Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery Visitor Center

Branco Enterprises, Inc. is proud to have served as the general contractor for the new Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery Visitor Center, a state-of-the-art facility designed to enhance conservation education and accommodate the growing number of visitors. This 7,000-square-foot center is Missouri’s largest trout-rearing facility and sees over 250,000 visitors annually. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), provided project design and engineering services.

Project Highlights:

• Expanded Facilities: The new center is more than double the size of the previous building, accommodating the growing number of visitors interested in learning about Missouri’s wildlife and conservation efforts.
• Additional office space for staff and volunteers, supporting MDC’s mission to educate and engage the public in conservation.
• Interactive Exhibits: Visitors can explore new interactive exhibits that provide hands-on learning experiences about local ecosystems and conservation practices. ​ Aquatic Displays: A 7,500-gallon indoor aquarium showcases native aquatic species, offering an immersive educational experience. ​
• Multipurpose Educational Spaces: The facility features a large multipurpose room that can be divided into two classrooms, enhancing the center’s capacity to host educational programs and community events. ​
• Visitor Amenities: Enhanced amenities, including a larger lobby and restrooms, improve the overall visitor experience. ​

The center officially opened its doors to the public in December 2024, four months ahead of the original schedule.

We are proud to have contributed to a center that will inspire and educate future generations about the importance of conservation in our region.