DOCKLEY RANCH
THERE'S HEALING IN THESE HILLS
On 80 enchanting acres just north of the Arkansas line, this little slice of the Missouri Ozarks has it all. Stark rolling vistas surround the mainstage, musical trails lead to a waterfall, and campgrounds settle peacefully into the treeline. Nigerian Dwarf goats and Alpacas serenely meander the grounds under skies that feature stunning sunsets and jaw dropping star-gazing.
HISTORY OF DOCKLEY RANCH
Dockley Ranch was originally the home of Dr. Randy Lea—known around these parts as old Doc Lea. Doc was a Louisianan by birth and by constitution. He loved the outdoors and he could debate you into the wee hours or make you laugh until you fell off your barstool. Doc dreamt of sharing the whimsical magic of these Ozark hills, bubbling spring-fed creeks and mystical wonder of the waterfall grotto with a community of artists, writers, musicians, friends and goats.
Upon his death bed, he bequeathed those dreams to his children. His eldest daughter Claire and her husband, Myke, picked up the mantle of his vision and established Dockley Ranch 2 years later.
The goats arrived first. Then came a few rental cabins. And along came a herd of Alpacas.
As Claire and Myke evolved their city-bred instincts into those of backcountry, homesteading goat farmers, a community of friends, artists, and musicians emerged. Together, they cleared decades of brush from around a stately old White Oak tree which overlooked the original pioneer cabin built in the 1860’s.
That Majestic, 270 year-old tree became the centerpiece for the reformation of the dilapidated old house into a bar, and its astounding natural acoustics informed the placement of a stage just down the hill.
2016 brought Dockley Ranch’s first concert to that stage. Missourians, Oklahomans, and Chicagoans coalesced around the idea of a weeklong music festival deep out here in the woods. We pictured music around campfires, multiple stages, musicians playing along the trail, naturalists and live art.
With little experience in festival planning, it was left to volcanic passion and the bonds of friendship to forge ahead, craft a collective vision and work, sweat, drink beer and play music together until Highlonesome the first kicked off in September of 2022.
Everyone who has been to Highlonnesome will tell you that there is simply no other experience as immersing, intimate, inspiring, and fulfilling. Once you get here, you'll know right away that you will come back here.