For the past two years, I have been going to an acupuncturist on a regular basis. My mom and I get up early one morning every week to make the trip to Mountain View. We were familiar with the area, what there was to do, and where to shop based on past experiences in the area and driving through it on our other travels. But being in Mountain View every week has made diligently seek out things to do and experience the town in a whole new way.
So far, we have explored a waterfall, state park, national park, folk village, festivals, crossed a swinging bridge, unique shops, shopped at the farmers market, and eaten at various restaurants around town. Even after two years of learning about the town, there is always something new to learn, a place to experience, a shop to visit, and/or a place to eat. We love that Mountain View has so much to offer and have enjoyed getting to know so many locals. We are always asking them questions about the area, learning about their holiday season, and more just so we can learn more about this uniquely charming folkway town.
Mountain View
Established in the 1870s, Mountain View is known as being the “Folk Music Capital of the World.” This small town embodies a unity of fellowship, support, and charm. Located in the Ozarks, this town focuses on tourism and offers a vast array of unique festivals, shops, amazing food, and hospitality at its best.
Mountain View’s Chamber of Commerce describes the town as being an immersive experience. With attractions like zip lining, a state park, hiking, waterfall, cave, swinging bridge, and more, I would agree that Mountain View is more than just a small town nestled in the Ozarks. Afterall, the area offers a plethora of Bed and Breakfasts, cabins, and other rentals for a reason.
This town is full of traditional trades, such as dulcimer creators, blacksmiths, and more. Featured on the Arkansas PBS show Urban Forge: Ozark Artistry are Mountain View locals who are keeping the skill of metalsmithing alive in their normal lives. While in town, tourists can visit the blacksmith shop and dulcimer shop to see these artists at work and purchase their own treasures.
Attractions in Mountain View
When you visit Mountain View, you are definitely going to want to experience hospitality at its finest by staying in one of their Bed and Breakfast’s! Located around the town square, you will have plenty of shopping and eateries within a short walking distance. Mountain View is centered and focused around its town square, so you will be right in the middle of everything while feeling like you have escaped to a different time.
Ozark Folk Center State Park
So, this state park is probably the most unique in the state. One of Arkansas’s five lodge parks, they are dedicated to preserving the crafts and culture of the Ozarks. The park has hiking trails, a craft village on site, a restaurant on site, concerts in the Craft Village, and shares the parking lot with a ziplining business. The Ozark Highlands Radio is a syndicated program on the stories and music of the Ozarks that is recorded at the park.
If you have an Arkansas State Park passport, do not forget to get a stamp while visiting!
Stone Drive-In Theater
If you like to watch movies on the big screen, then you will love the Stone Drive-In Theater! They are licensed to play big titles and they do it in the biggest way. All you need is a vehicle, radio to play the movie’s audio, and your sweetheart. Just drive on in, settle down, and snuggle up to popcorn in the middle of a field. Now, if that is not old-fashioned romance, I am not sure what is!
Stone County Museum
As a lover of museums, I always like to promote them to everyone I can. I find museums very intriguing, educational, and entertaining. At one museum, I got to fly a simulation airplane!
The Stone County Arkansas Historical Society manages the museum in an effort to preserve the history of its county. They are one of many museums across the state that have a barn quilt on display. So, if you are driving the Quilt Trail, be sure to stop by Stone County Museum for your next quilt block.
Housed in a 1928 school building, the museum’s building is listed on the Arkansas Register of Historic Places. Renovations are being made in hopes of being listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
If you want to visit the museum, be sure to call before you go. They are typically open April through October, when Mountain View is at its best. Sometimes during their open season, their volunteers may be unable to open the museum. So, just give them a call ahead of time. Make sure to allow time to explore the museum, as you can expect to spend at least an hour browsing their exhibits.
Peace Pole
The Peace Pole is a memorial located in an often not-so-easy-to-find place. Just off Main Street going west, AmVets Post #7 hosts the pole. It was designed and created to reflect the Ozark region. You will find the phrase “May Peace Prevail on Earth” inscribed on the stone pole in several languages. The North is in Cherokee, West is in Wolof, South is in modern English, and East is the Irish-Gaelic tongue. This phrase was meant to reflect the early inhabitants of Stone County and the Ozark region.
City Park
So, the first time I visited Mountain View’s city park, I just needed a place to stop with my dog. I was very impressed and have since gone back. They have a nice ADA walking trail, disc golf course, sports courts, and other things to do at this park. Definitely not the kind of park that I am used to! The city park is even in walking distance of the square and local Bed and Breakfasts. It is the perfect place to take a walk, get some fresh air, and enjoy time with the family.
Mountain View is the perfect place to vacation or retreat to for relaxation and adventure. The town is quiet and quaint. Bed and Breakfasts are bountiful and provide true Southern hospitality. You will not run out of things to do during your stay. And if you do happen to get bored, visit one of the area attractions – Turkey Creek Schoolhouse, Swinging Bridge, Syllamo Mountain Bike Trail, Blanchard Springs Cavern.
In The Area Attractions
Turkey Creek Schoolhouse
Located about 12 miles south of Mountain View is Turkey Creek Schoolhouse. Unfortunately, this is strictly a roadside attraction, as it resides on private property.
Swinging Bridge
About 6 miles north of Mountain View is a town called Allison. Located at Angler’s Resort is a historical swinging bridge that you walk or drive across.
Mountain Biking
If you are really adventurous, you might enjoy one of Mountain View’s mountain bike trails. There are three of different lengths – White River Bluff is 1.3 miles, Scrappy Mountain is 3.8 miles, and Bad Branch is 5.6 miles.
Blanchard Springs Cavern
A little over 12 miles north of Mountain View is Blanchard Springs Cavern and Recreation Area. During the open season, you can enjoy a pleasantly cool tour through the cave. Located at the Recreation Area is Old Mill and Mirror Lake, which provides fishing and a year-round waterfall over the dam.
What is your favorite thing to do in Mountain View?
