Sample the rich heritage of life in America's rugged Ozark Mountains through the performances of traditional music and dance, and the demonstrations of pioneer skills and homestead crafts, on display for your enjoyment, enlightenment, and education at the Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View, a town renowned as the "Folk Music Capital of the World." At this cultural center dedicated to the perpetuation and interpretation of the Ozark Mountain heritage, you can experience the Southern mountain music, dance, crafts, and lore that have been passed from generation to generation here since settlers first called these rugged, scenic hills home.
During the Ozark Folk Center's regular season [April 15 -October 29], artisans demonstrate over 24 homestead skills and pioneer crafts in the Crafts Village from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nearby in the comfortable climate-controlled, 1,025-seat Music Theater, live entertainment is performed at 7:30 p.m. during the season, along with an occasional Sunday Gospel Concert.
Here you'll hear traditional tunes featuring the sweet sounds of instruments like the fiddle, mountain dulcimer, autoharp, and guitar performed by talented mountain musicians just as they were before 1941 on acoustic instruments only. The Center is likewise known for its quaint Crafts Village and the caliber of the gifted artisans who in their 24 shops demonstrate the homestead crafts and pioneer skills that were essential to the early settlers of these ancient rugged hills.
Visit the Center's Homespun Gift Shop. Here you'll find a wide selection of books and music specializing in Ozark themes. You can choose from a diverse variety of handcrafted, heirloom quality treasures including pottery, shuck dolls, brooms, oak baskets, loom work, and apple and peach "chunky" preserves. Knives, ironwork, and other works can also be purchased from the artisans in their craft shops. [NOTE: The gift shop is open April 1—December 17.] Stay overnight in one the recently updated guest rooms in the 60-room Dry Creek Lodge, which is open throughout the year. Treat yourself to the Southern-style meals in the Folk Center's full-service Skillet Restaurant. Its views of the surrounding Ozark woodland often include opportunities for you to enjoy sighting of the birds and other wildlife that call this area home. [NOTE: The Skillet Restaurant is open daily April 15—October 29 from 7 a.m.—8 p.m.]
Visit the Smokehouse, the Heritage Herb Gardens and enjoy the free tram service within the 80-acre complex. The Center offers conference and meeting facilities for groups up to 1,000 and specializes in business retreats and family reunions. Package plans are available.
Special music shows, contests, workshops and craft exhibitions are held throughout the year. Festivals highlight the spring and fall seasons. Holiday musical performances and craft fairs celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas.
