The Shepherd of the Hills Homestead Tour
Hop on a Jeep-drawn tram to enjoy a 60-minute tour of the Historic Homestead Tour as you explore the history surrounding Harold Bell Wright's "Shepherd of the Hills." Your first stop will be the original structure of Old Matt's Cabin, which served as the Ross family home for approximately 30 years before it was established in history through Harold Bell Wright's famous novel (and on the National Registry of Historic Places). Inside the cabin you will find numerous antiques and historical items, including clothing worn by John and Anna Ross, some of their furniture, photographs, tools, cooking utensils, and much more.
Next, journey to Inspiration Point for stunning views of the Ozark Mountains. You'll see Inspiration Tower, the 230' lookout tower built in 1989 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Harold Bell Wright's first visit to the Ozark Mountains, as well as the very spot where Wright settled on the hillside to write the book.
The following stop will be at a quaint church relocated to the homestead from Morgan County, Missouri. The church was constructed in 1901 and resembles one that Harold Bell Wright preached in during his time in Kansas.
Take a behind-the-scenes look at the Old Mill Theatre during the next phase of your tour. The tour guide will take you down on set, where you will be up close with Old Matt's steam engine and grist mill. Here you will learn all that it takes to put on the production every night. (Perhaps you'll even get to meet Houdini, the wandering mule!)
This isn't all: you'll also get to peer into Little Pete's Cave; see a real, working moonshine still; go through the Harold Bell Wright Museum; and visit the horses at the stables. After your tour, you can stroll through our gift shops and maybe have a snack (or a meal) at Aunt Mollie's Restaurant while the kids check out the playground. There's always something happening at the Homestead!
Tour Highlights
- Old Matt's Cabin
- Inspiration Tower
- Wright Church
- Outdoor Drama Stage
- Old Matt's Steam Engine
- Grist Mill
- Little Pete's cave
- Harold Bell Wright Museum
- Stables
- Aunt Mollie's Restaurant
Details
- Tour price includes narrated tram tour.
- Tours depart between 10:00 am and 5:00 pm Monday -Saturday. Tours normally leave every hour on the hour. Please check schedule for specific departures.
- Tour length is approximately 60 minutes.
- Cameras are permitted.
- This tour is appropriate for all ages.
- The tram is handicap accessible.
