Arkansas is so much more than the Clintons! This ‘Natural State’ is known for its scenic parks, lush terrain, and the Ozark and Ouachita mountain ranges responsible for its warm fall color! Surrounded by lakes on all sides and at least 9,700 miles (15610 km) of rivers and streams, Arkansas is home to outdoor enthusiasts, providing a multitude of fun activities for visitors of all ages. But don’t worry if you are an art and history buff because the state boasts a burgeoning art landscape as well as an up and coming culinary scene. The beauty of vacationing in Arkansas is that you are spoilt for choice. Go hunting and camping one day and spend the other exploring the rich history and diversity of Arkansas. But with so many options comes great confusion! Want to know how to make the most of your holiday? Read this article to know the absolute must things to do in Mountain Home, Arkansas and plan your trip accordingly.
1. Spend time fishing on Norfork Lake
With more than 550 miles (885 km) of shoreline, Norfork Lake is the ideal spot for families looking to spend some recreational time outdoors. You can choose to boat around or go water skiing, swimming, etc. But you will especially enjoy the fishing because this lake contains one of the best bass fish in Arkansas. The best time to catch crappie is around Christmas, which is also a popular time for many outdoor enthusiasts to come out in droves to catch fresh crappie around manmade fish attractors.
Norfork Lake
Address: 3287 Hwy 101 @ Howard Cove Road, Gamaliel, AR 72537
Website: Norfork Lake
Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)
2. Fish for trout at Norfork National Fish Hatchery
Spend a lovely day with millions of colorful trout at the Norfork National Fish Hatchery. Take a self-guided tour of the hatchery that is teeming with trout of all shapes and sizes. Just walk around the hatchery to get an excellent view of every fish enclosure. You can also see the feeding system and check out the visitor’s center to understand how they carry out hatchery activities.
Norfork National Fish Hatchery
Address: 1414 Ark.177 South, Mountain Home, AR 72653
Website: Norfork National Fish Hatchery
Opening hours: 7.30am - 3.30pm (daily)
Price: Free
3. Visit the historical Baxter County Courthouse
Baxter County Courthouse was built in 1941. Today, it serves as the county seat of Baxter County. In 1995, the National Register of Historic Places took it under its fold, making it an interesting place to visit if you are in Arkansas. This building replaced another structure that was regarded as unsafe in 1939. It is perhaps one of the few remaining historical landmarks that are still operational!
Baxter County Courthouse
Address: 1 E 7th St, Mountain Home, AR 72653
Website: Baxter County Courthouse
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 4.30pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
Price: Free
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4. Watch an amazing theater performance at Twin Lakes Playhouse
Founded by Baxter Bulletin manager George Smith in 1971, Twin Lakes Playhouse has been serving the Mountain Home region with its aesthetic plays for almost four decades. Don’t miss the screening of “My Old Lady” if you are in the city! If you are an art and theater buff, then you wouldn’t want to miss this special addition to your itinerary.
Twin Lakes Playhouse
Address: 600 W 6th St, Mountain Home, AR 72653, USA
Website: Twin Lakes Playhouse
Opening hours: Fri - Sat: 7pm; Sun: 2 pm
Price: 40 USD
5. Go swimming at Mountain Home City Pool
Learn swimming or simply splash around the public swimming pool in Mountain Home. This is a perfect recreational activity for friends and families, on a hot summer day. Give your children the day off from exploring and let them swim around in a safe environment. Don’t know how to swim? Don’t worry! Sign up for their classes and learn from some of the finest instructors.
Mountain Home City Pool
Address: 101 Spring Street, Mountain Home, Arkansas 72653
Website: Mountain Home City Pool
Opening hours: 7.30am - 8.30pm (daily)
Price: 50 USD
6. Play golf at Big Creek Golf and Country Club
Big Creek Golf and Country Club is the finest golf course in Arkansas and the one you must definitely visit on your holiday. It doesn’t matter if you are a beginner or a golf enthusiast, there is something for all ages and skill levels. Located in the heart of Ozark Mountains, you will not only enjoy the stunning beauty of Mountain Home but you’ll also get to play this sophisticated sport in an award-winning golf course.
Big Creek Golf and Country Club
Address: 452 Country Club Drive, Mountain Home, Arkansas 72653
Website: Big Creek Golf and Country Club
Opening hours: Mon: 8am - 5pm; Tue - Sat: 11am - 8pm; Sun: 11am - 2pm
Price: 40 USD
7. Indulge in outdoor sports at Cooper Park
This centrally located park offers many local sports programs, especially baseball. But that’s not all; you can go for an enjoyable walk around the pond or indulge in a game of outdoor basketball, an outdoor fitness station and more. What’s more? Each park in Mountain Home Parks and Recreation community provides a variety of services and rental options.
Cooper Park
Address: 101 Spring Street Mountain Home, Arkansas 72653
Website: Cooper Park
Opening hours: 7am - 10pm (daily)
Price: Free
8. Try the best BBQ in town at Holy Smokes BBQ
Some call it exceptional and others call it a rare find but no one ever leaves Holy Smokes BBQ without a promise to return. This famous BBQ style restaurant in Mountain Home, Arkansas, comes highly recommended for its friendly décor and the lingering aroma of smoked meat in the seating area. Don’t forget to try its barbecue ribs and give yourself another good reason to come back to this mountain town!
Holy Smokes BBQ
Address: 400 Highway 201 N, Mountain Home, Arkansas 72653
Website: Holy Smokes BBQ
Opening hours: Fri - Sat: 11am - 9pm; Mon - Tue: 11am - 7pm; Wed - Thu: 11am - 8pm (closed on Sun)
9. Taste different beers at Rapp's Barren Brewery Company
If you are a beer and wine enthusiast, then your trip to Mountain Home is incomplete unless you visit their famous and first brewery, Rapp’s Barren Brewery Company. You will be spoilt for choice when choosing the fresh beer on tap. You will not only enjoy the great beer but also the ambiance that’s complete with patio seating and live music. This will be a perfect way to spend your weekend night in Mountain Home, sipping fine quality beer as you breathe the fresh mountain air.
Rapp's Barren Brewery Company
Address: 1343 AR-5, Mountain Home, AR 72653
Website: Rapp’s Barren Brewery Company
Opening hours: Wed - Fri: 5pm - 9pm; Mon: 12pm - 9pm; Sun: 3pm - 8pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
10. Buy a souvenir at Mystic Forest
Take back spiritual souvenirs for your loved ones at home! Mystic Forest is a one-of-a-kind gift shop in Mountain Home that sells charming gifts to spiritualistic community members. However, you don’t have to believe in spirituality to browse through their unique collection or take one for your best friend. From crystals to scented candles, you will find endless affordable trinkets that will make perfect little souvenirs from this mystic town!
Mystic Forest
Address: 5441 Highway 62 E, Mountain Home, AR 72653
Website: Mystic Forest
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 6pm (closed on Sun)
11. Try your hands at bowling at Driftwood Lanes
Driftwood Lanes, a popular bowling spot in Mountain Home, is known for its multiple fun activities for visitors of all age groups. The bowling center also features a fully stocked Snack Bar, Pool Tables, an Arcade, etc. So, when you are done exploring the sights and scenes of the city, then a trip down to the bowling lane will certainly end your day better than you imagined.
Driftwood Lanes
Address: 2998 Highway 62 East, Mountain Home, AR 72653
Website: Driftwood Lanes
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 9am - 11pm; Sat: 9am - 12am; Sun: 12pm - 10pm
12. Look for mementos at Flashbacks Retro Shop
Want to give your friends a souvenir that they will never forget? How about buying them something timeless and retro? If that sounds like a gift your loved ones will enjoy, then what you need is Flashbacks Retro Shop, a unique gift seller of genuine retro items from a bygone era. You will not only love to pick up fun trinkets but you’ll actually enjoy browsing through their exclusive collection.
Flashbacks Retro Shop
Address: 1954 Hwy 62 E, Mountain Home, AR 72653,
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11am - 6pm (closed on Sun)
13. Learn about the history of Baxter County at Baxter County Heritage Center
Not many people know about the colorful history of Baxter County. However, that is not to say that this small town doesn’t enjoy a rich heritage. If you want to know more about this hidden treasure, then you must visit the Baxter County Heritage Center. From a collection of 68 school districts in the town to records from some old stores, this is truly a must-visit if you are a history buff!
Baxter County Heritage Center
Address: 808 S Baker St, Mountain Home, AR 72653
Website: Baxter County Heritage Center
Opening hours: Tue & Thu: 12pm - 4pm; Fri: 10am - 3pm (closed on Wed & Fri - Mon)
14. Check out the oldest-standing structure in Mountain Home, Casey House
Casey House is the oldest historical structure located in Baxter County Fairgrounds in Mountain Home. This is a perfect spot for history lovers who believe that the past lives on, not only in books but also in brick and mortar. This will be an interesting addition to your already interesting visit to Arkansas. As you tour the house, you will be amazed to learn that it was built in 1858 and it still stands at its original location, despite the devastating tornado of 1985.
Casey House
Address: 1500 Arena Dr, Mountain Home, AR 72653
Website: Casey House
15. Experience mid-west culture at Stone Creek Ranch
Want to experience the raw mid-west culture of Arkansas? If the answer is yes, then Stone Creek Ranch is an absolute must. With its rolling hills surrounded by Ozark Mountains on all sides, this place started out as a stable that was later developed into a luxurious ranch that serves as a peaceful sanctuary for its patrons. Ozark-styled cabins are carefully designed to give you the ranch experience, albeit with comfort. Don’t forget to spend some quality time with their horses in the barn or participate in one of their many fun-filled events.
Stone Creek Ranch
Address: 626 Circle B Lane, Mountain Home, AR 72653
Website: Stone Creek Ranch
Your guide to enjoying Mountain Home
If you are an adventure lover, a foodie, an art lover, an outdoor person, or any kind of traveler, there is something for everyone that makes their vacation not only unforgettable but also unique. Be it fishing in one of the many creeks or relishing the best barbecue, there is no dearth of offbeat things to do in Mountain Home, Arkansas. Just check out this list and try out as many as you can!