The Blackburn staff has personally visited all of these attractions and we’re happy to share our experiences with you! We can help you choose the ones that best match your interests or even show you how to see them all in one day. We’ll offer helpful tips and pointers to make your trip memorable. And if you're looking for more, just ask—we’ll be glad to assist you in planning your perfect day trip.
Cave Tours & Wild Caves
Explore caves the way that suits you best—either on a guided, well-lit tour through underground pathways or by crawling through the mud to discover the deeper chambers of Blanchard Springs Caverns. These caves are managed by the U.S. Forest Service, which offers both interpretive cave walks and wild cave tours. Blanchard Springs Caverns provides an awe-inspiring, up-close look at one of America’s most remarkable underground sites—Ozark Karst at its finest!
Wolf Settlement - Built in 1809 - 4 Original Structures
The Wolf Settlement, founded in 1809-1810 by Major Jacob Wolf, was established at the confluence of the White and North Fork Rivers. Wolf was appointed by President Thomas Jefferson as Indian Agent to the Arkansas Cherokee Nation. This historic site includes the Wolf House, one of the oldest standing structures west of the Mississippi River. Visitors can explore the restored Wolf home, once considered a mansion in its time, along with the Wolf Blacksmith Shop, the Rev. John Wolf House, and a trading post.
Norfork National Fish Hatchery
Located at the base of Norfork Dam, the Norfork National Fish Hatchery raises around 2 million trout each year. The hatchery offers a fascinating experience, especially for kids, as they can see trout at various stages of development—ranging from tiny fry to 14-pound monsters! Just next door, Dry Run Creek is reserved exclusively for children 16 and under to fish, and only artificial baits are allowed. It’s a fantastic place for young anglers to experience the thrill of fishing with large, healthy trout.
Quarry Park at Norfork Dam
Directly across from the hatchery, Quarry Park offers a scenic spot for bank fishing on the North Fork River. This area is known for being the location where the world record All Tackle brown trout was caught, as well as the second largest. The park extends to the top of the dam, where you can walk out for breathtaking views of the river gorge and the lake. When the generators are running, you can feel the vibrations through the handrails. The park also features covered pavilions, a children’s play area, and public restrooms, making it an ideal place for a picnic. Just a short distance away is a cave that was used by Native Americans for thousands of years, though it’s not open to the public.
