Ozarks

The rolling hills, rugged mountains and flowing rivers of the Ozarks region hold so many adventures you can't help but keep coming back for more. Some of America's most scenic rivers and lakes are here to enjoy. Get to know the rich heritage of the Ozark Mountains and the people who have settled its wild terrain.

While in the Ozarks, be sure to see:

• Blanchard Springs Caverns - Mountain View (p. 185)
  • Limestone cavern located deep in the Ozark National Forest
  • Lighted walkways lead to stunning formations and massive rooms, one as large as six football fields
• Buffalo National River (p. 169)
  • Nation's first federally protected stream
  • River is flanked by soaring limestone bluffs, beautiful vistas and wilderness areas
• Eureka Springs Historic District (p. 170)
  • Winding mountain streets and natural springs provide the scenic setting for this quaint town
  • Gardens, caves, an exotic wildlife ranch, a doll museum, live music and magic shows, and dinner train excursion rides
• The Great Passion Play - Eureka Springs (p. 171)
  • Celebrating its 40th anniversary season with brand-new dialogue, music, state-of-the art lighting and sound
  • Two-hour outdoor drama presents the miracles, trials, crucifixion, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ
  • Grounds also include the seven story-high Christ of the Ozarks statue, the Sacred Arts Center, with more than 1,000 exhibits, the Bible Museum and the New Holy Land with re-creations of Biblical sites including Moses' Tabernacle in the Wilderness
• Greers Ferry Lake (p. 188)
  • Third largest lake in Arkansas's Ozark Mountains with crystal-clear water for fishing, water sports, boating and camping
  • Little Red River emerges icy-cold from Greers Ferry Dam and provides excellent trout fishing waters for miles downstream
• Mammoth Spring State Park (p. 184)
  • 10-acre lake becomes Spring River, a popular year-round canoe and fishing stream
  • Includes a restored 1886 Frisco Depot with engaging exhibits including a "crew" of workmen and waiting passengers from the early 1900s
• Northwest Arkansas Naturals at Arvest Ballpark - Springdale (p. 178)
  • New minor league baseball team is a member of the Texas League
  • Season opens in April with 70 home games through Labor Day
• Ozark Folk Center State Park - Mountain View (p. 185)
  • Devoted to the preservation of Southern mountain folkways and music
  • "Living museum" of traditional pioneer skills, such as furniture making, quilting, blacksmithing, tintype photography, woodcarving and 15 other craft demonstrations
• Pea Ridge National Military Park (p. 176)
  • Site of one of the largest Civil War battles west of the Mississippi River
  • Park includes a seven-mile, self-guided tour with 10 stops featuring wayside exhibits, including Elkhorn Tavern
• Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park (p. 176)
  • 1862 Battle of Prairie Grove was the last time two armies of almost equal strength faced each other for supremacy in northwest Arkansas
  • Historic homes are located on the 500-acre Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park, which has self-guided walking, driving tours
• Shiloh Museum of Ozark History (p. 178)
  • Offers lectures, films, classes, tours and frequently changing exhibits of interest to adults and children
  • Park-like grounds showcase six historical buildings
• Thorncrown Chapel - Eureka Springs (p. 172)
  • Designed by nationally honored and recognized architect, Arkansas native E. Fay Jones
  • Chosen in 2001 as one of the Top 10 Designs of the 20th Century by The American Institute of Architecture
• Wal-Mart Visitors Center - Bentonville (p. 169)
  • Origin and growth of the nation's largest corporation is encapsulated at this Bentonville museum housed in the building that gave birth to the retail giant