Fantastic History Tour - Incredible tour with Cowboy John He knew the history and all the real inside details that makes this a Special place He also is an incredible musician! One of the best historical tours I have taken in over 70 years of traveling the world Thanks CB John !

Ancestral Dust and the Ghost of Harold Bell Wright - Branson, Missouri, is a neon-soaked fever dream of go-karts, airbrushed T-shirts, and theaters shaped like sinking ships. It’s a place where authenticity usually goes to die behind a buffet line. But if you’ve got sixteen bucks and the sense to look past the glitter, there’s a plot of land where the ghosts still have something to say. Kimberly and I climbed onto the Shepherd of the Hills Farm Tour, and let me tell you, this isn't some sanitized, animatronic Disney trash. This is the dirt. This is the bloodline. Our guide, a man appropriately called Cowboy John, didn’t just read the script—he lived the history. His ancestors were the literal characters in Wright’s book. When he speaks, you aren't just hearing a tour; you’re hearing a family confession. He’s funny, he’s sharp, and he’s got that rare, unteachable love for the lore that makes the hair on your arms stand up. We hit Old Matt’s Cabin, a pile of logs that’s been standing since the days when life was hard and the hills were lonely. It’s on the National Register of Historic Places, and it feels like it. You can almost smell the woodsmoke and the desperation. Then there’s Inspiration Point, the second-highest spot in Southwest Missouri. Standing there, looking out over the Ozarks, you see what Wright saw—the kind of beauty that makes a man want to write a book that changes a region forever. Then there is Ike’s Post Office. It’s a tiny, weathered structure, but in its day, it was the beating heart of the community. This was the lifeline. This was where the outside world trickled into the hills, one hand-written letter at a time. It’s cramped, it’s humble, and it smells like old paper and survival. We even got a peek behind the curtain at the Old Mill Theatre, the massive outdoor stage where they’ve been performing the drama for half a century. For the price of a mediocre burger and a lukewarm beer, you get a direct line to the soul of the Ozarks. It’s immersive, it’s honest, and it’s worth every damn penny.

Cowboy John shares history and brings fun to a cloudy day! - What a wonderful way to spend an afternoon! We had bad weather and we were the only 4 people on the tour that day, but Cowboy John - an inspiring historian with a wealth of knowledge and congenial manner - made it a delightful tour. We discovered he is also an accomplished musician and singer, who even gave us a first rate yodel! We all want to go back and experience everything Shepherd of the Hills has to offer (except I won't be doing the zip lining......but I'll watch the others).

Great job John. - Cowboy John did an excellent job telling the story and separating fiction and fact. A a former tour guide elsewhere our standard is high and he met it. Great tour.

Great historical, very fun tour. - The tour was very nice and informative. Cowboy John was our tour guide; brought the tour to life with his vast knowledge, humor, and singing. You our moved around in a covered low profiled, open metal wagon, pulled by a Jeep. We stopped at many historical sites and went to the stage area and a bit behind the scenes. A must do if you visit; great for all ages!

Great fun! Best experience ever! - Canopy of the trees was an exceptional experience. Our guides were super cool, funny, and made us feel right at home! I recommend this zip line to anyone.

Makes you want to read the book!! - The tour was excellent. Our guide was very passionate about the story of the Shepherd of the Hills. His talk was informative and so interesting that I bought the book. We also plan to come back to see the show.

Informative and entertaining - This tour was extremely informative and entertaining! Cowboy John is an expert on the book and the area. Upon entry we were greeted and assisted by Hoss who was very helpful. Would recommend this tour for anyone who has read the book and/or appreciate history regarding the local area.

Cowboy John 5 Stars - Excellent tour with Cowboy John. What a great storyteller and performer! The tour made us wanting to come back.

Learning experience - Was very informative! The view was stunning as well.