People looking for awesome adventure and entertainment often go to Branson, Missouri because of all the things found in the city. There are live musical shows, plenty of thrill rides and attractions, educational museums and establishments, shopping malls, luxurious hotels & resorts, unique restaurants, and so much more. But even with all of these man-made attractions, Branson is still known for its amazing and breathtaking outdoors. The Ozark Mountains is especially exceptional because of the beauty it possesses. There’s no doubt why Harold Bell Wright wrote ‘The Shepherd of the Hills’ when he visited the Ozarks in 1898. And since then, “The Shepherd of the Hills” has been a famous entity in Branson.
The very place Harold Bell Wright visited in Missouri was branded as Shepherd of the Hills. And in 1989, the Shepherd of the Hills Inspiration Tower was built to commemorate the 100th anniversary Wright’s first visit to the 160-acre historic homestead. Most tourists go to The Shepherd of the Hills to get a view of the beautiful Ozark Mountains by using the Inspiration Tower as this 230-foot tall tower takes them to the highest point overlooking the Ozarks. When you are in Branson, it is hard to not notice this towering infrastructure because it is tall enough to be seen anywhere around the city. This is a fun experience in Branson, Missouri that you should not miss!
The Shepherd of the Hills Inspiration Tower, built in 1989, was a massive construction project as it cost roughly $1.5 million to build. It is carefully constructed to withstand winds of 172 miles per hour and wind gusts of up to 224 miles per hour. To do this, it had to weigh over 3 million pounds plus another 92,000 pounds to include structural steel! No wonder it cost that much! The foundation holds five miles worth of rebar, weighing 34.5 tons. And glass was also used and was enough to cover a third of a football field. Two glass elevators take tourists to the observation deck to get a great view of the Ozarks.
Take a trip to Branson and discover the beauty of the Ozark Mountains through the Shepherd of the Hills Inspiration Tower. It is known as the ‘landmark on the horizon’ and stands tall over what it known as Inspiration Point as is what Harold Bell Wright deemed his very first campsite on the homestead. Its observation deck will give you a first-hand look at the magnificent Ozark Mountains that Wright found so inspiring. Be amazed. Be fascinated. Be inspired!
The Shepherd of the Hills Inspiration Tower is open 365 days a year from 9am to 5pm, providing you with great view and breathtaking scenery. You can even enjoy the ZipRider, which is a zipline ride that takes your down from the observation deck at 5o miles per hour! After seeing the beautiful Ozarks, check out the specialty gift shop at the ground level for tower-themed souvenirs and other Shepherd of the Hills merchandise. There is also a snack shop if you get hungry and restrooms are available as well. Whatever you do, the Shepherd of the Hills Inspiration Tower will leave you breathless and speechless at the same time!
