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We’re continuing our adventure through Arkansas State Parks with Part 2 of our North Central trip, featuring stops at Woolly Hollow and the Ozark Folk Center. While visiting all 52 parks and collecting passport stamps, we found the parks in this region to be some of the most memorable. Due to the distances between these parks and the others in the region, we chose to break this portion of our trip into two weekends, giving us more time to enjoy each park without the long drives in between.
Part 2 of our North Central Arkansas State Park journey focuses on these parks:
- Woolly Hollow State Park
- Ozark Folk Center State Park
Where To Stay:
Choosing where to stay for this Visit 52 weekend probably depends a bit on your personal preferences. If you enjoy camping, Woolly Hollow has both full hookup RV sites and tent sites. If you prefer something a little less rustic, The Ozark Folk Center offers a variety of cabins that are perfect for couples and families. Mountain View is also the perfect spot for a weekend getaway with a variety of B&Bs, cabins and our personal favorite, Fireside Retreats.
Day 1
Mountain View
We chose to rent a cabin in Mountain View, so we arrived on Friday night and spent the evening in town. We then spent Saturday at the Ozark Folk Center and left early Sunday morning to enjoy a full day at Woolly Hollow. Here are a few of our favorite activities in Mountain View:
- Tommy’s Famous Pizza
- Stone County Drive
- OK Trading Post
- The Dulcimer Shoppe
- Pickin’ Park
- Stone Amphitheater
Day 2
Ozark Folk Center – All Day
The Ozark Folk Center State Park allows you to step back in time while offering visitors a unique glimpse into the traditional crafts and music of the Ozarks. The Craft Village features skilled artisans practicing blacksmithing, pottery, weaving, and more. Many of the artisans offer hands-on experiences, while others offer demonstrations. Music is at the heart of the park, with regular live folk and bluegrass performances. The park also features the beautiful Heritage Herb Garden, which showcases medicinal and culinary herbs, providing insight into how plants have been used for generations. Park activities are seasonal but offer an authentic, immersive experience of Ozark life.
Must See:
- Craft Village – Wander around the various buildings while you watch skilled artisans create handcrafted items like pottery, quilts, and woodcarvings. Kids will enjoy carding wool, printmaking, candlemaking and more.
- Ozark Highlands Theater – This indoor theater feature live performances of folk, bluegrass, and old-time string bands. Several themed festivals take place each year showcasing bands from around the country. The award-winning Ozark Highlands Radio show is recorded in the auditorium.
- Heritage Herb Garden – In the garden grows a collection of medicinal and culinary herbs native to the Ozarks. Learn about how herbs were used in early Ozark households. Herbs and other plants are seasonally available for purchase.
- Skillet Restaurant – The Skillet Restaurant offers transitional southern cuisine with a full menu and a buffett option. Hours vary by season and by day of the week.
If Time Allows:
- Gift Shop – Select from handcrafted works and souvenirs from Arkansas artisans. The shop also sells old-time candy, toys and trinkets that the kids will love.
- Workshops – Skilled artisans teach a variety of workshops throughout the year. Participants get intensive hands-on experience learning skills such as tinsmithing, knifemaking, stained glass work, broom making and more. Advanced registration is required.
Day 3
Woolly Hollow – All Day
Woolly Hollow State Park is a quiet, peaceful park surrounding the spring-fed Lake Bennett. This charming spot is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and is a favorite amongst mountain bikers. There are seasonal opportunities for swimming and paddling on the lake, as well as fishing. The park is named after the Woolly family who first settled the area in the mid 1800s.
Woolly Hollow has a small full-hookup campground with many sites overlooking the lake. Tent camping sites are also available.
Must See:
- Woolly Cabin – The historic one-room log cabin built by Martin Alfred Woolly in 1882. The cabin was relocated from about a mile away and restored in 1975.
- Lake Bennett – The spring-fed lake was built by the CCC and the WPA as the first water-shed project of the Soil Conservation Service. Enjoy fishing, swimming, or renting a kayak, canoe, or pedal boat.
- Enders Fault Mountain Biking Trail – This 9.5-mile mixed-use trail is popular amongst mountain bikers for its rolling hills and creek crossings.
- The Cabin Trail – This short, easy hike begins at the cabin and travels through shady oak and hickory forest. One section of the trail contains sand from an ancient seabed.
If Time Allows:
- Huckleberry Nature Trail – This scenic 3.5-mile trail loops around Lake Bennett through some wooded and some open areas. Hikers will enjoy a great view of the lake and the park.
- Barrier-Free Fishing Pier – Fish from the accessible dock or simply take a stroll for a lovely view of the lake.
- Playground and Picnic Area – If you have kids, you can’t pass up the playground. Burn off some energy before you head home.
- Swimming Beach – Relax and swim at the sandy beach during the summer month. The beach has limited hours and a day-use fee so be sure to check with the park office before heading out.
- Snack Bar – The seasonal snack bar has all your favorite treats for a quick and easy meal. Grab a hot dog and a soda and cool of with a creamy frozen treat.
From the peaceful waters of Lake Bennett to the rich traditions of the Ozarks, Woolly Hollow and the Ozark Folk Center offer something for everyone. Check out the other posts in our Visit 52 series as we continue to highlight the best of Arkansas’s state parks.
Photos courtesy of Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism.
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