pet friendly

Spring River Dam at Mammoth Spring State Park in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas

5+ Family Friendly Things To Do In Mammoth Spring

June 14, 2024

My parents got a divorce when I was a little girl. While it was a good thing for my parents, it was not something that was easy to handle – even in adulthood. My brother and I might have gotten two Christmas’s, but the “fun” of being a part of two households ended there and I dreaded Christmas time.

My dad’s entire life has been spent in Mammoth Spring. So, after the divorce, he stayed in the area and my mom moved away. Mammoth Spring has always been what I consider to be a small town with its own culture. Everyone knows each other because no one moved off after high school graduation, so gossip runs rampant (among the locals and only about the locals). Main Street was a traditional dying downtown that was in desperate need of restoration. And the worst part of my childhood in Mammoth was spending every single weekend on the Spring River. I literally hated the river, being in my swimsuit, and forced to “swim” or “play” in the river. All my childhood memories of the place were painted grey because of the divorce situation.

As an adult, though, things are very different. I only got to experience the environment that my dad created, which was not the best. So, I saw all the rough spots of the area and barely any of its good, attractive qualities. One of the only good spots we got to enjoy as kids was Mammoth Spring State Park, which was a gold mine for us kids! Now, I love going back to Mammoth just to enjoy how wonderful of a place it is to visit!

The Town of Mammoth Spring

Located on the border of Thayer, Missouri, Mammoth Spring is a very unique town. It offers an abundance of shopping, dining, and recreational activities for everyone in the family. Named after one of the world’s largest springs, Mammoth Spring (the spring) is known for its trout fishing.

Founded in 1883, a strategy to grow the town was created. So, the town was promoted to Memphis investors as a site for manufacturing operations, which would create industry, money, and new residents. During this time, Napoleon Hill, a Memphis millionaire, built an upscale resort hotel in Mammoth Spring. His hotel, The Nettleton, is said to have rivaled any hotel in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. It operated from 1899 to 1932, when the hotel was sadly destroyed by a fire and never rebuilt.

Since the town borders Missouri, they get a lot of traffic from travelers. While it is hard to miss the Arkansas Welcome Center and Mammoth Spring State Park, it is easy to miss the great things to do in town if you do not plan a day or weekend trip to stay and play. Listed below are some of Mammoth Spring’s most notable and family friendly reactional activities that are worth experiencing. While visiting these places and exploring Mammoth Spring, do not forget to go into town and enjoy their local dining options, shop the antique stores and boutiques, and take amazing family pictures (or selfies) in this nature-filled town.

Arkansas Welcome Center

Located at Mammoth Spring State Park, the Welcome Center is a great place to stop for brochures and information on places all over the state of Arkansas! They have a little gift shop inside if you need to pick something up on your visit. If you have your Arkansas Historic Preservation Program passport, you can get it stamped at the Welcome Center.

After browsing the Welcome Center, do not forget to take your journey outside to Mammoth Spring State Park.

Mammoth Spring State Park

Mammoth Spring is a National Natural Landmark, as it is the world’s 10th largest spring. The spring has nine million gallons of water that flow every hour. Mammoth Spring State Park consists of a 10-acre lake, remnants of a mill and hydroelectric plant, 1886 Frisco train depot and museum, walking trail, playground, picnic area, baseball field, Civil War cannon, Arkansas Welcome Center, and gift shop.

The 1886 Frisco Depot Museum is the oldest railroad station in the state and open to the public. Inside the museum, you’ll be transported back to the early 1900s, where custom-sculpted lifelike figures portray train passengers, crew, and depot crew. Located next to the museum is a Frisco caboose that is also open for tours.

Both the Mammoth Spring Dam and Lake and the Kansas City, Fort Scott, and Memphis Railroad Depot is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Not only can you get a stamp for your State Park passport but also your Arkansas Historic Preservation Program passport at the Welcome Center.

Mammoth Spring National Fish Hatchery

Established in 1903, Mammoth Spring NFS is one of the oldest National Fish Hatcheries in the country. They raise aquatic species for both conservation and recreation purposes. The Mammoth Spring National Fish Hatchery was built in this location due to the availability of the cool flowing water from Mammoth Spring. The hatchery offers an Aquatic Conservation Center and Aquarium for visitors to enjoy. Regular outreach events are offered for educational purposes.

The Spring River

If you are an outdoorsy person, then you will love Spring River! Since the river is fed by Mammoth Spring, it is a popular destination year-round due to its dependability. You can float, canoe, and/or kayak on the cold river that attracts people every year to camp, fish, swim, and play. There are several campgrounds and outfitters on the river that provide put-in/out service and transportation back to your vehicle. Stay the weekend and camp on the campgrounds, make new friends, party or keep your trip family friendly. In the right places, the river can offer swimming. But get proper guidance and information before getting out on the water, because Spring River has strong currents and can cause serious accidents if not careful.

Walnut Valley Farms

Walnut Valley Farms provides a unique farm experience to everyone who visits. They are a small family farm that specializes in pastured lamb. The family revitalized a 100-year-old farm that now hosts Spring Lamb Days and Christmas on the Farm, where you can hold baby lambs, get your picture taken with them, and shop local vendors. The farm is also available as a venue for events. Be sure to contact them if you want to learn more about sheep farming!

Jim Hinkle/Spring River State Fish Hatchery

The Jim Hinkle State Fish Hatchery produces more than 1 million rainbow trout every year. The trout are distributed in the Spring River, Blanchard Spring, Bull Shoals and Greers Ferry tailwaters, South Arkansas trout waters, and the Family and Community Fishing Program’s seasonal trout ponds. They are open for tours and host a kids fishing derby every year.

Have you ever visited Mammoth Spring or camped on the Spring River? Tell us about your trip!

Potts Inn Museum in Pottsville, Arkansas

Potts Inn Museum: Best Preserved Antebellum Stagecoach Station

June 10, 2024

Potts Inn Museum is known for being one of the Butterfield-Overland mail route’s best-preserved stagecoach stations between Fort Smith and Memphis. Built in the 1850s, it is a perfect example of antebellum architecture.

Potts Inn

The story of the Inn began with a young bachelor named Kirkbride Potts. Traveling from his home in Pennsylvania with two families of slaves, he settled south of the Arkansas River. After meeting, falling in love, and marrying Pamelia Logan, they moved to Pope County. The Potts started with a two-story log cabin that served as a family home and business location. With their 11 children and all the travelers stopping at the home, the Potts needed a new home that would better serve their family and business.

To earn the money needed to build a new home, Mr. Potts tried mining for gold during the Gold Rush in the 1840s. His first visit to California proved useless mining, but profitable to sell beef to the miners. Initial construction of their new home began in 1850 and took 8 years to complete.

John Butterfield started the Butterfield Stagecoach Line when the government needed a standard way to transport mail from coast to coast. The line served both the public and mail system. Potts Station was the only stop in Arkansas, which caused the construction of extra barns on the property for the stagecoaches, their horses, and equipment. The Butterfield-Overland mail route was so important to the country that it is registered as a National Historic Trail.

Over the course of the family’s history, the Potts house served many purposes, such as a post office, inn, tavern, and many other businesses. It played a role in the Civil War and is vital to our mail, as it was part of the Butterfield-Overland mail route. Several books have been written showcasing how important Potts Inn has been to our country. The town of Pottsville was even named after the Potts family.

Potts Inn Museum

Potts Inn housed the original family until 1970 when it was sold to Pope County and became a museum. Original log cabins were later moved to this location to house personal collections. The bank and pharmacy buildings were added to the museum, as well. The Pope County Historical Foundation now manages the property and does an excellent job.

A part of the Museum is the Citizens Bank Building and the Teeter Medical Collection (my favorite). These locations are typically only open during Butterfield Day. Both structures are located across the street from Potts Inn.

Some of the original windowpanes are still in place and the molds used to make the chimney’s bricks are preserved. The Inn houses original furniture and household items, as well as period furnishings and furniture donations. As a result, the Inn is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Butterfield Day

Every year, Potts Inn Museum in Pottsville is host to Butterfield Day. A celebration of being a stop on the Butterfield-Overland mail route, this day is filled with excitement, interesting collections, more museums, Civil War reenactors, antique car show, and so many more fun things to do! On any other day, Potts Inn is a museum with original and period furnishings.

Upon hearing about Butterfield Day and all the things they planned for the event, my mom, dog, and me organized a road trip to experience it for ourselves. Our itinerary for the day included Potts Inn in the morning and a state park afterward. And we might have stayed at Potts Inn too long because it was such a good event!

Our time at the event started with a browse through and lovely conversations with the vendors set up on the property. We then took a walk around the property and admired the antique cars in the show. Making our way in and out of the log structures was a unique experience. Each cabin showcased a different collection of unique items. We saw the trends of attire since 1870, hat collection, Indian artifacts, and a doll collection of all the First Lady’s dressed in a replica of their inaugural gowns (my mom’s favorite). A one room pioneer log cabin and barn were also open for tours.

The event hosted a regularly scheduled Civil War Reenactment that included information on rifles used during that period and canon shootings. Scattered throughout the property were more reenactors that were quite lovely. Stationed inside the Potts Inn, they gave information on the Potts family and their home.

The entire experience was well worth the drive to Pottsville! Potts Inn Museum is a must visit for anyone interested in history. Butterfield Day is the best time to visit, though. As their annual celebration day, admission is free, both the Citizens Bank Building and Teeter Medical Collection are open, tours are given on the property, Civil War reenactments occur all day, vendors of all sorts are set up, and an antique car show takes place. For more information on Potts Inn Museum, please visit their website.

Life-size replica of a Boeing B-17F Flying Fortress that crashed during WWII at Sheridan, Arkansas

Actual Crash Site of A Boeing B-17F Flying Fortress

May 31, 2024

If you are ever in the Little Rock/Sheridan area, the B-17 Memorial Park is a great roadside veteran memorial worth visiting! Located in the middle of what seems like nowhere is the most pristine and memorial site. Since my mom and I enjoy visiting veteran and memorial parks, we have certainly visited a plethora all over the country in our travels. Yet, we were extremely impressed with how well-constructed and well maintained this park was, especially since its location being so far off the main highway.

Located about five miles north of Sheridan, B-17 Memorial Park is the work of a very determined group of individuals that wanted to preserve a moment in history. The park is unique from other veteran memorials as it is the actual crash site of the Boeing B-17F Flying Fortress in 1943. Thus, why it is located in the middle of a field and back off the road a couple miles.

The story behind the crash is nothing fancy, but certainly warranted quite the investigation. Apparently, the B-17 bomber was based in Smoky Hill Airfield in Salina, Kansas. It was set to depart from Kansas, head to Morrison Field in West Palm Beach, Florida, and then make its way to Europe to help fight in World War II. The bomber departed Kansas on March 12, 1943, and headed toward Florida. While enroute to Florida, the nine airmen aboard experienced the bomber violently vibrating. When the crew encountered a thunderstorm, the pilot was forced to decide to turn back around toward Kansas or make an emergency landing in Little Rock, Arkansas. When their flight path was changed toward Little Rock, one of the bomber’s engines caught fire and explored in mid-air. As a result, the crew lost their lives and the remaining pieces of the bomber crashed in a wooded area at the park’s location. It took less than three hours of total flight time for this unfortunate ending.

Apparently, a military investigation found service records on the bomber that reported this particular B-17 had significant mechanical problems. Two engines had been replaced a couple weeks earlier and two other engines were scheduled to be replaced. Such problems were known to cause failure and a high possibility of crashing, which resulted in it being condemned for flight to Florida by the United States Army.

Yet, the base was eager to catch up with the previously deployed squadron that had left for combat in the war. So, the fateful decision was made to have nine airmen fly it to Florida for repairs, even with the current mechanical problems. Afterward, they were to fly to Europe and reunite with the rest of their squadron. Unfortunately, this decision resulted in a loss of a bomber and nine men, some of which had a family waiting for them at home. While another B-17 could be sent across the ocean, a person’s life can never be replaced.

The military investigation placed a lot of blame for the crash on the pilot and the thunderstorm. It is still unknown, and probably hard to determine, if the crew knew about the condemnation of the bomber or not. However, family members of some of the airmen did report that conversations weeks before the flight expressed concerns and fears that mechanical problems would result in their deaths.

A year later, a stone memorial marker was erected on March 10, 1944, at the crash site in memory of the nine airmen aboard the B-17 bomber. Over time, the marker had been forgotten about and nature had started to cover up the marker. With the forgotten and lost marker, memory of the crash had even become forgotten.

Forty years later, Jerry Jackson and his father stumbled upon the marker while walking in the woods. Jerry was so moved by the memorial and its historical significance that he made it a part of his Eagle Scout project to restore the marker. He was still working with the Grant County Museum to restore the memorial and crash site when he died in a car accident in 1986 at the age of sixteen. The project that he started was continued by the American Legion in collaboration with other volunteers and sponsors.

On October 12, 2015, the B-17 Veterans Memorial Park was opened. It was constructed to honor the crew of the Boeing B-17F Flying Fortress, but the county wanted to honor all local military personnel that died in war. So, the memorial also honors Civil War veterans killed at the Battle of Jenkins Ferry, and those killed in action in World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and American veterans of the past and present.

WWII B-17 Crash Site at B-17 Memorial Park in Sheridan, Arkansas

Very well designed, constructed, and maintained, this park seems to be out of place in the middle of a field. Upon entering the park, you are greeted with the original memorial marker. Attached to the other side of it is a plaque that honors Jerry Jackson for his passion, determination, and dedication to restore the area in memory of those who lost their lives in war. In the center of the park is a life-size replica of a B-17 bomber that is quite fascinating. “Dummy” personnel were placed inside to give a better representation of its use and make it more life-like. Around the bomber is a very lovely short walking trail with informational plaques and an audio tour that is available to learn more information on the crash and the airmen. You can listen online at Sheridan B17 Memorial Park – Sheridan B17 Memorial Park (stqry.app).

At the back of the park is a black granite wall containing the names and information of the airmen in the crash. Dedications and speeches are held here in honor and respect of our military personnel, as well as other events. American and military flags line the bomber fencing and surround the memorial park, showcasing an ambience for honoring our military. Off to the rear side of the park is a pavilion with a little picnic area, which is the perfect place to celebrate a veteran’s birthday or special event.

The B-17 Memorial Park is quite an experience. It is both family friendly and pet friendly – please just clean up after yourselves and your animals. The American Legion, Daughters of the American Revolution, and all the other collaborators and sponsors certainly did a fantastic job at erecting a worthy memorial to the nine airmen and all our fallen soldiers.

The Boeing B-17F Flying Fortress crew:

Second Lieutenant George Davis (pilot)

Second Lieutenant Robert Turchette (co-pilot)

Second Lieutenant Leo E. Dolan (navigator)

Second Lieutenant Phillip Niewolak (bombardier)

Technical Sergeant Dewitt Tyler (engineer)

Technical Sergeant Peter Ivanovich (radio operator)

Staff Sergeant Arthur Potter (waist gunner)

Staff Sergeant David Secorski (ball turret gunner)

Staff Sergeant Kenneth Cain (tail gunner)

What was your impression of the memorial when you visited?