Summer in Branson means full days, warm evenings, and a lot of ground to cover. There’s no shortage of things to do, but running across town between attractions gets old fast. If you want one destination that keeps the whole family busy from morning through dinner and beyond, Shepherd of the Hills on 76 Country Boulevard is worth putting at the top of the list.
The 160-acre historic property has been hosting visitors to the Ozarks for over 100 years!…it packs in thrilling outdoor adventures, live entertainment, dining, shopping, indoor dinner shows and celebrated outdoor live performances under the stars, all without moving your car once. It is real Ozarks Fun.
Start the Day with the Adventure Park
Shepherd’s Adventure Park has been voted the #1 Aerial Adventure Park in America by USA Today, and it earns that title 3 years! Plan to arrive in the morning when energy is high and the summer heat hasn’t peaked yet.
Copperhead Mountain Coaster
The Copperhead Mountain Coaster is 4,800 feet of drops, loops, and curves through the Ozark terrain. Riders control their own speed, which makes it manageable for kids who want a gentler run and satisfying for adults who want to push it. It’s one of those rides where everyone in the family ends up wanting to go again and second rides come with a discount!
Great Woodsman Zipline Canopy Tour
The zipline canopy tour runs across eight tree-suspended lines with views of the Ozark Mountains and Shepherd of the Hills State Park nearby. It’s built for first-timers and experienced zipliners alike, with only light hiking required between platforms. A summer morning in the treetops above Branson is hard to beat.
Vigilante Extreme ZipRider
For the thrill-seekers in the group, the Vigilante Extreme ZipRider launches from an open-air deck 140 feet up on Inspiration Tower. Four lines run side by side, so the whole family can ride together. The views on the way down are spectacular and you can even borrow a video camera at check in to get the ultimate video selfie. It’s a small cost to purchase the video instantly from a QR code provided at the end of your ride.
Sky Trek Challenge Ropes Course
The Sky Trek Challenge Ropes Course sits next to Inspiration Tower and gives kids AND Adults, a multi-level outdoor challenge that tests balance and builds confidence. It’s a good option for kids who aren’t quite ready for the bigger rides, or for burning off extra energy between activities.
Take in the Views from Inspiration Tower
After the morning adventures, slow things down with a ride up the glass elevator to the top of Inspiration Tower. The 230-foot enclosed tower is built right next to the spot where author Harold Bell Wright found inspiration for the novel that put Branson on the map and brought world-wide acclaim to the Ozarks. On a clear summer day, views stretch up to 90 miles across the Ozark Mountains all the way down to the Boston Mountains of Arkansas.
Pro tip: When you buy a Shepherd’s Adventure Park admission, the Inspiration Tower is included along with over 30 family friendly activities and attractions.
It’s a natural midday reset: everyone catches their breath, takes some photos, and gets a bird’s-eye view of the property they’ve been exploring all morning.
Explore the Historic Homestead
The guided historic tram tour takes families through the authentic homestead setting of the pioneer families Wright wrote about in his famous novel, The Shepherd of the Hills, including Old Matt’s Cabin, which sits on the National Historic Registry. An Ozarks native guide leads the tour and brings the history of the hills to life in a way that actually holds kids’ attention. It’s a good low-key afternoon activity that fills in the story of the property you’ve been enjoying all day.
Grab a Bite and Browse the Shops
Shepherd of the Hills has a few good options for fueling up mid-day. Shepherd’s Grill is a solid lunch stop, and Old Trail Pizza Company is perfect for families who need something quick and crowd-pleasing. Save room for a stop at Sammy Lane’s Sweets N’ Treats for handmade ice cream and fudge, a summer afternoon staple.
The shops on the property are worth a wander, especially if anyone in the group is looking for Ozark-made gifts, souvenirs, branded apparel, or something to take home that isn’t a generic magnet… but they have those too just in case! Aunt Mollie’s Mercantile carries specialty goods and foods that makes for a relaxed browse while the afternoon heat peaks.
Cap the Evening with the Whodunnit Hoedown
The Whodunnit Hoedown Murder Mystery Dinner Show runs at evenings inside the climate controlled Playhouse Theater, which is a welcome detail on a hot summer day. After a full day outside, sitting down to a plated dinner while a light-hearted murder unfolds around you is a pretty satisfying way to end things.
The show runs about 90 minutes. Uncle Penn Matthews is throwing a surprise birthday party for his wife Aunt Belle when legendary fiddler Squeaky Bowman turns up dead. The cast works the room the entire time, pulling audience volunteers into the investigation and keeping the energy high throughout dinner. Kids get into hunting for clues. Adults appreciate the cast’s improv skills. Everyone leaves with a favorite moment from the show.
The dinner is included with the ticket: potato soup, BBQ pulled pork or herb-roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, dinner rolls, and white birthday cake. After a day of ziplining and mountain coasters, that meal hits the spot.
The Combo Package
If you want to stretch the evening even further, Shepherd of the Hills offers many money saving combo packages such as:
The Wild West Showdown starts at 7:30pm under the Ozarks sky, a 90-minute outdoor spectacular with trick riding, stunts, and audience interaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shepherd of the Hills a good summer destination for young kids? Yes. The property has activities for a range of ages and comfort levels, from the ropes course and mountain coaster to the historic tram tour and dinner show. The Whodunnit Hoedown is family-friendly and works well for kids around 6 and up. A number of combinations are available to fit all interests and wallets.
How much time should we plan for a full day? Arriving by 10:00am gives you time for the over 30 activities on the Adventure park, lunch, take a historic tram tour, get discounts with your Park Admission on rides, and then some shopping before the show. If you add the Wild West Showdown, plan to be on the property until around 9:00pm.
Is there shade and air conditioning available during summer? The adventure activities are mostly outdoors, so mornings are the best time for those. Inspiration Tower is enclosed and climate controlled as is the the Playhouse Theater. Dining options are also indoors.
Do I need to book in advance? For the Whodunnit Hoedown, yes, especially in summer when the show fills up. Adventure Park tickets can be purchased same-day, but booking ahead is recommended during peak season.
One Property, One Full Day
Most families leave Shepherd of the Hills wishing they had more time. The combination of outdoor adventure, Ozarks history, good food, shopping, and live entertainment covers a lot of ground without the hassle of driving all over Branson. It truly is Real Ozarks Fun.
stay all day, and let the property do the work. Plan your visit at Shepherd of the Hills and book your tickets before they sell out this summer.