Lake Leatherwood, Eureka Springs, Arkansas

A few years ago, we were exploring around Eureka Springs and wanted to find a hiking trail that was not touristy. We heard about Lake Leatherwood from a local and thought we would give it a chance. We have been back a few times since and have never been disappointed. 

While our main goal of our trip was hiking, we were pleased to find out they have great options for canoeing, kayaking, fishing, bird watching, biking, camping, picnicking and much more on the nearly 1600 acre park. The first time we went was in the fall and the leaves were gorgeous. Our subsequent trips have been in the spring and summer when it is hot, but there is enough shade from the trees to still have a great time. The highlight of hiking at Lake Leatherwood is always the handcut limestone dam built in the early 1940s that has a beautiful waterfall flowing from it. 

 

While we have explored about five miles of trails so far, the park boasts over 21 miles of hiking and biking trails--much more for us to explore. We hope to stay in one of the cabins or camp next spring. There are great locations for enjoying a picnic or letting kids play.

Arkansas Air and Military Museum

Recently, we were in Fayetteville on a cold, rainy day. On our previous trip, we had visited Crystal Bridges so we were looking for something else that would be an indoor adventure. We noticed a sign for the Arkansas Air and Military Museum and thought we would give it a try. The museum is run primarily by volunteers and is on a limited budget, but it has great displays of airplanes and military memorabilia from the the early 1900s to today.

 

Two air hangers house the large collection of aircraft, vintage cars, massive engines, gliders, army vehicles and more. Several of the aircraft can still fly and are often used in air shows. The hangers and the airstrip around them was Drake Field during World War II. At first, we thought that there was only one hanger and we would have been disappointed in the size, even though the airplanes in the hanger were awesome. We then realized that the museum spills over in to another large hanger and an out building. Our son was amazed by the pieces on display and has told everyone how he got to be up close and personal with so many awesome planes.

 

Don't expect anything fancy, but if you love planes and aircraft history, you will enjoy this hidden treasure.