Revisit the Ol’ Swimmin’ Hole in Central Arkansas

 

There are numerous ways to beat the heat as the dog days of summer descend upon us. Staying indoors, eating ice cream and watermelon, playing in the water – these are just a few suggestions. 

For the later, you have several choices as well. For a different type of experience, how about visiting an old-fashioned swimming hole? 

Forty-acre Lake Bennett at Woolly Hollow State Park is another popular place to wile away the hot summer hours. Situated 18 miles north of Conway near Greenbrier, you'll find a sandy beach and lifeguards on duty from Memorial Day to Labor Day. To reach the lake, take U.S. 65 north from Conway through Greenbrier to Ark. 285, then go six miles east to the state park.

Sixteen-acre Lake Sylvia, located on the Perry-Saline county line near Perryville in the Ouachita National Forest, has long been a popular Central Arkansas place to cool off. Facilities include a swimming beach, picnic sites, a wildlife interpretive trail, a tree identification interpretive trail for the physically challenged, and outdoor theater programs in season. Travel Ark. 10 west of Little Rock for 30 miles to Ark. 324, then drive about four miles to the campground and swimming area.

Willow Springs Water Park in Little Rock has an ol’ swimmin’ hole feel to it with its sandy bottom lake and sand beaches. In addition to the swimming, it has a 400-foot- water slide, a kiddie pool, water volleyball, basketball and trampolines, plus the log roller, my all-time favorite.