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, 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 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 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. January through March, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. April through August, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. September and October, and from 9 a.m. to midnight in November and December.
Homestead Tour
During the day, you can hop on a jeep-drawn tram for a guided tour of the homestead. You'll visit Old Matt's Cabin, the original home of the book's main characters. The modest log cabin stands in it's original location, and is on the National Historic Registry.
Next you'll travel to beautiful Inspiration Point, the second highest peak in Missouri . A monument marks the spot where author Harold Bell Wright camped while compiling the notes for The Shepherd of the Hills. The gorgeous view from his campsite stretches across Mutton Hollow and into the hills of Northern Arkansas.
There are carved statues of six of the main characters that stand on Inspiration Point. They are The Shepherd, Old Matt, Aunt Mollie, Sammy Lane , Young Matt, and Little Pete. Rising high above the statues, Inspiration Tower also sits atop the point.
The Morgan Community Church was saved from demolition and moved to Inspiration Point in 1991. It is very similar to the churches that Harold Bell Wright ministered in as he traveled across southern Missouri.
As the tour leaves Inspiration Point, you'll travel down the mountainside to the site of Old Matt's grist mill. The Old Mill Theatre was carved into this wooded setting over 45 years ago. You'll be able to step on stage for a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the nightly performance and learn how some of the amazing special effects are achieved.
The homestead tour just wouldn't be complete without a visit to Jenning's Still for an authentic (and hilarious) look at the lost art of making moonshine!
A visit to The Shepherd of the Hills Historic Homestead is an excellent way to learn more about the characters and the history behind one of America 's best loved stories!
Horseback Trail Rides
Come on down to The Shepherd of the Hills and take a trail ride through history. This 30 minute ride on horses used in the action packed drama, The Shepherd of the Hills, runs through the historic homestead and will take you on some of the same trails the Baldknobbers rode. See the majestic Ozark hills, The Trail Nobody Knows How Old, ride down in the Holler, all in the beautiful shade of the Ozark woods. This is your chance to ride a real show horse.
Rides are availble between Memorial Day and Labor Day. They operate on days that the Outdoor Drama is perfomred. Must be 7 years old or older, at least 4 feet tall, and no more than 250 lbs.
Shopping
The Shepherd of the Hills Homestead is home to several gift shops and some very talented Ozarks crafters. Be sure to allow plenty of time during your visit to explore these great shops!
Shops
Aunt Mollie's Mercantile
Inspiration Tower Gift Shop
Vining Brothers General Store
Sweet Tooth
MoZarks
Trail's End
Crafters
Jo Wannah's Leather
Morning Star Candles
Mulkey's Knifes