Exploring the Beautiful Greers Ferry Dam of Heber Springs

One of the most popular attractions in Heber Springs, Arkansas, is the stunning Greers Ferry Dam. This hydroelectric dam on the Little Red River was finished in December 1962, and President John F. Kennedy dedicated it on October 3, 1963. The dam is a beautiful sight to behold, and the lake behind it is a great place for fishing, swimming, and boating.

The main dam is concrete, 1,704 feet long and 243 feet high. It’s been a popular tourist destination for decades, and it’s easy to see why. The views from the dam are simply beautiful, and there are plenty of things to do in the surrounding area.

History of the Greers Ferry Dam

The construction of this dam is a significant part of Central Arkansas history. Work started in March 1959, the dam was finished in December 1962 and created Greers Ferry Lake, and the powerhouse was completed in 1964.

The dam was built to control flooding on the Little Red River, which runs into the White River, and to generate hydroelectric power. Floods had been damaging homes, farmland and roads downstream.

Once the dam was finished, it brought flood control and electric power to the area, and the lake it created became one of the region’s main draws for fishing, boating and camping.

The Greers Ferry Dam is a vital part of the region’s infrastructure, and it’s also a major tourist attraction. If you’re ever in Central Arkansas, be sure to stop by and take in the beauty of this dam.

What to See There

If you’re visiting the Greers Ferry Dam, there are a few things you definitely won’t want to miss.

• Top of the Dam

The first is the view from the top of the dam. It’s simply breathtaking, and it’s one of the best views in the entire area.

• Visitor Center

Another thing you won’t want to miss is the William Carl Garner Visitor Center next to the dam. It has exhibits on the history of the dam, as well as information on the recreational activities that are available in the area.

• Fish Hatchery and Trails

Finally, don’t forget the Greers Ferry National Fish Hatchery below the dam, run by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, where you can look at the outdoor raceways. Mossy Bluff Trail and the short Buckeye Trail start by the visitor center, and Collins Creek Trail runs near the hatchery.

Generation Schedule

The Greers Ferry Dam is a hydroelectric facility, and it also provides flood control. As such, it operates according to a strict schedule known as the “generation schedule.” This generation schedule decides when the dam will release water into the Little Red River.

Power Generation

During certain times of the year, the Greers Ferry Dam operates as a power generating facility. The power is created by water traveling through turbines inside the dam. When this happens, the release schedule can change based on how much electricity needs to be generated.

Flood Control

The Greers Ferry Dam also serves as a flood control facility, which means it holds water back during heavy rain and lets it out into the Little Red River gradually, so areas downstream flood less.

Recreation

The Greers Ferry Dam is a popular spot for fishing, swimming, boating, and camping. In fact, there are several campgrounds located near the dam that offer great views of the area. If you’re looking for a place to relax and spend some quality time with your friends and family, be sure to check out the dam.

You’ll also find that there are great hiking trails around the area. If you’re into hiking or mountain biking, be sure to check out these trails when you visit the dam. They offer some of the best views in the area, and they’re completely free of charge.

Location of Greers Ferry Dam

The Greers Ferry Dam sits on the Little Red River about three miles northeast of Heber Springs, in Cleburne County, and holds back Greers Ferry Lake. It is operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. It’s easily one of the most scenic areas in Central Arkansas.

Visiting Hours

The William Carl Garner Visitor Center keeps seasonal hours that change from year to year, so check with the Corps of Engineers’ Greers Ferry Project Office before you go. Admission is free.

Nearby Attractions

If you’re looking for something else to do while you’re in the area, these are close by:

• Bridal Veil Falls in Heber Springs
• Magness Lake, where trumpeter swans spend the winter

The Greers Ferry Dam is definitely worth a visit if you’re ever in the area, and it offers something for everyone. Put it on your list of things to see.

If you enjoyed this, read about the marinas on Greers Ferry Lake too.