Living Forest 2025: The Wizard of Hobbs

Our most popular event of the year returns as you will experience the forest at Hobbs State Park like never before – with costumed animals and some “wicked” as well as “good” humans as you “follow the yellow brick road” (the Ozark Plateau Trail, a 0.25-mile, ADA accessible trail). This year you’ll discover how the tornadoes of 2024, while destructive, actually created an opportunity for a healthier, more diverse forest. Craft and info booths will be located in the visitor center before your hike, so be sure to arrive early and register your family at the check-in booth. Groups of up to 25 will depart every 15 minutes from the visitor center for the hour-long hike on the trail. Afterwards, enjoy making s’mores and have some hot chocolate or tea at the pavilion. This non-scary event, perfect for ages 4 and up, is a collaboration with the Northwest Arkansas Master Naturalists.