This Is The Newest State Park In Arkansas And It Is Incredible

Bordering one of the longest rivers in the world, Arkansas’s newest state park is a life-changing trip for hiking and camping enthusiasts alike.

With more than 100-miles of trails, Mississippi River State Park is a hidden gem. For nearly a century, thousands of visitors have sought out the dramatic riverways, spellbinding wildlife, and delicate ecosystems on display along this 2,320-mile river. Discover an important part of American history, including early 16th-century exploration, transportation during the civil war and a massive boon to power during the 20th century while making unforgettable memories with family and friends.

Cypress Swamp, Natchez Trace, Mississippi

Through a special use permit from the U.S. Forest Service, Arkansas State Parks is developing Mississippi River State Park within the St. Francis National Forest in eastern Arkansas. Arkansas’s newest state park, Mississippi River State Park, will eventually encompass 536 acres.

The Great River Road winds through Mississippi River State Park and the St. Francis National Forest. This national scenic byway follows the Mississippi River for nearly 3,000 miles from its headwaters in the north woods of Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico traveling through 10 states bordering the river. You can follow this road of discovery through diverse histories, cultures and landscapes.

Bear Creek Lake is accessible from Mississippi River State Park. This 625-acre lake was constructed atop Crowley’s Ridge in 1938. Lying within the northern end of the St. Francis National Forest, this USDA Forest Service lake has more than 15 miles or shoreline. Anglers enjoy the lake fishing for largemouth bass, bluegill, red-ear sunfish, and catfish. Wildlife watching opportunities include white-tail deer, squirrel, raccoon, rabbit, wild turkey, and a wide variety of other birds. Two national scenic byways, the Great River Road and the Crowley’s Ridge Parkway, pass over the lake’s dam.

Beaver Pond Swamp is a part of the natural diversity to experience in the St. Francis National Forest. See this natural setting near where the St. Francis River flows into the Mississippi River.

Beech Point Campground at Mississippi River State Park features 17 campsites on a peninsula in beautiful Bear Creek Lake. Each campsite offers a lake view. Two courtesy docks provide campers with additional access to the 625-acre lake.

Tent pads are featured on campsites offering full hookups in the Beech Point Campground at Mississippi River State Park. In addition, tent camping enthusiasts can choose from three Walk-in Tent Sites without hookups.

Bear Creek Lake is a peaceful setting to enjoy the seasonal beauty of Crowley’s Ridge. The unique hardwood forest atop Crowley’s Ridge is prime wildlife and birding habitat. The campsite rental fee is $32 per night. For details on the campground, visit:   http://www.arkansasstateparks.com/news/for-media/display.aspx?id=1593. Nearby are a swim beach, hiking trail, fishing pier, boat ramp, and several picnic areas.


4 Gorgeous Lakes In Arkansas That Are Perfect To Go Fishing

Arkansas’s most incredible lakes and riverways offer an inimitable slice of elevated taste and luxurious amenities fused with award-winning fishing, hiking, and water sports.

For nearly a century, thousands of visitors have sought out the dramatic vistas, spellbinding wildlife, and delicate ecosystems on display in the Ozarks. These Arkansas lakes are perfect for making unforgettable memories, and have been listed in the “Top 100 Best Bass Lakes in America” by Bassmaster Magazine.

Lake Dardanelle

DARDANELLE, ARKANSAS

Surrounded by the natural beauty for which the Arkansas River Valley is known, Lake Dardanelle is a sprawling 34,300-acre reservoir on the Arkansas River. These two water resources combined here have put this area into the national spotlight as a major bass fishing tournament site. Lake Dardanelle State Park offers two areas on the lake: one park site is at Russellville, and the other is located at nearby Dardanelle. Both the Russellville (main park) and Dardanelle locations offer campinglaunch rampsstandard pavilionspicnic sitesrestrooms, and bathhouses with hot showers.

Lake Dardanelle is one of the most accessible and attractive recreation areas in Arkansas. Located about half-way between Little Rock and Fort Smith, the lake stretches some 50 miles as part of the $1.2 billion Arkansas River Navigation System.


Lake Ouachita State Park

MOUNTAIN PINE, ARKANSAS

It’s not often that humans can create something of such extraordinary natural beauty. Surrounded by the Ouachita National Forest, Lake Ouachita is known for its beauty and the clarity of its waters. These pristine waters form the largest man-made lake within Arkansas’s borders. Named one of the cleanest lakes in America, 40,000-acre Lake Ouachita is a water sports mecca for swimmingskiingscuba divingboating, and fishing. Angling for bream, crappie, catfish, stripers, and largemouth bass can be enjoyed in open waters or quiet coves along the lake’s 975 miles of shoreline.

Located just a short drive from the spa city of Hot Springs on the lake’s eastern shore, Lake Ouachita State Park is your gateway to this popular water sports lake.


Millwood Lake

LITTLE RIVER COUNTY, ARKANSAS

Millwood Lake was formed when the state’s longest earthen dam (3.33 miles) was completed across the Little River. Millwood is a renowned fishing lake, with much of its more than 29,000 acres being flooded timber that provides exceptional cover for its wide variety of fish, including largemouth and spotted bass, crappie, white bass, striped bass, channel and flathead catfish and bluegills. Boat lanes lead the way through the timbered waters, and there are 5,000 acres of open water near the dam. Each year, the lake hosts numerous bass fishing tournaments and fishing derbies held by local and out-of-state organizations.


Bull Shoals Lake

NORTHEAST, ARKANSAS

Nestled between the Ozark Mountains, Bull Shoals Lake and the White River below its dam, are one of the top fishing spots in the country. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers project, located in north central Arkansas on the Missouri-Arkansas state line, enjoys a wide reputation for lunker bass fishing along with its twin, Lake Norfork, just to the east. Bull Shoals Dam, completed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1951, is the fifth largest concrete dam in the United States. Including the portion located in Missouri, the lake totals some 45,500 surface acres. Almost 1,000 miles of rugged shoreline is open to visitors and 60,000 acres of public land provide a variety of opportunities.

Over 20 parks developed through the cooperative efforts of local, state and federal agencies are located on the lake shore. Commercial docks on the lake have boats, motors and guides for hire. Scrappy large-mouth bass, spotted bass and white bass abound in the lake, along with crappie, channel cat, bream and walleye.


These Enchanting Gardens In Arkansas Look Straight Out Of A Fairytale

Gardens are unique creations, reflecting not only the landscape, flora, and climate of their environments but also the heritage, the history, and cultures that made them.

 This spring, escape the hustle and bustle of busy life by exploring some of the region’s most beautiful gardens.

Moss Mountain Farm

LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS

Carved into the side of a bluff overlooking the Arkansas River is a hidden gem. Moss Mountain Farm, which The New York Times hails as a “stunning estate,” is an epicenter for promoting the local food movement, organic gardening and the preservation of heritage poultry breeds. Garden tours are also available for guests who are looking to learn more.

While thousands of miles from the Isle de France, Mr. Smith’s implementation of the Ferme Ornée form at Moss Mountain similarly renders the guest experience as one of leisure, beauty, nature and wonder. Above the rolling hills of the Natural State, herbs, vegetables, fruit trees, perennials, annuals, pastures, roses, and ancient trees comprise the landscape surrounding the visitor and are always within touch and view.

This piece of paradise is a template for environmental sensitivity and was conceived from its genesis as an estate beyond the aesthetic.

The Farm is also a living, teaching classroom for responsible gardeners and farmers from around the world. Moss Mountain Farm is home to important conservancies for rare roses and at-risk poultry. By choosing Moss Mountain, you assist us with our important conservation work and support our education programs for children, families, and preservationists.


Garvan Woodland Gardens

HOT SPRINGS, ARKANSAS

Nestled in the picturesque Ouachita Mountains of Southwest Arkansas, this 210 acre garden offers an impressive display and welcomes spring with true dramatic flair.

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Garvan Woodland Gardens is an example of The Natural State at its best: a canopy of pines reaching skyward providing protection for delicate flora and fauna, gentle lapping waves that unfold along the 4 ½ miles of wooded shoreline, and rocky inclines that remind us of the surrounding Ouachita Mountains.

Garvan Woodland Gardens has a spectacular bulb meadow that is famed for its tulips. Guests not only enjoy an environmentally-responsible venue, they also enjoy their time at one of the most unique and picturesque properties in the region.

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Named in honor of the Gardens’ benefactress, Verna Cook Garvan, the Garvan Pavilion stands as the centerpiece of the 210-acre botanical garden. The stunning open-air redwood and sandstone structure features a one-of-a-kind, faceted steel and glass ceiling centered around a classical oculus. This traditional ‘window in the ceiling’ serves as the focal point of a flower-like composition unfolding overhead. A wonderful complement to its woodland surroundings.


Wye Mountain Flowers & Berries

PULASKI, ARKANSAS

Nestled within the mountain valleys of Central Arkansas is a relaxing oasis filled with diverse plant life.

Wye Mountain Flowers and Berries is a picturesque 18 acre farm that produces nearly 40 different varieties of annual and perennial flowers including zinnias, daffodils, sunflowers, and lilies.


The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks

FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS

The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks features 12 themed gardens & Arkansas’ only butterfly house, with landscaped grounds where four seasons of native flora and fauna thrive. Check the calendar for events including free summer concerts, the popular Firefly Fling family festival, cocktail parties, adult classes, Little Sprouts educational programs & more!

The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks regularly hosts education programs including workshops, classes, and lectures for adults in horticulture, conservation, and other topics of interest to gardeners of all skill levels and others who admire the beauty and science of the natural world.

Photo Courtesy of Jo Johnson Photography

 Regularly voted the “Best Place to Get Married” in Northwest Arkansas, the garden is a unique and enchanting venue for events of all kinds.


8 Ways to Celebrate Easter in the Ozarks this Spring

Celebrate Easter in a big way this year with an assortment of family-friendly events in the Ozarks.

Easter

3rd Annual Osage Beach Easter Egg Hunt

LAKE OF THE OZARKS

A fun filled family event including egg hunts for 4 different age groups, local 4-H animal displays, face painters, and bounce houses.

April 15, 2017

11:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Osage Beach City Park
950 Hatchery Road
Osage Beach Missouri 65065

Phone: 573-302-2000

Website:  http://www.osagebeach-mo.gov/index.aspx?nid=950

 


Hollister Easter Egg Hunt

BRANSON, MISSOURI

Join us Saturday, April 15, at noon for an Easter Egg Hunt in Hollister!

Bring the children and Easter baskets and buckets! There will be face painting, inflatables, a duck pond, and much more. Festivities can be moved inside in case of rain.

April 15, 2017

Phone: 417-334-3050

Hollister High School Football Field
2112 State Hwy BB Hollister, MO 65672

Website:  http://www.explorebranson.com/family-friendly/hollister-easter-egg-hunt

 


Easter at Orchards Park

BENTONVILLE, ARKANSAS

Join Bentonville Parks & Recreation along with Arvest Bank for a fun filled afternoon at Orchards Park! Activities begin at 2:00pm with fun inflatables for the kids as well as several food vendors. At 3:00pm, our egg hunt will begin with over 40,000 eggs. There will be 3 separate egg hunts broken up into age groups for children 12 and under.

April 15, 2017

Begins at 2:00pm

Downtown Activity Center: 215 SW A Street Community Center: 1101 SW Citizens Circle

Website:  http://www.bentonvillear.com/departments/parks-and-recreation/upcoming-events/easter-at-orchards-park/

Timeline:

1:00pm-Children with Special Needs Egg Hunt

2:00pm-Inflatable & Food Vendors

2:30pm-Egg Hunt (Ages 7-12)

3:00pm-Egg Hunt (Ages 4-6)

3:30pm-Egg hunt (Ages 0-3)


Easter Egg Hunt

WEST PLAINS, MISSOURI

An exciting annual Easter Egg hunt featuring activities for all ages!

Civic Center

April 14, 2017

10:00 a.m.

West Plains Civic Center
110 St. Louis St.
West Plains, MO

Website:  http://wpchamber.com/event/easter-egg-hunt/?instance_id=12019


Easter Egg Hunt in the Park

LAKE OF THE OZARKS

On Easter Sunday the Laurie Easter egg hunt attracts children from tots to teens to find 14,000 eggs “hidden” throughout the fair grounds.

The Easter Bunny always makes an appearance to the delight of everyone.

April 16, 2017

2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Laurie Fairgrounds
134 N Fairgrounds Road
Laurie MO 65037

Phone: 573-374-8776

Website:  http://www.funlake.com/10th-annual-easter-egg-hunt-in-the-park

 

Easter 2017

Top of the Rock Easter Brunch Buffet

BIG CEDAR LODGE

Join us at Osage Restaurant to experience an unforgettable Easter Brunch. Our Culinary Team will prepare plenty of traditional favorites along with a few surprises. Adults: $46.95; Children (4-12 years): $18.95. Children three and under are complimentary. Offered on Sunday, April 16th from 9:30am-2:00pm.

Reservations required.

April 16, 2017

150 Top of the Rock Rd Ridgedale, MO 65739

Phone: 417-335-2777

Website:  http://www.bigcedar.com/dining-en.html

 


Easter Brunch at Chateau on the Lake

BRANSON, MISSOURI

At Chateau on the Lake, we love Easter time and have dining specials that will make your festivities extra delightful! Enjoy a leisurely brunch at Chateau Grille from 10:30 am to 3:00 pm to include breakfast items, carved meats, salads, fruits, dessert and much more!

April 15, 2017

415 N State HWY 265 Branson, MO 65616

Phone: 417-334-1161

Website:  http://www.explorebranson.com/food-drink/easter-brunch-chateau-lake


Easter Cruise on the Landing Princess

BRANSON, MISSOURI

Main Street Lake Cruises

Enjoy lunch with a view of Lake Taneycomo! Your Easter meal will include: tossed mandarin orange salad, roasted turkey and baked ham, mashed potatoes & gravy, stuffing, seasonal vegetables, dinner rolls, and dessert. Tea, coffee, soda and water will also be included.

Price is $57.00 + tax (adult or child)

Historic Downtown Branson

April 16, 2017

11:00 pm – 2:00 pm

9 South Boardwalk Branson, MO 65616

Phone: 417-239-3980

Website: http://www.explorebranson.com/general-events/easter-cruise-landing-princess-0