Life

The Ozark Mill Plans Four-Day Grand Opening

September 22, 2021

This article is presented in partnership with Finley Farms. Located on the banks of the Finley River in the heart of Ozark, Missouri, Finley Farms is restoring and reimagining the historic Ozark Mill property to create a sprawling gathering place featuring farm-forward restaurants, a coffee shop, vibrant event venues, a riverside wedding chapel, and an urban farm. It’s a family passion project, with multiple generations of the Morris family pouring their hearts into the riverfront destination. It all started with noted conservationist and founder of Bass Pro Shops, Johnny Morris. His deep connections to Ozark, the Finley River and the milling industry inspired a vision for preserving The Ozark Mill and creating a space for the community to gather. Today, his daughter Megan Stack is leading the development vision, establishing the look, feel and purpose of the property, creating a place where genuine Ozarks hospitality and memorable experiences intertwine through history, preservation, and nature. From October 7–10, Finley Farms and The Ozark Mill host a fall festival-inspired grand opening. The four-day celebration includes a concert by The Ozark Mountain Daredevils, farm-inspired food, a curated marketplace, live music by local musicians, hands-on workshops, farm tours, family friendly activities and more. The event is open to the public, with general admission starting at $5 and free entry for kids ages 12 and under. See the full schedule of events and tickets here. At every turn throughout the 40-acre treasure, you’ll find a hidden delight—photo ops, educational experiences, family friendly activities, food trucks, critter corrals, a beer garden, and more. Thursday, October 7

7 AM–8 PM | The Workshop open to the public
11 AM–2 PM | The Ozark Mill open to the public
5 PM | Gates open, $35 general admission
6 PM | Ribbon cutting and remarks by the Morris family
7 PM | Music by Nate Fredrick, Springfield native turned Nashville singer/songwriter
8 PM | Concert by The Ozark Mountain Daredevils

Friday, October 8

7 AM–8 PM | The Workshop open
11 AM–9 PM | The Ozark Mill open
5 PM | Gates open, $5 general admission, kids 12 and under free
7 PM | Family movie night featuring Hocus Pocus and s’mores
Additional programming includes a critter corral, farm tours, and kids’ activities

Saturday, October 9

7 AM | Gates open, $5 general admission, kids 12 and under free
7 AM–8 PM | The Workshop open
9 AM–6 PM | The Marketplace featuring live music
11 AM–9 PM | The Ozark Mill open
6 PM | Music by Maddi Warren featuring Alli Butler
7 PM | Concert by Dawson Hollow
Additional programming includes standup paddleboarding on the Finley River, a botanical printmaking workshop, a critter corral, farm tours, and kids’ activities.

Sunday, October 10

7 AM | Gates open, $5 general admission, kids 12 and under free
7 AM–4 PM | The Workshop open
9 AM–4 PM | The Marketplace featuring live music
11 AM–4 PM | The Ozark Mill open
Additional programming includes sunrise yoga, a houseplant and propagation workshop, a critter corral, farm tours, and kids’ activities.