Temporarily Closed - Branson: Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery

We highly recommend this free, fun, and educational field trip in Branson.

"Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery is the largest trout-rearing facility operated by the Missouri Department of Conservation. It is located six miles southwest of Branson on Highway 165 just below Table Rock Dam. Every year, the hatchery produces between 350,000 and 400,000 pounds of trout." (Fish Hatchery Website)

Our family loves everything nature or wildlife related so we had a great time at the fish hatchery and conservation center. The snakes were not my favorite but it gave the kids an opportunity to see and learn how to identify venomous snakes. That's important for children to know when they spend a lot of time in the woods like ours do.

I was glad to see the exhibit telling the story of Peanut the Turtle who was found in the wild in 1993 with a plastic six-pack beverage ring squeezing her shell. We've always taught the kids to protect the environment and respect the homes of wildlife, but seeing the exhibit made what we teach them more meaningful.

After going through the conservation center, the kids enjoyed the highlight of the field trip - feeding the fish. We purchased several quarters worth of fish food and the kids tossed it into the various pools of trout. The kids laughed and cheered as the frenzy of fish swam from one end to the other, chasing the food thrown to them. We spent over an hour feeding the fish and I think the kids would have stayed longer if we would have let them. They thoroughly enjoyed the field trip and learned important lessons.

The Shepherd of the Hills Conservation Center hours are: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.,Tuesday through Saturday. It is closed Sunday, Monday and all state holidays. Admission is free but in order to feed the fish, food must be purchased on site. The food machines give about a child's handful size of fish food for a quarter. Take your own quarters and a bag to hold the food so you can buy what you want in one stop at the machines rather than repeatedly going back for more.