Mountain Home history and location
Mountain Home was originally called Rapp's Barren. An early settler established a trading post in the area in the early 1800s. The city officially incorporated as The City of Mountain Home, Arkansas, on July 2, 1888. Mountain Home grew with the building of major dams. Norfork Dam finished in 1944. Bull Shoals Dam finished in 1951. These created large lakes with the same names. Since then, Mountain Home is known for water recreation. It is also famous for boating and trout fishing. The area offers outdoor serenity. Mountain Home and Bull Shoals-White River State Park became the state's first retirement and water resorts. This area has about 67,440 acres of open water. It is nestled in the Ozark Mountains. People also appreciate the friendly atmosphere and beauty of this tucked-away town. There are no major interstates directly to Mountain Home. It is considered a destination spot.
Mountain Home outdoor activities
Mountain Home offers many ways to enjoy the outdoors. The town is surrounded by lakes and rivers. These provide clear waters for many activities.
Fishing in Mountain Home waters
The White River is a renowned destination for trout fishing. Its cold waters stay around 52 degrees all year. The river has deep pools and shallow riffles. This creates an ideal home for trout. You can find Rainbow, Brown, Cutthroat, and Brook Trout here. Bull Shoals Lake and Norfork Lake also offer fishing. These lakes are home to bass, walleye, crappie, bream, and catfish. The White River also offers kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, swimming, and picnicking.
For the best trout fishing, visit in spring or fall. Fish are more active then. Water levels are optimal.
Bring layers of clothing for cool temperatures near the water.
Hiking and biking trails
Bull Shoals-White River State Park is known for its world-class trout fishing. It also has six trails. The Gaston Wildflower Garden Trail is one option. The Heritage and Habitat Trail is another. There is also the three-mile Oakridge Mountain Bike Trail. Cycling fans also use the Syllamo Mountain Bike Trail system. This system is less than an hour south of Mountain Home. It is known internationally. It has 50 miles of connecting loops in the Ozark National Forest. The Push Mountain/Sylamore Scenic Byway runs south and west of town. The lower section of the Buffalo National River is southwest of Mountain Home. It is the nation's first National Scenic River.
Mountain Home downtown shopping and history
Beyond the water, Mountain Home's historic downtown area offers unique experiences. Visitors can find places for shopping and dining.
Antiquing is a popular pastime in the region. There are several popular antique stores. These include Earl's Antique Mall, Remember When Antiques & More Mall, and Rusty Rooster Flea Market & Antique Mall. The downtown area also has many locally-owned boutiques and gift shops. You can find outdoor outfitters and fishing gear stores. The downtown area also features historic architecture. The 1941 WPA-built Baxter County Courthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Other original buildings date from the late 1800s to the 1930s. Mountain Home's Hickory Park also hosts live music on its central stage on weekends.
Downtown shops and historic buildings
Earl's Antique Mall: 3328 Highway 62 West, Mountain Home, AR 72653
Remember When Antiques & More Mall: 5655 Highway 62 East, Mountain Home, AR 72653
Rusty Rooster Flea Market & Antique Mall: 1340 Highway 62 East, Mountain Home, AR 72653
Mountain Home dining options
Mountain Home offers a range of dining experiences. It was the first city in Arkansas to create an entertainment district.
The City of Mountain Home Downtown Entertainment District allows guests to walk with drinks. This is from 4:30 p.m. to midnight. Rapp's Barren Brewery and Gastropub is a local favorite. It is in the city's oldest commercial building, dating to 1892. The brewery offers various craft beers. Examples include Arrowhead APA, Buffalo Blonde, and Twin Lakes Imperial Stout. Their menu includes snacks like shrimp and grits stack and street tacos. They also serve salads. Sunday brunch options include apple-and-brie empanadas and carnitas bowls. You can also enjoy mini-chocolate chip cookies or house-made donut holes. Other local eateries include Fred's Fish House and Holy Smokes BBQ. Dusit Thai Cuisine offers Asian flavors. Cooyons is known for traditional Cajun-style dishes. These include shrimp and grits, corn fritters, and gumbo. For fine dining, Gaston's on the White River Resort is in Lakeview. It is known for its Saturday-only prime rib special. The Grill at Whispering Woods on Lake Norfork offers steaks, grilled lamb chops, and fresh fish. Pastas are also on their menu.
Restaurants and entertainment district
Mountain Home Downtown Entertainment District operating hours are 4:30 p.m. through midnight.
Rapp's Barren Brewery and Gastropub: 601 South Baker St., Mountain Home, AR 72653
Fred's Fish House: 44 Highway 101 Cutoff, Mountain Home, AR 72653
Holy Smokes BBQ: 400 Highway 201 North, Mountain Home, AR 72653
Dusit Thai Cuisine: 343 Highway 62 East, Mountain Home, AR 72653
Cooyons: 785 Hwy 201 North, Mountain Home, AR 72653
The Grill at Whispering Woods: 4245 State Highway 177, Jordan, AR 72519
Mountain Home accommodation options
Mountain Home has many places to stay. These range from lakeside resorts to traditional hotels. Lakeside resorts are very popular.
The White Buffalo Resort is in nearby Buffalo City. It is located where the White River meets the Buffalo River. This resort offers good fishing. It also provides easy access to kayaking, boating, and hiking. Teal Point Resort is on Norfork Lake. It has hosted guests for over 45 years. The resort features 24 cabins, condos, and vacation houses overlooking the lake. Rental boats are available. The Edgewater Resort and Lodge is on Bull Shoals Lake. It has one, two, and three-bedroom cottages. These are steps from the water and boat docks. Gaston's White River Resort is in Lakeview. It spans 400 acres and has its own airstrip. This resort offers 79 cottages and an award-winning restaurant. Guests can use a tennis court, three nature trails, and a swimming pool. There is also a conference lodge and a fly fishing school.
Lakeside resorts and inns
White Buffalo Resort: 418 White Buffalo Trail, Mountain Home, AR 72653
Teal Point Resort: 715 Teal Point Road, Mountain Home, AR 72653
Edgewater Resort and Lodge: 10108 Promise Land Road, Mountain Home, AR 72653
Gaston's White River Resort: 777 River Road, Lakeview, AR 72642