The World Champion Squirrel Cook Off is set to fill the air with sizzling aromas and friendly competition on Saturday, Sept. 12, at the J.B. and Johnelle Hunt Family Ozark Highlands Nature Center in Springdale. Since its return in 2023, the cook off has become a one-day gathering where hunters, outdoor aficionados, and anyone curious about creative cooking with squirrel meat find common ground amid smoke and spice.
The event begins mid-morning at 3400 N. 40th Street and runs throughout the day, offering families a unique opportunity to see cooking teams work their craft while sampling a variety of squirrel dishes served up alongside other hearty fare. The contest challenges teams not only to impress a panel of judges with the taste and presentation of their dishes but also to share their recipes and stories with the public. For parents looking to entertain kids who aren’t yet ready for adventurous eats, there are usually kid-friendly options and plenty of space for running around in the surrounding nature center grounds.
The cook off originated in Northwest Arkansas back in 2012, thanks to Joe Wilson, a regional personality who brings an authentic passion for this niche culinary tradition. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission helped revive the event post-pandemic, formalizing a partnership with Wilson to host it again at the Hunt Family Nature Center. JJ Gladden, assistant chief of the AGFC’s Education Division, says, “It’s just a natural fit for us to partner with Joe, who started the cook off in 2012 and always held it right here in Northwest Arkansas.”
The cook off is a celebration of a uniquely regional ingredient—squirrel meat—which has long played a role in Arkansas’s hunting and outdoor heritage. For many, the event offers a chance to reconnect with local food traditions rooted in forest foraging and hunting, while for others, it’s simply an entertaining day to explore unusual flavors and meet people who appreciate outdoor culture.
Participating teams range from experienced hunters who know how to prepare squirrel with finesse to food enthusiasts keen on experimenting with spices, sauces, and creative presentations. Dishes often include fried squirrel, stews, squirrel sausage, or even squirrel tacos. Attendees will want to arrive hungry and ready to try small samples that reflect the creativity and skill of each team.
Beyond the cooking competition, the atmosphere pulses with camaraderie and storytelling. The scent of wood smoke lingers as families sit beneath the tall trees surrounding the nature center, sampling dishes and chatting with the cooks. It’s a chance for kids to learn about wildlife and for adults to share tips on hunting, preparation, and conservation.
Admission to the event is typically modest, with sample tickets or plates available for purchase to accommodate families and casual visitors alike. For parents planning a day out, consider packing sunscreen and water, along with comfortable shoes for walking through the roughly 120-acre grounds of the nature center, where trails and outdoor exhibits are open for exploration.
The World Champion Squirrel Cook Off also offers a chance to support local organizations dedicated to wildlife education and conservation in Benton County. Proceeds often benefit the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s programs that teach Arkansas residents about outdoor ethics and natural habitats, nurturing future generations of hunters and nature lovers.
This event holds a distinct place in Northwest Arkansas’s calendar, bridging generations of outdoors enthusiasts and curious palates. If you’re intrigued by the idea of a cook off that moves beyond the ordinary barbecue or burger festival, this Springdale gathering offers something genuinely rooted in place and tradition.
For families, the cook off isn’t just about the unusual main ingredient. It’s about sharing a day outdoors with other people who appreciate the connection between land, food, and culture. Kids will get the chance to watch skilled cooks prepare dishes live, maybe take a turn learning how to season a pan, and most likely leave with stories of their own to tell about the day they sampled squirrel on a sunny afternoon in Springdale.
Source: NWA Democrat Gazette
