Sparkling waters and holiday lights
The sparkling waters of Greers Ferry Lake and the Little Red River attract people all year long. In November and December, visitors also head to the region to see the twinkling lights of the holiday season.
More than 70 events take place each year in towns throughout the area. Some occur once, while other events and activities are repeating, such as Santa on the square, ice skating, living nativity scenes, Romance Christmas Tree Farm activities and more.
Searcy alone has more than 40 events and a website dedicated to its Holiday of Lights extravaganza - searcyholidayoflights.com.
Downtown Searcy, the center of town and the historic business district, features the oldest courthouse in Arkansas and Santa’s Hut. The trees on the grounds are adorned with lights and wreaths donated by community members.
At Spring Park, stroll the lighted park or go ice skating in the winter wonderland. Old-fashioned decorations complement the art and history of the Black House, a historic home.
Each year, Harding University transforms its campus beginning with a lighting ceremony on the front lawn. Berryhill Park features dozens of light displays, a Painted Tree Forest and the largest Christmas Tree in White County.
Yancey Park bridges are turned into light tunnels while the rest of the park shows off with festive light displays.
Go to visitgreersferrylake.com and goseedoar.org to see a list of all of the holiday events in the Greers Ferry Lake/Little Red River area, which includes towns such as Beebe, Greers Ferry, Heber Springs and Fairfield Bay.
The Holiday of Lights Pocket Guide can be found at visitgreersferrylake.com.
Greers Ferry Lake
Nestled in the Ozark foothills between Clinton and Heber Springs, Greers Ferry Lake is among the state's five largest lakes. It is also tops in providing great fishing, water sports, boating and camping. The award-winning reservoir has served as the national model for environmental cleanliness. Corps of Engineers campgrounds and commercial parks are available, along with first-class lodging, lakeside resorts and fine restaurants. Shopping and historical sites are other attractions around the lake.
Little Red River
Emerging icy cold from beneath the massive dam at Greers Ferry Lake is the Little Red River, a premier-class trout stream. The trout fishing stretch of the Little Red is about 30 river miles from Greers Ferry Dam to Pangburn. Full-service marinas and resorts are available along the upper sections of the Little Red. Both public and resort launch areas are conveniently located on both sides of the river. Attractions in the area include the William Carl Garner/Corps of Engineers Visitor Center, hiking trails overlooking the river and a trout hatchery; plus boating, fishing and resort villages around the lake.