Homestead Tours

?Hop on a Jeep-drawn tram to enjoy a 60-minute tour of The Shepherd of the Hills Homestead. Your first stop will be the original structure of Old Matt's Cabin, which served as the Ross family home for approximately 30 years before it was established in history through Harold Bell Wright's famous novel (and on the National Registry of Historic Places). Inside the cabin you will find numerous antiques and historical items, including clothing worn by John and Anna Ross, some of their furniture, photographs, tools, cooking utensils, and much more.

Next, journey to the top of Inspiration Tower, the 230' lookout tower built in 1989 to commemorate the 100^th anniversary of Harold Bell Wright's first visit to the Ozark Mountains. (And don't worry, we have elevators!) Enjoy the lower-level gift shop, the glass elevators, and the amazing views seen from both the enclosed section and the open observation deck. You can't find a better view of such beautiful year-round scenery.

The following stop will be at a quaint church relocated to the homestead from Morgan County, Missouri. The church was constructed in 1901 and resembles one that Harold Bell Wright preached in during his time in Kansas. In fact, while touring the church, Mr. Wright pays each tram group a visit and tells a little about his life.

Take a behind-the-scenes look at The Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Drama during the next phase of your tour. The tour guide will take you down on set, where you will be up close with Old Matt's steam engine and grist mill. Here you will learn all that it takes to put on the production every night. (Perhaps you'll even get to meet Houdini, the wandering mule!)

?This isn't all: you'll also get to peer into Little Pete's Cave; see a real, working moonshine still; and visit the horses at the stables. After your tour, you can stroll through our gift shops and then the kids will want to check out the City Kids and Country Cousins' Playground. There's always something happening at the Homestead!

Inspiration Tower

Inspiration Tower is Branson's "landmark on the horizon" -- a massive 230' tall structure located on Inspiration Point in The Shepherd of the Hills Homestead. Constructed and erected in 1989, the Tower's opening celebrated the 100^th anniversary of Harold Bell Wright's first visit to the area. It weighs 3 million pounds, cost approximately $1.5 million to build, contains over 92,000 pounds of structural steel, and can withstand a constant wind of 172 mph or gusts of up to 224 mph! A convoy of 43 concrete trucks filled the Tower foundation, which contains five miles' worth of rebar weighing 34.5 tons. The Tower also contains over 4,400 square feet of glass - enough to cover a third of a football field!

Two glass elevators transport visitors to the spacious, enclosed observation deck. You can also walk a few steps down to the open-air deck. The panoramic views available from both decks are absolutely phenomenal, in any season. On a clear day, you can see over 90 miles. There's also a specialty gift shop, snack bar and restrooms on the ground level.

During November and December, Inspiration Tower is transformed into the Ozarks' largest Christmas tree for the Trail of Lights! The Tower is open year-round, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. April through October, 10 a.m. to midnight in November and December, and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. January through March.

The Sons of the Pioneers Chuckwagon Dinner Show

Designated as National Treasures by the Smithsonian Institute, The Sons of the Pioneers are the longest continuous performing group of all time! Their unique harmonies have become the standard by which all other western groups are measured. Joined on stage this season by hilarious funny-man, Hargus Marcel. Beautiful western harmonies, terrific comedy, and a delicious dinner in the relaxing atmosphere - this is sure to make the "you CAN'T miss this show" list! (More Information)