Ozark Folk Center

Click here to see who is playing at The Ozark Folk Center this week

The Ozark Folk Center is a unique state park devoted to preserving Ozark crafts, music, and heritage. Traditional craft demonstrations, live music performances, living histories, apprentice programs and workshops tell the story of this mountain culture. The Ozark Cultural Resource Center houses the park’s extensive collection of folklore.

Live Folk Music

Live music performances feature the traditional folk music of the Ozarks with songs dating back to European origins. Local musicians and guest performers, many nationally known, perform ballads, fiddle tunes, square and jig dances, as well as autoharp, mountain and hammered dulcimer melodies, all dating before 1941. Look for the popular Music Roots Series programs, featuring traditional music from various cultures around the country.

Crafts Village

A self-guided tour of the Ozark Folk Center crafts village takes visitors to individual shops for continuous demonstrations of basketry, blacksmithing, candle making, broom, jewelry, and doll making, pottery, quilting, spinning, weaving, wood carving and a host of other crafts of this area.

Craft apprenticeships and workshops are offered to hobbiests and potential craft professionals. One to four day workshops in music, organic herb gardening, folk dance, and traditional folk instruments are presented throughout the year. Ozark Folk School, generally the end of March, is an intensive week long study in traditional music and crafts.

Gift Shop, Restaurant, Kids Programs

Children will enjoy the Young Pioneers programs, a hands on activity session teaching pioneer skills. Numerous Elderhostel programs are scheduled for seniors. The season runs April through October. Workshops and festivals are scheduled before and after the regular season.

The Homespun Gift Shop is a great place to find handmade craft items, books, recordings, hand sewn clothing, and foodstuffs. Try the apple and peach chunky (too chunky to be called butter!) that’s served at the center’s Skillet Restaurant. Dry Creek Lodge, comprised of quilt comfy cabins, is the perfect place to call home while visiting the Folk Center. For more information call 1-800-264- FOLK or visit www.ozarkfolkcenter.com.

Tree Top and Zip Line Adventures at Loco Ropes:

Loco Ropes! offers high-wire, heart-pumping treetop courses with 30+ challenges to test your nerve, endurance, agility, & strength – all in the name of adventure, using cutting-edge technology & ACCT standards. Those looking for an introduction into this adrenaline fueled world can try the Flying Pig – a 300’ zip line.

Swing, zip, & leap from tree to tree! Climb Planks Peak Tower and go for the HotShot FreeFall! No organized event needed, this family friendly attraction excites adrenaline junkies & outdoor enthusiasts, alike.

Visit Loco Ropes online for more information!