Arkansas: Lake Dardanelle Attracts Boaters and Others Looking for Fun in a Beautiful Setting

Lake Dardanelle features an attractive visitor center and a paved path that runs along the shoreline.

Surrounded by mountains, Lake Dardanelle State Park provides a wide range of recreation opportunities and outstanding scenery. Activities include fishing, boating, waterskiing, swimming, camping, hiking, picnicking, sightseeing and observing wildlife. The 34,000-acre lake was formed by building a dam across the Arkansas River. It’s home to crappie, bream, catfish and largemouth bass. Below the dam, Arkansas gar that weigh up to 200 pounds lurk in the depths of the river.

The park’s visitor center is visible from the end of a large pier near the boat launch.

A boater passes the paved walking trail along the shoreline near the visitor center.

FEATURES OF THE STATE PARK

Besides campgrounds and plenty of parking, Lake Dardanelle offers services for boaters and places to swim, hike and relax.

A boat marina at Lake Dardanelle is found next to the state park.

Linda uses the boardwalk next to the lake for her daily hike.

A must-see aquarium is in the visitor center.

WHERE TO GET CLOSE-UP VIEWS OF FISH

The park’s visitor center includes an exhibit area that provides historical and ecological information. It also houses 7,000 gallons of freshwater aquariums that display fish found in the lake and its tributaries. You can go eye-to-eye with catfish and largemouth bass in aquariums that provides views from two directions.

ARLA’S SHOCKING MOMENT

Heavy rains and high winds made boating treacherous the day we arrived at the lake, so there was no doubt that we needed to wear life jackets to go onto the water. Because I’m small, I worried that there might not be a life jacket to fit me and had never worn one before. Fortunately, a park ranger found one my size and I was still concerned about the rough water but ready to go. What do you think? Does it look stylish on me?

Arla wears a life jacket in preparation to go boating on Lake Dardanelle.

Arla finds checking out the flower gardens at the lake to be more relaxing than boating on the rough water.

PARTING SHOTS: LAKE DARDANELLE IS BIG AND BEAUTIFUL