain fame in the longest running western ever on television Who is it? Check it out...good stuff. Of course Dale Evans, the Queen of the Cowboys who was always by Roy's side, is an integral part of the museum starting from her pre-Roy days when she was a popular radio entertainer and film star and continuing throughout the rest of her life is there for you to view. What a beautiful lady! Of course she also went on to become a best-selling author, allbeit because of very tragic circumstances. "Angel Unaware" which deals tragically with the loss of Roy and Dale's daughter is still in print today. It wasn't the only child the couple would have to bury in their lifetime. On the other side of the museum is the Happy Trails Theater where Roy Rogers Jr. ("Dusty") and his High Riders perform daily at 10 and 2. The theater seats 325 in an intimate, comfortable setting. The program starts with a showing of Roy (Sr.) on the old TV classic, "This Is Your Life". You will learn a great deal about Roy from this show, but caution, it's an emotional one. After that showing, "Dusty" and his group perform, and it's a great show. Part of the time is allocated to "Dusty" answering questions about whatever you want to ask. To see the love audience members held (and hold) for Roy Rogers and Dale Evans is both amazing and touching. The show closes with "Dusty's" son joining the group on stage and you know what the finale is. You don't have to do both the museum and the show, but we highly recommend both. There is a combination ticket available, and it's reasonable. The museum/theater is easy to find. Just off the Strip, it's located on Green Mountain Drive across from Celebration City. If you ever played cowboys as a kid or even if you didn't, we predict you will enjoy your visit immensely. (Tommy Jackson is a former Arkansas newspaper editor who now writes a weekly entertainment column. Contact him at
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