Stone County: Ozark Culture, Caves, and Crafts

Stone County shows the Ozarks from several angles: a predominantly rugged, hilly landscape meets caves, waterways, and a vibrant cultural life. This lets you choose different focuses for your trip—from music and traditional crafts to trails along the creek and trout fishing.

Caves, Waterways, and Trails

Blanchard Springs Caverns are located in the Ozark National Forest in Stone County. The caves are thought to have formed through a continually active mountain spring and are still being changed by it; the spring flows into Mirror Lake. Hell Creek Cave also tells a story of water and rock: it is a spring-fed solution channel or tunnel cave. Hell Creek flows through it and eventually into the White River, which runs along Stone County’s eastern border.

The Hell Creek Natural Area is home to populations of the Hell Creek Cave Crayfish and the Gray Myotis; both species are federally endangered. This offers another aspect of the region for anyone interested in nature and habitats. There are other specific options for activities on the water and outdoors: the Sylamore Wildlife Management Area offers fishing opportunities along North Sylamore Creek, and two hiking trails follow the creek.

Mountain biking, hiking, and swimming are possible in the Blanchard Springs area. Visitors can fish for trout in nearby Mirror Lake. These options can be distinguished by the kind of vacation you want: trails along the creek, activities in the wider Blanchard Springs area, or fishing at Mirror Lake are separate opportunities and should not be treated as if they were all at one location.

Music, Crafts, and History

In Mountain View, Ozark Folk Center State Park is dedicated to preserving the music, crafts, and culture of the Ozarks. Its program includes craft demonstrations, the Heritage Herb Garden, and live music from the Southern mountain region. At the Craft Village, more than 20 craftspeople demonstrate their skills, make and sell handmade goods during the season. The annual Folk Festival in Mountain View adds to the region’s cultural offerings.

The Ozark Highlands Theater hosts live concerts and special events in a 1,000-seat auditorium. Workshops for musicians and dancers of all skill levels are also held at scheduled times. If you want to include a range of cultural experiences in your plans, music, demonstrations, and workshops offer different ways to connect with Ozark traditions.

The Stone County Historical Society operates the Stone County Museum. Its exhibits include household items settlers used to furnish their homes: rocking chairs, oil lamps, quilts, and cast-iron cookware. The building that houses the museum was added to the Arkansas Register of Historic Places in December 2004. Volunteers staff the museum Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 1 to 4 p.m.; check the hours before your visit.

Local Products and Practical Planning

The Stone County Farmers’ Market brings together local growers and producers from Stone County or a neighboring county. The selection includes fresh fruit and vegetables, eggs, meat, cheese, and baked goods, as well as home-canned products, herbal and wellness products, and handmade crafts. Products available on a particular day may vary.

Your interests can help guide your choice of vacation rental: Ozark Folk Center and the annual Folk Festival give music and crafts a specific connection to Mountain View. From there, the route to Blanchard Springs Recreation Area follows Highway 5-9-14 and then Highway 14 toward Fifty Six. Before you start looking, consider whether cultural offerings or activities in the Blanchard Springs area better fit your travel plans.

For the 2026 season, tours of Blanchard Springs Caverns are scheduled to run from May 1 through the end of October. Check the dates before your trip. If visiting the museum, it is also a good idea to confirm the stated hours in advance.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Pope County, Van Buren County, Crawford, Columbia County, Ashley County, Clay County and Garland.

Return to the main travel overview: Arkansas.