Enjoy "The Belle of the Ozarks" cruise
Take a 12-mile tour on Beaver Lake in a paddleboat-style touring boat. You will troll the beautiful Ozarks shoreline, see Beaver Dam, get a picturesque view of the White House Bluffs, see an old homestead submerged from when the dam was built, enjoy views of the Cosmic Caverns, and be taken around a 200-acre game preserve island. You can even get married on the boat by the captain. Tours run from May through October every day but Thursdays.
Belle of the Ozarks
354 CR 146
Eureka Springs, AR 72632
(800) 552-3803
belleoftheozarks.com
Visit the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge
This wildlife preserve puts an emphasis on taking in big cats--like lions, tigers, and leopards--that were living in poor conditions in circuses, zoos, or people's homes. The rehabilitated animals are given a stable home and food at the refuge. Take yourself on a self-guided tour through its habitat (don't worry, the animals are fenced off) and read the history plaques of each animal. Turpentine Creek is open every day except Christmas.
Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge
239 Turpentine Creek Lane
Eureka Springs, AR 72632
(479) 253-5841
turpentinecreek.org
Hunt the Ozarks
Take to the woods to hunt some of Arkansas' famous game, including elk, deer, turkey and boar. Apply for a temporary hunter's license if you're an out-of-towner, or get a full-season pass if you plan on coming back that season. Check with the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission for the specific season dates for the game you want to hunt, as well as more information about available hunting locations.
Arkansas Game & Fish Commission
2 Natural Resources Drive
Little Rock, AR 72205
(800) 364-4263
agfc.com
Fish at your pleasure
Fishing guide companies abound through the Ozarks and in Eureka Springs. You can set up a guided fishing tour in a lake or river led by fishing professionals. They will educate you in fishing in the Ozarks, while helping you catch a number of fish, including trout and bass. Some companies, such as the Ozarks Mountain Guide Service, will prepare a lunch on the river or lake bank and can even provide you with fishing equipment, if needed. Most tours do not run in the winter months.
Ozark Mountain Guide Service
102 Jordan Drive
Eureka Springs, AR 72632
(501) 240-3288
ozarkmountainguides.com
