Arkansas is well known for its beautiful state parks that typically feature record-breaking mountains or jaw-dropping waterfronts but our list certainly doesn’t end there. Besides the nature-centered state parks, we also have historically-rich battlefields as well as interesting archaeological features. And then there’s this one. The Ozark Folk Center State Park is a delightful mix of nature, history, and entertainment. This unique park may be hard to categorize but it’s impossible to not fall in love with it after one visit. Let’s take a stroll around the park and see what makes this place so special.
Arkansas is home to a rather quirky state park, the Ozark Folk Center.
TripAdvisor/TJS0315 This one-of-a-kind state park is located at 1032 Park Ave., Mountain View, AR 72560.
This nifty state park is a fantastic way to learn about early Ozark settlers and their way of life.
Facebook/Ozark Folk Center State Park Everyone will be enthralled with this unique hands-on experience. The Folk Center has a bit of everything including rustic artisans, a delicious home-style restaurant, lodging, gardens, and more.
The craft village features over 20 craft artisans.
Ozark Folk Center Learn how items like glass, copper, knives, quilts, and others were made back in the pioneer days. The Center routinely hosts workshops so everyone can try their hand at these Old World techniques.
If you hear banjos, run! You wouldn’t want to miss the live folk music.
Facebook/Ozark Folk Center State Park Here’s Roger Fountain and Friends but all sorts of folk musicians come to play at the Folk Center. During the summer, the Center has six daytime performances and more formal evening concerts on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
The Center has six distinct gardens that serve different purposes.
Google/Ginger Dulmicer There’s a garden for plant dyes as well as kitchen herbs. The Folk Kids’ Mountain Garden and the Raised-Up Rock Garden both have interactive elements for all ages.
They’re also the only place to offer a delightfully unconventional mule swing.
Facebook/Ozark Folk Center State Park Take a break while donkeys Whiskey and Tango comfortably pull you along the “Donkey Swing”.
After spending some time in the artisan village, take a lunch break at the Skillet.
Google/Todd Bullard This restaurant features southern cuisine at its finest. Savor the home-style flavors with an Ozark Sampler, it’s a heaping serving of chicken-n-dumplings, ham-n-beans, seasoned turnip greens and, of course, fried okra.
They may not have tent sites in the woods, but the Folk Center does offer a refreshing cabin stay.
Ozark Folk Center Sip coffee and watch the sunrise on the deck or cool off from a day at the Center in the lodging’s nearby pool. Nights run between $67.00 - $72.00 and dogs are welcome with an additional pet fee.
The Folk Center is also home to Loco Ropes, a thrilling treetop ropes course.
Facebook/Loco Ropes @ Ozark Folk Center State Park Loco Ropes has over 30 different treetop obstacles from zip lines to rock walls. If you’d like to read more about their treetop trail, read our full article right here.
No matter if it’s an educational day trip or a fun weekend getaway, the Ozark Folk Center State Park can fit your adventure needs.
TripAdvisor/Darrell B. Vist the state park’s website to help plan your next trip.
You can stay up-to-date with the state park’s upcoming events by following the Ozark Folk Center Friends’ Facebook Page.
TripAdvisor/TJS0315
This one-of-a-kind state park is located at 1032 Park Ave., Mountain View, AR 72560.
Facebook/Ozark Folk Center State Park
Everyone will be enthralled with this unique hands-on experience. The Folk Center has a bit of everything including rustic artisans, a delicious home-style restaurant, lodging, gardens, and more.
Ozark Folk Center
Learn how items like glass, copper, knives, quilts, and others were made back in the pioneer days. The Center routinely hosts workshops so everyone can try their hand at these Old World techniques.
Here’s Roger Fountain and Friends but all sorts of folk musicians come to play at the Folk Center. During the summer, the Center has six daytime performances and more formal evening concerts on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
Google/Ginger Dulmicer
There’s a garden for plant dyes as well as kitchen herbs. The Folk Kids’ Mountain Garden and the Raised-Up Rock Garden both have interactive elements for all ages.
Take a break while donkeys Whiskey and Tango comfortably pull you along the “Donkey Swing”.
Google/Todd Bullard
This restaurant features southern cuisine at its finest. Savor the home-style flavors with an Ozark Sampler, it’s a heaping serving of chicken-n-dumplings, ham-n-beans, seasoned turnip greens and, of course, fried okra.
Sip coffee and watch the sunrise on the deck or cool off from a day at the Center in the lodging’s nearby pool. Nights run between $67.00 - $72.00 and dogs are welcome with an additional pet fee.
Facebook/Loco Ropes @ Ozark Folk Center State Park
Loco Ropes has over 30 different treetop obstacles from zip lines to rock walls. If you’d like to read more about their treetop trail, read our full article right here.
TripAdvisor/Darrell B.
Vist the state park’s website to help plan your next trip.
Which pioneer skill were you most impressed with during your last visit to the Folk Center? Share your experience with us in the comments below!
After visiting the Folk Center, you won’t be too far away from this beautiful island or this 3-mile hidden waterfall hike.
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