Bull Shoals Lake stretches for nearly 90 miles into the Ozarks along the Arkansas and Missouri state borders. Its crystal waters, nearly 200 feet deep in places, are formed by the White River, which continues beyond Bull Shoals Dam (above) south to the Arkansas and ultimately, the Mississippi River. Among the nation's large lakes, Bull Shoals boasts nearly 46,000 surface acres of the cleanest, clearest water you can find.
Below the dam, the White River -- a world-class trout stream -- offers swift, cool waters rushing past farmland, dense woods and bluffs.
Below the dam, the White River -- a world-class trout stream -- offers swift, cool waters rushing past farmland, dense woods and bluffs.
The Fishing
Stan and Jon caught these monster catfish just yards from our dock!
Lake fishing at its best! Largemouth, smallmouth, spotted and white bass, walleye, bream, crappie and catfish -- even trout -- are all here in Bull Shoals Lake. There is no closed season on the lake, and it never freezes, so bring on the gear any time of year. Just think! Five minutes after you drive in our driveway, you can fish from the bank, our dock, or your boat. The water is just a couple of hundred yards down the hill from our resort.
And on the river, a quick six miles from Ridgecrest, you'll encounter a world class trout stream, known across the state for record catches: 19 pound rainbow in 1981, a cutthroat 9 pounds, 9 ounces in 1985. Hey -- it's time for you to break the record!
And on the river, a quick six miles from Ridgecrest, you'll encounter a world class trout stream, known across the state for record catches: 19 pound rainbow in 1981, a cutthroat 9 pounds, 9 ounces in 1985. Hey -- it's time for you to break the record!
Our lake is home to numerous championship tournaments, and we are happy to take reservations for competitors and their families.
The Boating
Where to begin? A wide-open lake with long runs and glassy coves makes water sports fun for all. Swim, scuba dive, wakeboard, ski, tube, jet ski, motor, paddle or drift. . . with more than a thousand miles of shoreline open to visitors, you are sure to find your special spot to frolic, relax, and enjoy. Most comfortable swim temperatures start in late May, and continue through mid-September. But we frequently see skiers in wetsuits earlier and later in the water sports season.
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The Sightseeing
Stunning bluffs like these are a regular feature along the Buffalo River.
So much in the way of dramatic scenery and notable sights await you in this corner of the world. . . it's hard to know where to begin. Here are a few of our favorites.
Nearby, you won't want to miss the James A. Gaston Visitor Center, overlooking the Lake and the White River at the historic Bull Shoals Dam, built from 1947-1951 to provide flood control, power generation and recreation. The Bull Shoals/White River State Park in that area is among Arkansas' most beautiful parks and campgrounds, and offers canoing and interpretive programs, plus trout fishing. You'll also find a few hiking/mountain biking trails there. In the heart of town, you can visit Bull Shoals Caverns (call 870-445-7177 for hours of operation). Plus, along Highway 178 you'll find a number of boating and fishing access areas.
A bit further afield, we suggest: Picnicking, ropeswinging and fishing at Cotter Spring Park (west of Gassville on Highway 62) -- don't miss the largest Rainbow Arch Bridge still in existence. This beautiful structure spans the White River, and is on the National Register of Historic Places.
You won't want to miss a day trip to the beautiful Buffalo National River, unhindered by dams or reservoirs thanks to Congressional action in 1972 designating it as our country's first national river. We can recommend several scenic float trips and outfitters, and steer you to some spectacular hiking trails along the Buffalo's bluffs and valleys. There's also a zipline canopy tour in Ponca -- and in the fall, you can watch the elk gather along some bends in the river.
No visit to the region would be complete without a jog over to the Norfork National Fish Hatchery at Norfork Dam, the shops, music, and craftspeople of the Ozark Folk Center in Mountain View and the nearby stunning Blanchard Springs Caverns, or the Wolf House historic cabin in Norfork.
In addition to these items on the "to do" list, you and your family can enjoy golf, hunting, tennis, mini-golf, antiquing, birding, geocaching, horseback riding, local theater and music shows, and much, much more. Not to mention the shopping, sights and entertainment to our north in Branson and Springfield, Missouri (1-1/2 to 2 hours' drive) where the Bass Pro Shop and Branson Landing are popular daytrip destinations. When it comes to things to do, the Ozarks just don't let you run out of options.
Nearby, you won't want to miss the James A. Gaston Visitor Center, overlooking the Lake and the White River at the historic Bull Shoals Dam, built from 1947-1951 to provide flood control, power generation and recreation. The Bull Shoals/White River State Park in that area is among Arkansas' most beautiful parks and campgrounds, and offers canoing and interpretive programs, plus trout fishing. You'll also find a few hiking/mountain biking trails there. In the heart of town, you can visit Bull Shoals Caverns (call 870-445-7177 for hours of operation). Plus, along Highway 178 you'll find a number of boating and fishing access areas.
A bit further afield, we suggest: Picnicking, ropeswinging and fishing at Cotter Spring Park (west of Gassville on Highway 62) -- don't miss the largest Rainbow Arch Bridge still in existence. This beautiful structure spans the White River, and is on the National Register of Historic Places.
You won't want to miss a day trip to the beautiful Buffalo National River, unhindered by dams or reservoirs thanks to Congressional action in 1972 designating it as our country's first national river. We can recommend several scenic float trips and outfitters, and steer you to some spectacular hiking trails along the Buffalo's bluffs and valleys. There's also a zipline canopy tour in Ponca -- and in the fall, you can watch the elk gather along some bends in the river.
No visit to the region would be complete without a jog over to the Norfork National Fish Hatchery at Norfork Dam, the shops, music, and craftspeople of the Ozark Folk Center in Mountain View and the nearby stunning Blanchard Springs Caverns, or the Wolf House historic cabin in Norfork.
In addition to these items on the "to do" list, you and your family can enjoy golf, hunting, tennis, mini-golf, antiquing, birding, geocaching, horseback riding, local theater and music shows, and much, much more. Not to mention the shopping, sights and entertainment to our north in Branson and Springfield, Missouri (1-1/2 to 2 hours' drive) where the Bass Pro Shop and Branson Landing are popular daytrip destinations. When it comes to things to do, the Ozarks just don't let you run out of options.
The rainbow arch bridge at the boat launch access in Cotter, Arkansas, 20 minutes from the resort.
The Neighborhood. . .
When you've had enough sun, it's fun to
Go Bowling!
at Bull Shoals Lanes and Pro Shop, just behind the 178 Club Restaurant on Highway 178 in Bull Shoals. There's something for everyone to do, and good food too.
Go Bowling!
at Bull Shoals Lanes and Pro Shop, just behind the 178 Club Restaurant on Highway 178 in Bull Shoals. There's something for everyone to do, and good food too.
Robert Hurt, manager, showing off the facilities. A friendly place, cool in the summer, and warm in the winter!
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The Lanes offer a full menu and bar `a la` the 178 Club Restaurant. Yum.
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The Entertainment
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Take in some live music at some of our local venues -- Mountain Home Downtown Square on Friday nights in the summer; Yellville's Courthouse Square Music and Farmers' Market is on Saturday nights in the summer. Also, the Bull Shoals Theater of the Arts and Twin Lakes Playhouse offerings are ongoing. |
The Events
So many pretty things to see at the Quilt Show in Mountain Home!
To name but a few of the events in our area (in their calender order)
Eagle Awareness Month
Ozark Springtime Wildflower Weekend
Central Pro-Am Bass Tourney
Tyson Tournament
Barefoot Poker Run
Art in the Park
Cotter Trout Festival
Gassville Days
Wakeboarding Competitions
July Fourth Fireworks on Bull Shoals Lake
Hillbilly Chili Cookoff
Baxter County Fair
Turkey Trot (Yellville)
Howard Creek Octoberfest
Twin Lakes ---- Quilt Show
Eagle Awareness Month
Ozark Springtime Wildflower Weekend
Central Pro-Am Bass Tourney
Tyson Tournament
Barefoot Poker Run
Art in the Park
Cotter Trout Festival
Gassville Days
Wakeboarding Competitions
July Fourth Fireworks on Bull Shoals Lake
Hillbilly Chili Cookoff
Baxter County Fair
Turkey Trot (Yellville)
Howard Creek Octoberfest
Twin Lakes ---- Quilt Show