Love folk music and mountain scenery? Head to Mountain View, Arkansas! Nestled in the Ozarks, Mountain View is known as the “Folk Music Capital of the World.” With its rich musical heritage, stunning natural beauty, and small-town hospitality, it’s a perfect escape for outdoor lovers and culture seekers alike.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Mountain View is in spring and fall (April–June and September–October), when the weather is ideal for festivals, hiking, and enjoying scenic drives. Fall colors are especially breathtaking in the Ozarks.

How to Get There

  • By Car: Mountain View is located along Highway 9 and Highway 66, about 2.5 hours north of Little Rock and 2 hours southeast of Springfield, Missouri.
  • By Air: The nearest airports are Little Rock National Airport (LIT) and Springfield–Branson National Airport (SGF).
  • By Bus: There is no major bus or rail service; driving is the most practical option.

Where to Stay

  • Ozark Country Inn Bed & Breakfast – Cozy rooms and warm hospitality just a short walk from downtown.
  • Dogwood Motel – Clean, comfortable, and budget-friendly lodging with easy highway access.
  • Cabins & Vacation Rentals – Book a rustic cabin or secluded cottage for a quiet stay in the mountains.

Top Attractions

Explore the beauty of the Ozarks at the Blanchard Springs Recreation Area

Explore the beauty of the Ozarks at the Blanchard Springs Recreation Area

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Situated within the Ozark National Forest, the Blanchard Springs Recreation Area (Video) is a good place to start with any adventure in the Ozarks. The scenic Ozark Mountains are well known for their clear streams, waterfalls, hidden caverns, and rolling hills. The facilities of the recreation area are located near crystal clear streams and picturesque rock bluffs, and the various sites are shaded well by stately pine trees. Mirror Lake offers excellent opportunities for trout fishing, and other recreational activities can be found here as well, such as swimming, hiking, and mountain biking.

The campgrounds on site provide various types of campsites.

Address: 1001 E Main St, Mountain View, AR 72560, Phone: 870-757-2211

Watch artisans working at the Ozark Folk Center State Park

Watch artisans working at the Ozark Folk Center State Park

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The Ozark Folk Center State Park is a one-of-a-kind park in the United States, and the only park dedicated to the culture, craft, and music of the Ozarks. Located in the world’s “Folk Music Capital,” the park provides visitors with a rare chance to watch several artisans at work, listen to music playing through the hills, and walk among herb gardens. The Ozark Folk Center is typically open beginning the middle of April until the middle of November, with features such as the Craft Village in which guests can see numerous artisans working to create things like baskets, iron work, pottery, and more.

Address: 1032 Park Ave, Mountain View, AR 72560, Phone: 870-269-3851

Take the kids to the petting zoo at the OK Trading Post

Take the kids to the petting zoo at the OK Trading Post

© OK Trading Post

The OK Trading Post of Mountain View offers a unique outdoor experience for anyone who loves the great outdoors and animals. The site provides horseback rides along scenic mountain trails for nearly any sized group and any occasion, as well as overnight camping trips. Trail rides include scenic views of the Ozarks and natural forest. Guests will travel through the scenic forest and along a creek while viewing overlooks with amazing views. There is also a gift shop and a petting zoo at the OK Trading Post. The petting zoo includes goats, sheeps, donkeys, rabbits, deer, and more.

Address: 11595 Hwy 14, Mountain View, AR 72560, Phone: 870-585-2217

Attractions for Couples

Learn about history at the Stone County Museum

Learn about history at the Stone County Museum

© Stone County Museum

The Stone County Museum in Mountain View, Arkansas is open to the public from the middle of April until the end of the month of October. Volunteers typically have the museum open from one until four in the afternoon on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. It’s usually advised that visitors coming visiting the museum from out-of-town should call in advance to make sure there will be a volunteer present to assist them. The museum is owned and operated by the Stone County Historical Society, an organization that aims to preserve the history of the people who settled the north-central area of Arkansas.

Address: 206 School Ave, Mountain View, AR 72560

View the Peace Pole

View the Peace Pole

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The Peace Pole of Mountain View was designed and made to be reflective of the wishes of those who live in the Ozarks. They with that the phrase of “May Peace Prevail on Earth” will one day become a reality. The pole itself, stone seating, and the paving were all made by stone quarried from the Stone County area. Nearly every bit of work that went into building the Peace Pol was done by citizens of Stone County. The languages used in the landmark to display the phrase “May Peace Prevail On Earth ” were selected to reflect the region’s early inhabitants.

Address: 1112 W Main St, Mountain View, AR 72560

Go biking on Syllamo Mountain Bike Trail

Go biking on Syllamo Mountain Bike Trail

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The Syllamo Mountain Bike Trail is a network of interconnecting trail loops that provide enthusiasts of mountain biking with approximately fifty miles of mountain bike trail, with much of the trail being single-track. The different loops can be reached from four trailheads in the area, along with the Blanchard Springs Recreation Area. Three of the trailheads can be accessed from Green Mountain Road, while the fourth trailhead is located along AR Highway 5 North. Difficulty along several sections of the trail have various levels of difficulty, ranging from beginner to extreme, during which beginners are recommended to walk their bike.

Go fishing at Jack's Fishing Resort

Go fishing at Jack's Fishing Resort

© Jack's Fishing Resort

At Jack's Fishing Resort, the owners, Mary and Jack, offer many different amenities for visitors to enjoy at their resort. Guests can spend their stay visiting the many attractions in the area, rafting down the river, or fishing for trout. In the evenings, visitors can have a delicious meal at Jojo’s Catfish Wharf before they call it a night in their spacious guest room, several of which offer river views from the screened porch. All guest rooms feature cable television, as well as kitchenettes upon request. Jack’s Fishing Resort also includes an RV park with bathhouse, and a Bar-B-Que Pavilion.

Address: 212 Hayden Heights, Mountain View, AR 72560, Phone: 870-585-2121

Where to Eat

Order pizza at Tommy's Famous

Order pizza at Tommy's Famous

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Tommy's Famous in Mountain View, Arkansas serves a large menu that includes baby-back ribs, barbecue, calzones, and pizzas. The “Tommy’s Dry Tavern” dining room provides a candelit setting and a bluesy atmosphere. Customers can have a seat at the bar and enjoy one of the area’s best selections of imported and domestic non-alcoholic beer. The bar also boasts a wide view of the restaurant’s kitchen, where they can watch pizza dough flying in the air. All of the food is fresh and prepared from scratch. Tommy’s Famous has been a family owned and operated restaurant in the community since 1991.

Address: 205 Famous Pl, Mountain View, AR 72560, Phone: 870-269-3278

Dine with river views at Anglers Restaurant

Dine with river views at Anglers Restaurant

© Anglers Restaurant

Anglers Restaurant is located at the Anglers White River Resort in Mountain View, Arkansas. The restaurant provides nearly everything visitors may look for in a great dining experience. The Anglers Restaurant consists of a spacious dining room and a dining patio overlooking the scenic White River, strives to make guests feel right at home through delicious food, exception service, views of the river, and the ideal stop to take in the local culture. Menu items include steak, seafood, pasta, chicken, burgers, sandwiches, and more. Anglers is situated around ten minutes from the town square.

Address: 5 AR-9, Mountain View, AR 72560, Phone: 870-585-2226

Local Events

  • Arkansas Folk Festival (April) – Annual celebration with a parade, crafts, and lots of live music on the square.
  • Bean Fest and Great Arkansas Outhouse Races (October) – Quirky and fun fall festival featuring live music, free beans, and outhouse racing!
  • Mountain View Bluegrass Festival (Spring & Fall) – Two weekends a year packed with professional bluegrass performances.

Day Trips Within 30 Minutes of Mountain View, Arkansas

  • Blanchard Springs Caverns (20–25 min) – Take a guided tour through stunning limestone caves or enjoy hiking and picnicking nearby.
  • Blanchard Springs Recreation Area (20–25 min) – Hike to waterfalls, fish in Mirror Lake, or relax by the spring-fed creek surrounded by forest.
  • White River (10–20 min) – Go trout fishing, kayaking, or just enjoy scenic views along this peaceful, winding river.
  • Stone County Museum (5–10 min) – Dive into local history, from early settlers to mountain folk culture, in this small-town museum.
  • Gunner Pool Recreation Area (25–30 min) – Camp, hike, or cool off in clear pools fed by mountain springs in a quiet forest setting.
  • Sylamore Creek Trail (15–25 min) – Hike or bike this scenic trail that winds through lush Ozark landscapes and along clear-running creeks.
  • North Sylamore Creek Access (20–30 min) – Swim, wade, or paddle in this crystal-clear creek surrounded by rugged Ozark beauty.

FAQ

  • What is Mountain View, Arkansas known for?
    • The town of Mountain View, Arkansas, is famous for preserving the traditional music and folkways of the state, with the Ozark Folk Center State Park as one of its main attractions.
  • What other attractions does Mountain View offer?
    • Along with its rich musical heritage, the town offers antique shops, music stores, outdoor recreational activities, and numerous delicious dining options.

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