Things to Do in Heber Springs!

Almost 40 years ago, President John F. Kennedy stood on a flag-draped platform overlooking the just-completed Greers Ferry Dam and spoke of the prosperity the lake would bring to the region. It was his last major appearance before his ill-fated trip to Dallas a few weeks later.
His prophecies about the Greers Ferry Lake and Little Red River region have come true perhaps beyond anyone's wildest dreams. The millions who visit annually recognize it as one of the cleanest and most scenic places in the mid-South. They come to fish, swim, camp, sail, hike, sightsee, shop and enjoy the Ozark foothills country.

A good first stop for travelers is the Corps of Engineers Visitor Center, along Ark. 25 at the western end of Greers Ferry Lake Dam. The 6,000-square-foot stone and redwood structure houses an information center, exhibit hall and public restrooms. And a 96-seat theater at the center features a 20-minute presentation, "The Saga of the Little Red River: A Tale of Two Centuries," which relates the history of the region prior to and through the construction of the dam. It also chronicles President Kennedy's dedication of the $46.5 million project on Oct. 3, 1963.

The exhibit hall includes displays on the geological history of the region, early natives and explorers, pioneer days, towns and transportation, plus an intriguing demonstration on how electricity is generated by the massive dam.

Entertainment and learning programs are also presented every Saturday night beginning at 7 p.m. throughout the spring and summer months at the center. Topics range from eagle awareness to folk music and fishing clinics to boating safety. Special exhibits and demonstrations are also scheduled each month. The center is open daily April through October, plus Saturdays and Sundays in March and November. It is closed December through February. All programs and exhibits at the center are free and open to the public. (Note: Public tours of the Dam and Power Plant have been suspended until further notice due to national security. The closures affect all federal power dams in the nation.)

The Cleburne County Fairgrounds also provide area residents and visitors to the area with a full schedule of events during the year such as rodeos, craft fairs and county fairs. For more information on the Cleburne County Campgrounds, click here.
Hikers can enjoy two award-winning national nature trails located near the welcome center. Mossy Bluff extends along a tree-covered bluff overlooking the Little Red River, immediately below the dam. It ends almost one mile away at a rustic shelter, which offers a panoramic view of the river and dam. Nearby is Buckeye Trail, a short barrier-free, paved pathway designed for the physically challenged. Guide maps for both trails are available at the center.

While at Greers Ferry, hikers can also trek the Sugar Loaf Mountain National Recreational Trail, near Fairfield Bay, which climbs a 1,000-ft. rocky summit on an uninhabited island in the upper section of the lake. Sugar Loaf rewards those that make the trip with some of the best views in the Ozarks. (Because it's on an island, the Sugar Loaf Trail must be accessed by boat.)
The Greers Ferry National Fish Hatchery located below the dam, offers free tours. Built in 1965, the hatchery produces about one million rainbow trout yearly for restocking the Little Red and other Arkansas streams. The visitor center contains exhibits on the life cycle of trout and a brief history of the hatchery. Nearby, cold water raceways hold thousands of fish in various growing stages, including some monster-sized lunkers. The hatchery is open from 7 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily.

With two world-record catches on Greers Ferry Lake and one world record on the Little Red River, it's understandable why anglers are attracted to the region. Al Nelson of Higden started the action in 1982 with a 22-pound, 11-ounce walleye. Jerald C. Shaum of Shirley added a 27-pound, five-ounce hybrid striped bass in 1997.

But the late Rip Collins of Heber Springs shocked the fishing world in 1992 with a 40-pound, four-ounce brown trout he caught on the Little Red River. The three catches constitute all of the state's world-record holders, but several state-record fish are not far off the world marks. The Little Red is famous for johnboat trout angling and great fly fishing, and there are numerous outfitters, marinas and resorts along the river and lakeshore.

Aside from Fishing on Greers Ferry Lake, many scuba divers also find the lake to be home to many interesting observation points on it's floor as well as many varieties of interesting fish and aquatic life.

Some of The Natural State's premier resorts are located on the wooded shorelines of the lake and river. Championship golf courses, tennis centers, nature trails, world class lodging and luxurious dining are some of the reasons people return year after year to vacation in the region. Of course, there are plenty of smaller resorts, secluded cabin rentals, bed and breakfast inns and motels. If shopping is your thing, you will feel right at home in Heber Springs. Click here to access our members directory and plan to visit some of our unique shops while you are in the area. Heber Springs is home to many unique shops ranging from flowers and gifts to sporting goods.

Private and public campgrounds are scattered throughout the foothill country, plus the Corps of Engineers operates 14 parks, which provide picnic areas, lake and river access and more than 1,300 campsites. The Corps has a camp reservation service that covers 60 percent of its sites. The remaining 40 percent are on a first-come, first-serve basis. For campsite reservations, phone 1-877-444-6777 or visit www.reserveusa.com.

Heber Springs is home to many unique Festivals and Events that are sure to entertain the entire family. The Annual World Championship Cardboard Boat Race and Springfest Celebration has grown into one of the most popular events in the Natural State. The Annual Heber Springs Fourth of July Celebration held on Greers Ferry Lake and coordinated by the Heber Springs Chamber of Commerce is one of the largest in the state and attracts thousands of onlookers, from both land and on water. During Springfest, vendors and crafters setup their stands in Spring Park located in the heart of Heber Springs and sell their handmade arts and crafts,  visitors  also enjoy world class performers on the main stage, butterfly pavilion and much more.

During the fall and winter months, Heber Springs is alive with fall color that sets the scene for excellent day trips throughout the Greers Ferry Lake Area. During the Christmas Holiday Season, Spring Park again comes alive with Christmas lights as is the Cleburne County Courthouse located in the heart of Downtown Heber Springs.

  • Click here for information on our Festivals and Special Events.
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