A retired manager of the Jacob Wolf House Historic Site is raising concerns about the future of the local landmark, while state officials maintain that the site remains a valued property that continues to receive investment and care.
The Jacob Wolf House, a two-story historic structure overlooking the confluence of the Norfork and White rivers, has stood at its original location since 1829. The property was maintained by Baxter County for many years before ownership was transferred to the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism in 2017.
Marlon Mowdy, who managed the site from 2017 until his retirement in 2024, has said recent changes have caused him to question the long-term direction of the site.
At a recent meeting at the Mountain Home Chamber of Commerce, Mowdy presented his concerns to a group of state and local leaders, including Sen. Scott Flippo, Reps. Stetson Painter and Jason Nazarenko, Baxter County Judge Kevin Litty and community stakeholders.
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Mowdy said planned improvement projects were canceled this year, including sidewalk upgrades and visitor center updates. He also cited reduced staffing, shorter visitor center hours and a lack of marketing as signs that the site may not be receiving adequate support. Mowdy said the Wolf House has a history of drawing visitors and that additional investment could further boost tourism and educational opportunities in North Arkansas.
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One concern raised by Mowdy was the possibility that management of the site could be returned to Baxter County, something he said would limit future improvements due to funding constraints.
KTLO, Classic Hits and the Boot News reached out to the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism for comment and they stated that the Jacob Wolf House remains an important historic site under the care of the Division of Arkansas Heritage and that no discussions have ever taken place about transferring ownership or permanently handing management back to the county.
According to the department, more than $1 million has been invested in restoring and preserving the property since the state assumed ownership in 2017, when the site required significant repairs. Recent work includes a $40,000 clear-coat protective treatment applied to all wood structures and fixtures. The department said the site also requires about $150,000 annually to operate.
State officials said staffing changes were made following Mowdy’s retirement in December. After reviewing operational needs, the department chose to staff the site with a part-time employee, resulting in adjusted visitor center hours.
The department said visitation numbers support the current staffing model. Winter months typically see fewer than 70 visitors per month, while summer attendance averages about 300 visitors monthly. The site’s highest attendance occurs in May during Pioneer Days, when roughly 700 visitors are recorded. Officials said the staffing approach has been in place for more than a year and has generated no complaints.
Even when the visitor center is closed, the department said the grounds remain open to the public, with interpretive panels available for self-guided tours.
Mowdy said he plans to continue advocating for the Jacob Wolf House, hoping to bring attention to what he views as a unique and historically significant site deserving of continued support.
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The Jacob Wolf House is located at 13775 Highway 5 in Norfork and remains open to visitors year-round from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays.
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