For a unique and fun place to visit while in Branson, the Shepherd of the Hills Conservation Center and Fish Hatchery, located about six miles southwest of Branson on State Highway 165, tucked right at the bottom of the Table Rock Dam, is the place to go. Here’s the best part: there’s no admission charge, it’s totally free! The hours of operation are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday – Saturday. Closed Sunday, Monday, and all state holidays; except that fishing access, trails, and picnic areas are open seven days a week.
Why Should You Visit the Shepherd of the Hills Conservation Center and Fish Hatchery?
Because it isn’t just some boring stop; it’s genuinely fantastic, super fun, and you’ll learn a ton. Whether you’re obsessed with nature, love to fish, or are just looking for a terrific family outing, the new Shepherd of the Hills Conservation Education Center is a fun way to spend some time. The new facility, costing $7 million, opened in December 2024 and provides visitors with a unique, entertaining, and exciting look into how Lakes Tanycomo’s trout are raised and Ozark’s nature and wildlife. Here’s what you will enjoy:
One of the Most Popular Free things to do in Branson!
First off, and this is a big one, this place is completely free to visit! While on vacation, even in Branson, the costs for attractions, shows, and other activities can add up quickly. Finding something this entertaining and engaging that doesn’t cost anything can help stretch your vacation budget and provide unexpected vacation memories. You can visit the Conservation Center, take a tour of the hatchery, and hang out in the beautiful outdoor areas without buying a single ticket. Just make sure you bring some quarters if you want to feed the fish – and, if you have kids along, trust me, you’ll want to!
The Conservation Center
When you exit your vehicle in the parking lot, the first thing you will see is the new $7 million Conservation Center building. Stepping into the Shepherd of the Hills Conservation Education Center is like walking into an Ozark’sl nature classroom. This new building and new exhibits, opening in late 2024, are much larger than the old one and have lots of interesting things to see. massive 7,500-gallon indoor aquarium where you can see some trophy-size brown and rainbow trout “up close and personal.” But it’s not all, the center also has fantastic exhibits focusing on local wildlife and their homes.
7500 Gallon Indoor Trout Aquarium
A highlight of a visit to the Center is a massive 7,500-gallon indoor aquarium at the southeast corner of the building, where you can see many trophy-size brown and rainbow trout “up close and personal.” It’s interesting to note the differences in coloration and markings between the Rainbow and Brown, and you will not believe the size of some of these fish!!
Interesting Ozarks Nature and Wildlife Exhibits
You’ll see live critters like turtles, frogs, salamanders, and even various snakes, including Missouri’s three venomous ones. And you’ll get to see something you’re not likely to forget, Tiger-Lily, the two-headed Western Ratsnake. There’s also a room where you can watch a short video (about 8 to 15 minutes) that explains the whole process of how trout eggs and sperm are collected, incubated, and how “sac fry” feed from their yolk sac before they’re big enough for fish food.. Plus, the staff and volunteers are super helpful and ready to answer any questions you or your family might have, making learning truly fun.
Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery Raceways
For many visitors, the real star of the show is the fish hatchery itself, located right outside the Conservation Center. It’s the largest trout production facility for the Missouri Department of Conservation, raising and releasing over a million rainbow and brown trout every year, with about 80% going into Lake Taneycomo and the rest to other Missouri trout management areas. You get to see hundreds of thousands of trout in the outdoor concrete raceways up close and at various stages of development, from tiny babies to “monster trout,” all before they’re released into Lake Taneycomo or other state trout facilities. During the summer, guided tours are available. Check with the folks behind the counter as you enter the building as to the schedule and availability.
Feeding the Trout in the Raceways
You can get fish food for a quarter per handful from the dispensing machines and feed the fish as you tour the many raceways with thousands of rainbow trout. It’s a big hit with both kids and adults because the fish are so eager that they even follow shadows, knowing it often means food is coming. If you are planning to feed fish, it’s a good idea to bring an empty cup to hold the fish food. No outside “trout food” is permitted.
Explore the Ozarks Outdoors
Beyond the hatchery itself and conservation center, there are 200-plus acres of hatchery grounds to relax and enjoy. Keep an eye out for cool plants like sycamore, burr oak, paw paw, and wildflowers such as bluebells and violets. The area is also home to lots of wildlife, including deer, squirrels, raccoons, foxes, minks, muskrats, and beavers. You might even spot a collared lizard, sometimes called a “Mountain Boomer,” on the glades. And don’t miss the butterfly garden filled with native plants – it’s a peaceful spot to watch these beautiful insects.
Shepherd of the Hills Conservation Center and Fish Hatchery Hiking Trails
You can explore about three miles of hiking trails that wind through different areas, from the shore of Lake Taneycomo to rocky bluffs overlooking the White River. These trails are short and easy, making them perfect for a relaxing walk or a family hike, and many offer stunning lake views. For a spectacular experience during the summer, walk the trails early in the morning before the sun rises fully and watch the mist wafting off Lake Taneycomo.
Trout Fishing
If you’re into fishing, Lake Taneycomo is a world-class trout fishery. You can access it directly from the grounds or launch a boat from the concrete ramp just north of the Conservation Center on the shore of Lake Taneycomo.
