15 Best Things to Do in Heber Springs, Arkansas

By VI Staff on January 9, 2020

Heber Springs, Arkansas offers a peaceful escape from the city with an array of things to see and do, from hiking and fly-fishing to exploring markets and dining out.

1.Ozark Country Market

The Ozark Country Market is a community market in Heber Springs that offers a variety of fresh, organic produce, artisan foods, homemade products, and local artisan wares. The market’s organic produce is grown in the aquaponics greenhouse behind the market, eggs are sourced from surrounding farms, and honey is raw, local, unfiltered. Fresh bread and pastries are available, along with house-roasted coffee for visitors while they stroll around the market, which also sells Amish-made products, gift baskets, spring flowers, seeds and bulbs, handcrafted woodwork, vintage décor, pellet grills and smokers, and handmade pottery. The Ozark Country Market is open seven days a week.

999 Heber Spring Rd, Heber Springs, Arkansas 72543, Phone: 501-206-0127

2.Collins Creek Cascade and Trout Stream

Collins Creek Cascade and Trout Stream is a wild trout fishery in Heber Springs and one of the newest wild trout fisheries in Arkansas. Originally cut off by the Greers Ferry Dam Project, Collins Creek Trout Stream plays host to the first and only documented wild brook trout population in the state, which has reproduced naturally in the creek. Filled with approximately 40,000 gallons of 50-degree water every hour, the stream is home to the Collins Creek Cascade, which provides the perfect spawning ground for trout. The beautiful creek and its surrounding tree canopy and cascades draw hikers, anglers, and swimmers who come to enjoy the spectacular natural scenery.

100-298 Hatchery Rd, Heber Springs, Arkansas, 72543

3.Trumpeter Swan viewing on Magness Lake

Magness Lake is a privately owned, 30-acre oxbow lake, located east of Heber Springs that supports the largest and oldest wintering population of Trumpeter Swans in the Southeast. Each year flocks of Trumpeter Swans arrive and winter on the lake from late November until mid-February, along with flocks of mallard ducks, Canada geese, and snow geese, who migrate annually to spend the winter on Magness Lake. A graveled parking area can be found at the viewing area on the lake where visitors can view the birds and feed them shelled corn.

4.Dam Site Marina

Dam Site Marina is a full-service marina situated on Greers Ferry Lake that offers watersport equipment and boat rentals, including pontoon boats, water tubes, water-skis, and wakeboards. The Marina also features a deli that serves light fare, coffee, and soft drinks, and can be rented for special occasions such as concerts and parties. Aside from its natural beauty, Greers Ferry Lake is famous for being the site of President John F. Kennedy’s last dedication of a public project in 1963 – the Greers Ferry Dam - before his assassination.

319 Heber Springs Road North, Heber Springs, AR 72543, Phone: 501-362-2333

5.Mossy Bluff Buckeye Trail

Located near Heber Springs, Mossy Bluff Buckeye Trail is a 1.8 mile lightly trafficked loop hiking trail that is rated as moderate. The trail loops through a beautiful forest and along bluffs overlooking the Little Red River and is accessible year-round with a variety of activity options offered such as hiking, trail running, and geocaching. Beginning at the William Carl Garner Visitor Center for Greers Ferry Dam, the trail meanders through forests of oak and other hardwoods bordering the Little Red River below the dam along compacted soil and smooth rock surfaces with a negligible rise in elevation of about 45 meters. Greers Ferry Dam, Heber Springs

6.Eden Isle Marina

Eden Isle Marina is located just west of Heber Springs and offers superb boating and a variety of watersports on the pristine waters of the Greers Ferry Lake. The marina provides rentals of pontoon boats, wakeboards, tubes, and skis, as well as features boat slips for launching craft and a Ship’s Store that sells essentials such as fuel pumps, ice, sunscreen, snacks, cold drinks, beach clothing and more. The Eden Isle Marina also offers boats for rent and new and used boats for sale. Aside from its natural beauty, Greers Ferry Lake is famous for being the site of President John F. Kennedy’s last dedication of a public project in 1963 – the Greers Ferry Dam - before his assassination.

10 Yacht Harbor Rd, Heber Springs, AR 72543, Phone: 501-362-2232

7.The Vintage Market Home and Garden Decor

The Vintage Market Home and Garden Décor is a multi-dealer vintage market that sells a variety of items and objects from antique furniture to vintage clothing. Locally owned and operated, the Vintage Market Home and Garden Décor also offers an array of services such as custom-built furniture and customized paint work done in store, as well as personal shopping assistance and staging services. The Vintage Market hosts four large-scale events each year with a wealth of vendors selling all sorts of items, live bands playing music and delicious food and drinks.

410 Wilburn Rd, Heber Springs, AR 72543, Phone: 501-270-4067

8.Ellen Hobgood Gallery

Renowned as one of America's leading Santa artists, Ellen Hobgood has a gallery of works and a studio in Heber Springs. The gallery features many of her bold and colorful pieces, as well as her paintings of children, landscapes, and nudes, which highlight her quick, loose brushstrokes and vivid use of color, which sets her apart from other Arkansas artists. The gallery also hosts an eclectic mix of local artists from around the state with a variety of mediums on display, ranging from paintings, drawings, and wood carvings to paper sculptures, pottery, and jewelry. The gallery also offers private painting and drawing lessons along with group parties, hosted by the artist herself.

101 S 3rd St, Heber Springs, AR 72543, Phone: 501-362-1672

9.Ruland Junction Toy Train Museum

The Ruland Junction Toy Train Museum boasts a fantastic collection of toy trains and train-related memorabilia that has been gathered and built up over the past 100 years. The museum is housed in a building that echoes that of an old rural train depot with several levels of exhibits, including standard gauge trains dating back to the 1920s and 1930s, a library with an extensive collection of books and magazines about trains, transportation, and their history, and interactive layouts showcasing O, HO, and S gauge trains. A range of other trains is also displayed, including American Flyer, Lionel Trains, Marx, and MTH. The Ruland Junction Toy Train Museum is open daily.

401 South 12th Street, Heber Springs, AR 72543, Phone: 501-362-6342

10.Thunderbird Golf Country Club

The Thunderbird Country Club is an exclusive country and golf club in Heber Springs that features a nine-hole golf course, a lounge and grill restaurant, a Pro shop, a swimming pool and a banquet room for event rentals. Set along the shore of the Greers Ferry Lake, the golf course offers a picturesque scene with inherent beauty and natural charm, as well as several challenging holes for all levels of golfer. The club hosts several social events throughout the year, as well as private events, and the pro shop is open all year round, selling a variety of golf clothing and equipment, as well as professional advice about the game.

290 Case Ford Rd, Heber Springs, AR 72523, Phone: 501-362-5200

11.Sulphur Creek Outfitters

Sulphur Creek Outfitters provides the region with a variety of outdoor clothing, gear, and services to help locals and visitors enjoy the best of the Arkansas Natural State. The store sells a range of outdoor equipment and apparel, carrying the most trusted brands including Patagonia, as well as local t-shirts, souvenirs, and more. There are also durable, high-quality bikes from renowned brands for sale, along with full-service maintenance including adjustments, cleaning, brake pad replacement, and full tune-ups. Sulphur Creek Outfitters also sells watersport equipment such as kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards, with complete maintenance, including aluminum and plastic welding, and add-on features.

625 S 7th St, Heber Springs, AR 72543, Phone: 501-691-0138

12.Jitterbug Coffeehouse

Located on Main Street in the heart of Heber Springs, Jitterbug Coffeehouse is a casual, charming café that sells locally roasted coffee and gourmet espresso, delicious homemade soups and sandwiches, fruit smoothies and Italian cream sodas, and hand-dipped Yarnell’s Ice cream. The locally owned and operated coffee shop and cafe also serve specialties such as freshly baked scones, muffins, and cookies, and other sweet treats. Jitterbug Coffeehouse is open for lunch Monday through Saturday and serves coffee and baked goods until the early evening. Visitors can enjoy complimentary wireless Internet and a warm and welcoming ambiance.

109 W Main St, Heber Springs, AR 72543, Phone: 501-206-2233

13.Brothers BBQ

Located in the Wildwood Professional Plaza, Brothers BBQ is a family-owned and operated restaurant that serves mouthwatering barbecue and smoked meat dishes such as smoked baby back ribs, pulled pork, beef brisket and more. In addition to regular barbecue dishes, Brothers BBQ also offers daily lunch specials and house specialties such as stuffed baked potatoes and smoked pulled pork piled high on top of nacho chips, along with an array of sides, and decadent desserts. Brothers BBQ is open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner.

301 Southridge Pkwy, Heber Springs, AR 72543, Phone: 501-362-5712

14.Red Apple Inn & Country Club

Nestled in the undulating foothills of the Arkansas Ozarks and surrounded by the tranquil waters of the Greers Ferry Lake, the Red Apple Inn & Country Club is an island boutique resort and comfortable country inn that has been serving the community for over 40 years. Exuding an Old-World charm, the inn features an early 16th-century wrought iron gate, enormous wooden doors, natural wood and native stone accents, and lush landscaping. The restaurant boasts beautiful views over the lake and offers outdoor dining on a landscaped patio or pleasantly shaded breezeway. The Inn also provides an array of outdoor activities such as golf, tennis, hiking, and mountain biking trails in the forest and around the lake, and a fully equipped fitness center.

305 Club Rd, Heber Springs, AR 72543, Phone: 501-362-3111

15.Rouse Fly Fishing

Enjoy outstanding fly-fishing trophy on Arkansas' famous rivers, area lakes, and streams with Rouse Fly Fishing. Owned and managed by Capt. Jamie Rouse, who has more than 20 years of fly-fishing and guiding experience in Arkansas and Alaska, Rouse Fly Fishing offers a variety of fly-fishing adventures. The rivers of Arkansas are rich with world-record brown trout, walleye, and hybrid bass, as well as aquatic insects, crustaceans, minnows, and baitfish, allowing for some of the best fishing in North America. Rouse Fly Fishing offers year-round fly-fishing adventures on several rivers including the Little Red River, White River, and Norfork River, with nymphing and streamer fishing, provided year-round and dry fly-fishing at certain times of the year.

Phone: 501-691-2252