Scattered atop and around a wooded hill, just north of Mountain View, the Ozark Folk Center became the 30th state park in 1972. Since its opening the following year, the Ozark Folk Center has offered a rare glimpse of traditional Ozark folkways with music, songs, dancing, cabin skills, workshops, contests, special events and celebrations. The White River (origin to Bull Shoals Lake) meanders in direction from its headwaters near Fayetteville and up through southern Missouri to its reentry in Arkansas as it heads southeast past Cotter and Batesville. It runs through this mountainous region of the Ozarks before tumbling into the Delta. In its entire 720-mile journey, the river's flow is interrupted by at least eight dams, six in Arkansas and two more in Missouri.
Day 1
Depart Little Rock via U.S. 67-167, north through Jacksonville, to Exit 16. Take Arkansas Highway 5, north through the Ozark foothills to Heber Springs. Remain on Hwy. 5 as it joins Hwy. 25 and continues north to our first stop.
- The William Carl Garner Visitor Center is the official gateway to the Greers Ferry Lake and Little Red River region. The center offers museum exhibits, a movie, and travel information.
- Continue across the huge concrete dam (which serves as a bridge) and stop for a moment at the John F. Kennedy Memorial Park. JFK dedicated the 40,000-acre lake project in October 1963, only a few weeks prior to his death in Dallas.
- Follow Arkansas 5-25, another 14 miles, turn left on Hwy. 5 to Mountain View. Signs direct travelers through the little mountain town to the Ozark Folk Center State Park. This attraction opened in 1973 to preserve the folkways and music of the pioneers who settled the Ozarks in the early 19th century. Traditional skills, such as blacksmithing, weaving, furniture making and 15 others crafts are demonstrated each day through Oct. 31. Old-time music is performed, and one of the state’s largest herb gardens is maintained on the park grounds. The park includes a restaurant, gift shop and lodge.
