Ozark Attractions 'Open' Despite Adverse Weather

Families preparing to vacation in the Ozarks this spring and summer should not change their plans because parts of Arkansas has experienced early-spring flooding and storms, according to Cathy Drew, executive director of the Ozark Gateway Tourist Council, headquartered in Batesville.

"Travel destinations throughout the Ozarks are open and ready to serve all who wish to experience some of the best vacation opportunities Arkansas has to offer," Drew explains.

While the storms and heavy rains made national headlines several weeks ago, only a few of the state's 75 counties were adversely affected. The delta regions had the most flooding problems, but even they are improving with time.

The increased water flow into lakes and rivers has actually improved fishing conditions in most areas, according to reports. Canoeing on the Spring River is at its best and will remain above average for several weeks.

Mountain View celebrated its 46th Arkansas Folk Festival with great fanfare in April, with visitors from around the nation. The Ozark Folk Center State Park is well into its yearly schedule with special guests and events slated through October. Summer hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Wed.-Sat.) crafts village and 7:30 p.m. (Wed.-Sat.) music theater shows.

The Driftwood Barn, White River Hoedown, Taylor's Sons of the Ozarks, Brickshy's Backstreet Theater, Gospel Opry, Folklore Society and Music on the Courthouse Square are other musical options in Mountain View.

Blanchard Springs Caverns, deep within the Ozark National Forest (north of Mountain View), offers three guided tours throughout the summer months, plus great camping, hiking and biking trails, picnic sites and natural wonders, all under the protection of the U.S. Forest Service and open to the general public.

The six state parks in the Gateway region are all open and ready to serve visitors. In addition to the Folk Center, the parks include Mammoth Spring (Arkansas's largest natural spring and restored 1886 railroad depot museum); Old Davidsonville (historic 1815 townsite, camping and fishing); Powhatan (restored 19th century river port and courthouse museum); Lake Charles (fishing and camping); and Jacksonport (1872 courthouse museum, paddlewheel riverboat and camping).

(Note: At Jacksonport, the visitors center and courthouse museum are open and normal park activities continue. However, as of May 5, the camping area and riverboat tour at Jacksonport were closed due to high water on the White and Black rivers. Both will re-open as soon as possible.)

Gateway president Charlie Morris suggests that anyone planning a riverside vacation anywhere in the Natural State should call ahead to the area's chambers of commerce, tourism association, parks, or resorts to determine the best time to visit.

"Anyone needing general vacation planning help is welcome to call Ozark Gateway at 1-800-264-0316, or visit our website at www.ozarkgateway.com,"
Morris added. "We are a non-profit, all-volunteer council, here to help travelers in everyway possible."

Other Gateway destinations, open and ready for visitors, include Old Hardy Town, overlooking the Spring River along U.S. 63-412. The historic downtown is a mecca for antique and craft shoppers. Calico Rock, perched on a limestone bluff along the White River on Ark. 5 offers great trout fishing, unique shops and restaurants. Pocahontas (U.S. 67), with its historic downtown square, also has museums, music hall and ultra-modern dinner theatre featuring Broadway-type productions. Salem (U.S. 62-412) has free weekly musicals, fishing, and festive homecoming events.

History buffs and outdoor enthusiasts are attracted to Newport (U.S. 67) with its restored railroad depot, museums, White River pearl market, plus hunting and fishing resorts. Batesville (U.S. 167) boasts two historic districts, a 12-county regional museum, a modern dirt-track speedway, Mark Martin's NASCAR museum, and a strong downtown shopping area, complete with fine antique stores. Walnut Ridge (U.S. 67) has a flying school museum, state parks, jetliner restaurant, and restored Amtrak depot. Melbourne, Horseshoe Bend, Cherokee Village and Batesville boast championship golf courses.

The weather has not dampened plans for the numerous festivals and celebrations scheduled annually throughout the eight-county region. Download a complete visitor's guide here.