Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery
Discover trout life cycles, witness a feeding frenzy, and marvel at a two-headed snake at this free conservation center.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Catch the feeding frenzy!
Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery
Best Time
Catch the feeding frenzy!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover trout life cycles, witness a feeding frenzy, and marvel at a two-headed snake at this free conservation center.
"A must-do in Branson: free, fun, and surprisingly fascinating with a celebrity two-headed snake!"
Bring Quarters for Fish Food
Feed the trout! Quarters are needed for food pellets. They can make change for you too. :moneybag:
Don't Miss the Tours
Knowledgeable guides make the hatchery fascinating. Tours offer great insights into the fish lifecycle. :walking:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Trout Aquarium & Exhibits
See various stages of trout development and learn about conservation. Don't miss the unique terrariums!
Fish Feeding Frenzy
Watch trout go wild for food! Bring quarters for a handful of pellets and experience the excitement.
Tiger Lily: The Two-Headed Snake
A truly unique and memorable sight! This celebrity reptile is a must-see at the conservation center.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Admission & Family Fun
Feeding Frenzy & Tours
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Branson, MO
Bring Quarters for Fish Food
Feed the trout! Quarters are needed for food pellets. They can make change for you too. :moneybag:
Don't Miss the Tours
Knowledgeable guides make the hatchery fascinating. Tours offer great insights into the fish lifecycle. :walking:
Branson Fishing Advice Wanted
Branson, MO
Tiger Lily is a Star
The two-headed snake is a highlight! A truly unique and talked-about resident. :snake:
Clean Facilities
Surprisingly clean restrooms and well-maintained exhibits. A pleasant surprise for a tourist spot! :toilet:
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring Quarters for Fish Food
Feed the trout! Quarters are needed for food pellets. They can make change for you too. :moneybag:
Don't Miss the Tours
Knowledgeable guides make the hatchery fascinating. Tours offer great insights into the fish lifecycle. :walking:
Tiger Lily is a Star
The two-headed snake is a highlight! A truly unique and talked-about resident. :snake:
Clean Facilities
Surprisingly clean restrooms and well-maintained exhibits. A pleasant surprise for a tourist spot! :toilet:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery, highlighting its free admission, engaging exhibits, and the unique spectacle of the fish feeding frenzy. The recent renovations have transformed the facility into a clean, modern, and enjoyable attraction. While some may find the two-headed snake a bit unusual, it's a memorable highlight for many. The friendly and knowledgeable staff further enhance the positive experience.
"Nice place to visit and it’s FREE! We watched the movie and found it interesting, especially where they should the fish being spawned. They have s large aquarium with trout in it and there was a volunteer there with lots of information about the process. They offer tours which well through the runs do you can see the trout. You can also buy some food and watch the feeding frenzy. Inside they had several terrariums including one with a two headed snake. All the staff were very friendly and helpful."
Greg Jones
"We ended up arriving in time for a tour at 11am. The guide was super knowledgeable and we had a great time. Exhibits were nice and video was perfect for learning. Kids ages 10-17 enjoyed this experience and we spent 1.5 hours here. Bring quarters to feed the fish! Or they will make change for you!"
Samantha Zahn
"Recommend popping in if you are in the area. The little nature center has some animals and a cool trout aquarium. The staff was very friendly when we came in. The hatchery is huge compared to the ones you find at the trout parks. They have fish food stations where you can get a handful of food for a quarter and the trout go wild for it. I recommend bringing a small cup or something to hold it. Also recommend you toss some to the big trout at the ends of some of the runs. Fun to see lunkers smash the pellets."
Matt Alvino
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The hatchery is located near the Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Drama. It's easily accessible by car, and there's ample parking available. Many visitors drive over the nearby dam for scenic views on their way out.
Yes, the hatchery is situated on Lake Taneycomo, a popular spot for fishing. Visitors often combine a trip to the hatchery with fishing excursions in the area.
From Branson, take Highway 165 South across the dam. The hatchery will be on your left. It's a scenic drive, especially if you take time to enjoy the views from the dam.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, admission to the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery is completely free! This makes it a great budget-friendly option for families and travelers.
The hatchery is generally open daily, but hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check their official website or call ahead for the most up-to-date information on operating hours.
While admission is free, tours may have specific times. It's recommended to arrive a bit early for tours or check the schedule upon arrival to ensure you don't miss out.
While the hatchery focuses on raising trout, the surrounding waters of Lake Taneycomo are excellent for fishing. You can fish from shore or by boat in the lake.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the conservation center with its exhibits, see a large trout aquarium, and walk through the fish runs to observe trout at different growth stages. There are also terrariums featuring reptiles. +1
Absolutely! Kids love feeding the fish and seeing the unique exhibits, like the two-headed snake. The interactive nature of the hatchery makes it engaging for all ages.
When you purchase fish food (for a quarter), you can toss it into the water and watch the trout eagerly swim to the surface to eat. It's a lively and fun spectacle.
Yes, guided tours are offered and highly recommended. The guides are very knowledgeable and provide fascinating insights into the hatchery's operations and the life cycle of trout.
The conservation center features terrariums with various reptiles, including the famous two-headed snake, Tiger Lily. There are also other exhibits that highlight local wildlife.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The hatchery itself does not have a restaurant. However, there are numerous dining options available in the nearby Branson area, ranging from casual eateries to fine dining.
While there are no specific picnic areas mentioned, visitors are generally welcome to bring their own snacks. However, the focus is on the fish feeding experience rather than a full dining setup.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the excitement of the fish feeding frenzy, the unique exhibits like the two-headed snake, and the scenic views around Lake Taneycomo. The well-lit interiors also make for good shots.
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the hatchery and conservation center. Be mindful of any specific signage regarding flash photography, especially near sensitive exhibits.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pro-tip: Check the tour schedule upon arrival; the guides are very knowledgeable and make the hatchery's work come alive for younger visitors. The clean facilities and friendly staff add to the overall positive family experience.
🎣 Anglers & Fishing Enthusiasts
Consider visiting the hatchery before heading out to fish. Understanding the life cycle and stocking efforts can enhance your appreciation for the sport. You can fish from the shore near the hatchery or rent a boat for a more extensive experience on Lake Taneycomo. Remember to check local fishing regulations and obtain the necessary licenses.
💰 Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with a scenic drive over the dam or a picnic lunch in a nearby park to maximize your savings. It's a perfect way to enjoy a quality attraction without breaking the bank, making it a top recommendation for those watching their expenses.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Hatchery's Role
During your visit, you'll see the fish runs, which are long, shallow channels where trout are housed. These runs allow for easy observation and feeding. The conservation center provides educational exhibits that detail the biology of trout, the challenges they face, and the importance of conservation efforts. It's an immersive experience that goes beyond just looking at fish in tanks.
Many visitors are impressed by the scale of the operation and the dedication of the staff. The recent renovations have significantly enhanced the visitor experience, making it a modern and engaging attraction. Whether you're a fishing enthusiast or just curious about aquatic life, the hatchery offers a valuable glimpse into fisheries management.
The Famous Tiger Lily
Seeing Tiger Lily is often described as a surreal and memorable experience. It’s a testament to the diversity of life that can be found and studied. The staff are usually on hand to share interesting facts about the snake and the phenomenon of polycephaly (having more than one head).
Beyond Tiger Lily, the conservation center features other reptiles and amphibians in well-designed habitats. These exhibits contribute to the overall educational value of the hatchery, showcasing a broader range of local wildlife and their ecological importance.
Fishing Opportunities on Lake Taneycomo
Visitors can enjoy shore fishing at various points along the lake, or opt for a more immersive experience by renting a boat. The area around the hatchery and the dam is a popular spot. For those interested in fly fishing, Lake Taneycomo offers a challenging yet rewarding experience, with many local guides available to assist.
It's important to be aware of fishing regulations, including license requirements and creel limits, before heading out. The hatchery staff can often provide general information or direct you to resources for the latest fishing updates and regulations for Lake Taneycomo.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit