Branson , United States

Shepherd’s Adventure Park

Active

(16 reviews)

1h - 6h

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

#1 in America! Not only is Shepherd’s Adventure Park Branson’s most historic attraction it’s the 3 time winner of USA Today’s #1 Adventure Park in America. Originally established in 1884 this historic property was the birthplace of tourism in Branson when visitors first started coming to the area after Harold Bell Wright’s best selling novel, The Shepherd of the Hills, was first published in 1907. Since that time, while preserving the history, the park has been improved to include a number of amenities for young & old alike. The Park now includes Lil Pete’s Playland, Inspiration Tower, Barnyard animals, miniature golf, kids obstacle course, Play Barn, tree houses & of course Ike’s Post Office, Old Matt’s Cabin & Morgan Chapel. New in 2024: Tree Top Sky Trail & a Mega-Tube Slide. Where history is a great adventure!

The Adventure Park is also home to our seasonal events; SpringFest, PumpkinFest, North Pole Adventure & all new in 2024 Great American Summer!

Available options

Shepherd’s Adventure Park

What's included

Morgan Chapel

Petting Zoo

Snow Tubing

Miniature golf

Treehouses

Old Matt's Cabin

Play Barn & Old Fashioned Arcade

Inspiration Tower

Lil Pete’s Playland

Detailed itinerary

Before the lights and the glitz and glamour, a shepherd walked these hills.

Weary and spent, the shepherd paused in the Ozark mountains and as he sought healing in the fresh, clean air of the hills, he compiled notes for a novel that would become an incredible impact on the United States.

This shepherd, a modest preacher named Harold Bell Wright, began to love the simple, country folk of the Ozarks. He especially connected with John and Anna Ross who would become the inspiration for Old Matt and Aunt Mollie Matthews, who play a key role in The Shepherd of the Hills. Wright would often camp outside their homestead, sit on the lookout mentioned in the book, and dream up the story of joy and sorrow, hardship and love, violence and restoration, that would become the first novel to sell one million copies in the United States. Wright dedicated his novel to his wife with the following lines which demonstrate his strong connection to the Ozark hills.

What's not included

Petting zoo food

Mining Gem Bag

Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Drama

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 4.1

16 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Important notes

Go directly to Farm Entrance Ticket Booth.

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