| Title |
Excerpt |
Author |
Date |
| Ozark Mountain Bike Festival Celebrates 25 Years |
Ride one of the first mountain bike trails in the state while celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Ozark Mountain Bike Festival at Devil’s Den State Park in northwest Arkansas April 5-7. Along with scheduled bike rides, the popular festival includes many other fun events, including an evening social. Test… |
Jill M. Rohrbach, Ark. Dept. of Parks and Tourism |
03/28/13 |
| State Parks Matching Funds Public Hearings |
The October 17, 18, and 19, 2012, meeting of the Outdoor Recreation Grants Advisory Committee will be held in Little Rock and in Jacksonville, Arkansas. The Committee will meet at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, October 17, 2012, in the Parks and Tourism Conference Room of the Multi Agency Complex, Number… |
Jill M. Rohrbach, Ark. Dept. of Parks and Tourism |
10/04/12 |
| Buffalo National River Celebrates 40 Years With Public Party on September 1 |
Join the celebration of the 40th anniversary of America’s first national river from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 1 at a public event at the pavilion at Tyler Bend, located off Ark. 65 north of Marshall. Meandering through the Arkansas Ozarks for almost 135 miles, the Buffalo… |
Jill M. Rohrbach, Ark. Dept. of Parks and Tourism |
08/29/12 |
| Cool Off This Summer in an Arkansas Swimming Hole |
Let’s face it…it’s hot outside. What can be a better way to cool off than splashing the summer heat away at the “ol swimmin’ hole?” There are plenty of great swimming holes in The Natural State—places to take in the scenery, keep the heat at bay and become a kid… |
Jill M. Rohrbach, Ark. Dept. of Parks and Tourism |
06/28/12 |
| Great War Memorial Balloon Race, June 22-24 |
The skies over Little Rock will be a lot more colorful June 22-24 because of the inaugural Great War Memorial Balloon Race. The three-day event will showcase balloons from all over the country while building awareness of local non-profit organizations. Activities kick-off on June 22 at 4 p.m. with jazz,… |
Jill M. Rohrbach, Ark. Dept. of Parks and Tourism |
06/14/12 |
| Despite Lack of Rain, Buffalo National River Still Floatable |
Despite a lack of rain, floating season isn’t over on the Buffalo National River. The lower section can still be floated and is actually easily navigated year round unless there is a severe drought. “We’re on the high end of the low but floatable scale,” said Bill Scruggs, owner of… |
Jill M. Rohrbach, Ark. Dept. of Parks and Tourism |
06/07/12 |
| Bull Shoals Lake is Incredible Fishery for Bassmaster Elite Anglers, Amateurs or Families |
Bull Shoals Lake is an incredible fishery – just ask a pro, especially those at the recent Bassmaster Elite Series TroKar Quest held April 19-22 on this 60,000-acre impoundment. “Most definitely this is one of the best lakes I’ve fished in a long time,” said Bassmaster Pro Gerald Swindle. “If… |
Jill M. Rohrbach, Ark. Dept. of Parks and Tourism |
05/02/12 |
| May Events Taking Place in the Arkansas Ozarks |
Eureka Springs celebrates the creative side of its culture during the entire month of May with the 25th annual May Festival of the Arts. The city highlights art in all of its forms and features dozens of exhibits, artist’s receptions and demonstrations, gallery strolls, free concerts and the annual White… |
Jill M. Rohrbach, Ark. Dept. of Parks and Tourism |
04/25/12 |
| April Events Taking Place in the Arkansas Ozarks |
Ozark Folk Center State Park opens for the season on Tuesday, April 3 in Mountain View. Starting this year the park’s Craft Village will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday from the first Tuesday in April through the Saturday after Thanksgiving. It contains more than… |
Jill M. Rohrbach, Ark. Dept. of Parks and Tourism |
03/21/12 |
| March Events Taking Place in the Arkansas Ozarks |
The Northwest Arkansas Orchid Society Show and Sale takes place March 2-4 at the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks in Fayetteville. The event includes judged orchid displays, a plant sale, and classes. For more information, visit http://www.bgozarks.org/ or call 479-750-2620. ------------------------------------------------------------ Pine Mountain Theater opens for its 2012 season on… |
Jill M. Rohrbach, Ark. Dept. of Parks and Tourism |
02/14/12 |
| 2011 a Successful Year for Diamond Hunters at the Crater of Diamonds State Park |
Looking back over the past 12 months, the year 2011 has been a successful one for the park visitors who have hunted for diamonds in the 37 ½-acre search area at Arkansas’s diamond site, the Crater of Diamonds State Park. According to Park Superintendent Justin Dorsey, over 500 diamonds have… |
Jill M. Rohrbach, Ark. Dept. of Parks and Tourism |
12/21/11 |
| January Events Taking Place in the Arkansas Ozarks |
Spend a day learning how to cook winter comfort foods such as simple stews, ham and beans, cornbread, dried fruit cobblers, Ozark pudding and Skillet cake on Jan. 7 at Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View. These dishes made up the staple meals for early homesteaders in the… |
Jill M. Rohrbach, Ark. Dept. of Parks and Tourism |
12/08/11 |
| Annual Trail of Holiday Lights Highlights Local and Statewide Festivities |
Batesville joins more than 60 communities around the state this holiday season as a participant in the Arkansas Trail of Holiday Lights. Sixty-six towns take part in the celebration, which begins Thanksgiving week and lasts through Christmas. Other cities host official lighting ceremonies, parades, pageants, music and more. According to… |
Jill M. Rohrbach, Ark. Dept. of Parks and Tourism |
12/02/11 |
| December Events Taking Place in the Arkansas Ozarks |
Join the staff of the Randolph County Museum in Pocahontas for an “Old Time Christmas” on Dec. 1. Held in conjunction with the town’s annual Christmas parade, the evening is a fundraiser for the museum. Chili, soup and baked goods are available for purchase. There is also live music and… |
Jill M. Rohrbach, Ark. Dept. of Parks and Tourism |
11/10/11 |
| November Events Taking Place in the Arkansas Ozarks |
Eureka Springs’ 64th annual Folk Fest is Nov. 4-5. On Friday night, enjoy music in the Barefoot Ballroom at the Basin Park Hotel. The cost is $10 in advance or $15 at the door. On Saturday, the Folk Parade rolls through the historic downtown. There is an art show and… |
Jill M. Rohrbach, Ark. Dept. of Parks and Tourism |
10/27/11 |
| Arkansas Fall Color Reports Now Available |
It’s that time of year again. The anticipation started back during the heat of summer. Thursday, Sept. 22, brings the first of Arkansas’s fall foliage reports, which will be posted on Arkansas.com. Just look for the cluster of orange, yellow and russet leaves. A group of spotters around the state… |
Jill M. Rohrbach, Ark. Dept. of Parks and Tourism |
09/23/11 |
| Corn Mazes and More Offer Fall Fun in Northwest Arkansas |
Plenty of a-maze-ing fun can be found in northwest Arkansas at Farmland Adventures in Springdale, Huck’s Corn Maze in Lowell and the Ozark Corn Maze in Cave Springs. Farmland Adventures Farmland Adventures (http://www.farmlandadventures.com) bills itself as “Northwest Arkansas’s newest place for outdoor family fun.” There’s no doubt that friends and… |
Jill M. Rohrbach, Ark. Dept. of Parks and Tourism |
09/20/11 |
| President Clinton to Dedicate Bridge and Wetlands Park, Sept. 30-Oct. 2 |
President Bill Clinton will be in Little Rock Sept. 30-Oct. 2 for the dedication of the Clinton Presidential Park Bridge and the William E. “Bill” Clark Wetlands. President Clinton and Governor Mike Beebe will dedicate the bridge and surrounding wetlands during a ceremony on Friday, Sept. 30, at 11 a.m.… |
Jill M. Rohrbach, Ark. Dept. of Parks and Tourism |
09/20/11 |
| October Events Taking Place in the Arkansas Ozarks |
The 20th annual Eagle Watch on Beaver Lake takes place Oct. 1-31 aboard the Belle of the Ozarks in Eureka Springs. Cruise crystal clear Beaver Lake with expert guides who help passengers sight mature and immature eagles, providing detailed information regarding America’s National Bird. See exciting aerial displays, favorite perching… |
Jill M. Rohrbach, Ark. Dept. of Parks and Tourism |
09/14/11 |
| Turner Bend Turns 100 |
The Turner Bend store — set amid the changing shape of a lush landscape influenced by rippling waters, lost highways and throngs of exuberant floaters — is turning 100. Standing at the junction of Arkansas 23 and the Mulberry River, the store is a testament to longevity. Coinciding with this… |
Jill M. Rohrbach, Ark. Dept. of Parks and Tourism |
08/25/11 |
| September Events Taking Place in the Arkansas Ozarks |
Take the Powerhouse and Dam Tour in Bull Shoals to visit one of the largest concrete dams in the United States and understand how water is used to make electric power. You see the massive equipment used by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and power companies to produce this… |
Jill M. Rohrbach, Ark. Dept. of Parks and Tourism |
08/16/11 |
| August Events Taking Place in the Arkansas Ozarks |
Visit one of the largest concrete dams in the United States. The Bull Shoals Powerhouse and Dam Tour explains how water is used to make electric power. See the massive equipment used by the Army Corps of Engineers and power companies to produce this important energy resource. Learn about the… |
Jill M. Rohrbach, Ark. Dept. of Parks and Tourism |
07/21/11 |
| Big Air Wakeboarding Tourney in Bull Shoals June 24-26 |
What can you expect at Brostock Wakeboarding Tournament by Liquid Force June 24-26 on Bull Shoals Lake? Lots of bikinis, tons of boats, cheering crowds, the beautiful scenery of the Ozarks, and young guns in the world of wakeboarding vying for the 2011 title. “The best of the best are… |
Jill M. Rohrbach, Ark. Dept. of Parks and Tourism |
06/22/11 |
| July Events Taking Place in the Arkansas Ozarks |
Visit one of the largest concrete dams in the United States. The Bull Shoals Powerhouse and Dam Tour explains how water is used to make electric power. See the massive equipment used by the Army Corps of Engineers and power companies to produce this important energy resource. Learn about the… |
Jill M. Rohrbach, Ark. Dept. of Parks and Tourism |
06/16/11 |
| War Eagle Cavern Offers Maze, Gem Panning and More |
Don’t let the name fool you. At War Eagle Cavern on northwest Arkansas’s Beaver Lake you experience more than a cool cave. It’s a full day of fun where you can maneuver through a maze, pan for gems, dig for fossils, hike trails, take in the view from scenic outlooks,… |
Jill M. Rohrbach, Ark. Dept. of Parks and Tourism |
06/07/11 |
| Arkansas Big Bass Bonanza is June 24-26 |
Are you an amateur angler looking to prove your mettle? Maybe you’d just like to win part of the $100,000 grant prize. If so, register to take part in the 12th Annual Arkansas Big Bass Bonanza, June 24-26 on Arkansas River. Just ask Nicholas Warden of Beebe who took home… |
Jill M. Rohrbach, Ark. Dept. of Parks and Tourism |
06/03/11 |
| June Events Taking Place in the Arkansas Ozarks |
First Thursday is an evening of art and culture in downtown Fayetteville. This month’s event is June 2. On the first Thursday of each month, participating galleries and art-related venues offer free access to visual and performing art in a fun and social environment. Venues feature attractions such as art… |
Jill M. Rohrbach, Ark. Dept. of Parks and Tourism |
05/24/11 |
| Greers Ferry Lake Sports Many Species |
Sitting in JR’s Hickory House in the town of Greers Ferry with plates full of fried catfish, okra, fries and a hamburger on the table in front of us, Bill Dennis said, “Tomorrow morning we’ll start off throwing a jig.” As I envisioned that lure in the water, my mind… |
Jill M. Rohrbach, Ark. Dept. of Parks and Tourism |
05/03/11 |
| Little Red River is a Draw in Every Season |
On a recent beautiful March day, I headed out on the Little Red River in north-central Arkansas with my co-worker and photographer, Chuck Haralson, and Buddy Pate, our guide from Lindsey’s Resort in Heber Springs. As we boarded the johnboat and began to back out of the slip, Pate commented… |
Jill M. Rohrbach, Ark. Dept. of Parks and Tourism |
04/28/11 |
| Colorado Visitor Finds 8.66-Carat White Diamond at Arkansas’s Crater of Diamonds State Park |
Many dream of finding a big diamond at Arkansas’s diamond site and yesterday’s 8.66-carat diamond find by Beth Gilbertson of Salida, Colorado, proves that dreams can still come true. According to Park Superintendent Justin Dorsey, “Large diamonds continue to be found here at the Crater of Diamonds State Park. Weighing… |
Jill M. Rohrbach, Ark. Dept. of Parks and Tourism |
04/28/11 |
| May Events Taking Place in the Arkansas Ozarks |
Lanterns light up Eureka Springs during the town’s Grand Illumination May 1-31. This unique Victorian town nestled high in the Ozark Mountains will be aglow with thousands of Japanese and Chinese paper lanterns adorning the facades of historic downtown buildings and the porches of many of the grand Victorian homes… |
Jill M. Rohrbach, Ark. Dept. of Parks and Tourism |
04/26/11 |
| April Events Taking Place in the Arkansas Ozarks |
Grab your helmets and dust off your wheels to hit the mountain bike trails during the Ozark Mountain Bike Festival April 1-3 at Devil’s Den State Park in West Fork. There will be guided rides for every level of rider, as well as the fun bike limbo and gear swap.… |
Jill M. Rohrbach, Ark. Dept. of Parks and Tourism |
03/24/11 |
| Arkansas Couple Finds Flawless 2.44-Carat White Diamond |
Melissa and Kenny Oliver of Rosston, Arkansas, enjoy the adventure of treasure hunting, so they make regular visits to the Crater of Diamonds State Park to prospect at Arkansas’s diamond site. On Sunday afternoon the couple found a flawless, 2.44-carat white diamond at the park. Due of the gem’s silver… |
Jill M. Rohrbach, Ark. Dept. of Parks and Tourism |
03/21/11 |
| Loco Ropes Opens for 2011 Season with Two New Features |
Looking down from the top of the 35-foot-tall tower, the young girl beside me remarked, “I know why they call it Loco Ropes, because you have to be crazy to do it.” Although we were strangers, we laughed knowingly as kindred spirits at the fun we were having. Then I… |
Jill M. Rohrbach, Ark. Dept. of Parks and Tourism |
03/08/11 |
| Arkansas’s Affordable Spring Break Ideas |
Buffalo National River - Spring and early summer are the prime times to float the Buffalo National River, although the lower section can be floated year-round. The first stream to receive the designation (1972), the Buffalo flows roughly 150 miles and includes nearly 95,000 acres of public land along its… |
Jill M. Rohrbach, Ark. Dept. of Parks and Tourism |
03/03/11 |
| March Events Taking Place in the Arkansas Ozarks |
Dripstone Trail Tour is a one-hour walking tour through the fantastic upper level of Blanchard Springs Caverns in a constant 58 degree temperature. Tours are offered periodically from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The caverns, located in Mountain View, are open year-round, but closed on Mondays and Tuesdays through March… |
Jill M. Rohrbach, Ark. Dept. of Parks and Tourism |
02/25/11 |
| Enter to Win an Arkansas Family Fishing Sweepstakes |
The only thing better than wetting a line in one of Arkansas’s Diamond Lakes is doing it in style, fully outfitted with the hottest fishing gear on earth. Oh, and then there’s the chance of winning the trip and all the gear by simply entering The Natural State’s Family Fishing… |
Jill M. Rohrbach, Ark. Dept. of Parks and Tourism |
02/04/11 |
| February Events Taking Place in the Arkansas Ozarks |
Enjoy an Eagle Watch Cruise on Beaver Lake hosted by Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area in Rogers on Feb. 3, 5, 6, 10, 12, 13, 17, 19, 20, 24, 26 and 27. An interpretive guide will help investigate for signs of Bald Eagles on a tour of the Van winkle arm… |
Jill M. Rohrbach, Ark. Dept. of Parks and Tourism |
01/19/11 |
| January Events Taking Place in the Arkansas Ozarks |
Each year approximately 100 Bald Eagles visit the Bull Shoals area. Enjoy programs and activities centered on our national symbol during Eagle Awareness Weekend at Bull Shoals-White River State Park on Jan. 7-8 in Bull Shoals. Activities include lake and river cruises, guided bird walks, guest speakers, live bird demonstrations,… |
Jill M. Rohrbach, Ark. Dept. of Parks and Tourism |
12/16/10 |
| Visitor Finds 2.44-Carat Brown Diamond at Arkansas’s Crater of Diamonds State Park |
A successful diamond miner needs patience and perseverance. Steve Crutchfield, a 56-year-old carpenter from Friendship, Arkansas knows this after having visited Arkansas’s diamond site, the Crater of Diamonds State Park, more than 20 times over the past three months. On his 27th visit Friday morning, his persistence paid off with… |
Jill M. Rohrbach, Ark. Dept. of Parks and Tourism |
11/24/10 |
| December Events Taking Place in the Arkansas Ozarks |
The Victorian town of Eureka Springs celebrates the holiday season with numerous events and twinkling decorations. Some of the events offered this year include the 43rd annual Silver Tea at the Crescent Hotel on Dec. 2. The annual Christmas Parade is Dec. 3 along Spring Street with the annual Christmas… |
Jill M. Rohrbach, Ark. Dept. of Parks and Tourism |
11/18/10 |
| November Events Taking Place in the Arkansas Ozarks |
The 63rd annual Original Ozark Folk Festival, one of the oldest continuously running folk festivals in the country, takes place Nov. 4-7 in Eureka Springs. Nationally known headliners perform in The Auditorium and at venues around town, plus there is free music in Basin Spring Park. This year’s Ozark Folk… |
Jill M. Rohrbach, Ark. Dept. of Parks and Tourism |
10/20/10 |
| Ozarks Offer Diverse Events for Halloween and Harvest Themes |
Pumpkins, corn mazes, haunted hayrides, and the howls of costume-clad children scampering through the dark collecting candy are the ubiquitous signs of the autumn harvest and Halloween. Devil’s Den State Park in West Fork, the Haunted House in Bentonville, and Trick-or-Treat on the Square in Fayetteville offer family-oriented activities. Pumpkin… |
Jill M. Rohrbach, Ark. Dept. of Parks and Tourism |
10/06/10 |
| Travelin’ the Ozarks: Events Taking Place During October |
In its second year, the Flying Jam Music Festival takes place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 2 at the Searcy County Airport in Marshall. The event includes fly-ins, Powerchute air show, local musical groups, food vendors, and arts and crafts booths. Admission is free. Call 870-448-5809 or visit… |
Jill M. Rohrbach, Ark. Dept. of Parks and Tourism |
09/21/10 |
| A-MAZE-ing New Attraction Opens in Cave Springs, AR |
With 10,000 feet of foot path containing loops, dead ends, and multiple choice intersections inside of five and a half acres of corn, it’s safe to say that you will, in fact, get lost in the Ozark Corn Maze opening Sept. 2 in Cave Springs. The question is how long… |
Jill M. Rohrbach, Ark. Dept. of Parks and Tourism |
09/02/10 |
| September’s Travelin’ the Ozarks |
The City of Eureka Springs offers free music in Basin Spring Park throughout the month of September. Weather permitting, the concerts are scheduled for Monday through Friday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Basin Park is… |
Jill M. Rohrbach, Ark. Dept. of Parks and Tourism |
08/19/10 |
| Governor Beebe Requests No Fee Increases For State Parks |
Citing the current economic environment, Governor Mike Beebe is asking the Parks, Recreation and Travel Commission to hold fees at Arkansas State Parks at their current levels. Beebe made the request to Arkansas Parks and Tourism Director Richard Davies on Tuesday afternoon. The Commission has proposed a 10-percent increase for… |
Jill M. Rohrbach, Ark. Dept. of Parks and Tourism |
08/05/10 |
| Travelin’ the Ozarks: Events Taking Place During August |
Tontitown has been celebrating its rich heritage for 112 years. This year’s Grape Festival takes place Aug. 3-7 on the festival grounds of St. Joseph Catholic Church. There will be free concerts by nationally-recognized performers each night. The fun also consists of a huge carnival with games and rides, and… |
Jill M. Rohrbach, Ark. Dept. of Parks and Tourism |
07/22/10 |
| First Zip Line Canopy Tour in Arkansas Opens |
Get ready for the clicking of carabineers, zing of pulleys sliding on cables and the rush of adrenaline as your body rips through the air high above the forest floor of the Ozark Mountains. The Buffalo River Canopy Tour at the Buffalo Outdoor Center in Ponca opened Saturday, July 17.… |
Jill M. Rohrbach, Ark. Dept. of Parks and Tourism |
07/20/10 |
| Travelin’ the Arkansas Ozarks: Events Taking Place During July |
The new Bikes, Babes, and Bling motorcycle rally takes place July 1-3 in Fayetteville. It is the “sister” summery rally to the fall Bikes, Blues, and BBQ event that is one of the fastest growing motorcycle rallies in the nation. Bikes, Babes, and Bling will be the South’s first motorcycle… |
Jill M. Rohrbach, Ark. Dept. of Parks and Tourism |
06/22/10 |