Exploring Arkansas

If you ever wanted to learn how to fly-fish, but didn't exactly know how to go about it, we have the solution! Join us for a free lesson from not just a fly-fisherman, but a world champion fly-fishing gold medalist! The Arkansas Living Treasure designation by the Arkansas Arts Council, recognizes Arkansans skilled in traditional craft, whose contributions over a lifetime, have fostered significant impacts for their art form. -- A recent recipient is a log master craftsman. The South Fork of the Spring River near Salem has been designated by the state as a Quality Smallmouth Stream. The results of our float-fishing outing on that stream, backs up that designation!

Called a pre-1865 historical re-enactment or a mountain man rendezvous, such gatherings are held across the country on a regular basis -- re-living the lifestyle and adventure of the American frontier. Many outdoor enthusiasts flock to the Mulberry River in the Ozarks during spring to float it…but during Autumn the Mulberry turns majestic, offering the perfect photographic outing! Horse drawn wagons have long since faded away from the American scene, but a wagon restorer near Botkinburg is making sure wagons of the Old West are kept alive through his one-man wagon company.

Ninety-Eight year young Violet Hensley of Yellville was designated as an Arkansas Living Treasure in 2004 for her fiddle playing and fiddle making skills – she makes them in her kitchen, from scratch. During January and February at Bull Shoals-White River State Park you can view the bald eagle splendor there along the river by hiking one of the nature trails. The original Duck Dynasty, contrary to what others might say, is the family of Chick Major in Stuttgart, who began making duck calls in 1939, and who’s succeeded by one of his daughters, who continues making the calls.

Along the Alum Cove National Recreation Trail in the Ozark National Forest south of Jasper, one can explore not only one of the largest natural stone bridges in the state, but also cave-like rooms in this unique geological area. Maple syrup gathering is something that's usually only associated with the New England states. But, this late winter activity has been a tradition with one Arkansas family for six generations. Utilizing the same techniques and wood that Native Americans used, a Dardanelle craftsman is keeping alive an ancient craft with his primitive bow making skills.

The latest addition to Arkansas' many scenic byways is the Mulberry River Road Scenic Byway in the Ozark National Forest. Just off that scenic byway is High Bank Twin Falls - with only a ¼ mile-long trail, it's well worth the hike! North Little Rock's Old Mill is quite the iconic structure, with quite the story behind it - not to mention a photographer's playground when all the Dogwoods are in full bloom! The Athens - Big Fork Trail in the Ouachita National Forest is a spectacular backpacking trail that was once an old mail route between Athens and Big Fork.

If you can't make it to Egypt to see the Great Sphinx, there's an Arkansas version of it in the Ozark National Forest northeast of Clarksville. Little Lake Atkins is big on bass - really big! How does anywhere from 5-10 pounds sound? Also, Lucky Landing Bait Shop there serves up some really big tasty burgers! Established in 1878 by Benedictine monks, there's more to Subiaco Abbey than meets the eye-including vineyards, a sawmill, carpentry shop and producing its own monk hot sauce - just to name a few!

Newly renovated Mid-America Science Museum in Hot Springs is all about getting kids and adults back to enjoying the outdoors, utilizing the surrounding woods of the museum as the main attraction. One of the more popular swimming holes along the Buffalo National River is called "Shine Eye" located just north of the Highway 65 bridge. The 20th Century Doll Museum in Newport, happens to be the largest private doll collection in the U.S. Potts Inn built during the 1850's in Pottsville is one of the best preserved stagecoach stations along the Butterfield Overland mail route between Memphis and Fort Smith.

It was one stretch of highway that early rock ‘n roll singers kept hot, performing at all the various clubs that existed along old highway 67 north of Newport. Pivot Rock near Eureka Springs has been a famous Ozarks attraction for more than 100 years -even the subject of Ripley's Believe It or Not. Folk music isn't the only type of music in the Ozarks - there's also Opera In The Ozarks at Inspiration Point in Eureka Springs. Isle hopping on Lake Ouachita features unique geological formations, including mini "caves" at Hotel Island.

The Kenda Drive-In in Marshall has been in continuous operation with the same family since 1966. A "cruise-in" night with classic cars at this drive-in theater re-creates a scene from those "happy days." Horner Neck Lake in the St. Francis National Forest north of Helena is a kayaker's paradise chock full of impressive cypress trees. Rolando's along bathhouse row in Hot Springs is actually three restaurants in one, offering distinct ambiances, not to mention impeccable Latin American cuisine.

The Rock City trail atop Mt. Kessler in Fayetteville is a popular hiking/mountain biking trail that offers a rather challenging excursion, if you happen to be on a mountain bike. Cut-Off Creek/Ravines Natural Area near Dermott is one of the best kayaking adventures in the state where you can explore several hundred year-old cypress trees. If you want to take a trip down memory lane, then Memory Lane Museum near Berryville is the place to go. What's a cross between tent camping and RVing? Well, it's called a Yurt, and for some outdoor enthusiasts it's the only way to go camping!