Heber Springs, Arkansas, is a charming town with lots to do for all ages. You can explore the beautiful Greers Ferry Lake and Dam. Or learn about the area’s history and nature.
Looking for outdoor fun, family activities, or a quiet weekend away? Heber Springs has it all. This guide will show you the best spots for an amazing trip.
Key Takeaways
- Heber Springs, AR offers a diverse range of activities and attractions for all interests
- Explore the stunning Greers Ferry Lake and Dam, a popular destination for fishing, boating, and scenic hiking trails
- Discover the town’s rich history, unique shopping, and delicious dining options in the downtown area
- Enjoy outdoor adventures like hiking, disc golf, and spotting the winter trumpeter swans
- Families can find plenty of fun at the local parks, beaches, and playgrounds
Explore Greers Ferry Lake and Dam
Greers Ferry Lake is in the heart of Heber Springs, Arkansas. It’s a natural gem with stunning beauty and lots of things to do. The lake is over 40,500 acres big. It’s perfect for fishing, boating, and enjoying beautiful views and hiking trails.
Fishing and Boating
Greers Ferry Lake is great for fishing. It has many fish like walleye, hybrid striped bass, and trout. You can fish from the shore or on the water. It’s exciting to catch your own fish.
For a calm day, you can boat, sail, or enjoy water sports. There are marinas and boat ramps along the shore.
Scenic Views and Hiking Trails
The Greers Ferry Dam is an amazing sight finished in 1963. It shows off the beautiful views around it. You can walk the Mossy Bluff Trail and Buckeye Trail for great lake and mountain views.
There are many trails to explore. They let you enjoy nature and connect with the outdoors.
Things to do in Heber Springs AR
Heber Springs is a charming town in central Arkansas. It has many activities and attractions for visitors. You can shop and dine in the lively downtown or learn about the town’s history and culture.
Shopping and Dining Downtown
The downtown area of Heber Springs is full of unique shops and places to eat. You can walk through historic streets and look at local boutiques and art galleries. There are also antique stores with handmade crafts and vintage items.
The town has many places to eat, from fancy lakeside restaurants to casual cafes. You can find food from all over the world to enjoy.
Museums and the Local Library
If you like history, check out the Cleburne County Historical Society Office, Research Library, and Museum. They have exhibits and artifacts about Heber Springs and the area. The Mary I. Wold Cleburne County Library is a modern place with lots of books and services for everyone.
Heber Springs has something for everyone, whether you want to shop, eat, or learn. With its lively downtown, cultural spots, and natural beauty, it’s a great place to visit in Arkansas.
Outdoor Adventures in Heber Springs
Heber Springs is in the heart of Arkansas and perfect for outdoor lovers. It has many hiking trails and natural sights for adventure. You can enjoy the Sulphur Creek Trail, Sugarloaf Mountain, and Bridal Veil Falls.
Hiking Trails and Natural Wonders
The Sulphur Creek Trail has paved and dirt paths. It’s great for seeing wildlife, watching birds, and enjoying the views. Sugarloaf Mountain is a big rock that’s almost 700 feet high. It’s a great place to hike.
Bridal Veil Falls is another spot you must see. It has beautiful waterfalls and greenery. It’s peaceful and pretty.
Heber Springs also has seven mineral springs at Spring Park. People have visited these springs since the 1830s. They are refreshing and show off the area’s unique geology.
Heber Springs has trails for easy walks or tough hikes. You can explore Sugarloaf Mountain or the Sulphur Creek Trail. It’s a great place for outdoor lovers.
Family Fun Activities
Heber Springs is in the heart of Arkansas. It has many family-friendly places to visit. You can find parks and beaches that everyone can enjoy.
Parks, Beaches, and Playgrounds
Spring Park is in downtown Heber Springs. It’s a favorite spot for families. You’ll find mineral springs, playgrounds, basketball courts, and places to sit outside.
There’s also Sandy Beach on Greers Ferry Lake. It has five acres of white sand and clear water. It’s great for swimming, sunbathing, and playing beach volleyball.
If you like outdoor adventures, try the Mossy Bluff Disc Golf Course. It’s behind the William Carl Garner Visitors Center. It’s a fun place for families and those who love the outdoors.
- Explore the natural beauty of Heber Springs’ parks and beaches
- Have fun playing basketball or having a picnic at Spring Park
- Swim in the cool waters of Sandy Beach on Greers Ferry Lake
- Challenge your family to a round of disc golf at the Mossy Bluff Disc Golf Course
Heber Springs has lots of activities for families. You can relax, go on an adventure, or just spend time with your loved ones. This town in Arkansas has something special for everyone.
Spotting Trumpeter Swans
Every winter, Heber Springs is a top spot for birdwatchers. It’s home to a large number of trumpeter swans. These big birds, the biggest waterfowl in North America, live here seasonally. Up to 150 swans can be seen at a time.
Trumpeter swans are amazing birds. They can weigh up to 30 pounds and have wings up to 8 feet wide. From mid-November to mid-February, you can see them on Greers Ferry Lake. This makes Heber Springs perfect for Heber Springs birdwatching.
The story of Heber Springs trumpeter swans started in 1991 with just three birds. Since then, their numbers have grown. Now, you can see them on different lakes and ponds. Magness Lake and Abram’s Ponds on Hiram Road are great places to watch them.
- Trumpeter swans are the largest waterfowl species native to North America.
- These majestic birds can weigh up to 30 pounds and have wingspans of up to 8 feet.
- Heber Springs is home to a unique population of trumpeter swans, with numbers reaching up to 150 at a time.
- The first sighting of the swans in Heber Springs occurred in 1991, and the population has continued to grow over the years.
- Visitors can spot the trumpeter swans on Greers Ferry Lake from mid-November to mid-February.
To help the swans, don’t feed them by hand or let your dogs near them. Instead, use clean shelled corn, which you can buy at Heber Springs Walmart. With some planning and patience, you can see these amazing trumpeter swans in their winter home.
Festivals and Events in Heber Springs
Heber Springs is in the heart of Arkansas. It has a full year of festivals and events. These offer a mix of cultural experiences. From Independence Day to holiday festivities, the town shines with community spirit.
Annual Celebrations and Holidays
The Heber Springs Fireworks Extravaganza on Greers Ferry Lake is a big event. It brings in thousands to see the fireworks on Independence Day. In the fall and winter, there are events like the Cleburne County Ozark Trail Festival and the Arkansas Trail of Lights at the courthouse.
The holiday season is celebrated with events like the Christmas Open House. This event highlights the downtown area and local shops.
- 137th Annual Old Soldiers Reunion and Parade from August 1 to 3, 2024
- Cash prizes for best floats at the Old Soldiers Reunion and Parade: $350 for first place, $250 for second place, and $150 for third place
- Karaoke contest at the Old Soldiers Reunion and Parade with an entry fee of $10
- Cleburne County Fair from September 3 to 7, 2024
- Denim, Diamonds, and Pearls Gala by the Cleburne County Community Foundation on September 26, 2024 with tickets priced at $50 each
- Ozark Trail Festival from October 4 to 5, 2024
- Christmas Open House event on November 9 to 10, 2024
Heber Springs has events like Springfest in June and Freedom Fest on the Lake in July. These festivals, events, holidays, and celebrations are for everyone. They make Heber Springs vibrant and fun for all ages.
Little Red River Recreation
The Little Red River starts at the Greers Ferry Dam’s base. It’s famous for trout fishing. Here, you can find trout up to 40 pounds, 4 ounces. It’s not just for fishing; it’s a place full of fun for visitors in Heber Springs, Arkansas.
Fishing, Camping, and Sightseeing
Many anglers come to the Little Red River to fish for rainbow, cutthroat, and brook trout. The river is 32 miles long, perfect for fishing. There’s also great camping and hiking around the river, letting you enjoy nature and beautiful views.
The Greers Ferry National Fish Hatchery helps keep the trout in the Little Red River healthy. It makes over a million rainbow trout every year. These trout are put into the river and other places in Arkansas.
If you love fishing, nature, or just want a quiet place to relax, the Little Red River in Heber Springs is perfect. It has lots of activities to enjoy.
Greers Ferry National Fish Hatchery
The Greers Ferry National Fish Hatchery is a key spot in Heber Springs, Arkansas. It was started in 1965. It’s part of the National Fish Hatchery System, helping to protect aquatic life.
Here, you can see how trout grow. They make about one million Heber Springs trout a year. These trout are then put into the Little Red River and other places in Arkansas. This helps with fishing and helps the Heber Springs hatchery environment.
You can take a free tour of the hatchery. It shows how trout grow from tiny to big. There are also exhibits that teach about the hatchery’s history and its role in protecting Arkansas’s water life.
If you love fishing, nature, or just want to learn something new, you should visit the Greers Ferry National Fish Hatchery. It has great exhibits, beautiful views, and teaches about conservation. It’s a fun and educational place for everyone.
Historic Attractions in Heber Springs
Heber Springs is in the heart of Arkansas. It has a rich history shown in its historic spots and cultural places. Visitors can explore the town’s past and learn its interesting stories.
A key spot is the Cleburne County Historical Society Office, Research Library, and Museum. It’s in the old Post Office Building. Here, you can see the area’s history through displays and a big research library. It has lots of info on Heber Springs’ history.
Don’t miss the Ruland Junction Toy Train Museum. It’s a two-story museum with 90 years of toy train and real train memorabilia. You can feel the old-time charm of toy trains and learn about the area’s rail history.
The Greers Ferry Dam and Visitor Center tells the story of the dam’s making and President John F. Kennedy’s 1963 speech. It shows the area’s big role in the nation’s history.
These spots in Heber Springs let visitors see the town’s past. They help people understand the area’s cultural heritage and history.
Conclusion
Heber Springs, Arkansas, is a beautiful place with lots to do for all ages. You can enjoy the lovely Greers Ferry Lake and Dam. Or learn about the area’s history and nature.
Looking for outdoor fun, family activities, or a quiet weekend? Heber Springs has it all. You can try water sports, fish, hike, or visit cultural spots. All these activities are set in the beautiful Ozark Mountains.
Make plans to visit Heber Springs and make memories in Arkansas. The town is known for its friendly people, stunning nature, and lots of things to do. It’s a top spot for anyone wanting to see the best of Arkansas.
