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History of the Ozark Folk Center

The Ozark Folk Center engages in a unique mission to preserve the timeless traditions of the pioneer folk who brought European civilization and culture to this remote mountain region. Visitors can momentarily return to the time of the earliest pioneers as they experience the lively music, spirited dance, and homestead craftsmanship of the Ozark Mountains. In addition to music concerts and craft demonstrations, guests are also treated to informal music gatherings and exciting and entertaining living history presentations which pay tribute to actual figures who helped to bring civilization to the mountain wilderness of north Arkansas.

The Ozark Folk Center, a state park, is operated by the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism and was constructed through grants and loans from the Economic Development Administration. It opened in 1973 in remote corner of Stone County, Arkansas. The National Endowment for the Arts provided the initial funds for apprenticeships and display materials representing the finest craft work from around the Arkansas Ozarks. Research projects were established and field recordings of interviews with native craft folk and musicians were made to authenticate the programs and craftwork the Ozark Folk Center would produce.

For those seeking unique and personal learning experiences, the Center offers workshops for developing skills with traditional folk instruments, in craft apprenticeships, and also provides an Archive, the Ozark Cultural Resource Center for historical, folk culture, and genealogical study.

Sample the rich heritage of the Ozark mountain highlands in the unique setting of the Ozark Folk Center State Park