This small town takes its name from its location in a valley surrounded by the eastern Ozark Mountains. Also called the ‘Folk Music Capital of the World‘, Mountain View boasts awesome scenery and a range of outdoor activities particularly suitable for families with kids. It’s a great base from which to explore northern Arkansas.
Folk and traditional music is at the heart of the town, including mountain, folk and bluegrass music. Locals traditionally gather on Saturday nights on a neighbor’s porch for a pickin’ session. April to November sees several folk music festivals and the Mountain View Folklore Society Music Hall on Franklin street also features music and dance every Saturday night.
Outdoor freaks can partake in the great outdoors. Fishing, camping, hiking, horse back riding, caving and canoeing will make sure your holiday is an active one. You can even revel in wholesome outdoor fun for your evening entertainment at one of Arkansas’ few remaining drive-in movie theaters showing first run movies. Take heed, Mountain View is in a ‘dry county’, meaning alcohol is hard to come by.
Highlights
The Ozark Folk Center: seeks to preserve Ozark crafts, music and heritage through traditional craft demonstrations and live music performances.
Blanchard Springs Caverns: feature spectacular crystalline formations, the result of minerals deposited by dripping water.
Historic Court square: in downtown Mountain View lets you stroll from one spontaneous music jamboree to another.
The Old Mill: is a restored grist mill from 1914 with antique utensils and old photos on show.
Festivals: both the Spring Folk Festival and the Bean festival, held in April and October respectively, offer a lively glimpse into Mountain View food and music traditions.