Shook Farms to Break Ground on Luxury Guest Ranch in Sparta, Missouri

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

1.27.2023 – Shook Farms owners Chad and Tiffanie Shook have announced plans to build a luxury guest ranch at the site of their bison and clydesdale farm in Sparta, Missouri. A groundbreaking ceremony for the project, called the Finley River Outpost, is set for February 10.

 

The first phase of construction will consist of a wedding venue and outdoor pavilion, designed by Torgerson Design Partners. The venue, called The 1803, will be capable of accommodating up to 200 guests over its main floor and balcony area. The Magnolia Network’s documentary-television series “Barnwood Builders” has plans to spearhead and film the construction process, as the venue will be built of historic, reclaimed barnwood. Named for the year of the Louisiana Purchase, The 1803 is expected to open its doors in time for the summer wedding season. The outdoor pavilion, named The Woodson after the middle name of Jesse James, will also hold up to 80 guests.

 

“We’ve been wanting to do a wedding venue for a long time,” Tiffanie Shook said. “Ever since we found this little piece of heaven, we’ve just wanted to share it with people.”

 

The 1803 and The Woodson are the first of three phases for the Finley River Outpost. The Shooks plan to add rentable cabins and covered “glamping” wagons to their purview following the completion of the venue. A saloon-style restaurant and bar is expected for phase three. Emphasizing the importance of agriculture, the couple wants to incorporate horseback riding, river recreation and a shared garden into the guest experience. Collaboration with local FFA chapters, educational institutions and the agricultural community is also a priority for the project.

 

“Agriculture and conservation are at the core of this development,” said Chad Shook. “We’re focused on getting the land to where it’s usable and regenerative, as well as utilizing the river and introducing animals and fish to the property.”

 

Steve Childers, Show Me Christian County board chair, is enthusiastic about the project. “We couldn’t be more thrilled to have Finley River Outpost in our beautiful slice of the Ozarks,” Childers said. “We’re excited to see agritourism flourish here, and we’re thankful of the Shooks for their investment into the area. This joining of conservation and tourism is precisely what we’re wanting to see in Christian County.”

 

The groundbreaking ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. on Friday, February 10 at the site of Shook Farms at 3830 MO-125, Sparta, Missouri. Show Me Christian County, in collaboration with the Ozark, Nixa and Sparta Chambers of Commerce, will facilitate the event. Media and the public are invited to attend.

 

ABOUT SHOW ME CHRISTIAN COUNTY

Show Me Christian County is a public-private partnership working to support business attraction, business retention & expansion, workforce development, and entrepreneurship throughout Christian County. SMCC is a collaborative partnership advancing economic health through an intentional and balanced approach to growth.

 

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