A Perfect Day in Mammoth Spring: Natural Wonders & Small-Town Charm
Nestled in the northeastern corner of Arkansas, Mammoth Spring offers a delightful blend of natural beauty and small-town hospitality that makes for an ideal day trip or weekend getaway.
Morning: Downtown Discoveries
Begin your day with a leisurely stroll through downtown Mammoth Spring, where charming storefronts line the streets. The loc
al antique shops are treasure troves of unique finds – I particularly enjoyed browsing at Main Street Antiques, where vintage collectibles and local crafts showcase the area’s rich history. For a mid-morning pick-me-up, stop by the Mammoth Spring Coffee Company for a freshly brewed cup and homemade pastry. The friendly baristas are happy to share local tips on what to see and do in the area.
Lunch: Local Flavors
When hunger strikes, Fred’s Fish House is a must-visit for their famous catfish and hushpuppies. If you’re in the mood for something different, Spring Diners offers classic American comfort food with a southern twist – their homemade pies are legendary among locals!
Afternoon: Natural Wonders
Mammoth Spring, Arkansas – July 11: Spring River in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas on July 11, 2023. (Photo by Will Newton/ADPHT)
After lunch, head to the crown jewel of the area: Mammoth Spring State Park. The spring itself is truly spectacular – one of the largest in the United States, producing an astonishing 9.78 million gallons of water per hour! The crystal-clear water forms a 10-acre lake before flowing south as the Spring River.
Don’t miss the historic 1886 Frisco train depot, now beautifully restored as a museum where you can learn about the area’s railroad history. The walking trail along the spring offers perfect photo opportunities with scenic bridges and viewing platforms.
Just a short walk from the spring, the Mammoth Spring National Fish Hatchery and Aquarium provides a fascinating glimpse into local aquatic life. The hatchery, established in 1903, raises various trout species that are released into Arkansas waters. The aquarium section showcases native fish species with informative displays that are entertaining for visitors of all ages.
## Evening: Riverside Relaxation
Before heading home, take a moment to relax by the dam and watch as the spring water cascades down. The peaceful sound of rushing water provides the perfect backdrop for reflecting on your day exploring this charming natural wonder.
Mammoth Spring may be small, but it offers an abundance of natural beauty, history, and small-town charm that makes for an unforgettable visit.
Cathy Drew is a lifelong resident of the region that she loves to promote. She was born in downtown Batesville in the late ’60s, located in one of the eight counties she now enjoys encouraging people to visit.
Drew became associated with the Ozark Gateway Region in 1990 while working at the ad agency (The Media Market Inc.). The agency handled marketing for the regional association, where she and her co-workers produced an annual tabloid publication. She began working as the Ozark Gateway Region director in June 2000.
After Drew became director, she took the region to the next level by helping the tourism organization create a new website and moved it from the old newspaper paper tabloid publication to a color magazine format. She helped open a visitor center for the Ozark Gateway, allowing visitors to pick up information from the entire state 24/7. Over the years, Drew has helped the organization meet new marketing goals, such as in- and out-of-state marketing, assuring that all 100,000 copies of their magazines are distributed each year.
In 2016, she assisted in creating the first Ozark Gateway Region Golf Classic. The tournament continues to grow each year, allowing the organization to expand its co-op program and helping each county have dedicated promotion. Drew stays busy at Ozark Gateway as the ad sales manager, magazine editor, day-to-day office operations, trade show representative, and magazine distribution representative, all while ensuring that the region is represented all over Arkansas and southern Missouri.
Drew was featured in several local and statewide publications over the years, as well as the 1997 cover of the Ozark Gateway Region tabloid, along with her then 4-year-old son, Jon. She has received several awards, such as the Batesville Rotarian of the Year in 2010 and a three-time Paul Harris Fellow.
She also has served as an Independence County election commissioner for several years. She now serves as their co-election coordinator, helping with behind-the-scenes management of voting equipment, day-to-day election deadlines, and poll worker training.
Drew is Batesville Rotary Club Past President, and is the Rotary Clubs’ current membership chair.
In March of 2018, Drew was honored with induction into the Arkansas Tourism Hall of Fame for her many years of dedicated service to the tourism industry.