In 2007, The Shepherd of the Hills Historic Homestead and Old Mill Theatre will celebrate a century of visitors falling in love with the Ozarks. "The Shepherd of the Hills" was first published in 1907 and, upon the book's release, interested readers began flocking into the Ozarks to see the places Harold Bell Wright had so eloquently described. Visitors loved the gorgeous scenery and the friendly people the Ozarks have always been famous for.

Soon, Marvel Cave and Silver Dollar City began to develop, and re-enactments of "The Shepherd of the Hills" were being staged both in downtown Branson on the lakefront and on the lawn of Old Matt's Cabin. Eventually, the famous amphitheatre was built.

An inspired performance of "The Shepherd of the Hills" at The Old Mill Theatre is presented Monday through Saturday at 8:30 p.m. (7:30 in the fall). Guided homestead tours are offered on performance days and give visitors a more in-depth look at the background story and the history of the Ozarks. Inspiration Tower is open seven days a week, year-round.

Don't forget to save time in your vacation to see the world-famous Sons of the Pioneers performing daily at 4:15 p.m. at the Pavilion Theatre and The Shepherd of the Hills Historic Homestead. Shows run daily Monday through Saturday and include a meal served in an 1800s chuck wagon.

For tickets or more information, call 1-800-OLD-MATT or see www.theshepherdofthehills.com.