LEAVE IT TO BEAVER

 Head to Beaver Lake and vicinity for family fun and adventure.

By Dwain Hebda
Photography Courtesy of Arkansas Department of Parks Heritage and Tourism

As the summer season hits high gear, it’s time for people both inside the state and out to get their vacation plans on the books. And with gas prices being what they are, more people than ever are looking for a low-cost option that’s not too far from home, yet still packed with activities and amenities.

That’s where Beaver Lake comes in, a shimmering jewel that’s drawn people to Northwest Arkansas for generations. Offering miles of shoreline and situated near Rogers and Eureka Springs, Beaver Lake provides the best of the natural world as well as man-made delights.

GET READY TO GET WET

Created in the 1960s with the completion of Beaver Dam that impounded a major section of the White River, Beaver Lake boasts 487 miles of shoreline and 28,000 acres of clear water for swimming, boating, fishing, paddle boarding, water skiing and just plain luxuriating.

For an unusual excursion, consider exploring the craggy reservoir via a diving adventure. Favored spots include the ruins of Monte Ne resort that went under (get it?) in the 1930s and was flooded by the creation of the lake itself. Here, you can snorkel through the sunken amphitheater, once part of the Oklahoma Row Hotel. The lake holds other surprises throughout, including submerged boats, cars and statues, in some spots 300 feet below the surface.

Or set out by paddleboard, kayak or canoe and tour the shoreline, letting your eyes wander to the forests, towering limestone bluffs and natural caves. Get the best of both land and water by beaching your craft and taking a stroll along one of the many nature hikes that criss-cross through the woods.

To truly get away from it all, check out the more than 2,000 acres of campground, which contain over 650 individual campsites. If you’re looking for something a little less rustic, there are always an ample selection of vacation home rentals, cabins and lodges.

Outfitters in the area include Beaver Lake Outdoor Center in Rogers or War Eagle Outfitters in War Eagle. For lodging, check out Beaver Lake Cottages, Sun Ridge Resort or Beaver Lakefront Cabins in Eureka Springs or simply search one of the many Airbnbs available around the lake.

ANY FISH YOU WISH

Beaver Lake is renowned for its largemouth bass fishing but is also home to a variety of other sportfish including stripers (which can grow to 50 pounds), smallmouth bass, crappie, sunfish, walleye and catfish among other species. Fish from the bank or a watercraft or spend a day in the soothing tailwaters by the dam to experience some of the best fly-fishing anywhere in North America.

Numerous fishing guide services throughout the area can help ensure every member of your party has a successful outing.

GET READY TO GET WET

In between floats or dives, there’s plenty of other activities nearby to keep the whole family entertained. In Eureka Springs, you’ll find a variety of outdoor entertainment, especially of the two-wheeled variety. Three mountain biking trails offer plenty of thrills to match your skills, from the bunny Genesis trail at the Great Passion Play to the widowmaker Double Black Diamond at Lake Leatherwood. Afterward, make the short ride back to downtown Eureka Springs to share stories, compare rashes and enjoy a cool one — if you survive.

Also, don’t miss Onyx Cave, a low-key but visually dazzling experience a few miles northeast of town. Offering self-guided audio tours, Onyx possesses wonderful natural formations and overhangs, some featuring water. Best of all, the subterranean environment stays a cool 50 degrees or so, even in the dead of Arkansas summer.

Meanwhile, in Rogers, hike or bike in Hobbs State Park and its famed Monument Trails. These easy to moderate trails accommodate hikers and cyclists alike, with two trails — Sawtooth and Timberjack — reserved for downhill bike traffic only. Or travel the Hidden Diversity trails, open to pedestrians, mountain bikers and visitors on horseback.

Also worth a stop is War Eagle Mill, a spot as scenic as it is historically significant. The working Benton County gristmill dates back to 1832 and has been rebuilt three times in its history. In addition to the beautiful scenery, enjoy fare from the on-premises restaurant and visit the store for the perfect souvenir.

If you’re looking for a relaxing and entertaining getaway, Beaver Lake and its surrounding communities offer a wealth of options that are easy on the budget and right in your own backyard.