The Newly Renovated Howard Knob County Park, also known as Howard's Knob Park, reopened to the public in July 2026.  Howard Knob County Park is the only county park featured amazing views of Downtown Boone.  Here is the High Country Host Regional Visitor Center Staff guide and answers to frequently asked questions about Howard Knob County Park.

• Where is the park located? 
  Howard Knob County Park is a short 5 minute drive from downtown Boone.  You will meander a steep road through a local neighborhood to reach the gate. GPS directions work well to get you to the park.
  
  
• When is the park open?
  The park is open daily, 8:30am-7:30pm, May-October.  The park closes during the winter months due to its high elevation and steep drive to the entrance that can cause icy, windy, unsafe conditions.
  
  
• What is there to do at the park?
  The park features a covered picnic area with grills and benches, uncovered picnic tables with grills, a grassy knoll for lounging, and a short path to the skywalk viewing area.
  
  
• Are there bathrooms?
  Yes, there are 2-3 port-a-johns conveniently located at the main parking area. There are no plumbed bathrooms, or water fountains on site.
  
  
• What is the skybridge overlook?
  The newly created ADA accessible skybridge overlook was part of a major renovation completed in 2026. The skybridge offers a panoramic view of downtown Boone from an elevation of 4,396 feet.  It is the easiest way to get an amazing mountain view near downtown Boone!
  
  
• Did the park used to have a windmill?
  Yes!  Howards Knob used to be home to the world's largest windmill. Dedicated on July 11, 1979, the massive structure was an experimental wind turbine known as the MOD-1. It was built as a joint venture between NASA, the U.S. Department of Energy, and General Electric to research renewable energy during the 1970s OPEC oil crisis.  The windmill was removed in 1983 due to sound pollution, television signal interference and inconsistent wind.  You can no longer see any part of the windmill on Howard Knob.