|
Book Historic Homestead Tour Tickets
|
|
|
|
By Mandy Phillips
Fans of Harold Bell Wright's "The Shepherd of the Hill" could ask for nothing better than the Historic Homestead Tour in Branson, but even those who are unfamiliar with the book can enjoy and appreciate this one-hour Jeep-drawn tour. The tour blends history and humor seamlessly, and was a delightful way to spend a morning in Branson!
I haven't read Wright's world-famous book - which is second only to the Bible in the number of people in America who have read it - and I still enjoyed the tour. After everyone boarded the tram, we headed up to Old Matt's Cabin. We went inside as our guide Kristen explained the significance of many of the artifacts housed inside. There were photos of the family, original furnishings, clothing, and more inside the cabin, which was originally a one-room cabin. Later on, the family added a bedroom area and a back porch.
We re-boarded the tram and headed up to Inspiration Point, which was probably my very favorite part of the tour. I love the rolling hills of the Ozark Mountains, and this was probably the most beautiful view I've seen of them. There is a marker that denotes the spot where Wright pitched his tent, and each morning he would wake up and open the tent to see the stunning view from atop Inspiration Point. Inspiration Tower stands atop the mountain, and we were told that an admission discount to the tower was available with your ticket stub (I wish we had had the time take advantage of that). There are also white statues of the book's characters located atop Inspiration Point, and the entire area is beautifully landscaped! I could have spent all morning enjoying the view from up there, but it was time to head on.
We made our way down to the set of the Old Mill Theater, which is where nightly plays are held in the outdoor theater. Our guide shared some fantastic information about old steam engine that is located on the set, as well as details about the show (which features 90 actors & actresses and countless animals!). There was also an old general store located by the set, and there was time to get off and explore the shop and get a Coke.
When then headed back out on the trail as we stopped for a view of a bald knob. Kristen told some thrilling stories about the "Baldknobbers" that used to roam the area, and it was easy to envision their secret meetings atop the mountain as we listened to the story. We drove on past a beautiful cave and waterfall - be sure to watch for the deer! - and came upon a cabin with a "moonshine still" outside. At that point, Kristen stepped off the tram to get a nip of 'shine. She offered a drink to the group on the tram, and that's when the real action started. Now I don't want to give this part of the tour away, so I'll stop by saying you can expect to hear guns firing, dynamite exploding, and a bit of hootin' & hollarin'. (Also, if you are asked to volunteer, be sure to notice all that water on the ground before you agree!).
We tore away from the scene (with a little hollarin' still going on in the background) and headed back up the hill to the stables where the tour ended. We had a beautiful summer day for the tour, and it was a delightful way to spend it. Keep in mind that Southern Missouri summers can be hot and humid, so I recommend taking the tour in the morning if at all possible. The tours depart each hour, so you should have no trouble enjoying the experience before the heat of the day sets in.
The Historic Homestead Tour offers enough action and excitement to keep even young visitors entertained, and there is plenty of history and education for those who aren't familiar with the Shepherd of the Hills. Those who are, however, will delight in seeing first-hand how the people whose lives the characters were based on lived!
