Branson , United States

Shepherd of the Hills Historic Tour

Active

(70 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Experience history on this one hour long tour through several sites at The Shepherd of the Hills. You will be transported by a Jeep-drawn tram by a local guide. This is a fun family daytime experience while visiting Branson.

Available options

9:00 am Tour

9:00am Tour: Tour departs at 9:00am and lasts for approximately one hour

1:00pm Tour

Tour departs at 1:00pm and lasts for approximately one hour

What's included

Guided tour

All taxes, fees, and handling charges

Detailed itinerary

Enjoy a ride in an open-air, Jeep-drawn tram through the wooded, 160-acre homestead. Your Ozark native guide with take you through Old Matt's Cabin where three of the leading characters in the novel, The Shepherd of the Hills actually lived. This log cabin sits just as it did 130 years ago and is on the National Register of Historic Places. You will visit Morgan Church during your stop at Inspiration Point which is the highest point in Southwest Missouri where Harold Bell Wright camped while writing the book. The view is so spectacular that the name of this hill is Inspiration Point.

The Shepherd of the Hills was the beginning of the Branson phenomena. People began pouring into this area to meet the characters and see the beautiful landscape Wright has so vividly described- And now you have an opportunity to visit the homestead where the book was actually written!

What's not included

Food and drinks

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Gratuity

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.8

19 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.8

51 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Please call local supplier after purchase confirmation to confirm time

Meeting point

Tour guide will meet the guests at the Shepherd of the Hills Ticket office located at the Main Entrance to Shepherd of the Hills.

Important notes

Please call local supplier after purchase confirmation to confirm tour time

About Branson

Branson, Missouri, is a vibrant city nestled in the Ozark Mountains, renowned for its live entertainment, outdoor adventures, and family-friendly attractions. Known as the 'Live Music Show Capital of the World,' it offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences.

Top Attractions

Silver Dollar City

A 1880s-style theme park with thrilling rides, live entertainment, and craft demonstrations.

Entertainment Full day Moderate to Expensive

Branson Landing

A waterfront shopping and dining destination with a scenic boardwalk along Lake Taneycomo.

Shopping Half day Free to explore, varies for shopping and dining

Shepherd of the Hills

An outdoor drama based on the classic novel by Harold Bell Wright, featuring live shows and a historic homestead.

Historical Half day Moderate

Table Rock Lake

A beautiful lake surrounded by the Ozark Mountains, offering boating, fishing, and water sports.

Nature Full day Varies by activity

Branson Mountain Adventure Park

An outdoor adventure park featuring zip-lining, aerial obstacle courses, and mountain coasters.

Adventure Half day Moderate to Expensive

Must-Try Local Dishes

BBQ Ribs

Slow-smoked ribs with a tangy BBQ sauce, often served with sides like coleslaw and baked beans.

Dinner Contains meat, gluten (in sauce and sides)

Fried Catfish

Crispy fried catfish fillets, often served with hushpuppies and tartar sauce.

Dinner Contains fish, gluten (in batter)

Banana Pudding

A classic Southern dessert made with layers of vanilla wafers, banana slices, and whipped cream.

Dessert Contains dairy, gluten (in wafers)

Popular Activities

Zip-lining Mountain coasters Hiking Boating Shopping Dining Spa treatments Scenic boat tours

Best Time to Visit

May to October

This is the best time to visit Branson for outdoor activities and live shows. The weather is warm, and most attractions are open.

20-30°C 68-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

United States Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

CST (GMT-6) or CDT (GMT-5) during daylight saving time

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Branson is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any tourist destination, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and take basic safety precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious when using ATMs and avoid carrying large amounts of cash
• Use reputable tour operators and ticket vendors

Getting there

By air

Branson Airport • 15 miles from downtown
Springfield-Branson National Airport • 60 miles from downtown

By bus

Branson Visitor Center

Getting around

Public transport

The BATS system offers affordable and convenient transportation around Branson. Buses are equipped with bike racks.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

The Strip Downtown Branson Hillside Area

Day trips

Silver Dollar City

5 miles • Full day

A 1880s-style theme park with thrilling rides, live entertainment, and craft demonstrations.

Table Rock State Park

10 miles • Half day to Full day

A beautiful state park offering hiking, fishing, and scenic views of Table Rock Lake.

Dogwood Canyon Nature Park

20 miles • Full day

A pristine nature park with hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and scenic overlooks.

Festivals

Branson Craft Days • October Branson Music Fest • June

Pro tips

Visit during the shoulder seasons (April and November) to avoid crowds and enjoy pleasant weather
Book tickets for popular shows and attractions in advance, as they can sell out quickly
Rent a car to explore the surrounding Ozark Mountains and nearby attractions
Take advantage of package deals that include accommodations, shows, and attractions
Check the schedule for festivals and events, as they can enhance your visit and provide unique experiences