Most People Have No Idea There Are Remnants Of A Medieval Fortress Hiding In This Arkansas Forest
The Ozark National Forest has many hidden gems but a 13th-century French castle probably wouldn’t be the first thing that comes to mind. The castle still stands but seems to have been forgotten in the forest. Let’s look at what should have been a popular Arkansas attraction.
Many of these photos are brought to us by our friends over at AbandonedAR. They travel to forgotten locations all over the state to preserve these places through historic documentation.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
It's not uncommon to find abandoned hideouts, weathered cemeteries, or even entire homesteads in the Ozarks but most folks have forgotten what else is hidden in the forest.
The Ozark Medieval Fortress sits off of Highway 14 West in Lead Hill. The remnants of the half-finished project are a rather spectacular surprise in the Ozark forest.
The Ozark Medieval Fortress was suppose to be a top-rated tourist attraction in the Natural State, but now the castle sits abandoned.
According to the also-abandoned Facebook Page for the fortress, the goal of the project was, "to invite Americans to adopt this project so that it will become a place unique on American soil where everyone can learn about castle."
The project originally began by restoration-enthusiast Michel Guyot back in 2009.
The project was inspired by the Guédelon Castle in France. Guyot wanted to replicate the castle using the same 13th century techniques that would have created the French castle. Land for this project was donated by two French citizens living in the Ozarks, Solange and Jean-Marc Mirat. A group of 30 artisans worked on the castle using simple tools and mules. Ozark Medieval Fortress officially opened to the public in May of 2010.
In its prime, the Fortress attracted hundreds of visitors from neighboring states.
Guests could watch artisans work on the fortress' construction and create their own smaller works of arts (like making bracelets from hand-spun wool) for $25. A collection of medieval siege weapons were also available to view on the site. In 2011, the Fortress was voted "Top 10 Places To Visit In Arkansas" by the AR Department of Parks & Tourism.
To this day the fortress simply waits in the forest.
We'd certainly like to think that the drawbridge will be open for guests once again.
Although it’s doubtful there’ll be news anytime soon, you can still follow the Ozark Medieval Fortress Facebook Page.
For more pictures, you can read AbandonedAR’s full article right here.
Let’s not let this gem go forgotten. We’d love to hear about your stories to the castle while it was still open. Reminisce with us in the comments below.
Arkansas native, Carol Ann Carson, has written for OnlyInYourState for three years now. She resides in Western Arkansas' Mountain Frontier but calls NWA home as well. The graduate of University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, Carol Ann earned her B.A. in English and will soon be pursing her M.A. in Library Science. She loves exploring the trails around the Buffalo National River and has yet to find a waterfall that wasn't her favorite.
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