The best way to spend summer days is by swimming, kayaking, and pedal boating in cool, crisp water on a scenic lake. Lake Bennett located in Greenbrier Arkansas is the ideal lake to enjoy these fun summertime activities. The lake sees many visitors each year, but very few realize that this man-made lake was part of a first of its kind scientific water experiment.

This unique lake is the perfect getaway for the entire family to create those summertime memories. Those beautiful days that are spent splashing around in cool water while soaking up the glorious sun.

Pedal boating along the scenic lake is a favorite pastime for the entire family. The calm water of the lake makes this activity ideal for adults and kids of all ages.

Another favorite activity is to enjoy the beauty of the lake from a kayak. The relaxing drift will certainly connect you to nature.

But what makes Lake Bennett significant is the history behind its origin. Situated inside Woolly Hollow State Park, Lake Bennett is a 40-acre reservoir that was constructed in 1939.

The lake is the first watershed experimental reservoir project in the United States.

Named after Dr. Hugh Hammond Bennett, the Father of Soil Conservation, Lake Bennett was created to study the impact of soil erosion and to determine if erosion could be controlled. The image below shows the construction of the dam connected to the lake.

Once the dam and lake were completed, the discoveries were used to develop modern-day soil conservation practices. So, this lake is historical, and it is the catalyst of the standards practiced by the American agricultural system.

Woolly Hollow State Park is also rich with its own history, and it attracts visitors from all over. Within the park is an original homestead cabin built in 1882 that you must explore.

The park also boasts 30 AAA campsites and four hiking trails, one of which is a popular 9.4-mile mountain biking trail.

This state park is an Arkansas gem where history and nature collide to create a truly unique experience. And Lake Bennett is the ideal spot to enjoy cool, crisp water on summer weekends inside the park.

So, have you ever gone swimming in the cool waters of Lake Bennett? Tell us about it in the comments below.

And if you would like more information about park hours and location, visit the Woolly Hollow State Park website.