Area Info
- Located on the White River in Cotter, AR, Trout Capital USA, you can enjoy some of the finest trout fishing in the country.
- Centrally located in the heart of the Ozarks, you have access to numerous water-related activities on 3 rivers (White River, North Fork River and Buffalo River) and 2 lakes (Bull Shoals Lake and Lake Norfork) all within 25 minutes from the resort.
- His Place Resort has one of the best private wade access locations on the White River when the Bull Shoals dam generation is low, and offers completely private access for our guests only, keeping the traffic down and enhancing your wade fishing experience. No elbow to elbow fishing like public accesses, or other locations near them.
- 2-1/2 mile Nature Trail begins at resort and follows the river to the Cotter Big Spring Park which has a swimming hole, railroad memorial, and youth/handicap C&R area.
Resident Bald Eagles, Isaac & Rebekah hunt & nest here year 'round. - In addition to the great trout fishing, the Ozarks is home to multiple outdoor activities, nature/wildlife viewing, attractions, shopping and entertainment for you to enjoy. With our central location, you have plenty of options nearby.
- The Ozarks is home to many underground wonders... If you've never visited underground caves, you'll be amazed at what the area has to offer. We've listed the 5 cave trips that are closest to the resort, with the closest 20 minutes away in Bull Shoals, and the farthest in Berryville, about 1.5 hours from the resort.
- Scenic drives are easy here - you can pretty much just get in your car and go! We'll give you a few links below to get you started.
- And to top it off, many of these activities are low cost or no cost!
- Whether you want to enjoy wildlife watching, hike or bike in the woods, take a few pictures, enjoy lake activities, do some shopping or spend the evening at one of Branson's many shows, His Place Resort is a convenient starting point.
Activities
We've tried to limit the listings to those that are about 1.5 hours or less travel time from the resort, although most listed are 20 minutes to 45 minutes from here.
- Nature Walk, the Cotter Big Spring Park & the Rainbow Arch Bridge
- Beginning on our property is a 2.5 mile (one-way) nature trail on what used to be a railroad line used when Bull Shoals Dam was under construction in the early 1950's. The tracks themselves have long been removed, but left in its place is a beautiful trail that follows the river.
- It's easy walking, and takes you through both scenic fields and woods. It's a wonderful way to relax and see wildflowers, birds, animals and more of the area's beautiful Ozark scenery. You'll pass under the old railroad bridge before winding up in Cotter's Big Spring Park, just underneath the historic R. M. Ruthven Rainbow Arch Bridge.
Click to Enlarge - Whitetail deer at His Place Resort - A few years back, the park underwent a major renovation by the local folks of the Cotter Care Crew, and is now a beautiful city park, and an educational & historical tribute to the railroad workers that put our little town of Cotter on the map.
- The Rainbow Arch Bridge also underwent major repair and renovation in 2004, and now looks like it did when it was built in 1930. It's also had lights added which makes it something to see at night, too...
- The park is a favorite for adults and kids alike. There is a swimming hole at the mouth of a natural spring creek there that has been in use for many years. The kids especially enjoy the rope swing! (Much cooler than your normal swimming pool!) And now AGFC has added a seasonal catch & release area for the kids under 16 and handicapped individuals to do a little fishing.
- Travel Time: 2 minutes by car to the park, about 45 minutes (one way) walking the trail
Cost: No cost
- James A. Gaston Visitor Center
- Located in the Bull Shoals-White River State Park, the James A. Gaston Visitor Center is a $4.7-million environmental education learning center with feature interpretation of the river, dam and lake, and their histories. State-of-the-art interpretive exhibits are in the lobby, along with a gift shop, and Johnboat Theater and Exhibit Hall, a 1,720-square-foot area filled with images of the river, lake and dam. An observation tower, gift shop, two classrooms and park offices are also a part of the center. approx 20 minutes from the resort.
Summer hours: Open 7 days per week, 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Gift shop closes at 7:30 PM - Travel Time: 20 minutes
Cost: No Cost
Phone number: 870-445-3629
- Located in the Bull Shoals-White River State Park, the James A. Gaston Visitor Center is a $4.7-million environmental education learning center with feature interpretation of the river, dam and lake, and their histories. State-of-the-art interpretive exhibits are in the lobby, along with a gift shop, and Johnboat Theater and Exhibit Hall, a 1,720-square-foot area filled with images of the river, lake and dam. An observation tower, gift shop, two classrooms and park offices are also a part of the center. approx 20 minutes from the resort.
- Norfork National Fish Hatchery & Dry Run Creek
- The Norfork National Fish Hatchery is located near the Lake Norfork Dam (just outside of Salesville). Established in 1955, and opened in 1957, the purpose of the hatchery is to meet the fishery mitigation needs arising from the Corps of Engineers projects in the White River. Open 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM daily, visitors are welcome and encouraged to ask questions and tour the entire facility. Dry Run Creek is located just outside the hatchery and provides children under 16 and handicapped persons an opportunity at some really HUGE fish! (Catch & Release only...)
- Travel Time: 20 minutes
Cost: No Cost
Phone number: 870-499-5255
Link: http://www.fws.gov/norfork/
- Ozark Folk Center
- Arkansas's Ozark Folk Center State Park is America's only facility that preserves the Ozark heritage and presents it as living history. With traditional American Mountain Music, blacksmithing, pottery making and over 18 other pioneer folk art and craft demonstrations, it's a lot of fun and education in one place. Hours vary by season, so please check the website for the latest information.
- Travel Time: 1.5 hour
Cost: see website for latest rates and hours
Link: http://www.ozarkfolkcenter.com/
- Bull Shoals Theater
- The 460 seat Bull Shoals Theater of the Arts is different than most theaters you've probably been to... Because of it's small size, you get to be "up close & personal" with the performers. You'll be able to meet with them at intermission and even after the show to get autographs, purchase their latest recordings, or just chat. The smaller venue will put you in touch with the performers unlike anything you've experienced. As the performances are always changing, check the website for the latest information.
- Travel time: 25 minutes
Cost: see website for listings and ticket information
Link: http://bullshoalstheater.net
- Twin Lakes Playhouse
- Founded in 1971 by George Smith, the Twin Lakes Playhouse has been bringing live theater to the Mountain Home area for over 30 years, with it's final location in Mountain Home becoming a reality in the year 2000. With a variety of stage plays ranging from drama, to comedy, to mystery, the Twin Lakes Playhouse is sure to have something for everyone, and currently puts out 5 productions per year. As the current productions are always changing, please check the website for the latest information.
- Travel time: 15 minutes
Cost: see website for listings and ticket information
Link: http://www.twinlakesplayhouse.org/
- Branson, MO
- You've probably already heard about Branson, MO. It has a wealth of entertainment opportunities for you to choose from. Since the completion of the bypass and road construction on Highway 65, Branson is now only about an hour and 15 minutes from the resort. Visitors can choose from over 100 different shows in 52 state-of-the-art theaters ranging from intimate 50-seat show rooms to 4000-seat indoor theatrical palaces. The live shows in Branson appeal to visitors of all ages with music from nearly every era and style. As the current live shows are always changing, please click the website for the latest information
- Travel time: 1 hour, 15 minutes
Cost: see website for listings and ticket information
Link: For a current listing of live shows & attractions in Branson, click here.
- Golf
- There are two 18-hole golf courses within 10 - 25 minutes of His Place Resort. Both are semi-private, and Big Creek Golf & Country Club boasts winning the "Best New Course" in 2004, and have maintained that excellence since. To set up tee times, and check course regulations, please check out the following websites:
- Big Creek Golf & Country Club, 452 Country Club Drive, Mountain Home
Phone: 870-425-0333 & 870-425-8815
Link: http://bigcreekgolf.com/ - Twin Lakes Golf Course & Assoc., 70 Elk Way, Mountain Home
Phone: 870-425-2028
Link: http://www.twinlakesgolfmh.com/
- Driftwood Lanes Family Fun Center
- Need something close by for the kids in the evening? Take them bowling at Driftwood Lanes Family Fun Center! With their Arcade, Full Service Snack Bar, Pro Shop (and of course the bowling!) Driftwood Lanes offers family fun in the Ozarks!
- Travel time: 15 minutes
Directions from His Place Resort, click here.
Link: http://driftwoodlanes.com
- Waterfalls in the Ozarks
- Waterfalls in the Ozarks come to life in the spring and winter, and are just a small part of what makes the Ozarks truly unique. Twin Falls and Falling Water Falls near Richland Creek Campground, Lost Valley between Boxley & Ponca, or Hemmed in Hollow in the Ponca WMA each provide breathtaking views that you'll remember for a lifetime...
- For directions to each of these waterfalls, and tips for photographing them, click here.
- Cave Trips
- The Ozarks is home to many underground wonders... If you've never visited underground caves, you'll be amazed at what the area has to offer. We've listed the 5 cave trips that are closest to the resort, with the closest 20 minutes away in Bull Shoals, and the farthest in Berryville, about 1.5 hours from the resort. For current information and pricing, please visit their websites.
- Blanchard Springs Caverns, Hwy 14 between the towns of Allison, AR and FiftySix, AR
Phone: 888-757-2246
Link: http://www.blanchardsprings.org/
Bull Shoals Caverns & Mountain Village 1890, 1011 C. S. Woods Blvd, Bull Shoals, AR - Phone: 870-445-7177
Link: http://www.bullshoalscaverns.com/
Travel Time: 20 minutes - Cosmic Cavern, 6386 Highway 21 North, Berryville, AR
Phone: 870-749-2298
Link: http://www.cosmiccavern.com/
Travel Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes - Hurricane River Cave, 585 Impulse Drive, on Highway 65 near Pindall, AR
Phone: 870-429-6200
Link: http://www.hurricanerivercaverns.com/
Directions from His Place Resort, click here.
Travel Time 45 minutes - Mystic Caverns, located on Scenic Highway 7, between Jasper & Harrison, AR, near Dogpatch, AR
Phone: 888-743-1739
Link: http://www.mysticcaverns.com/
Travel Time: 50 minutes
- Scenic Drives
- The Ozarks offers a great many opportunities for Scenic Drives. There are so many to choose from, we've put together a set of links to help you choose. You can print the directions right from the links below. Photo courtesy of AR Dept of Parks & Tourism.
- Bull Shoals Dam Driving Route -- click here. Courtesy of Ozark Mountain Region
- Eureka Springs Driving Route -- click here. Courtesy of Ozark Mountain Region
- Jasper Disaster Driving Route -- click here. Courtesy of Ozark Mountain Region
- Moonshine Run Driving Route -- click here. Courtesy of Ozark Mountain Region
- Mountain View Run Driving Route -- click here. Courtesy of Ozark Mountain Region
- Peel Ferry Driving Route -- click here. Courtesy of Ozark Mountain Region
- Osage Trail Driving Route -- click here. Courtesy of Ozark Mountain Region
Links & Affiliates
Links to our Friends, Affiliates, and Related Sites of Interest
We want to thank the many guests that have provided and/or allowed the use of photos, and their testimonials for use on this website. It makes it more enjoyable and informative for all! I would also like to thank the other businesses that have allowed the use of photos and/or links to their sites to make information easier for you to access all in one spot!
We also have listed some related links that we think will be of interest to you, and help you get the most out of your visit to the White River.
Thanks to Ozark Mountain Region, who provided a lot of guidance, some photos, and encouragement. I don't know of a better bunch of people to help bring business to the region than this crew!
His Place Resort is a proud Partner with the Arkansas Hospitality Association and member of the Welcome to Arkansas Program
The Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism does a great job of promoting tourism in our state!
Arkansas has a wealth of State Parks for you to enjoy... some within driving distance from the resort!
Without the Arkansas Fish & Game Commission... there'd BE no trout here!
The US Fish & Wildlife Service -- there's just LOTS of really great outdoors information here! If you're interested in helping preserve the great outdoors, this site is a great place to start. A child site for the North Fork Fish Hatchery is also very interesting... it's one of two sources for our trout in the White River.
Branson, MO is now just a little over an hour away...