You Won't Believe This Town Is In Arkansas

With over 40% of Arkansas residents living in rural areas, interesting small towns are plentiful in the state. However, among all of these quirky towns, Mountain View is unlike any other. Music can be heard on every corner, and the cool Ozarks surround the town in all directions. If you are looking to explore one of Arkansas’s most culturally rich and naturally beautiful towns, Mountain View should definitely be on your radar.

Outdoor Recreation in the Ozarks

Located in the heart of the Ozarks, outdoor recreation is abundant in Mountain View. Lakes, swimming holes, and rivers surround the town, and hiking trails weave in and out of the mountains. Just a short drive from downtown Mountain View, travelers will reach Mirror Lake, which spans three acres and is particularly popular for trout fishing. A short trail winds around the lake as well, for those who prefer some hiking. In the summer, you will often find locals and visitors at Gunner Pool, a half-acre swimming hole, part of Gunner Pool Recreation Area, where travelers can picnic, camp, hike, and swim. To immerse yourself even further in the mountain scenery, grab your mountain bike and head out to the Syllamo Mountain Bike Trail, a single-track trail that ranges in difficulty, extending for more than 50 miles and consisting of five interconnecting loops.

After experiencing everything Mountain View offers above ground, why not venture below to discover even more? Just 20 minutes from town, Blanchard Springs Caverns is a living, ever-changing cave with several trails for visitors to explore. One option is the Dripstone Trail tour, which lasts about an hour and passes calcite formations like hollow soda straws, stalagmites, and massive flowstones. The route takes visitors through two of the cavern’s major rooms: the giant Cathedral Room, large enough to fit three football fields, and the Coral Room, covered in snowy white, pure calcite formations.

Ozark Folk Center State Park

Established in 1973, the Ozark Folk Center State Park has played a huge role in the preservation of Mountain View’s folk art and music. The park, whose mission is to preserve the music, crafts, and culture of the Ozarks, is open between April and October each year, allowing visitors to appreciate the work of artisans and musicians up close. At the center’s Craft Village, for example, you will find more than 20 artisans working on and selling their handmade goods, with items including leather purses, ironwork, stained glass, flame-painted copper jewelry, pottery, knives, and quilts. Another highlight of the center is the Heritage Herb Garden, which grows medicinal and edible herbs, along with native plants, educating visitors about their uses.

And, of course, a visit to the Ozark Folk Center is not complete without hearing some live music! During your visit to the Craft Village, drop by the Blacksmith Stage to enjoy periodic performances throughout the day. This intimate, 1,000-seat theater hosts talented musicians, including legends in the Americana scene. A few of the instruments you might be able to appreciate include fiddles, mandolins, guitars, banjos, and autoharps.

Other Music Events

Beyond the Ozark Folk Center State Park, there are plenty of other opportunities in Mountain View to enjoy folk tunes. Club Possum is a town favorite, hosting free live music shows on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday nights. Each show features performances from some of the area’s most talented musicians and takes place in an intimate venue.

The Annual Arkansas Folk Festival is another tradition that has been taking place in Mountain View since the early 1960s! Each spring, this event celebrates the region’s cultural heritage and connection to folk music with two days of performances throughout downtown. Local musicians and nationally renowned artists fill the town square with music that plays late into the night. In the spring and fall, bluegrass lovers should check out Mountain View during the biannual Mountain View Bluegrass Festival, another prominent event that features three days of bluegrass shows. Performers on the November lineup this year include the McClain Family Band, Mountain View Connection, and Rhonda Vincent and the Rage.

Mountain View’s Magic

Arkansas residents know their state holds far more treasures than many people realize. Mountain View, however, takes this beauty to the next level. Not only does it have a state park and annual festival dedicated entirely to folk culture, but it also has an abundance of natural beauty. Destinations like Mirror Lake and Blanchard Springs Caverns are just two of the examples. If you haven’t yet had the chance to visit Mountain View, make sure to add it to your travel plans this year!