Shepherd of the Hills Homestead in Branson, Missouri
The Shepherd of the Hills Homestead is touted the number one attraction in Missouri. Based on the 1907 book “The Shepherd of the Hills” by Harold Bell Wright, the attraction is based on Wright’s mostly fictional story of Ozark Mountain folklore. The inspirations for the book were two individuals Wright met on frequent vacations to the Ozarks, John and Anna Ross, otherwise known as Old Matt and Aunt Mollie and Wright’s book is said to have been the impetus for the tourism industry in Branson.
Today, those visiting this attraction are getting a first-hand look at Old Matt’s homestead as described in the book by Wright, who was actually a minister. However, curious travelers have actually been coming to the homestead for decades, drawn by their interest in the book. It wasn’t until the 1940s that the homestead became an official attraction, and by the 1950s, spurred by the post World War II tourist boom, the Shepherd of the Hills Homestead began adding other things for visitors to do while visiting the site.
A modern-day visitor to the homestead can begin their experience with a homestead tour on a Jeep-drawn tram. One stop on the tour is Old Matt’s Cabin, the original home of John and Anna Ross. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places because of its literary significance, the cabin still stands in its original location. Other stops on the tour include Inspiration Point, the second highest peak in Missouri and the site where Wright is said to have camped while he was writing notes for his book. At Inspiration Point, guests will find a monument to Wright as well as statues of the six main characters in the book. Also on the tour is the Morgan Community Church, said to resemble the churches that Wright served as a minister to the people of southern Missouri. The tour also stops at The Old Mill Theater for a behind-the-scenes look at the Shepherd of the Hills theatrical production, and Jenning’s Still, where one of the book’s characters made moonshine whiskey. Homestead Tours happen every hour on the hour from 10 am to 4 pm.
Visitors age 7 and older are also welcome to enjoy a 30-minute horseback ride on the horses that are used in the nightly production of the play held at the onsite Old Mill Theater. The trail takes riders through some interesting back country and provides a look at several sights mentioned in the book. The schedule for trail rides is the same as for the tram tours.
Many people head to Shepherd of the Hills Homestead, however, just to enjoy the nightly presentation of the play based on Wright’s book. Productions of this type have been occurring at the homestead since the 1930s, but the modern version of this outdoor drama began in 1960. It currently features 80 actors, some 40 horses, and a host of other animals as well as an actual burning log cabin. One of the longest-running outdoor productions in the U.S., the play is held almost every evening from May through October. There’s also an entertaining pre-show and guests can join in an intermission hoe-down with the actors each evening.
Also from May to October, the Shepherd of the Hills Homestead presents a Chuckwagon Dinner Show featuring Western music by the Sons of the Pioneers and a genuine chuckwagon cowboy feast. In December, the dinner includes a Christmas show and guests can also visit the Trail of Lights holiday animation display.
Shopping at the homestead includes a chance to visit about a half-dozen stores and purchase everything from candy to local crafts.
A variety of combination tickets are available for visits to Shepherd of the Hills Homestead. Tickets may be ordered online in advance of your visit.
Useful Links:
http://www.oldmatt.com/home.php
http://www.bransonmissouri.info/eventsattractionsshepherdofthehills.html
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