AAA Traveler - museum devoted to Roy Rogers, Dale Evans

The museum features artifacts, exhibits and photographs that bring to life the famous couple. /Roy Rogers-Dale Evans Museum photo

New museum devoted to Roy Rogers, Dale Evans recalls their happy trails

The King of Cowboys and the Queen of the West now reign in Branson, Mo., with the opening of the Roy Rogers-Dale Evans Museum and Happy Trails Theater.

The museum, which moved from California to Branson this summer, pays tribute to Rogers and Evans, who were probably the most popular cowboy and cowgirl the world has ever known. The museum recalls these Western icons who shot straight, strummed and rode their way into the hearts of America.

At the peak of his career in the early 1940s to the mid-1950s, Rogers made as many as six movies a year, many of which also featured his steed, Trigger. In all, he made 88 Western features, 27 of which also starred Evans. Rogers also worked on television and starred in the “The Roy Rogers Show” for six years along with Evans, and they performed on several radio shows.

Throughout the museum are memories and treasures of the couple who devoted their lives to keeping the spirit of the American West alive. The collection includes family photos dating back to Roy’s and Dale’s childhoods, colorful costumes, parade saddles and memorabilia from the silver screen and television. There are also artifacts from Roy’s safari adventures, Roy and Dale’s Remington collection and more. One of the highlights is Trigger, mounted as many people remember him– rearing up on his hind legs.

Experience the West even more in the intimate 325-seat Happy Trails Theater where Roy “Dusty” Rogers Jr. and The Highriders perform many Western classics.

In “Happy Trails, Our Life Story,” Rogers remarked that he hoped the museum collection would be a reminder of a more innocent era. “Dale and I like to think that it will be a place for people to come have fun and learn about our lives, and also to remember what America was like so many years ago,” he wrote.

For hours, admission and details, call (417) 339-1900, or visit www.royrogers.com.

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