Last Updated: April 2026
Shepherd’s Springfest returns to the Shepherd of the Hills homestead at 5586 West Highway 76 in Branson, Missouri, every Friday through Sunday from March 7 to May 10, 2026. The festival packs more than 30 family activities into a single general admission ticket, and families visiting during the spring season can lock in tickets for Shepherd of the Hills attractions through Branson Show Tickets without added fees or hidden mark-ups.
Friday and Saturday hours run 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sundays wrap at 3 p.m., giving visitors a full day of outdoor entertainment on the Ozark hillside where author Harold Bell Wright wrote the 1907 novel that gave the homestead its name.
What Activities Are Included with Shepherd’s Springfest Admission?
General admission covers more than 30 attractions spread across the Shepherd of the Hills property, and kids 3 and under get in free. Families can fill an entire afternoon without spending beyond the gate price, which makes Springfest one of the highest-value spring events on Highway 76 in Branson.
Included activities range from high-energy to hands-on:
Jump pad and double barrel slide for younger kids
Hayride across the historic homestead grounds
Mini golf course with Ozark-themed obstacles
Kid’s ninja course designed for ages 4 and up
TreeTop Sky Trail through the tree canopy
Adventure playground and multi-level treehouse
Inspiration Tower, standing 230 feet tall with 360-degree views stretching over 90 miles on a clear day
That range of included activities is part of what separates Springfest from a typical Branson afternoon. Families with kids spanning toddler to teen find enough variety to keep everyone moving, and the hilltop setting at the Shepherd of the Hills property delivers scenery that flat-ground theme parks cannot match.
Are the Copperhead Mountain Coaster and Ropes Course Worth Adding?
The Copperhead Mountain Coaster stretches 4,800 feet along the Ozark hillside, making it Branson’s longest downhill mountain coaster. Riders control their own speed with individual hand brakes as they twist through forested terrain, and each cart accommodates solo riders or an adult with a young child. During Springfest, mountain coaster rides are available as a premium add-on at a discounted rate.
The two-story ropes course stands next to Inspiration Tower and includes climbing elements, swinging bridges, rope walls, and narrow suspended paths. Built-in safety harnesses mean guests at different skill levels can attempt the course, and the elevated vantage point delivers views similar to the tower itself. Fifteen-minute sessions keep the line moving during peak spring weekends.
Both add-ons run at reduced Springfest pricing compared to standard season rates, and families who want to include them alongside other Shepherd of the Hills experiences can find the historic farm tour and seasonal ticket options through Branson Show Tickets at no extra service charge.
What Is Ozarks Aglow and How Does It Fit into a Springfest Visit?
Ozarks Aglow is a separately ticketed nighttime experience at the Shepherd of the Hills property that transforms the grounds into an illuminated walking trail celebrating Ozark heritage. The event runs during the Springfest season on select evenings and operates on its own admission, independent of daytime Springfest tickets. Lantern-lit paths wind through themed stations that highlight the history, legends, and natural landscape of the Ozarks.
Families who arrive for Springfest during the day and stay for Ozarks Aglow in the evening can turn a single trip to the Shepherd of the Hills homestead into a full-day Branson experience. The combination is especially practical for visitors already staying at lodging near Highway 76, since the property sits in the middle of the entertainment corridor and avoids an extra drive.
How Does Shepherd’s Springfest Compare to Other Spring Events in Branson?
Branson, Missouri runs multiple spring events between March and May, including Silver Dollar City’s Spring Break Days (March 13 through 29) and the park’s Spring Exposition (April 2 through May 4). Springfest at Shepherd of the Hills occupies a different niche because of its outdoor homestead setting, live animal encounters, and historical Ozarks backdrop on the same hilltop where Harold Bell Wright found the inspiration for his 1907 novel.
Shepherd’s Springfest
Dates: Mar 7 – May 10 (Fri–Sun)
Setting: Outdoor homestead, Ozark hilltop
Best For: Toddler-to-teen families, budget-friendly day
SDC Spring Break Days
Dates: Mar 13 – 29
Setting: Theme park, rides, indoor shows
Best For: Thrill seekers, all-day park visitors
SDC Spring Exposition
Dates: Apr 2 – May 4
Setting: Theme park with festival overlay
Best For: Festival fans, food and craft lovers
Families splitting a Branson spring trip across multiple days often pair Springfest with a day at Silver Dollar City and an evening show on the Strip. Branson Show Tickets vacation planning specialists can bundle shows, attractions, and lodging into a single itinerary and handle every reservation in one phone call.
What Should Families Know Before Visiting Shepherd’s Springfest?
Springfest tickets are single-use for the selected date and all sales are final, so picking the right day matters. Friday mornings tend to draw the lightest crowds, while Saturdays between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. see the most foot traffic. Arriving when gates open at 10 a.m. on a Saturday gives families time to hit the jump pad and ninja course before the midday rush.
Practical tips that experienced Branson visitors rely on:
Wear closed-toe shoes for the ropes course and Sky Trail
Bring sunscreen and layers because Ozark spring weather shifts quickly between 55 and 75 degrees
Pack a stroller for toddlers because the property covers hilly terrain
Eat before arriving or plan for spring-themed treats on-site, as full dining options are limited during Springfest hours
Visitors who want to fill the rest of their spring Branson trip can check the current show schedule for evening entertainment after a Springfest afternoon, and families exploring Branson on a budget will find seasonal specials and money-saving coupons that pair well with a Springfest day. The Branson travel guide covers itinerary ideas for families building a multi-day trip around the spring season.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Shepherd’s Springfest run in 2026?
Shepherd’s Springfest at the Shepherd of the Hills homestead in Branson, Missouri runs every Friday through Sunday from March 7 to May 10, 2026, with Friday and Saturday hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday hours of 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Is Shepherd’s Springfest free for young children?
Children 3 years old and under receive free general admission to Shepherd’s Springfest at the Shepherd of the Hills property on Highway 76 in Branson, Missouri.
What is the Copperhead Mountain Coaster at Shepherd of the Hills?
The Copperhead Mountain Coaster is a 4,800-foot downhill ride along the Ozark hillside at the Shepherd of the Hills homestead in Branson, available as a premium add-on during Springfest at a discounted rate from standard season pricing.
Can visitors book Shepherd of the Hills tickets through Branson Show Tickets?
Branson Show Tickets sells access to Shepherd of the Hills attractions, including the historic farm tour, Inspiration Tower, and adventure experiences, with no service fees and no mark-up, and local vacation planning specialists are available by phone seven days a week at 877-688-3179.
How tall is Inspiration Tower at Shepherd of the Hills?
Inspiration Tower at the Shepherd of the Hills property in Branson stands 230 feet tall and offers 360-degree views of the Ozark Mountains and surrounding area, with visibility stretching over 90 miles on a clear day.
What is Ozarks Aglow at Shepherd of the Hills?
Ozarks Aglow is a separately ticketed nighttime lantern walk at the Shepherd of the Hills homestead in Branson, Missouri, running on select evenings during the Springfest season and celebrating Ozark heritage through illuminated walking paths and themed stations.
How does Shepherd’s Springfest pricing compare to Silver Dollar City?
Springfest general admission includes 30-plus activities in a single ticket, while Silver Dollar City charges separately for rides and special events. Families looking for a lower-cost outdoor day in Branson often find Springfest easier on the budget, especially for groups with younger children who benefit from the included jump pad, mini golf, and hayride.
Springfest wraps May 10, and peak weekends fill fast once families start locking in spring break plans. Calling Branson Show Tickets at 877-688-3179 lets you secure Shepherd of the Hills tickets, pair them with an evening show on the Strip, line up lodging within minutes of the homestead, and bundle it all into a complete Branson vacation package. The vacation planning specialists know which Springfest Saturdays draw the lightest crowds and can steer you toward the best open dates.
Every order ships with freebies, there’s no service fee or mark-up, and one phone call handles the entire trip. Lines are open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. CST, seven days a week.