1. THE HISTORY OF LAKE OUACHITA
Beautiful Lake Ouachita was formed in 1953 with the completion of the Blakely Mountain Dam. Since then, it has become a popular natural area for camping, fishing and Lake Ouachita houseboat rentals. The clear beauty of the water can be enjoyed from almost 1,000 miles of coast around the lake. There are over 100 uninhabited islands to explore, and Lake Ouachita is full of striped and large-mouth bass.
2. HOT SPRINGS
The destinations around the shore are part of the fun of visiting the lake. It's adjacent to the famous Hot Springs National Park with its nearby bath houses where you can experience the therapeutic warmth of the hot springs. Or take an elevator to the top of Hot Springs Mountain for breathtaking views. There are museums and attractions in the downtown area, like the Gangster Museum of America and miniature golf.
3. NATURE TRAILS
The Lake Ouachita Vista Trail is a 44-mile hiking and biking trail on the shore of the lake. Trailhead and direction signs, benches and parking lots make this scenic trail accessible to visitors and residents. The Avery Trailhead has a covered pavilion, restrooms and barbecue facilities.
The Watchable Wildlife Trail is a 1.25-mile loop of raised wooden walkway over the wetland area near Denby Bay. It's wheelchair accessible and includes a paved area with benches. Here, you'll see the landscape change from woods to marsh and then open water as Gap Creek flows into the bay. Habitats for birds and wildlife have been planted along the trail and it's not uncommon to spot Bald Eagles.
4. SPARKLING AND CLEAR WATER
The lake is one of the nation’s cleanest because it’s surrounded by the Ouachita National Forest and receives no runoff like many other lakes. At 40,000 acres of clear, beautiful water, it's also the largest lake in Arkansas. Lake Ouachita even has non-stinging jellyfish and sponges that can only be found in the cleanest freshwater lakes.
5. FISHING
Lake Ouachita has been called the striped bass capital of the world, but bass isn't the only fish to be caught there. The waters also teem with Walleye, Crappie, Bream and Catfish. There are several varieties of most fish and it's not hard to make a good haul from a day of fishing. Guides who know the lake well are also available for the serious fisherman.
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission stocks the lake with striped bass. There are shoals of shad for them to feed on and it’s not uncommon to catch bass between twenty and thirty pounds each. Many anglers go home with dozens of fish after a few hours on the lake. Visitors fish from rented boats and houseboats, and there are bait and supply shops along the lake.
6. WATER SPORTS
You can rent kayaks and motor boats at the Brady Mountain Marina located on the lake. They even offer ski boats and party barges. Houseboat rentals are available for combining your accommodation with a place to cruise the lake, swim and fish. Tubes, water skis and wakeboards are also available for rental. And of course, there's also swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving in the clear, clean water.
7. QUARTZ CRYSTAL MINES
Arkansas vies with Brazil for the reputation of having the most beautiful quartz crystals on Earth. The Indians who lived in the area centuries ago thought that the glowing crystals possessed spiritual power. There are 'dig-your-own' mines near Lake Ouachita where you can easily find crystals to take home. Shops also find and polish quartz crystals for those who don't want to get dirty digging.
8. MOUNT IDA
The Ouachita National Forest and Lake Ouachita are in Mount Ida, Arkansas. Besides the rock shops and crystal mines, Mount Ida is home to a thriving community of artists. The Front Porch Stage features local artists performing bluegrass, country, folk, blues and gospel music on the lawn of the Montgomery County Courthouse. These free "lawn chair concerts" are popular and well-attended.
9. LAKE OUACHITA STATE PARK
The national park has a natural spring called Three Sisters Springs. The mineral water there is served to visitors in a springhouse that features exhibits. There are many kinds of camping at the park, including free primitive camping with no amenities. The campgrounds also provide picnic facilities and swimming areas on the lake.
10. HOUSEBOAT RENTALS
Lake Ouachita houseboat rentals are available year-round and they're a popular way to visit the area. The houseboats are large, with room to sleep ten to sixteen and amenities like entertainment centers and washer/dryers. If you want your visit to the lake to include a hot tub or lakeside deck, this is the way to go.
Relaxing on the deck and swimming in the crystal-clear water of Lake Ouachita is a wonderful way to spend your days. And if you’re excited by fishing, you can find a good spot with your luxury houseboat. At the end of the day, docking at the marina gives you access to the ship’s store and dining. Enjoy a catfish buffet, or have your own catch served up with delicious side dishes!