Park A Day: Ozark Folk Center

One June 19, 1965 the act to create the Ozark Folk Center State Park was signed, but the park didn't open until May of 1973.

I would say this isn't your typical state park, but so far this month we've seen working archaeological digs, pristine wilderness, museums of history. . . I guess there is no typical Arkansas park.

The Ozark Folk Center stands apart because of its living history presentations , and it's location: Mountain View Arkansas. Mountain View is famous for it's "hill" or mountain music. It's promoted as the folk music capital of the world, and I really have been asked about "the town with the folk street musicians" many times.

The Folk Center does have a lot of music attached to it. You can learn about and purchase folk instruments. They have a theater featuring folk music and dance for visitors.

The Folk Center also centers on "folk life." They have a craft village where you can watch (and sometimes participate) many artisans performing their craft. Artists may include blacksmiths, quilters, doll makers, jewelry designers and basket weavers.

Also on park grounds is a lodge and a restaurant serving real home cooking. Mountain View, Arkansas is about 100 miles from Little Rock and The Ozark Mountain Folk center is located on Park Avenue. Admission is $10 with extra fees for the theater.

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