[Reivax]

Hi,
My family and I are renting a place on Lake Ouachita next week, and we thought we'd take a day and go see some caves. I see most of the places are north of us, and look like at least a couple hours drive.

Can you recommend a good one for us to see? We're staying close to Mt. Ida.
2 of my children are 6 and 8.

Also, Is the highway between Russelville and Harrison a scenic drive?

thanks for any help!

[Bull Winkus]

Don't know of any commercial caves in that area, but I can say that Hwy 7 from Russellville to Harrison is a scenic drive.



Headin' north. On the left side of the highway about half way between Russellville and Jasper.





On the right side, not far before reaching Jasper.

[Reivax]

That looks beautiful, thank you for the pictures.
Menu at that Cliff House inn looks pretty good too, lol.
Appreciate it!

[Fayetteville-soccer-mom]

No cave recommendations, but I can recommend digging for diamonds at the Crater of Diamonds state park in Murfreesboro or digging for crystals near Mt. Ida or Hot Springs. Both are a lot of fun if the weather isn't too hot. Avoid the roadside crystal digs and find a good operation instead. You will see plenty of ads for them once you get to Lake Ouachita. Diamond hunting is fun for the kids, but digging for crystals is more of a "sure thing." If you think you might dig for crystals, have everyone bring a pair of shoes and clothes you don't mind throwing away - there is just no way to keep clean. Have a nice vacation.

[RogMar]

Originally Posted by Reivax

Menu at that Cliff House inn looks pretty good too

The prices don't, though.

I'd certainly take a drive around the area and see what other offerings are.

This is Arkansas, not Los Angeles.

[Bull Winkus]

Is this the menu you guys are talking about?

I dunno. The prices seem high, but the portions are generous. I can also vouch for the cleanliness of the establishment, including the rooms. Also, you get to sit and eat in front of one of the best views in Arkansas.

[ArkansasSlim]

Originally Posted by Reivax

Hi,
My family and I are renting a place on Lake Ouachita next week, and we thought we'd take a day and go see some caves. I see most of the places are north of us, and look like at least a couple hours drive.

Can you recommend a good one for us to see? We're staying close to Mt. Ida.
2 of my children are 6 and 8.

Also, Is the highway between Russelville and Harrison a scenic drive?

thanks for any help!

There are no "caves" in the normal sense of the word in the Ouachita Mountains. Wrong type of rock. You will have to go to the Ozarks for those and it would be well worth a two day trip if you have time. The closest thing we have to caves, in the Ouachitas, are some that have been quarried out a few thousand years ago by the Indians, and those are
hard to get to and not worth the effort unless you are into archeology.

[greenacresusa]

Ah the Cliff House!! My wife and I have ate there and stayed there twice in years past. We have plans to do the same this September for a day for our anniversary if her back problems straighten up for our trip! Nothing like drinking a cup of coffe in the morning on their deck with that view!

[RogMar]

Originally Posted by greenacresusa

Nothing like drinking a cup of coffe in the morning on their deck with that view!

Unless it's drinking a cup of coffee on my own deck with my view.

No screaming kids or yankee tourists.

[greenacresusa]

Originally Posted by RogMar

Unless it's drinking a cup of coffee on my own deck with my view.

No screaming kids or yankee tourists.

That is true!! That's our other favorite place for a good cup of coffee, on our own cabin porch overlooking the pond without any other neighbors in sight or hearing!!