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Read More about this safari issue.Spring Break Plans: Experience the Past at Har-Ber Village
Spring break is the ideal time to hit the road and explore the rich history of the Ozarks. If you’re looking for a unique day-trip adventure just outside Arkansas’ borders, consider visiting the Har-Ber Village Museum in Grove, Oklahoma. This hidden gem, established by Arkansas philanthropists Harvey and Bernice Jones, offers a fascinating glimpse into pioneer life during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Nestled along the scenic shores of Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees, Har-Ber Village offers more than just a museum; it provides an engaging experience in history, storytelling and hands-on learning. Families, history enthusiasts, and homeschool groups from Western Arkansas frequently visit this educational haven. As you travel from Northwest Arkansas through Siloam Springs, you’ll encounter landscapes that embody the frontier spirit of Har-Ber Village.
What is the Har-Ber Village Museum?
Har-Ber Village is an open-air pioneer museum featuring over 100 historic buildings and exhibits that recreate life in the Ozarks during the 1800s and early 1900s. This unique attraction offers visitors the chance to explore historic homes, a one-room schoolhouse, a working blacksmith shop, a doctor’s office, fashion collections and more—all designed to transport you back in time. Throughout the village, you’ll find authentic artifacts, antiques, and memorabilia that tell the stories of early settlers who shaped the region.
This museum isn’t just a collection of relics—it’s a labor of love built from the personal collection of Harvey and Bernice Jones, a couple deeply connected to Arkansas and its history.
Who Were Harvey and Bernice Jones?
If you have ever driven past a Jones Truck Lines (JTL) truck or visited the Jones Center in downtown Springdale, you have experienced the legacy of Harvey and Bernice Jones. As founders of one of America’s most successful trucking companies, they significantly contributed to the economic development of Northwest Arkansas. In their early days, they transported produce across county lines and to train depots for farmers in Benton and Washington counties. Their trucking expansion was directly aligned with the burgeoning poultry industry, making them vital partners in the success of the Tyson family and chicken house transportation.
But beyond their business success, they were passionate about preserving history and giving back to their community.
Harvey bought land in Grove, OK, as a peaceful escape from their busy business in Springdale. What started as a private retreat became a shared passion project as the Joneses collected historical artifacts and began developing what would ultimately become Har-Ber Village. They actively sought out specific antique pieces and collections, knowing that these items would one day educate and inspire future generations.
Arkansas Connections at Har-Ber Village
Although located in Oklahoma, Har-Ber Village has strong Arkansas roots, making it a must-visit for anyone who values Arkansas history. It’s also an excellent place for children to learn more about their Arkansas heritage and see what towns looked like when the Joneses grew up. Some of the most cherished items in the village connect to cities across the Natural State:
- Crandall Sisco doctor’s Office—This fully furnished 19th-century doctor’s office offers a glimpse into early medicine and features the sign and doctor’s bag of their neighbor and friend.
- The Little Church – Built with bricks from the historic fireplaces of the Van Winkle Home in Rogers. The pulpit comes from Zion Methodist Church in Springdale and the stained-glass windows were made in Fort Smith. Bernice Jones once joked that if Harvey was going to take her here every weekend, she’d need a church for worship!
- Mountain Home Schoolhouse is a one-room school that reflects those found throughout rural Arkansas in the late 1800s and early 1900s. It was relocated from a property in Goshen and includes the original blackboard.
- Law Office – Showcases memorabilia from the renowned Springdale attorney, Courtney Crouch, who practiced law in the 1930s.
- Arkansas Philanthropy Memorabilia – The museum features honorary degrees, diplomas, caps, and gowns from Ouachita Baptist University and other Arkansas institutions, honoring the Joneses’ educational contributions.
- Historic Jail with Ties to Bass Reeves – The legendary U.S. Marshal, who patrolled the Arkansas-Oklahoma border, is honored here – Reeves’ dedication to law enforcement shaped frontier justice in Arkansas.
- Soda Fountain from Mooney-Barker Drugstore in Pettigrew, AR – Step inside to experience an authentic old-fashioned soda fountain from the Arkansas Ozarks.
- First National Bank Clock from Springdale – A preserved timepiece from Springdale’s early banking history.
- Log Cabin with Wood from the Peter Van Winkle House – wooden floorboards milled at the Van Winkle Mill in Rogers and later sold by Roscoe Hobbs’s sons, whose name continues at Hobbs State Park.
- Printing press – Maud Winslow’s printing press was used to print the Winslow American from 1908 to 1952 by an incredible woman who was the second female pharmacist in Arkansas, Mayor of Winslow, and a women’s suffrage advocate. She had to stand on the pedal with all 100 pounds to get it to turn!
What to See and Do at Har-Ber Village
Beyond admiring Arkansas-connected artifacts, Har-Ber Village offers interactive experiences that bring history to life:
- Hands-On Activities – Try pioneer crafts, such as candle-making, blacksmithing and weaving.
- Living History Demonstrations – Watch history unfold with reenactors portraying blacksmiths, schoolteachers and shopkeepers.
- Beautiful Walking Trails—Stroll through the village’s 2-mile scenic trails overlooking Grand Lake with ¾ miles of paved trail offering easy accessibility for guests.
- Picnic Areas and Scenic Views – Pack a lunch and savor stunning lake views while sharing the captivating history you’ve uncovered.
- Seasonal Workshops – Join unique workshops led by expert artisans who teach traditional skills such as stained glass, quilting, woodworking and whittling.
Har-Ber Village is not just a place to explore history but also a destination to learn pioneer-era skills firsthand from skilled artisans. Whether you’re homeschooling, looking for a fun weekend getaway, or want to immerse yourself in the history of the Ozarks, this is a living treasure trove of Arkansas heritage.
Har-Ber Village Museum
Website | Exhibits
Events & Workshops | Field Trips
Admission Fees:
Open Thursday – Monday (closed Tuesday and Wednesday)
$15 adults
$12 – senior adults
$9 -children
5 and under free
If your family enjoys these types of outings, you may also like:
- Visiting your local county historical museum
- Little House Destinations in Arkansas
- reTHINK Spring Break planning
- Budget-Friendly Spring Break Ideas
- Planning an Arkansas Spring Break Staycation
- Hometown Picture Scavenger hunt
- Time Machine to Historic Washington
- Nashville Firehouse Museum
- Plantation Agriculture Museum in Scott
- Using the Outdoors as a Classroom
- Visit an Arkansas Nature Center
- Arkansas Bucket List Museums
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