Shepherd of the Hills Trout Hatchery
The Missouri Department of Conservation operates the Shepherd of the Hills Trout Hatchery and produces both Rainbow and Brown Trout for not only Lake Taneycomo but other state trout fishing facilities. The Visitor Center features a display of wildflowers and plants indigenous to the area, a nature display, and a short video on the hatchery and the process of producing the trout that makes Lake Taneycomo one of the premier trout fisheries in the nation.
There is also a huge aquarium with some “lunker” Brown and Rainbow Trout indicating the size of some of the trout in Lake Taneycomo. Catch a guided hatchery tour at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., & 2 p.m. on weekdays from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Enjoy the wildlife-viewing blind and tower and get a glimpse of some of our native wildlife. Hike nearly 3 miles of trails (easy to moderate) through forests and glades. The Visitor Center opens at 9 a.m. every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day.