BRANSON CLIMBING FIELD GUIDE
Autumn at Shepherd’s: Pumpkins, a Mountain Coaster, and Hayride Evenings in Branson
A weekend-focused fall festival (Sept 20–Oct 26, 2025) on the grounds of The Shepherd of the Hills that combines pumpkin-picking, family activities, and timed attractions—this guide distills what to expect and how to plan.
Autumn at Shepherd’s: Pumpkins, a Mountain Coaster, and Hayride Evenings in Branson.
Adventure brief
Autumn at Shepherd’s: Pumpkins, a Mountain Coaster, and Hayride Evenings in Branson
Shepherd’s Pumpkin Fest unfolds across the rolling grounds of The Shepherd of the Hills in Branson, offering a season-long pumpkin patch experience that pairs classic fall pastimes—pumpkin picking, scarecrow building and hayrides—with adrenaline notes like a mountain coaster and a two-story ropes course. The event runs on fall weekends and is designed as a daylong outing for families and small groups.
Shepherd’s Pumpkin Fest at The Shepherd of the Hills in Branson, Missouri, offers an unforgettable fall adventure perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. This seasonal event combines traditional autumn activities with thrilling attractions, creating a day full of excitement and memory-making. Guests can pick their own pumpkins straight from the patch, construct charming scarecrows, and embark on fun-filled jeep hayrides through the scenic Ozark landscape. For adrenaline seekers, the Mountain Coaster and the challenging Ropes Course provide heart-pumping action amid the crisp fall air. The festival also features a charming zoo, where kids and adults can interact with friendly farm animals, enhancing the farm-to-fun experience. Throughout the day, visitors can savor seasonal treats like warm apple cider, pumpkin-flavored snacks, and cozy fire pits perfect for gathering with loved ones. Whether you want relaxed outdoor exploration or adrenaline adventures, Shepherd’s Pumpkin Fest offers something for everyone. Set in Missouri’s beautiful Branson area, it’s an excellent escape to celebrate autumn’s vibrant colors and festive spirit.
Route Schematic
Route & Key Stops
A practical sequence of on-site stops and highlights to organize your visit.
Arrival & Check‑In (Park Entrance)
Check in at The Shepherd of the Hills location on W 76 Country Blvd; free parking is available on site before you move into the patch and activity areas.
Pumpkin Patch and Scarecrow Building
Choose and purchase pumpkins (sold separately), build a scarecrow and use multiple kid-focused play areas including a corn pit and playland.
Adventure Rides: Mountain Coaster, Ropes Course, Inspiration Tower
If you hold a Great Pumpkin Ticket, take your one ride on the Copperhead Mountain Coaster and a timed 15‑minute session on the two‑story Sky Trek Ropes Course; these attractions are included with the upgraded ticket.
Hayride, Petting Zoo and Family Games
General admission grants access to the jeep hayride (note opening and closing times), the petting zoo, barnyard animals, mini golf and other festival games.
Pumpkin Aglow Night Walk (Timed Entry)
For those with the timed night ticket, return in the evening for the Pumpkin Aglow Night Walk, which has a scheduled 7:00 pm entry window.
Tickets are date-specific, non-refundable and non-transferable; some attractions (coaster, ropes course, hayride) close an hour before park closing, the hayride begins 30 minutes after opening, and activities may be closed without notice in the event of inclement weather or staffing issues—plan accordingly and check age/height requirements for specific rides.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Pumpkin Picking and Family Activities
Wandering the pumpkin patch and assembling a scarecrow are central to the experience; general admission unlocks petting zoo access, bounce houses, mini golf, pumpkin painting (pumpkins sold separately) and other family-focused activities.
Copperhead Mountain Coaster and Jeep Hayrides
For higher-energy moments, opt for rides: the Copperhead Mountain Coaster is included with the Great Pumpkin Ticket, and jeep hayrides run for general admission—note that some rides close an hour before park closing and the hayride begins 30 minutes after opening.
Pumpkin Aglow Night Walk and Timed Entry
A seasonal after-dark option, the Pumpkin Aglow Night Walk is a timed 7:00 pm entry included with certain ticket packages (Great Pumpkin Ticket offers timed access); it shifts the festival’s atmosphere from daytime play to glowing lanterns and evening paths.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
Expect a full-day, family-oriented rhythm: arrive and check in at the park, move between hands-on activities in the pumpkin patch and barnyard, take scheduled rides on the coaster or ropes course if you’ve purchased the upgraded ticket, and slot in the hayride or evening Pumpkin Aglow depending on your ticket choice. The program is structured for weekend visits and typically fills a 6–8 hour window for guests.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who will get the most out of this outing—and who should plan differently.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Shepherd’s Pumpkin Fest runs on fall weekends from September 20 through October 26, 2025; plan a 6–8 hour visit and choose the date-specific ticket for the day you intend to attend.
General tickets include park entry and family activities; the Great Pumpkin Ticket (value over $85) adds the Pumpkin Aglow Night Walk (timed at 7pm), one ride on the Copperhead Mountain Coaster, the two‑story ropes course (15 minutes) and access to the Inspiration Tower. All ticket sales are final; taxes and fees are not included.
Bring weather-appropriate clothing for an outdoor fall day; pumpkins are purchased separately on site. Free parking is available at the address on W 76 Country Blvd.
Coaster, ropes course and hayride close an hour before park closing; hayride service begins 30 minutes after opening. Activities may close for inclement weather or staffing shortages.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
When is Shepherd’s Pumpkin Fest open?
The festival runs on fall weekends from September 20 through October 26, 2025.
Where do I go to check in?
The event meeting and check-in location is The Shepherd of the Hills at 5586 W 76 Country Blvd, Branson, MO 65616-8129.
What’s the difference between General and Great Pumpkin Tickets?
General tickets include park entry and the family activity offerings; the Great Pumpkin Ticket adds the Pumpkin Aglow Night Walk (timed 7pm), one Copperhead Mountain Coaster ride, the Sky Trek Ropes Course (15 minutes) and access to the Inspiration Tower.
Are tickets refundable or transferable?
All ticket purchases are non-refundable and non-transferable; tickets are date-specific and valid for a one-time use during the 2025 Fall Festival dates.
Are there age or height considerations?
Children 3 years old and under are free for general admission activities; ages 4 and up require a ticket. Some attractions have height or other requirements (for example the Mega Tube Slide) and certain rides may have restrictions—check on-site requirements before queuing.
Is parking available?
Yes—free parking is available at the park.
What happens if the weather is bad?
In the event of inclement weather or staffing issues, Shepherd of the Hills may close activities without notice; plan accordingly as tickets remain non-refundable.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-08-07T13:16:07.304Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.