Beaver Lake ("Eureka West")
Discover Nature’s Best In Eureka Springs West
The area known as "Eureka Springs West" is located just a few scenic miles west of historic downtown Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Enjoy the solitude of nature, discover Beaver Lake, canoe the famed White River, visit Thorncrown Chapel, Blue Spring, and hike Lake Leatherwood in this nature lovers paradise in the heart of the Ozarks.
Enjoy the Water Wonderland of the Ozarks - Beaver Lake &
The White River
Pristine lakes and rivers offering boating, canoeing, sailing, and kayaking adventure surround Eureka Springs West. Beaver Lake and the White River are a nature lover's delight during every season. Towering limestone bluffs, deep caves, and numerous natural springs afford shutterbugs and nature lovers’ hours of enjoyment throughout the year.
 Beaver Lake is nestled high in the Ozark Mountains of northwest Arkansas, creating the birthplace of the White River. With 487 miles of shoreline covering 31,700 acres, Beaver Lake offers the best in recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. It’s one of the cleanest and clearest lakes in the lower 48, drawing scuba divers from around the country.
A variety of recreational facilities surround the lake, including developed parks with campsites for tents and RV’s. Other facilities include swimming beaches, hiking trails, boat ramps, and group picnic shelters. Commercial marinas on the lake offer boat rentals (fishing boats, pontoons, wave runners), fuel, fishing guide info, lake maps and fishing licenses.
Parks on the Eureka Springs side of the Lake include:
Starkey Park (commercial marina & Belle of the Ozarks landing)
White River Dam Site(picnic areas, camping, boat ramps)
Beaver Lake Dam Site (lake swimming, picnic areas, scuba diving, group facilities)
Access Beaver Lake/Beaver Dam via Hwy 62 to Hwy 187 South Loop.
Fisherman’s Paradise
The “painted” limestone bluffs banking
Beaver Lake
and the rock shelters of Table Rock Lake are impressive and full of record-breaking striped bass. Many varieties of fish inhabit Beaver Lake including trophy size stripers, bass, catfish, bluegill, crappie, red-ear sunfish, and walleye. Just below Beaver Dam, discover the famed White River, known for its national & state trout records. Many local expert Beaver Lake/White River fishing guides are available to help you catch your limit.
Explore the Ozarks Underground
Arkansas is home to nearly 2,000 documented caves, but most are located on private property. Eureka Springs is centrally located near several open to the public caves, including Onyx Cave, Cosmic Caverns, Mystic Caverns, and War Eagle Cavern. Hidden Valley Guest Ranch offers a horseback riding cave tour unrivaled by any in the area. For added fun, be sure to check the creek beds for arrowheads after a rain.
 A Fall Leaf Peeping Mecca
Winding roads open up to breathtaking vistas of the tree covered Ozark Mountains. Red black gum and dogwood, yellow hickory, orange sassafras, purple sweet gum, and flaming maples orchestrate a symphony of color beginning in late September and through October. Sunsets over Beaver Lake mimic autumnal colors in the water and colorful leaves travel rushing mountain streams. Eureka Springs West is a fall foliage lovers dream.
Eagle & Bird Watching Paradise
 Eureka Springs in the fall features more than just spectacular color. Soaring across Beaver Lake, majestic eagles search for food. Eagle viewing cruises depart from Rocky Branch Recreation Area or on Belle of the Ozarks and provide unparalleled views from the water. Visitors enjoy seeing wild turkeys, roadrunners, peregrine falcons, owls, red tailed hawks, pileated woodpeckers, and many other bird species. The Retreat at Sky Ridge cabin resort is a 140-acre native bird and wildlife habitat overlooking Beaver Lake from one of the highest ridges in the area. Surround yourself in solitude, woods, ponds, and natural springs year round at this pet-friendly “home-away-from-home” that also offers the area’s only community labyrinth.
“The Wedding Capital of the South”
Eureka Springs is one of the Top 5 wedding destinations in the country…and with good reason. The area offers one of the most beautiful nuptial settings with a large variety of lodging and event facilities for any size affair. Thorncrown Chapel is a favorite destination, being voted one of the “Top 10 Architectural Accomplishments in America.” From large churches to small wedding chapels and gorgeous gardens couples can easily find the best location for their special day and their budget. The Sky Ridge Pavilion offers the largest event facility in Eureka Springs West and Blue Spring is a popular outdoor wedding location. Celebrate your wedding with a ringing of the largest outdoor wedding chimes in the world at Celestial Breezes on Rt. 23 South.
 Art, Art & More Art
There are more artists per capita in Eureka Springs than any city in the US. There are numerous art galleries throughout historic downtown and Eureka Springs West, including the Sacred Earth Gallery owned by award winning photographer Edward Robison III. For budding artists, visit the Eureka Springs School of the Arts, the Writers Colony, and Opera in the Ozarks. America’s biggest story in American art is the recent opening of the Crystal Bridges Art Museum in Rogers Arkansas, just 30 minutes from Eureka Springs West. Built by Alice Walton of the famous Walton (Wal-Mart) family it contains some of the best American art in the country – including the iconic “Rosie the Riveter” – all free to the public.
Hiking & Mountain Biking
Mountain bikers and spectators come from all over the country for local biking events like the Fat Tire Festival and the Eurekan Multi-Sports Festival. Enjoy a wide variety of flora and fauna exploring the environs around Beaver Lake and the White River. Hike the Cliff Trails on the north shoreline of the lake for great views of wildlife, cliffs, and sunsets. Near Beaver Dam, Parker Bottoms offers trails and fishing access to the White River, in addition to camp grounds with views of the nearby soaring limestone cliffs. Hike along the river and cliffs to the north of the “Little Golden Gate Bridge” in the village of Beaver between Holiday Island and Eureka Springs. Lake Leatherwood is one of the largest city parks in America featuring a 100-acre no-wake lake for canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboats and 18 hiking trails. With over a thousand acres, it’s a wonderful place to hike and mountain bike.
Discover hidden jewels like Blue Spring Heritage Center, a historic site with a unique sense of place. There is abundant wildlife making regular appearances along the trails including fox, bobcats, wild turkeys, deer, raccoons, and even dinosaurs. Yes, dinosaurs! Check out Dinosaur World just north of Beaver Dam off Hwy. 187 South. While it’s closed now, many of the life size concrete inhabitants, built by the creator of the Christ of The Ozarks statue, are visible from the road. You’ll see a T-Rex, King Kong and other creatures hiding from the present day.
The South’s Most Popular Cruising Destination
There is a reason why Eureka Springs plays host to so many car and motorcycle events each year…great cruising roads offering unparrelled viewing of some of the greatest geography in North America. Some say it’s the “Greatest Earth on Show.” From the I-540 corridor in Northwest Arkansas follow 62 East to Eureka Springs. The winding, scenic roads of the Ozarks Mountains are a well-known destination for motorcyclists and sports car owners nationwide. The deep valleys surrounding many natural springs provide unforgettable scenery and ideal cruising.
Watch the White River wind through a colorful Ozarks valley at Inspiration Point overlook (right next door to Castle Antiques) For a little side trip, take one of the most scenic drives to Beaver Town on Highway 187 north. Cross over the scenic White River on the “Little Golden Gate Bridge.” To see the primary source of the White River, take Hwy. 187 South to the Beaver Lake Dam, a perfect place to watch the sun set over the lake. For additional information and maps, visit www.cruisetheozarks.com.
A Variety of Lodging Choices
Visitors will find a variety of lodging accommodations throughout the area with everything from budget motels to uniquely themed cabin resorts with breathtaking views. The pet friendly Retreat at Sky Ridge is a unique cabin resort located in a 140-acre native bird sanctuary featuring the largest meeting and event center in the area, the Sky Ridge Pavilion. They offer the only community labyrinth in Eureka Springs West, open free to the public year round. (The Turtle Moon Labyrinth)
Eureka Springs West is the ideal weekend getaway destination, but there is so much to see that even a week is not enough to enjoy it all. Please come visit !
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