Bull Shoals-White River State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bull Shoals-White River State Park |
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View from the visitors' center, 2009
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 Bull Shoals-White River State Park
Location in Arkansas
Bull Shoals-White River State Park
Location in the United States
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| Location | Bull Shoals, Ozark National Forest, Arkansas, United States |
| Area | 732 acres (296 ha) |
| Established | 1955 |
| Named for | Bull Shoals Lake and the White River |
| Visitors | 75,000 annually |
| Governing body | Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism |
| Website | Bull Shoals-White River State Park |
Bull Shoals-White River State Park is a cool place in Arkansas, covering about 732 acres. It's located in Baxter and Marion Counties. This park is famous for having one of the best places to fish for trout in the whole country! It became a state park in 1955, after the United States Army Corps of Engineers built the big Bull Shoals Dam on the White River.
The park stretches along the shores of Bull Shoals Lake and the White River. Here, you can find picnic spots, a marina (where boats are kept), boat rentals, fun learning programs, and a visitors' center with a gift shop.
History of the Park
The Bull Shoals Dam was built to help control floods and create electricity. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers started building it in 1947. When the dam was finished in 1951, the Corps let Arkansas use the land around the lake. At first, it was just a simple camping spot with no special facilities.
But in 1975, Arkansas started making the park much better! They added restrooms, more campsites, and even paved the roads, making it easier to get around. An old building, where dam workers used to stay, was taken down in 1979.
Fun Things to Do
The park offers many places to camp right by the river. There are 103 campsites in total, with different types for various needs. You can also rent a camp setup or even an RV!
You'll find picnic areas and covered shelters all over the park, perfect for a meal outdoors. There are also trails for walking and exploring the beautiful woods. The park has a marina where you can rent boats and get boating supplies.
The visitors' center is a great place to learn. It has programs, workshops, and exhibits about boating and fishing, plus an aquarium! You can even take tours of the power plant and other parts of the dam to see how it works.
Fishing and Water Fun
Bull Shoals Lake is the biggest lake in Arkansas, and it's super popular for trout fishing. You might even catch a record-sized Rainbow trout or brown trout here! Other fish like bream, catfish, crappie, and largemouth bass are also easy to find. Besides fishing, you can go swimming and enjoy other water sports on the lake.
