Arkansas

explore like never before

Get Custom Travel guides packed with local tips
Nature|Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

The Oldest Lake In Arkansas Is A Beautiful Piece Of Living History

Lake Nimrod, Arkansas' first Corps of Engineers project, offers a blend of historical significance and recreational activities.

Published Jun 4, 2019

Written by 

Carol Ann Carson

At the start of the Ouachita National Forest resides a special piece of Arkansas history. Lake Nimrod was the first Arkansas project completed by the Corps of Engineers. This lake may not be naturally-made but it's certainly a treasured gem of the state. Let's dive right into its history and see how this lake has stood the test of time.

Not every Arkansas treasure has to be natural! Some of the state's man-made features happen to be the best to visit.

alt
Facebook/Arkansas Game and Fish Commission

Arkansas' natural wonders are fascinating for sure but places like Lake Nimrod certainly deserve a weekend or two of your time as well.

advertisement

Address: 3 Hwy. 7, South Plainview, AR 72857

The 3,550-acre lake is the oldest human-engineered project within the state.

alt
Google/Jason Soderlund

It was created by the US Army Corps of Engineers back in 1942. This project was part of the Flood Control Act of 1938. These Flood Acts throughout the 30s-60s authorized construction of levees, dams, and dikes to protect susceptible areas against flooding. Nimrod in particular has a maximum flood storage of 100 billion gallons!

Although the dam wasn't intended for recreation, different water-based activities have developed on the lake in more recent years.

alt
Facebook/Andrews Bait Shop N More Lake Nimrod, Ar

The lake is now a popular place for swimming, boating (especially water skiing), fishing, and even hunting. Huge slab crappie found in the lake bring in fishers from around the country. Duck hunters will especially love the 2,400-acre greentree reservoir.

Camping is another pastime that keeps the historic lake worthwhile for traveling families.

alt
Google/Jeremy Haggard

Recreation Areas developed by the Corps of Engineers have 136 campsites scattered along the lake. There are six different parks to choose from, which you can read about right here.

advertisement

Lake Nimrod is the perfect balance of interesting history and family fun for your next lakeside adventure.

alt
Facebook/Arkansas Nature Lovers/Lori Johnson

Designate a weekend for a trip to the lake or have it be one of the stops along this scenic drive.

What's your favorite thing to do on the lake? Share with us in the comments below!

Some of these captures came from the members of our Facebook group, Arkansas Nature Lovers. You should join for your chance to be featured and to discover why there’s nothing better than Arkansas’ stunning nature.

Another fascinating piece of history to view on the water is Arkansas' oldest stone-cut dam.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

Nature|Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

The Stunning Top-Secret Swimming Hole In Arkansas Nobody’s Ever Heard Of

Published Aug 9, 2024

Written by 

Melanie Johnson

If you live in Arkansas, we bet you've heard of or been to Falls Creek Falls, Walnut Creek, Gunner Pool, or Kings River Falls. After all, they're some of the best swimming holes in the state. But unless you live near Paris, I can guess that you’ve never heard of Big Shoal Creek or Shoal Creek as locals call it. This pretty nature spot in Arkansas is one of her best kept secrets. But now that the cat is out of the bag, we want to share this hidden gem swimming hole with you.

advertisement

Tucked inside the tiny town of Paris, you'll find a secret spot that not many folks know about. Big Shoal Creek is a small oasis filled with cascading waterfalls as well as pretty swimming holes, and it's perfect for a quick summer day trip in the Ozarks.

alt
Travis Howk/AllTrails

The hike to get to this hidden gem is literally 0.1 miles, so it's only a short walk from the parking area on Spring Lake Rd. Or if you have an ORV, you can easily drive right up to it.

alt
Stephanie Jardine/Google

If you've driven on Spring Lake Rd in Paris, you might have seen Big Shoal Creek as you travel across the bridge. And if you've never stopped, be sure to do so next time you're in the area. You won't be disappointed.

alt
Ronnie Hendrix/Google

What I like most about this nature spot is that there are rocky areas along the creek...

alt
Russell McLaughlin/AllTrails

...so, if you have kids, there are plenty of places for them to play and wade in the water.

alt
Samantha Wilson/Google

Plus, there is a pretty little cascading waterfall. At only about 5-feet tall, what Big Shoal Falls lacks in height, it makes up for in beauty. Bring your camera as you will want to snap some pics here.

alt
Rodger Reber/Google

Depending on when you visit, you could have this secret swimming hole to yourself, so you'll want to take full advantage of it.

advertisement
alt
April Barnard/AllTrails

It's best to visit after a good rainfall, but even if the creek isn't flowing, you can still find a few spots to get your feet wet.

alt
Russell McLaughlin/AllTrails

After your visit, chances are, this swimming hole might become your new go-to oasis.

So, did you know about this secret nature spot in Arkansas? Have you been to it? Let us know in the comments below. While in the area, how about you grab a bite to eat at this scenic Arkansas restaurant that's high above the clouds.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/arkansas/restaurant-above-the-clouds-ar/

Also, if you need a place to stay after your day of fun, we found this affordable hotel in Paris that's a perfect place to rest.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

Nature|Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

This Natural Water Park In Arkansas Is A Summer Dream Come True

Published Aug 2, 2024

Written by 

Melanie Johnson

Truth be told, it’s not hard to find a natural water park in Arkansas. After all, with over 2,000 lakes and thousands of unnamed swimming holes, any of them can become a natural playground. Take, for instance, the Ouachita River Whitewater Park in Malvern that we are featuring today. With raging rapids, picnic tables, walking trails, and more, this epic Arkansas aquatic park is jam-packed with adventure. A day trip here will literally make your summer dreams come true. Plus, it’s dog-friendly, too. Come and check it out with us.

advertisement

At over 500 miles long, the Ouachita River is a natural playground that stretches from Arkansas to Louisiana.

alt
Thomas Cluff/Google

Along the river in Arkansas, you'll find class I rapids, so kayakers have made this their summer playground for many years,

Located in Malvern, just 20 miles southeast of Hot Springs, the Ouachita River Whitewater Park is a great spot to access the scenic river.

alt
Mark Corder/Google

Here you can spend the day lazily floating on the water...

alt
P.J. Martin/Google

...or for a more adrenaline pact day, you can kayak along the rapids.

alt
Christopher Alter/Google

The park is fun for all ages and for all skill levels. So as long as you love the water, this outdoor playground will make your summer dreams come alive.

alt
Dee Elkins/Google

Don't leave the pup at home, they love the river too. They enjoy cruising the river on a canoe or boat.

advertisement
alt
P.J. Martin/Google

If you prefer not to cool off in the water, there is more to do here. You can find a quiet spot to sit and enjoy the scenery...

alt
Alejandra Gutierrez/Google

...or you can stroll on the paved trails that meander through the park.

alt
Christopher Alter/Google

Be sure to pack a picnic as there is a pavilion with picnic tables. Plus, there are more picnic tables scattered throughout the park.

alt
Ouachita River Whitewater Park/Facebook

You can easily spend the day cooling off on the Ouachita River at this natural outdoor playground in Arkansas.

Are you ready to take your summer to the next level at this natural water park in Arkansas? If so, visit the Ouachita River Whitewater Park Facebook page to learn more about the outdoor playground.

If you're searching for more adventure this summer, how about you try this Stand Up Paddleboard tour on Beaver Lake. We believe you'll love it especially if you enjoy spending time on the water.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

All Stories

Stays
Vacation Rentals

This Secluded Airbnb Cabin in Minnesota Is the Perfect Place for a Digital Detox

by Trent Jonas
on Nov 12
alt
Nature
Caves & Rock Formations

You Can Enjoy This Unexpected Autumn Adventure in Wyoming Even After the Foliage Is Gone

by Jennifer
on Nov 12
alt
Stays

This Secluded Airbnb Cabin in Idaho Is the Perfect Place for a Digital Detox

by Courtnie Erickson
on Nov 12
alt
Trip Ideas

Turn Back Time With a Stay at a Charming Retro Motel and a Meal at a Vintage Diner in Washington

by Natasha Kayes
on Nov 12
alt
Nature
Wildlife & Farms

The Audubon Center in Nebraska Where You’ll See Thousands of Birds on a Single Afternoon

by Trent Jonas
on Nov 12
alt