Ozark Folk Center State Park Tours

Photo provided by Photo Courtesy Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism
Photo provided by Photo Courtesy Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism
Photo provided by Photo Courtesy Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism
Photo provided by Photo Courtesy Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism


Discover the cultural heritage of Arkansas’ Ozark Mountains through traditional crafts, mountain music and Southern cuisine at this folk center.

The Ozark Folk Center is a state park aimed at educating visitors about the rich cultural legacy of the region. Meet with blacksmiths and basket weavers, take a seat in the 1,000-seat auditorium to listen to concerts by local celebrities and explore the center’s heritage herb garden to learn about the indigenous plants and traditional cuisine of the Ozarks. Two on-site restaurants serve traditional Southern dishes while lodges in the park allow visitors to stay the weekend surrounded by the mountain terrain.

Begin your trip to the Ozark Folk Center by exploring the craft village. Speak with storeowners, who wear traditional attire, to hear about the customs and crafts of the region. Stop by the blacksmith to learn how metal items have been made in the Ozarks for centuries. Basket weavers, knife makers and potters can all be found within the craft village.

Take in some live music from local musicians in the craft village music pavilion. Daily concerts feature various styles of local folk music, including string bands and bluegrass groups. Visit in the evening to take in larger shows with multiple acts in the Ozark Folk Center auditorium. Each April since 1963, the center has hosted the famous Ozarks Folk Festival, an event during which you can see world-famous groups over a single weekend.

Taste the flavors of the mountains by dining at one of the two restaurants in the park. Visit the Smoke House for barbecued and smoked meats in a casual environment or take a seat at the Skillet Restaurant for Southern food. Gaze through the wide window panels of the restaurant to watch native animals in their natural habitat.

The Ozark Folk Center is located just outside the town of Mountain View, 100 miles (160 kilometers) north of Little Rock. The center has a season that operates from late March until late November and is closed Sundays and Mondays during these times. Accommodation is available year-round in cabins in the park. A fee applies to visit the craft center and auditorium.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Ozark Folk Center State Park

The Parkwood Inn & Suites

The Parkwood Inn & Suites

2.5 out of 5
Mountain View
The Parkwood Inn & Suites
Ozark Junction mountain view by OYO

Ozark Junction mountain view by OYO

2 out of 5
703 E Main St, Mountain View, AR
Ozark Junction mountain view by OYO
Anglers Riverfront Motel

Anglers Riverfront Motel

2 out of 5
23080 Arkansas 5, Mountain View, AR
Anglers Riverfront Motel
Dogwood Motel

Dogwood Motel

2 out of 5
1308 E Main St, Mountain View, AR
Dogwood Motel
Anglers Riverfront Cabins

Anglers Riverfront Cabins

3 out of 5
23080 Arkansas 5, Mountain View, AR
Anglers Riverfront Cabins
Jack's White River Fishing Resort

Jack's White River Fishing Resort

2.5 out of 5
237 Jack's Resort Road, Mountain View, AR
Jack's White River Fishing Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Ozark Folk Center State Park

At Ozark Folk Center State Park, visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities and local campgrounds, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers. Experience vibrant folk music and jazz performances while exploring the park's scenic beauty. Whether you're ziplining through the trees or swimming in nearby waters, the area offers plenty of fun and relaxation for a memorable vacation.

Shopping

At Ozark Folk Center State Park, you can explore unique artisan shops offering handmade crafts and local products. If you're up for a drive, head to the nearby Mountain View Plaza for a variety of retail options, or visit the Ozark Marketplace for more local treasures.

Recreation

Enjoy live performances at Cash's White River Theater, just 3.2km from Ozark Folk Center State Park, where the vibrant atmosphere enhances your experience. For relaxation, head to Devils Fork Recreation Area, 33.8km away, offering serene surroundings and rejuvenating activities amidst nature.

For sports enthusiasts, the Mountain Ranch Course, located 23.2km from the park, provides a beautiful setting for golf while enjoying the great outdoors and breathtaking views of the Ozarks.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of Loco Ropes., a zipline course located 1.6km from Ozark Folk Center State Park, offering an exhilarating adventure among the treetops. For more fun, try Horseshoe Lanes, located 48.3km away, or enjoy tennis at Fairfield Bay Tennis Center, 35.4km away.

Nightlife

The nightlife near Ozark Folk Center State Park offers charming experiences. Catch a show at Brickshy's Backstreet Theater, just 3.2km away, or enjoy the intimate ambiance of the Ozark Highlands Theater, only 1.4km away. Both venues promise romance, entertainment, and a taste of local culture.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Ozark Folk Center State Park

During your visit to Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View, Arkansas, you'll find a variety of attractions such as caves, parks, and history museums. This destination is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and families seeking cultural experiences. Consider staying in cozy cabins within the state park to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty and rich heritage of the Ozarks, ensuring a memorable vacation filled with exploration and relaxation.

  • Blanchard Springs Caverns: Experience the breathtaking beauty of this stunning cave system, located 9.7km from Ozark Folk Center State Park. With its impressive stalactites and stalagmites, the caverns offer guided tours that immerse you in adventure and the wonders of nature.
  • The Old Mill: Just 3.2km away, this historical museum captures the essence of local culture and craftsmanship. Wander through the picturesque grounds and learn about the region's rich heritage while enjoying the scenic views of the mill and its surroundings.
  • Stone County Courthouse: Also located 3.2km from the park, this architectural gem is a testament to the area's history. Explore its beautiful design and sense the cultural significance it holds within the community.

Best time to go to Ozark Folk Center State Park

The best time to visit Ozark Folk Center State Park is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January37.2°F (2.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
February40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
March50.2°F (10.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April58.3°F (14.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May67.5°F (19.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June76.8°F (24.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
July79.9°F (26.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
August78.3°F (25.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
September72.0°F (22.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
October60.6°F (15.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November48.9°F (9.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowAverage
December41.7°F (5.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Ozark Folk Center State Park

To save money on your trip to Ozark Folk Center State Park, consider visiting between December and February for the lowest accommodation rates. Tuesdays are typically the cheapest days to stay, while Sundays tend to be the most expensive. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly options by sorting prices from low to high, and look for package deals that combine flights, hotels, and activities for extra savings. Don't forget to explore free activities in the park and take advantage of public transport when available to keep your costs down.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Ozark Folk Center State Park are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Ozark Folk Center State Park is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Ozark Folk Center State Park is Sunday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel style. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel reservation at Ozark Folk Center State Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.