Dogpatch USA facts for kids
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Old entrance sign (2008)
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| Location | Marble Falls, Arkansas, U.S. |
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| Coordinates | 36°06′24″N 93°07′56″W / 36.10678°N 93.13221°W |
| Opened | 1968 |
| Closed | 1993 |
| Owner | Down By The Falls, LLC (Johnny Morris) |
| Theme | Li'l Abner |
| Slogan | "Have A Heckuva Day at Dogpatch USA!" |
| Area | 124-acre (0.50 km2) |
| Website | www.heritageusa.com |
| Replaced | 2014, 2018 as Heritage USA Ozarks Resort at Historic Dogpatch |
Dogpatch USA was a fun theme park located in northwest Arkansas. It was found along State Highway 7 between the towns of Harrison and Jasper, in an area now called Marble Falls. The park was based on the popular comic strip Li'l Abner, which was created by cartoonist Al Capp. The comic strip was set in a made-up village also called Dogpatch.
Dogpatch USA first opened its doors in 1968 and was quite successful in its early years. However, plans to build a sister park called "Marble Falls," which would have included a ski resort, didn't work out. This led to problems for Dogpatch USA, and the park eventually closed in 1993. After closing, the property became run down. Parts of the park were sold off, and the main area changed owners many times.
In May 2018, a documentary about Dogpatch USA was released by Jeff Carter Productions.
Contents
History
How it Started
In 1966, a man named Albert Raney, Sr. decided to sell his family's trout farm in the Ozarks. A real estate agent, O. J. Snow, thought the farm would be perfect for an amusement park with an old-time pioneer feel. He noticed that the area looked a lot like the pictures in the Li'l Abner comic strip. For example, a canyon with a waterfall could be the "bottomless canyon" from the comic. Also, a nearby cave, Mystic Caverns, could become "Dogpatch Cave."
Snow and a group of businessmen formed a company called Recreation Enterprises, Incorporated (REI). Their first step was to get permission from Al Capp, the creator of Li'l Abner. Snow sent Capp videos of the property and ideas for attractions. He promised Capp that the park would be peaceful and respectful, without loud roller coasters. Al Capp had turned down other offers, but he liked this idea and became a partner. He said he had always imagined Dogpatch in a place like the Ozarks. In January 1967, the agreement was finalized, and Capp gave REI the rights to use his characters.
Some people in Arkansas worried that the park might make fun of people from the mountains, creating negative stereotypes. However, state officials eventually supported the project.
Building and Opening
Al Capp and his wife attended the groundbreaking ceremony for Dogpatch USA on October 3, 1967. The first part of the park cost about $1.3 million to build. More plans for the future included a train, a tram, and more sections of the park. In 1968, the local post office even changed its name from Marble Falls to Dogpatch.
Mystic Caverns was cleaned up and renamed "Dogpatch Caverns." During this work, a second, untouched cave was found and named "Old Man Moses Cave." It was saved for later. Old log cabins from the Ozark Mountains were moved and rebuilt in the park. An old watermill from the 1830s was also fixed up and made to work again.
Dogpatch USA opened on May 17, 1968, and about 8,000 people visited that day. The main attraction was a huge statue of Jubilation T. Cornpone, a hero from the comic strip. Al Capp himself unveiled the statue. Tickets cost $1.50 for adults and $0.75 for children. In its first year, the park had a railroad, surrey rides, horseback riding, an apiary (where bees are kept), a grist mill tour, a slide, and a petting zoo. Visitors could also fish for trout, and the park's restaurant would cook their catch. Artisans showed how they made things like candles and wood carvings. The park made about $100,000 profit in its first year.
The park hoped to have 400,000 visitors in its first year, but only 300,000 came. Later estimates for attendance varied, but it never reached the very high numbers that were first hoped for.
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Jess Odom Takes Over
After the first year, the owners disagreed about what to do with the profits. So, in October 1968, a businessman named Jess Odom bought most of the shares for $750,000 and took control of the park. Odom had been successful in other businesses. He signed a long-term agreement with Al Capp, allowing the park to use all the Li'l Abner characters and ideas until 1998.
In 1969, the "Old Man Moses Cave" was opened to visitors, though some sources say it wasn't opened until later. The first Miss Dogpatch pageant was also held that year. Former Arkansas Governor Orval Faubus even served as the park's president.
The late 1960s were a popular time for rustic, country-themed entertainment, with TV shows like Green Acres and The Beverly Hillbillies. Another similar park, Silver Dollar City, was also very successful nearby. The Li'l Abner comic strip was in many newspapers, keeping Dogpatch famous.
Dogpatch USA made money in its first few years, and Odom added more things to the park. By 1970, a motel was ready, and a funicular (a type of cable railway) was being built to take guests from the parking lot to the park entrance. In 1971, Odom bought out most of the remaining investors and became the main owner. In 1972, new attractions included an "Animal World" with sea lions and exotic birds, a children's water ride, and a "boat train ride."
In August 1972, Odom announced plans for a sister park, Marble Falls Resort and Convention Center, which would be Arkansas's first ski resort. The two parks were advertised together for year-round fun. The resort opened in late 1972, with ski slopes, a toboggan run, an ice-skating rink, a hotel, and cabins. Odom also opened an Antique Auto Museum.
Dogpatch USA continued to grow. In 1973, new rides included a go-cart track, a scrambler ride, a shooting gallery, a black light maze, and a swinging bridge. More attractions were added in 1974, like a thrill ride called Hairless Joe's Kickapoo Barrel, a bouncing bag, and a replica Native American village.
However, the 1970s brought challenges. Interest rates went up, and an energy crisis meant fewer people traveled. Country-themed TV shows became less popular, and the Li'l Abner comic strip retired in 1977, which meant less free advertising for the park. The mild winters in Arkansas also meant the ski resort couldn't make enough snow, and it struggled. Dogpatch USA's profits weren't enough to support both parks.
In 1976, banks started legal actions because of the park's debts. In 1977, Odom announced that the ski slopes would close for good. Other activities were tried at Marble Falls, like grass skiing and a disco. New attractions at Dogpatch included the Slobbovian Sled Run and Li'l Abner's Space Rocket.
By 1979, Dogpatch USA was spending more money than it was making. Odom tried to sell the park to a group that wanted to turn it into a Bible-themed park, but this didn't happen. New attractions in 1980 included a trained bear show and the Shmoo character from the comic strip.
The very hot summer of 1980 made things worse for the park. In October 1980, the bank took over Dogpatch USA and Marble Falls, and Dogpatch USA filed for bankruptcy. The park was then put up for sale to pay off its debts.
New Owners: OEI
In 1981, a company called Ozarks Entertainment, Inc. (OEI) bought Dogpatch USA. The new general manager, Wayne Thompson, made many changes. He reduced the staff and added new attractions. The park's amphitheater hosted concerts with famous singers like Reba McEntire and Tina Turner.
Thompson also brought in big company sponsors like Coca-Cola and Tyson Foods. Superheroes like Spider-Man and Batman visited the park. Gospel and bluegrass music shows were also popular. Denver Pyle, who played Uncle Jesse on The Dukes of Hazzard, became the park's spokesperson. Dogpatch admission was cheaper than many other theme parks, making it a good value for families.
In 1981, the caves, "Dogpatch Caverns" and "Old Man Moses Cave," were sold back to the Raney family (the original owners of the land). "Dogpatch Caverns" became "Mystic Caverns" again, and "Old Man Moses Cave" was renamed "Crystal Dome." The Crystal Dome was then opened for public tours for the first time.
The ownership of Marble Falls became complicated with many legal issues in the 1980s.
Telcor Takes Over
In 1987, The Entertainment and Leisure Corporation (Telcor) bought most of OEI. Telcor owned other theme parks too. Wayne Thompson, the previous general manager, became president of Telcor. Under his leadership, the park was improved, and a new ride called the "Space Shuttle" was added.
In 1988, Lynn Spradley, who had worked at Dogpatch USA for 14 years, became the general manager. He noted that it was hard to attract visitors because most kids didn't know the Li'l Abner characters anymore, as the comic strip had stopped being published.
Dogpatch USA faced tough competition, especially from Silver Dollar City, which offered similar attractions but on a larger scale. In 1991, due to financial problems, the park changed its approach. It stopped charging a general admission fee. Instead, visitors paid for each ride or attraction separately. The park also decided to stop paying for the Li'l Abner name and characters, and the park's name was changed to Dogpatch, Arkansas.
Dogpatch USA closed its doors for good on October 14, 1993.
After Closing
After the park closed, a bank took over the property because the owner owed money. In December 1994, the park was put up for auction. The new owners, C.L. and Ford Carr, didn't do anything with the park for a while.
In 1988, Debra Nielson started buying parts of the Dogpatch property, including the ski lodge, convention center, and motel. She renamed her area "Serenity Mountain" and opened a bed and breakfast.
In 1997, the U.S. Post Office changed the name of the Dogpatch Post Office back to Marble Falls, its name before 1968.
In 2002, Ford Carr tried to sell the 141-acre site on eBay for at least $1 million, but there were no buyers. In 2005, the property was listed for $5 million, but the price was flexible.
In 2005, a teenager named Pruett Nance was riding an ATV on the property. He had an accident and was seriously hurt. A legal case followed, and the court decided that the park owners had to pay damages. When they didn't pay, the ownership of Dogpatch was given to Pruett Nance, making him the new owner.
Some parts of the Marble Falls property have been brought back to life. Fred Mullins opened an RV Park on the old campgrounds. In 2004, Bob Richards and Randal Phillips bought another part of the property, including the convention center and motel. They reopened it as "The Hub," a resort for motorcycle riders. The Hub closed in 2017.
Bud Pelsor's Ownership
On August 13, 2014, the remaining part of the park was sold to Charles "Bud" Pelsor and his partners for $2 million. Pelsor, who had bought much of the land around the park, planned to reopen it as an ecotourism village. On December 8, 2014, the park was opened to the public for the first time in 21 years. Over 5,000 visitors came that weekend, excited for a future grand opening. Pelsor planned to restore the stream, trout farm, and mill, and feature music and a restaurant. He said the reopened park would be called The Village at Dogpatch.
On February 22, 2015, three buildings on the Dogpatch grounds burned down. No one was hurt.
The park opened to the public again on May 16 and 17, 2015. Music groups performed, and local artists showed and sold their crafts.
In March 2016, Pelsor put the park up for sale for $3 million because his business partner wanted to sell his share. Pelsor said he would be happy to stay as a co-owner if someone bought half the park.
In December 2017, Pelsor announced a deal to lease the park to Heritage USA, Inc., a company owned by David Hare. Hare planned to develop the property into Heritage USA Ozarks Resort at Historic Dogpatch. However, in August 2018, Debra Nielson, who owned the hotel part, filed a lawsuit to remove David Hare from her property. The park became abandoned again. Pelsor said Hare had not paid his lease payments.
In December 2019, Pelsor received a notice that the bank would take over the property because he owed money. He decided to leave the state.
Johnny Morris and Bass Pro Shops
The park was supposed to be auctioned off on March 3, 2020, but the auction was postponed. On June 5, 2020, documents showed that the park had been sold for $1.12 million to a company called Down By the Falls LLC.
By August 2020, the new owner was revealed to be Johnny Morris, who founded Bass Pro Shops. He said he wanted to take his time to restore the park. He didn't share exact plans but said it would be "An ode to the heritage of the Ozarks and the abundant wildlife and natural beauty found here." Dogpatch would join Morris's other nature-focused attractions, like Big Cedar Lodge and Dogwood Canyon Nature Park.
Attractions
Trout Pond - Visitors could rent fishing gear and fish in this pond, which was filled with many fish, making it easy to catch them. People only paid for the fish they caught. The Dogpatch restaurant could cook the fish for guests, or park workers could clean and pack them in ice to take home. This pond was part of a trout farm that the Raney family had operated since the 1930s.
Dogpatch Caverns - This was a nearby show cave that became part of the park. It had been a tourist spot since the 1920s. In 1949, the Raney family bought it and named it Mystic Caverns. When Dogpatch USA bought it in 1966, they renamed it "Dogpatch Caverns." The cave was fixed up to be safer. During the work, a second cave was found next to it. This new cave was named "Old Man Moses Cave" and was kept untouched. Both caves were sold in 1981. "Dogpatch Caverns" went back to being "Mystic Caverns", and "Old Man Moses Cave" was renamed "Crystal Dome." The Crystal Dome was then opened for tours.
Peter Bella Grist Mill - This was a historic mill first built on the property in 1834. It was restored when Dogpatch was built in 1968. After the park closed, it fell into disrepair.
West Po'k Chop Speshul - This was a small train with passenger cars that took guests on a circular track around the park. When it was built, it was the first and only railroad in Newton County, Arkansas.
Cornvention Center - This was a building where musical performances were held.
Frustratin' Flyer - This was a steel Wild Mouse roller coaster. It was installed in 1968 and ran until 1991.
Earthquake McGoon's Brain Rattler - This was a toboggan roller coaster. It was part of the park when it opened in 1968. Since 1993, this ride has been at Little Amerricka amusement park in Marshall, Wisconsin.
Funicular Tram - This tram carried visitors from the parking lot down into the park. It was bought from Switzerland for $250,000. It opened in 1971 and could carry 1,700 guests per hour. As passengers rode down, they heard a short talk about the park over the tram's PA system.
Boat Train Ride - This ride started in 1972. A motorized lead boat, driven by a park employee, pulled other non-motorized boats. The boats traveled up the creek to the Grist Mill and back.
Hairless Joe's Kickapoo Barrel - This was a spinning thrill ride added in 1974.
Barney Barnsmell's Skunk Works - Introduced in 1977, this building was filled with complicated machines, like those designed by Rube Goldberg. The machines were meant to show how homemade soap was made.
Slobbovian Sled Run - This ride was added in 1977. Guests rode on sleds with special runners, like a waterslide but without water.
Li'l Abner's Space Rocket - This ride, added in 1978, was a pretend trip into outer space.
Trash Eaters - The park had special trash cans with huge animal heads that "ate" (sucked) trash from visitors' hands. The heads looked like goats, pigs, and even razorbacks. This fun design encouraged people to throw away their litter.
Dogpatch Cabins - Guests could tour several cabins that were the "homes" of different Li'l Abner characters, like Mammy and Pappy Yokum's house. Some of these cabins were real cabins from other parts of the Ozarks that were moved and rebuilt at the park in 1968.
Dogpatch Auto Drive - These were gas-powered, smaller versions of old "antique" cars, made by Arrow Development. This ride was part of the park when it opened in 1968. There were seven cars in total. The track was made of asphalt with wooden railings.
Images for kids
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Old entrance sign (2008)
