Eureka Springs visitors often boat on Beaver Lake, float the rivers, and explore the outdoors. But when you visit, don't forget to also explore one of the lesser known but most beautiful National Parks: the Buffalo National River, one of only four national rivers in the US and the first one sog designated (on March 1, 1972). To get the most out of your visit, we suggest you stay in Harrison. Be sure to visit the 1929 Hotel Seville (see below) in Harrison - it has recently been beautifully restored.

During your visit, see natural formations like Hawksbill Crag, or some of the many waterfalls like Glory Hole and Triple Falls. You might see wildlife like Elk, Trumpeter Swan, and the illusive and critically endangered Ivory-billed Woodpecker. The Buffalo River is a remote place that is surprisingly easy to explore if you do your research. History is rich in this place. People have found their peace and inspiration near this river for ages. The iconic country church in Boxley Valley, abandoned cemeteries, and petroglyphs (early and prehistoric rock carvings) are just a few of the great sites available.

The Buffalo River flows through some of the largest and most beautiful limestone bluffs in Arkansas. It is the first National River and one of the last free flowing rivers in America. Cascading over swift running rapids, the river’s path is dotted with quiet swimming holes for nearly 135-miles. We promise you will find adventure and peace here but be aware, GPS and cell signal is rare so get good directions before you head out and be sure and check Buffalo River water levels. Park Headquarters are located in Harrison, Arkansasor visit the National Park Service Buffalo National River website for more details.

The park surrounding the river provides many opportunities for adventure. The Upper Buffalo District offers hiking, zip lining, picnicking, horseback riding, fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing, visiting historic districts, and bird-watching are items on the short list. There are so many waterfalls and natural features to discover. The best way to learn about some of these is to talk to someone who knows the area.

If you don’t know anyone, don’t worry: the authority on the Buffalo National River is photographer, writer, and nature enthusiast Tim Ernst. Tim has written several trail guides and is the best known photographer of the area. Tim also has a blog, and you may want to visit it.

The Buffalo National River is one of the main tourist destinations in Arkansas. Park headquarters are located in Harrison, and park visitation averages more than 800,000 visitors a year. 70 percent of the visitation on the river is on 30 percent of its length, so do ask the National Park Service about less explored areas if you desire solitude.

Located in the Ozark Mountains near the Buffalo National River park headquarters, The 1929 Hotel Seville, an Ascend Collection® hotel, is a historic and trendy Arkansas Hotel in downtown Harrison with easy access to Hiking/Biking paths around Lake Harrison and home to what is recognized openly as the BEST Harrison Restaurant (John Paul's) offering regular live music.  As Harrison's ONLY FULL-SERVICE hotel, they enjoyed a $3,500,000 renovation in 2008 with all Hotel Seville guest rooms being fully renovated to historic flair and modern convenience.

Hotel Seville guests are in the heart of the C.O.R.E. District, near the National Park Service headquarters, North Arkansas College and with easy access to biking paths around Lake Harrison and shopping on the square in the National Historic District. The 1929 Hotel Seville is just 11 Miles from the Buffalo River Ranger station at Pruitt as well as being conveniently located near the Ozark Medieval Fortress, Branson, MO, Mystic Caverns, Eureka Springs and the Arkansas Motorcycle routes of the Buffalo River - National Park Region.