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List of lakes of Garland County, Arkansas facts for kids

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Garland County, Arkansas, is home to many beautiful bodies of water. You'll find at least 30 named lakes and reservoirs here! Two of the most famous are Lake Hamilton and Lake Catherine. These watery spots are great for fishing, boating, and enjoying nature.

Lakes and Reservoirs in Garland County

What's the Difference?

You might hear people talk about lakes and reservoirs. A lake is usually a natural body of water. A reservoir is a special kind of lake that people create. They do this by building a large wall, called a dam, across a river. This dam holds back the water, forming a big pool. Reservoirs are often made to store water for drinking, to help with floods, or to make electricity.

Even though some maps might not call them "lakes," many of these water bodies in Garland County are known as lakes by the people who live there. Most of the large bodies of water in the county are actually reservoirs.

Popular Spots to Visit

Garland County has some very popular reservoirs that people love to visit.

Lake Catherine AR-kmf
Lake Catherine
  • Lake Catherine is a beautiful reservoir located in Garland County. It was created in 1924 when a dam was built on the Ouachita River. Lake Catherine is a great place for fishing, boating, and swimming.
Lake Hamilton 001
Lake Hamilton
  • Lake Hamilton is another very popular reservoir in the county. It was formed in 1932, also by building a dam on the Ouachita River. Lake Hamilton is known for its many resorts, restaurants, and water sports activities. It's a busy spot, especially in the summer!
Aerial view of Lake Ouachita, AR
Lake Ouachita
  • Lake Ouachita is the largest lake that is entirely within Arkansas. It's known for its very clear water and is surrounded by the Ouachita National Forest. This lake is a favorite for scuba diving, fishing, and camping. It has many small islands and quiet coves to explore.

Other Important Water Bodies

Besides the big, well-known reservoirs, Garland County has many other smaller ones. These include:

  • Arkansas Noname 136 Reservoir, which is about 653 feet (199 meters) above sea level.
  • Bethel Lake, located near Hot Springs.
  • Big Lake, which sits at a higher elevation of 751 feet (229 meters).
  • Country Club Lake, a smaller reservoir often found near golf courses.
  • Forest Lake, another scenic water body in the area.
  • Hot Springs Reservoir, which helps supply water to the city of Hot Springs.
  • Lake Coronado, Lake Cortez, Lake Desoto, and Lake Pineda, which are all part of the Hot Springs Village community. These lakes offer lots of fun for residents and visitors.
  • Nooner Lake, O'Mahoney Pond, and Rector Lake are also among the many water bodies that make Garland County special.

These lakes and reservoirs provide important habitats for wildlife and offer many chances for outdoor adventures for everyone.

See also

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List of lakes of Garland County, Arkansas Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.