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3 Minutes Read

Float Your Worries Away: The Best Rivers Near Northwest Arkansas for Kayaking, Canoeing, and Rafting

6 Must Float Rivers Just a Short Drive from Adventure and Fun

You know one thing great about a wet Spring is what it can do for floating on a half-dozen streams by providing a cool activity well into summer. If you're looking for a way to beat the heat, unwind in nature, and enjoy some of the most scenic waterways in the region, Northwest Arkansas is surrounded by incredible floating destinations. Whether you prefer the peaceful glide of a canoe, the community of rafting, or a relaxing float in a kayak, these rivers offer something for everyone—plus local outfitters to make your adventure easy and fun.

Here are five must-float rivers, all just a short drive from Northwest Arkansas:


🛶 Elk River – Pineville, MO

Just north of the Arkansas border, the Elk River is a favorite for laid-back summer floats. With its gentle current, wide channels, and beautiful bluffs, it’s perfect for families and first-time paddlers. The river is lined with gravel bars, making it easy to stop for a swim or picnic.

📍 Best launch spot: Pineville, MO
🚣‍♀️ Outfitters: Several in the area, including Lazy Days and River Ranch Resort
🌟 Why go: Easy floating, great for groups, and close to NWA




kayaking the Elk River, MO

🌿 Kings River – Eureka Springs, AR

Flowing through the rolling Ozark hills, the Kings River is a crystal-clear gem ideal for nature lovers. Wildlife sightings are common, and the river offers a peaceful atmosphere perfect for fishing, photography, and unplugging from the world.

📍 Best launch spot: Rockhouse or Trigger Gap
🚣 Outfitters: Kings River Outfitters in Eureka Springs
🌟 Why go: Scenic, quiet, and perfect for canoes and kayaks


🌊 Mulberry River – Turner’s Bend, AR

If you crave a bit more excitement, the Mulberry River offers Class I–III rapids (depending on rainfall), making it a seasonal favorite for experienced paddlers and adventure seekers. Spring and early summer are the best times to catch it flowing.

📍 Best launch spot: Turner’s Bend
🚣‍♂️ Outfitters: Turner Bend Outfitter
🌟 Why go: Whitewater fun and stunning Ozark mountain views


🏞️ Buffalo National River – Ponca, AR

A bucket-list destination for paddlers, the Buffalo River was the first national river in the U.S., and for good reason. Towering limestone bluffs, waterfalls, and abundant wildlife make it one of the most scenic floats in America.

📍 Best launch spot: Ponca (for the upper river)
🛶 Outfitters: Buffalo Outdoor Center in Ponca
🌟 Why go: Epic scenery, rich history, and unforgettable floating





🌊 War Eagle Creek – Near Huntsville, AR

A hidden gem in the Ozarks, War Eagle Creek offers peaceful waters, lush surroundings, and a relaxed floating experience. Ideal for kayaks and canoes, this creek is a great spot to enjoy quiet time on the water without the crowds.

📍 Best launch spot: Near Withrow Springs State Park
🚣 Outfitters: War Eagle Canoe Outfitters (when in season)
🌟 Why go: Underrated, peaceful, and perfect for a nature-filled day trip




Big Sugar Creel, MO





🌊 Illinois River – Tahlequah, OK

Another popular and accessible float near Northwest Arkansas is the Illinois River, just west in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. This river is all about good times, whether you're on a guided raft, kayak, or tube. Expect clear water, mild currents, and plenty of fun.

📍 Best launch spot: Tahlequah, OK
🚣 Outfitters: Sparrow Hawk, Peyton’s Place, and other riverside rentals
🌟 Why go: Social floats, family-friendly, and loaded with outfitters


Before You Go:

  • Always check water levels and weather before floating.

  • Book rentals and shuttles in advance—weekends fill up fast!

  • Pack sunscreen, water, snacks, and water shoes.

  • Leave no trace—help keep these rivers clean and beautiful.



Floating on the Elk River, MO

Ready to

hit the water? With so many great rivers and local outfitters nearby, there’s no excuse not to paddle your way into an unforgettable Ozark adventure. So grab your paddle, load up the cooler, and float your worries away!




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Exploring Northwest Arkansas Day Trips

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09.19.2025

LPGA Returns to Rogers: The Walmart NW Arkansas Championship Presented by P&G

World's Best Women Golfers Converge on Northwest ArkansasRogers, Arkansas — Beginning this week, the world’s best women golfers converge on Pinnacle Country Club for the prestigious Walmart NW Arkansas Championship presented by P&G. The 2025 edition of this LPGA Tour stop promises thrilling competition, community festivities, and plenty of storylines. History & VenueThe tournament has been held at Pinnacle Country Club since its debut in 2007, and it has grown into a cornerstone event on the LPGA schedule. NWA Championship+2Wikipedia+2Pinnacle is a challenging 18-hole course (Par 71), redesigned in 2008 by Randy Heckenkemper. Its layout features a demanding mix of long par 5s, tricky par 3s, and holes that reward strategic tee shots and precision. Wikipedia+1The purse for the tournament in recent years has been $3 million, with the winner’s share in 2024 at $450,000. Media+2Wikipedia+2 What’s New & What’s At StakeField & Players: Expect a strong field, including many of the top-ranked LPGA professionals. Arkansas alums and local favorites also add to the intrigue. NWA Championship+2LPGA+2Fan & Community Events: More than just golf — the championship week features side events like the BITE Experience food festival, the Walmart & P&G Kids Confidence Club, junior golf initiatives, and a 5K benefiting local causes. It’s become a significant event for the Northwest Arkansas area. 5 News Online+2NWA Championship+2Sustainability & Access: The event is GEO Certified for sustainability, one of only a couple LPGA tournaments with that distinction. Ticket pricing remains accessible with free or discounted access for children, military, first responders, and families. Rogers-Lowell Chamber+1Key Players & Past ChampionsThe reigning champion, Jasmine Suwannapura, claimed the 2024 title in dramatic fashion, using an eagle on the second playoff hole to edge out Lucy Li. LPGA+1Other recent champions include Atthaya Thitikul (2022), Hae Ran Ryu (2023), and Nasa Hataoka, which speaks to the level of competition and how tight the margins often are. WikipediaWatch for standouts in putting, experience in playoff situations, and those who can handle pressure over Sunday’s final stretch.What to Watch ForCourse conditions & strategy: Pinnacle’s re-design means the long par 5s and precise par 3s will test both length and accuracy off the tee. A windy day or firm greens could separate the leaders.Momentum players: Those coming in with recent strong finishes could use that confidence late in the season.Playoff potential: Given past history (e.g., 2024), this event often comes down to clutch moments. Expect nerves, opportunity, and possibly extra holes to decide the champion.Final ThoughtsThe Walmart NW Arkansas Championship is more than just another stop on the LPGA calendar — it’s a community event, a marker of prestige, and a test of skill under pressure. Whether you follow for the drama, the local flavor, or the golf itself, this week at Pinnacle Country Club will be one to remember.

09.16.2025

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09.12.2025

Just for Fun Friday - Over 3.8 Million Views in 3 Days - Don't MissThis Flash Mob!

Amazing Presentation of Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody Parisian Streets Turn into an impromptu rock opera, as a surprise flash mob performance of Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" takes the internet by storm. The mastermind behind the spectacle is pianist Julien Cohen, whose video of the performance has amassed an astounding 3.8 million views on YouTube in just three days.A The viral video captures a seemingly ordinary day in Paris, until three women appear in a window and begin the iconic opening harmony of "Bohemian Rhapsody." From there, a full-blown production unfolds, with 30 musicians and singers emerging from windows, vehicles, and the surrounding crowd. Cohen himself anchors the performance on piano, while lead singer Mickey Castillo, arriving in a horse-drawn carriage, channels the theatricality of Freddie Mercury.The ambitious flash mob, which took place in a busy Parisian square, features a full choir for the operatic section of the song, and even an 11-year-old guitar prodigy, Olly Pearson, who flawlessly executes Brian May's legendary guitar solo. The surprise and delight of the onlookers are palpable as they are treated to a once-in-a-lifetime concert. Update The video, posted on Cohen's YouTube channel, has been praised for its impressive coordination and the sheer talent of the performers. Queen themselves have even given their stamp of approval, commenting on the video and congratulating Cohen on the epic production. The flash mob was organized to celebrate the upcoming 50th anniversary of the release of "Bohemian Rhapsody" in October 1975.This is not Cohen's first foray into viral fame. His YouTube channel is filled with videos of him performing with talented musicians in unexpected places, often with similar flash mob-style surprises. However, the "Bohemian Rhapsody" performance has reached a new level of success, with tens of millions of views across various social media platforms.The video is a testament to the enduring power of Queen's music and the universal joy of a spontaneous musical performance. It's a reminder that magic can happen when you least expect it, even on a regular Tuesday in Paris.

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