Experience a weekend full of hands-on heritage and homespun knowledge at the Ozark Folk Center State Park’s Craft Village and Heritage Herb Garden, as they host their Ozark Homesteading Workshops, Friday and Saturday, June 27–28, 2025. Whether you’re a green thumb, a backyard homesteader, or just curious about the self-sufficient ways of Ozark life, this immersive event is your chance to step back in time and learn timeless skills from the heart of the mountains.
Workshops throughout the weekend will cover everything from composting for a healthy garden and making your own sauerkraut, to reclaiming land with goats, sheep, and chickens, and even learning about herbal bug repellents and donkey power in the Ozarks. Local farmers from the Stone County Farmers Market will be on hand to share their wisdom, techniques, and stories from the field.
There’s no pre-registration required, and regular Craft Village admission gets you into all workshops. The Village is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and there will be live mountain music on the Blacksmith Stage to keep your toes tapping while you learn and explore.
Admission Prices:
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Adults: $15
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Children: $8
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Family Pass (2 adults + kids under 18): $35
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Season passes are accepted
The homesteading spirit doesn’t stop at the workshops—The Skillet Restaurant inside the park is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. both days, serving up meals made with locally grown produce and fresh herbs from the park’s own Kitchen Garden.
As Craft Director Jeanette Larson says, “Growing, preserving, and eating good food are all part of our lifestyle. We love to share our knowledge and joy in bringing quality meals to the table.”
So bring your curiosity, your appetite, and your love for all things Ozark. From food to folklore, this weekend promises a full plate of culture, community, and craft you won’t want to miss.
For more details, visit the https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/ozark-folk-center-state-park
Karin Huffman is an Independence County native who graduated from Cushman High School in 1996. Traveling throughout the state is one of her passions, along with writing about her adventures.
Taking over as travel writer for the Ozark Gateway Region is a dream come true for Huffman who lives in the region with her two daughters, Grace and Stella.
As a family, they enjoy canoeing the Poke Bayou, Salado Creek and the many waterways along the White River in Independence County. Camping and hiking throughout the region is a must for them in the spring and fall as well.
Huffman is an avid nature photographer who will do just about anything to find the perfect waterfall shot, and has visited many in the great state. From Twin Falls and the Richland Creek area in Northwest Arkansas to little known places off the beaten path, waterfalls will be found.
Huffman has been a travel writer for the Eye on Independence Magazine as well as a staff writer for the Batesville Guard, and is looking forward to devoting her time to traveling throughout the eight county region that the Ozark Gateway offers.
If you would like to contact Huffman about an adventure or would like to know how to get more information out about your area, contact her at 870-307-5473, karinhuffman78@gmail.com or karinozarkgateway@sbcglobal.net.