These Enchanting State Parks In Arkansas Are Breathtaking In Winter

Arkansas’s most incredible state parks offer an inimitable slice of elevated taste and luxurious amenities fused with a winning combination of extravagance, excellence, and excitement.

For nearly a century, thousands of visitors have sought out the dramatic vistas, spellbinding wildlife, and delicate ecosystems on display in Arkansas’s state parks. These unforgettable getaways offer an immersive nature experience combined with endless outdoor activities.

Petit Jean State Park

MORRILTON, ARKANSAS

Petit Jean State Park is an Arkansas icon, a state natural and historic treasure that has welcomed travelers over the decades. The natural beauty and ancient geology of legendary Petit Jean Mountain inspired the creation of Arkansas’s first state park, and with it our state park system.

Hiking trails lead through forests, canyons, meadows, and along streams and mountainside. See where nature over time formed sheer bluffs, Cedar Falls, and the Seven Hollows, such distinctive features as Bear Cave, the Grotto, and the Natural Bridge, and other formations sculpted geometrically by nature called Turtle Rocks and Carpet Rocks.

Queen Wilhelmina State Park

MENA, ARKANSAS

A spectacular mountaintop setting. Breathtaking panoramic mountain scenery. Royal hospitality. Queen Wilhelmina State Park is this, and more. The park’s crowning attraction is its renowned hostelry, a historic lodging tradition born in 1898 with the original “Castle in the Sky” resort that graced this same lofty locale high above the Ouachita Mountains over 100 years ago.

Devils Den State Park

WEST FORK, ARKANSAS

Nestled deep in an Ozark valley, Devil’s Den leads backpackers deep into the hills and hollows of the rugged scenic Ozarks. While the park has a spectacular natural setting, the modern amenities enhance the experience and make it welcoming for everyone.

This valley in the renowned Ozark Mountains, ancient sedimentary mountains renowned for their natural beauty and lush oak-hickory forest, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Seventeen fully-equipped cabins featuring kitchens and fireplaces are nestled in the natural beauty of this park.

 Mount Nebo State Park

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 camping, launch ramps, standard pavilions, picnic sites, restrooms, and bathhouses with hot showers.

Mount Magazine State Park

PARIS, ARKANSAS

Mount Magazine State Park is on the state’s tallest mountain, the 2,753-foot Mount Magazine. Sweeping vistas of broad river valleys, deep canyons, and distant mountains welcome outdoor enthusiasts to Arkansas’s highest point.

The park is a place to enjoy hiking, sightseeing, exploring the mountain and nature study. It’s also a destination for outdoor sports and extreme adventure enthusiasts that offers rock climbing, rappelling, hang gliding, mountain biking, horseback riding, backpacking, and ATV adventure. An ATV guide service is available.

Mount Magazine is the state park system’s most dramatic location for technical rock climbing. The park also offers overlooks, hiking trails, a picnic area with restrooms, pavilion, and visitor center with an interactive exhibit gallery and gift shop. Park interpreters lead a variety of programs that highlight the mountain’s natural diversity and unique species.

Lake Ouachita State Park

MOUNTAIN PINE, ARKANSAS

Surrounded by the Ouachita National Forest, Lake Ouachita is known for its scenic natural beauty and the clarity of its waters. These pristine waters form the largest manmade lake within Arkansas’s borders. Named one of the cleanest lakes in America, 40,000-acre Lake Ouachita is a water sports mecca for swimming, skiing, scuba diving, boating, 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.

 

These Rare Arctic Birds Are Being Spotted All Over Missouri This Winter

Native to the high Arctic tundra and northernmost stretches of Alaska, Northern Canada, and Eurasia, record-breaking populations of migrating Snowy Owls have taken refuge across the state of Missouri.

The region combines spectacular scenery and diverse habitats for migrating Snowy Owls, from rolling hills and lush meadows to forested slopes and ancient mountain peaks. These nomadic birds prefer treeless and wide-open spaces, making Missouri’s vast stretches of rolling terrain and open pasture optimal for hunting. Although, well-adapted for life north of the Arctic Circle, and colored for camouflage during northern winters, migrating Snowy Owls rarely make an appearance in the Midwest.

 The sudden rise in numbers signifies a food shortage in the arctic range, Snowy Owls last appeared in Missouri and Kansas in noticeable numbers during the winter of 2011-2012.

“This is an irruption likely tied to a drop in the lemming population in the Arctic this summer and fall,” said Mark Robbins, an ornithologist at the University of Kansas who also works with Audubon Christmas Bird Counts in Missouri.

“In their arctic habitat, they forage in grasslands and tundra for lemmings, ptarmigan, and waterfowl. They rely especially on lemmings, and when populations of those rodents are high, snowy owl populations rise. When lemming populations crash, the owls move south in search of prey.” – Missouri Dept. of Conservation

If you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of these beautiful birds while they are migrating, Snowy Owls prefer extensive agriculture fields and terrain devoid of trees which closely resemble the Arctic tundra they are accustomed to. They can be 20-25 inches long with wingspans of 4 1/2 to 5 feet. Many juvenile birds have a darker coloring and may look even blackish. The Snowy Owl is a patient hunter that perches and waits to identify its prey before soaring off in pursuit, so they are commonly seen perched on high points such as fences, telephone poles, and the tops of buildings.

 

This Scenic Train Ride In Arkansas Looks Straight Out Of A Fairytale

The romantic journey on this whimsical scenic railway within Northwest Arkansas—in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, to the hill station in the historic town of Eureka Springs—offers spectators a glimpse of 1.2 million acres of pristine untouched wilderness, all from a 20th-century locomotive.

While the golden age of rail travel might seem like a reminiscence of the past, Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway is a reminder of what it means to experience luxury at a leisurely pace. Disembark on a journey recalling the golden era of rail travel while admiring the natural beauty of Northwest Arkansas.

The journey begins in the charming Victorian resort village of Eureka Springs in Northwest Arkansas. Awarded “30 Most Beautiful Towns in America” by Expedia, it is a place with its own culture and lifestyle. The city is famous for its steep winding streets lined with Victorian-style cottages and manors.

Awarded “2014 Best Small Town in Arkansas” by AAA Southern Traveler, you’ll discover specialty shops featuring local crafts, antiques, the works of local artists, and standard Ozark tourist fare. The downtown area also features various coffee shops and sidewalk cafés. More than 20 art galleries in the downtown area will keeps art lovers entranced for hours. A city-maintained trolley service provides transportation around town for those who prefer not to drive.

The old commercial section of the city has an alpine character, with an extensive streetscape of well-preserved Victorian buildings, primarily constructed of local stone.

Steeped in history, the area has provided shelter to prehistoric Native American Indian tribes, solace to wealthy business tycoons, and is a haven for outdoor adventure seekers.

 

The quaint 20th century train station promises to transport visitors back in time with its historic collection of antiquities and steam locomotives.

Explore the local gift shop to take home a memorable souvenir or a piece of history.

The conductor will narrate the scene as you leisurely pass through the Ozark Mountains and surrounding National Forest.

It’s worth booking tickets in the train’s luxury dining car, which provides a more intimate and down-tempo experience. All entreés are accompanied by the chef’s gourmet soup and salad, fresh baked rolls, rice pilaf, mixed vegetables with hollandaise and Flaming Baked Alaska.

Disembark on a journey recalling the golden era of rail travel while winding through the untouched beauty of Northwest Arkansas.

Ticket prices begin at only $16.00 each.

Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway will reopen next season in 2018, make sure to book tickets ahead of time to reserve your date!

These 7 Christmas Light Displays In The Ozarks Are Absolutely Magical

If you’re looking for a holiday getaway that captures the feel of a quintessential winter wonderland, look no further than these magical Christmas light displays in the Ozarks.

With amenities for the whole family—from horse-drawn wagon rides and plentiful shopping to exquisite dining and lodging—these beautiful winter festivities will create everlasting memories of a lifetime.

Silver Dollar City

BRANSON, MISSOURI

Silver Dollar City presents one of the most spectacular light displays in the United States. Totaling over 6.5 million lights, this 1800s-themed park draws more than 400,000 people to its annual holiday of lights celebration!

The Christmas In Midtown Light Spectacular will surround you with awe-inspiring scenes and lighted displays on the sides and tops of buildings and even in the air as a canopy of heavenly angels fly overhead. Encompassing the center of the city, from the Wilderness Blacksmith Shop to Bears At The Holler, past the corkscrew over to Valley Woodcarvers and back to Grandfather’s Mansion…you will be in awe of the single largest lighting expansion to date over the past 2 decades of the festival.

This comes in addition to all of the incredible shows, thrilling rides, and holiday shopping & dining that makes Silver Dollar City one of the world’s most awarded Christmas events!

Hailed as “The Most Illuminated Park On Earth” by the Travel Channel.

Voted “Best Theme Park Holiday Event” by USA Today’s 10 Best, you’ll discover the most incredible Christmas celebration with live entertainment, a total of more than 6.5 million lights, 1,000 decorated Christmas trees, two Broadway-style productions, a nightly parade, and more!

Silver Dollar City is a Christmas shopper’s dream with 60 storefronts featuring unique gifts and one-of-a-kind treasures for everyone on your list. And once the shopping is done, it is the only place where you and your family can stay and play for the rest of the day!

 Lights of the Ozarks

FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS

The Lights of the Ozarks celebrates 20 years of holiday cheer.  For a classic winter treat, grab your coat and don your mittens for a horse-drawn carriage ride through town while listening to traditional holiday tunes. Warm up with fresh hot chocolate and explore the spectacular display of a half-million twinkling lights!

Photo Courtesy of Josue Enriquez

This holiday celebration of lights in Fayetteville begins on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, and concludes on New Year’s Eve.

 Christmas Forest Tree Lighting Ceremony

EUREKA SPRINGS, ARKANSAS

More than 30 trees will adorn the holiday focal point of the Crescent Hotel’s nearly 15 acres. An event to raise money for local charities, the annual Christmas Forest Lighting Ceremony is a community wide decoration event that allows votes/collections with all money raised going directly to the charity. The top three nominees receive an additional bonus from the Crescent and Basin Park Family.

 The Trail of Lights at Shepherd of the Hills

BRANSON, MISSOURI

Home to the famous outdoor theatre, the 160-acre Shepherd of the Hills Homestead transforms into a holiday paradise, complete with a 230-foot-tall Christmas tree (otherwise known as the Inspiration Tower).

Rated by the Travel Channel as one of the “top five drive through Christmas displays in the U.S.”, the Trail of Lights features a series of story-telling animated characters surrounded with millions of Christmas lights.

 Promised Land Zoo

BRANSON, MISSOURI

Branson’s Promised Land Zoo is home to the area’s longest drive-through light display. Drive through a two-mile display of twinkling lights and displays. See Santa and real live reindeer on display and available for photos nightly. Explore the Christmas Village with Living Nativity Petting Zoo, Christmas movies, and a fully-stocked Gift Shop!

Each admission includes many wonderful activities, but if you are looking to get closer to the animals and the Christmas Spirit, you should opt for all new Santa’s Safari VIP Tour where one of Santa’s helpers will take you on a guided tour through the lights and the animals! You will even have VIP+ encounters with sloths, lemurs, kittens, and owls available for those who want to experience even more!

The Zoo is also home to the region’s only live reindeer herd, giving patrons the opportunity to pet, feed, and take photos with the Sven, Rudolph, Prancer, and more!

 Bagwell Lights

SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI

Nominated as a contender on ABC’s “The Great Christmas Light Flight”, this drive-through light display in Springfield is a must-see!

Set your radio to 105.5 FM. and enjoy the show as the music syncs with the twinkling light display! Located in south Springfield’s Brentwood neighborhood, the lights will be displayed throughout the winter season (check their Facebook page for more information regarding display hours and directions).

The Bagwell display is very popular, so be prepared for a crowd on weekend nights. Lines tend to form, so in past years Bagwell has asked light-peepers to turn around at Field Elementary, on Luster Avenue near Barataria Street. This keeps traffic from backing up onto Battlefield Road. Be a polite driver; the car turning in front of you may be a resident of the neighborhood.

Keep in mind: If it’s rainy out, the inflatables and the train may be turned off for electrical safety.

 Arkansas State Capitol

LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS

Following the Big Jingle Jubilee Holiday Parade (Dec. 2 at 3 p.m.) in downtown Little Rock, the State Capitol will be illuminated in its annual holiday display at 6 p.m. Santa Claus will help lead the festivities, which include fireworks, music, and children’s activities. And don’t forget to take in the magnificent Rockefeller pine tree and elegant decorations in the Capitol building’s rotunda.

5 Lovely Christmas Tree Farms In Missouri That Are Perfect For A Winter Day

Make long-lasting holiday memories this winter season by visiting one of these charming Midwest Farms.

One of the hallmark experiences of the holiday season is piling the family in the car, taking a one-tank-trip to a local farm, and finding the perfect tree for your home. These beautiful Missouri farms cultivate as many memories as trees with a variety of winter activities including sleigh rides, hay rides, light displays, and more!

Schweizer Orchards

ST. JOSEPH, MISSOURI

Nestled in the scenic bluffs overlooking the Missouri River, this gorgeous 86 acre farm has been in operation for over 100 years.

Come spend the day in the outdoors. Enjoy the fresh air, wildlife, and take home a high quality real tree. Schweizer Orchards has White Pine and Scotch Pine fields where you can cut your own tree down, or choose from a variety of pre-cut trees.

Warm up inside with hot apple cider or hot cocoa while they shake, wrap, drill, and load your tree!

Pea Ridge Forest Christmas

HERMANN, MISSOURI

Set in the rolling hills along the Missouri River, Pea Ridge Forest began as a small Christmas tree farm over 70 years ago, and is one of the largest choose-and-cut Christmas tree farms in Missouri.

The farm grows Scotch and White pine, as well as, Norway spruce and will provide a saw to make quick work of your choice. Once you have picked out your tree, they will shake and bale your tree to reduce needle drop and to make transportation easy. Back at the barn, the warm fire in the massive stone fireplace will warm you as enjoy homemade baked goods, warm drinks, kettle corn, and, perhaps, a little wine from the local wineries.

Start with a relaxing drive through the beautiful rolling hills surrounding the Missouri River. When you arrive, you and your family will enjoy a hayride to and from the growing fields where you will select just-the-right live Christmas tree and cut it yourself.

Santa will be there to greet the kids on the weekends and the farm’s holiday shop will be packed with wonderful ornaments from all over the world as well as handmade wreaths and bows.

peardge1

Choose from a diverse selection of evergreen and deciduous trees which are wholesaled as balled and burlapped trees to landscape companies and retail garden centers.

Ozark Valley Christmas Tree Farm

SOUTHWEST CITY, MISSOURI

In the foothills of the Boston Mountains, Ozark Valley Christmas Tree Farm offers a superlative combination of winter festivities. A gift shop serves up winter treats, which are a perfect snack while exploring the many activities throughout the farm.

Cut your own Christmas tree, take a hay ride, choose a fresh wreath, pick up some unique gifts in the gift shop, make crafts with your kids in the barn, get your family pictures taken by the on-site photographer, drink hot chocolate, enjoy the Christmas lights, have a sweet treat, and make memories!

Pumpkins and Pines

PLEASANT HILL, MISSOURI

This well-loved farm is one of the most popular winter destinations near Kansas City.

With over 14,000 Scotch, Red, Austrian and White Pine Christmas Trees and pre-cut Fraser fir, Canaan fir, Balsam fir, Concolor fit, and Blue Spruce Christmas Trees, Pumpkins and Pines is one of the top destinations for cut-and-choose Christmas trees.

Enjoy the many free activities on the farm including hay rides and hot chocolate while they shake, bale, and attach your tree to your car.

Visit their Christmas shop warmed by a vintage wood stove and enjoy the many selections of handmade wreaths, treats, decorations, and gifts.

Country Pines Christmas Tree Farm

WRIGHT CITY, MISSOURI

This scenic farm has been in operation for over 30 years, and it’s the perfect place to enjoy the picturesque backdrops and quaint countryside this Winter.

In addition to their wide selection of Christmas trees, you can shop at their heated gift shop filled with Christmas decorations, ornaments, beautifully decorated trees, homemade treats, and handcrafted live wreaths! Also, try their hot spiced cinnamon apple cider and hot cocoa.

The Christmas tree shop & lot will be open November 18, 2017 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on the weekends, and 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. on the weekdays.

Visit their website for more information.

Warm up inside the heated gift shop, where the staff will give you helpful Christmas tree decorating tips.

If you are interested in stopping by at a time not listed, feel free to contact them to make an appointment.

10 Things to Experience in the Ozarks This Winter

Experience the winter season in the Ozarks, with traditional and delightful holiday events that fill the air with anticipation and excitement. Whether you’re home for the holidays or are traveling, the Ozarks invites you to join the seasonal festivities and spread holiday cheer.

An Old Time Christmas

Silver Dollar City

December 14, 2016-December 30, 2016

399 Silver Dollar City Parkway Branson, MO 65616

Website:  http://www.explorebranson.com/festivals-fairs/old-time-christmas

OVERVIEW

Silver Dollar City presents one of the nation’s most acclaimed Christmas festivals hosting a variety of festivities including:

•Rudolph’s Holly Jolly™ Christmas Light Parade, led by the most famous reindeer of all, with musical lighted floats with 200,000 lights accompanied by 33 costumed characters

•Two original musical productions: It’s a Wonderful Life, adapted from the Frank Capra classic, and the acclaimed production A Dickens’ Christmas Carol

•The Christmas on Main Street light & sound show featuring the 5-Story Special Effects Christmas Tree

•5 million lights, holiday shows, a musical Living Nativity, rides, shopping, and dining

Ozark Mountain Christmas Lights & Village

Branson-Springfield Area

December 14, 2016-December 30, 2016

558 Buena Vista Branson, MO 65616

417-335-8860

Website:  http://www.ozarkmountainchristmaslights.com/

OVERVIEW

Immerse yourself in thousands of glittering light displays by horse-drawn carriage with your family and friends to celebrate the holiday season. Afterwards, explore the Christmas Village (Thursday – Sunday nights) and experience the beautifully-decorated 6,000 square foot Christmas marquee filled with sweet holiday aromas; sounds of Christmas; The North Pole Express Train ride; “Selfies with Santa”; crafts; Holiday Treats and flavors and so much more!

Over 12 ways to create a memory of a lifetime at the Ozark Mountain Christmas Lights & Village!

Tour includes tuning into a Christmas music station to feel the sounds of Christmas while driving by the displays.


The 12 Memories of Ozark Mountain Christmas Lights & Village

1. New Location: Magical Mile of amazing light displays with music by North Pole Productions

2. Light tour in a Clydesdale horse-drawn carriage or wagon

3. Light tour in a two-seater scooter

4. Photos with the Clydesdale horses

5. North Pole Express: Kids & adults Christmas train ride

6. Animated Life-Size Nativity Scene (Free)

7. Christmas story-telling at a campfire (Free)

8.Family Photos by professional photographer

9. Selfies With Santa (Free)

10. Gourmet Hot Chocolate and Cider

11. Fresh made Kettle corn / Bavarian nuts / Food choices available

12. Hilarious Cacklin’ animated chickens sing Christmas songs (Free)

Springfield Ballet’s The Nutcracker

Landers Theatre

311 E. Walnut Street – Springfield, MO 65807

Admission: $18-$65

(417) 862-1343

Website: http://springfieldballet.org/Tickets

OVERVIEW

 Springfield Ballet is celebrating its 40th anniversary by introducing a brand new design, directed by Roger LaVoie. Immerse yourself in the magic and the excitement as this year’s production features a new set–unveiled for the first time! You and your family will be awed and inspired by the breathtaking new details that will heighten the beloved story of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince. Follow along as they dash from an extravagant Christmas party to a fierce battle with the evil Mouse Queen, then on a magical journey through the Land of Snow and Kingdom of Sweets. Celebrate this holiday tradition with Springfield Ballet and the ones you love!

Hughes Brothers Christmas Show

Hughes Brothers Theatre

December 19, 2016-December 31, 2016

3425 West 76 Country Blvd Branson, MO 65616

Website: http://www.hughesbrotherschristmasshow.com/

OVERVIEW

Awarded Best Christmas Show 8 years in a row by BransonShowAwards.com

USA Today says, “The Hughes Brothers Show owns the title of World’s Largest Performing Family!”

During Nov. and Dec. step back in time as the Hughes Brothers -Marty, Jason, Ryan, Adam & Andy- and their families create a Christmas wonderland filled with the season’s best vocal harmonies, exciting dances, inspiring instrumentals, and of course, the charm that everyone loves about these five multi-talented brothers. The show is filled with festive surprises, extraordinary performances, and treasured family traditions. You’ll see Santa in a new light when he explains the symbols of Christmas in the most moving Christmas presentation you’ve ever witnessed.

It’s a triumph of everything you want to feel at Christmas time!

C-Street Lights Up the Holidays!

C-Street Historic District

Commercial St. between Washington Ave. and Grant Ave. – Springfield, MO 65803

Free Admission

Recurring daily now through Dec 25, 2016.

5:00pm – 9:00pm

Website: https://www.facebook.com/HistoricCStreet

OVERVIEW

Explore a winter wonderland of over 10,000 twinkling lights and displays this holiday at Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park!

Festival of Lights

Downtown Springfield

Occurring at various downtown locations

Recurring daily now through Dec 31, 2016.

(417) 864-1105

Website: http://www.itsalldowntown.com/

OVERVIEW

Join this ongoing celebration of the winter holidays featuring fireworks, free ice skating, light displays, and more!

New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball

Springfield-Branson Area (Savoy Ballroom)

December 31, 2016

8:00pm – 1:00am

Address: 224 E. Commercial Street – Springfield, MO

(417) 869-6789

Website: http://www.cstreetsavoy.com/events.html

OVERVIEW

Combination of Live and DJ’ed entertainment featuring the Bel Airs! Midnight revelry, complimentary champagne, countdown to midnight ends with our signature ballroom drop, where the balloons hold over $1,000 in cash and prizes!

Winter Solstice Tour

Smallin Civil War Cave

Recurring daily beginning Dec 14, 2016 through Dec 28, 2016.

Admission: $16.95 Adult ticket, $8.95 Children (4-12 years old)

(417) 551-4545

Website: http://www.smallincave.com

OVERVIEW

Winter Solstice Mystery: The Sun’s Alignment With An Ancient Petroglyph Inside Smallin Civil War Cave 300 feet inside of the shadowy 10-story wide arched entrance of Smallin Civil War Cave, lies a mystery. Carved on the side of a huge flowstone formation named “The Indian Ladder”, a strange petroglyph could be a silent legacy left by ancient Native American astronomers.

During the shortest days of the year (December 14th through December 28th), a remarkable phenomenon occurs at the entrance of Smallin Cave. Due to the winter tilt of the Earth and the south-facing position of the massive entrance of the cave, the rays of winter sunshine stream far back into Smallin’s depths. Reflecting on the floor and the walls of the cave, the morning rays of sunlight shine across the sun-shaped petroglyph (sometimes known as a “sun-glyph”), and cause the cave to take on a remarkable glow at around 10:00 A.M.

On sunny mornings during this Solstice period, between December 14th & December 28th (with the exceptions of Dec. 18th & Dec. 25th) the Solstice effect is on full display….come for the “Solstice Tour” at 10:00 A.M. and be amazed!

Lights of the Ozarks

Fayettville, Arkansas

November 18, 2016 – December 31, 2016

21 S. Block Ave.

Fayetteville, AR 72701

Website: www.thelightsoftheozarks.com

OVERVIEW

Enjoy the amazing winter wonderland of lights on the Downtown Square. The lights illuminate the square each evening from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Nightly carriages and pony rides, fresh hot chocolate, and festive holiday music make the Lights of the Ozarks an event that cannot be missed. The romantic and breathtaking display of a half-million twinkling lights is cherished by the locals and visitors alike that stroll or drive through the Lights of the Ozarks each year.

Viewing Of The Trumpeter Swans

North-Central Arkansas

November 26, 2016 – February 1, 2017

Heber Springs, AR 72543

Website: www.heber-springs.com

OVERVIEW

A wintering population of trumpeter swans descends on Magness Lake every November. It is a scientific mystery why more than 100 of these birds flock to Heber Springs from their mid-western homes, but their arrival makes for an exciting birding experience. To view the swans, drive east on Hwy 110 from its intersection with Hwy 5 and Hwy 25 just east of Heber Springs. Go 3.9 miles from the intersection, turn left on paved Hays Road; the road sign is very small. Magness Lake is about a half-mile down Hays Road.