Enjoy Spring Break in the Ozarks!
Has your spring break been cut short due to the snowy weather in January and February? If your answer is “yes”, visiting Harrison, Arkansas is the perfect alternative for you and your family. We’ve got plenty to do right here in the heart of the Arkansas Ozarks, and in most cases it’s a lot closer than Mexico or the Caribbean - just a tank full of gas away. We’re less than a day’s drive from virtually all the metro areas in the Midwest.
Daytime activities include a float trip on the Buffalo National River (America’s first), a short drive north to see the Ozark Medieval Fortress, a 13th century castle under construction or a lazy spring day on Bull Shoals or Table Rock Lake. Since we are considered the Crossroads of the Ozarks, a short drive to walk the limestone sidewalks of Eureka Springs or a visit to Branson Landing are wonderful options at your disposal.
Buffalo National River Floating
Whether its college age students or families, floating the Buffalo National River might be just the thing for you. If you like white water consider a trip from Ponca to Kyles Landing, or for a more family friendly trip, consider a put-in at Pruitt access, with a float to the Carver Bridge. Want to have great bonding time with your kids? Consider a float trip on the Buffalo River for that quality time. For more information on planning a float trip, visit www.HarrisonArkansas.org.
Elk Watching
The Boxley Valley in Newton County (just south of Harrison) has become known as one of the best areas to view Arkansas’ growing Elk herd. There are several fields along the sides of the highway where Elk are frequently seen. Also, watch for the trumpeter swans in the Boxley pond just before you get to the Highway 21 junction. If your family has never experienced Elk in the wild, they are in for an educational treat! The kids will love the excitement of viewing the Elk herd while creating everlasting family memories!
Driving Tours
Family drives through the beautiful Arkansas Ozarks are special. Try Scenic Highway 7 south to Jasper, then take Arkansas Highway 74 west to Ponca, returning to Harrison via Arkansas Highway 43. The vistas might just overwhelm you, along with plenty of exciting sites as you drive. The Harrison Convention & Visitors Bureau has a driving guide that can be used to guide you on some of the most amazing routes. For more information, visit www.HarrisonArkansas.org.
Zip Lines over the Ozarks
A guided, safe and friendly way to see the Arkansas Ozarks awaits those who are up for the adventure. The Ozark Canopy Tours south of Harrison has a series of “zips”, gliding along connected cables and making participants feel as if they’re flying like a bird. The Canopy Tours are extremely popular with families and couples alike. For more information, visit www.BuffaloRiver.com.
Ozark Medieval Fortress
The Ozark Medieval Fortress is just a short drive from Harrison north on US 65 to Omaha and east on Arkansas 14. See how craftsmen built castles in the 13th century by watching this Fortress being built from the ground up using only technology from the 13th century. The Fortress is a work in progress and when complete, will be a finished structure complete with a working moat. Come and see period craftsmen building the only Medieval Fortress in the United States. For more information, visit www.OzarkMedievalFortress.com.
Hiking Trails
If short hikes in the spring time are for you, then you’ve come to the right place. The Harrison and Ozarks area have hundreds of different trails available for you to explore. Here are three upper Buffalo National River choices. Day hikes from Ponca to Steele Creek (2.6 miles one way), Steele Creek to Kyles Landing (5.6 miles one way) or Pruitt to Ozark Campground (2.2 miles one way) are perfect for the entire family. There are a few climbs on all three, but all are generally considered easy to moderate. For more information on the trails of the Ozarks, visit www.HarrisonArkansas.org.
After the day is done, you can dine in one of over 50 Harrison eating establishments, several that serve beer, wine or cocktails. With over 500 hotel/motel and bed and breakfast rooms available for nightly rentals, we’ve got something for everyone. Whether it’s a chain hotel with all the amenities you expect, a quaint historic boutique hotel or a quiet B&B in a secluded neighborhood, there’s something that will fit your fancy. Harrison has all the modern services you expect when traveling. Enjoy the great outdoors from the comfort of a first class city.
For a complete list of Harrison attractions, dining options or maps, call the Harrison Convention and Visitors Bureau at 888-283-2163 or visit their Web site at www.HarrisonArkansas.org.
