Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Drama - The Story of the Ozarks
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.2/5
Based on 321 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Drama - The Story of the Ozarks worth booking?
Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Drama - The Story of the Ozarks is a 2-hour experience in Branson, United States, from $50 per person. It scores 61 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.2/5 rating across 321 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 61 / 100
- Rating
- 4.2/5 (321)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $50 per person
Step into the story that started Branson tourism at The Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Drama, the original faith-based tourist attraction in Branson, Missouri. Performed under the stars on the historic Shepherd of the Hil
What you get
About this experience
Step into the story that started Branson tourism at The Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Drama, the original faith-based tourist attraction in Branson, Missouri. Performed under the stars on the historic Shepherd of the Hills Farm, this epic live western is based on Harold Bell Wright’s best-selling novel that brought millions to the Ozarks—now known as The Story of the Ozarks. If you’re a fan of Yellowstone, classic westerns, frontier history, or inspirational productions like Sight & Sound Theatre, you’ll feel right at home. Experience thrilling horseback chases, live horses, livestock, authentic pioneer buildings, action, comedy, romance & breathtaking special effects as the timeless story of faith, forgiveness, family & redemption unfolds before you. For more than 65 years, families have made The Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Drama a Branson tradition. More than a show—it’s an unforgettable journey into the American frontier & the production that made Branson a vacation destination.
What's included
Included
- All taxes, fees, and handling charges
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
What you'll see and do
The Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Drama
During the 1800's, the Ozark hills were wild and untamed. Crime was rampant and law enforcement had a difficult time. Eventually, a group formed to help law-abiding citizens. Soon enough, this group became so powerful they were bending the laws for their own gain and they became worse than the criminals they originally formed to fight against. This two-hour long production features a shoot-out, the actual burning of a log cabin, a mystery, a love story, and a moral message that is as true today as it was a century ago. You will be introduced to fascinating characters as they arrive on wagons or horseback including the pillar of the community, Old Matt as well his son, Young Matt. Other characters include beautiful Sammy Lane, villain Wash Gibbs, the mysterious Shepherd, and the vigilante Baldknobber gang.
Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
The Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Drama
5585 W 76 Country Blvd, Branson, Missouri, 65616-8129, United States
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
The Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Drama · 5585 W 76 Country Blvd, Branson, Missouri, 65616-8129, United States
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Tue, Thu, Sat
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- The Shepherd of the Hills
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This is an outside theatre so please dress appropriately
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 319 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
319 verified traveler reviews for Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Drama - The Story of the Ozarks. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Enjoyed it
The Shepherd of the Hills drama is done with live animals and a real fire. The story is told very well! The actors and actresses are so good! I highly recommend it. If you are taking children, you need to know that a few of the characters die. I think it is dealt with very tactfully though so it may not be a problem. There were children there and they absolutely loved getting to go down to the stage for square dancing during intermission. The actors/actresses did a great job of dancing with them. Hope you get to see it!
via Tripadvisor
A Story Set in the Ozark Hills
This is an outdoor show, exposed to the elements, so remember to dress accordingly. It's story about the Ozark's in the early 1900's, even though I hadn't read the book, I found I could follow the story. But there were challenges, it is a low-tech show and a few times the microphones the actors wore stopped working, requiring them to shout their lines, the actors themselves did a fine job. During intermission the audience was invited down to the stage to learn square dancing, a good number accepted. Disappointingly, most of the actors stood around on the side, talking amongst themselves, a few danced with each other, a very few engaged with audience members and showed them square dance steps. Maybe there are times when the actors better engaged with the audience, but not this time. Despite this, the show was OK and and provided a little bit of Ozark history.
via Tripadvisor
Don’t miss it!
If you come to Branson, Shepherd of the Hills is a must! It is the icon of the ozarks! Don’t miss it! Reading the book first is recommended:)
via Tripadvisor
Rain!
We had looked forward to the performance, but rain was not our friend and canceled the show. My recommendation would be to have a backup show performance scheduled during your visit to Branson, remembering that the schedule is limited to 3 evenings.
Response from the operator: I understand that you’re mad at mother nature, but giving us a one star review is terrible. We cannot help it that it rained outside. It is an outdoor drama, you knew that when you bought the tickets. We could’ve had the show go on and left you sitting wet in the seats, but we don’t do that.
via Viator
Disappointed
There was no communication anywhere to be found that show was canceled due to storm. FAQ made it seem like you had to come. Could have posted on website or did mass email
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Tue, Thu, Sat
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 112
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 61
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Drama - The Story of the Ozarks: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Branson.
How much does Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Drama - The Story of the Ozarks cost?
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Prices start at $50 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Branson usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Drama - The Story of the Ozarks take?
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Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Branson is not rushed.
Is Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Drama - The Story of the Ozarks worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 61 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.2/5 across 321 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Branson, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Drama - The Story of the Ozarks?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Drama - The Story of the Ozarks suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Drama - The Story of the Ozarks?
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Around 112 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Branson can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Branson and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Drama - The Story of the Ozarks start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Branson within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Branson?
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Branson is show country: theatre productions, dinner cruises on Table Rock Lake, Silver Dollar City, Ozark cave tours and duck boat alternatives on the water. Show tickets vary in seating tier, so we weight listings that spell it out. On Outty we rank every Branson experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include The Haygoods: Branson's Most Popular Show, The Petersens at The Little Opry Theatre in Branson, Branson Murder Mystery- Branson's Original #1 Murder Mystery. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Branson?
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April to June and September to December for the Christmas season. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Branson?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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