Medieval Castle Coming to Life in the Ozarks

It's summer and you've done the whole Branson experience. Or the Eureka Springs experience. Want to see and experience something different without driving a long distance?

How about a real castle? It's isn't a full sized castle yet, but it will be. Once it is completed, the Ozark Medieval Fortress will be a real-life, life-sized, fortified castle with all the necessary castle components, including twenty-four foot high towers, a drawbridge, and wide stone walls.

The construction of the fortress will certainly change the Arkansas horizon. The plan is to build an authentic 13th Century French Castle from the ground up using tools, materials and methods from that century. The site is now open to the public.

If you harbor dreams of castle life or want to learn all about life medieval, you'll find answers and inspiration here.
Guided tours are available and reservations aren't necessary for families. If just visiting and looking at everything isn't enough, you can get a real feel for the medieval experience by signing up as a volunteer, teacher, or even an artisan. In order to volunteer, you do not have to be skilled in medieval arts as long as you have a passion for the period. Campsites are available (no lodging is provided).

Choose to intern and you'll be assigned to work side by side with one of the professionals on site. Professional mentors, artisans, are invited to apply. The Fortress is currently seeking artisans whose specialties include storytelling, inks, dyes, textiles, pottery, basket weaving, gardening, and smithery.

It isn't everyday that you get to visit a real-life medieval castle and experience the medieval life. Especially in Arkansas. Nestled in the rural area of Lead Hill, Arkansas just off the Harrison, Arkansas to Branson, Missouri well- traveled path, the Medieval Fortress is a unique addition to Arkansas tourist attractions.

The Fortress is open 7 days a week. Children under 5 get in free, students age 6 to 17 pay $8.00 and the cost is $12.00 for the over 17 crowd. Group rates are available. Guided tours are $1 extra per person. The site makes a great field trip for students and hobbyists as well as families.