Devil’s Den State Park
Over Christmas, I took a few days off from work, and since this is a slower time of year on the farm, we took off for a little vacation. Our goal was to head south to a warmer part of the country away from the Kansas winter. We ultimately drove Arkansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, Illinois, Missouri, and back to Kansas in a big 7 day driving loop.
Our first couple days were spent in Devil’s Den State Park in Arkansas. We reserved a cabin for 2 nights.
The park has 17 cabins built by the CCC in the 1930s and remodeled in the 1970s, so they look very rustic, but are modern with bathrooms and kitchens. We loved our fireplace.
The park was founded in the 1930s as a project for the Civilian Conservation Corp, a work relief program for unemployed young men during the depression. The CCC constructed the cabins from native wood and stone, and also built a dam on a creek running through the park creating an eight acre lake.
They also built roads, trails, a spring house,
shower and restaurant buildings. Considered to be the largest example of CCC park architecture, the park has been designated a National Historic District.
Besides our quaint cabin, we loved the trails and views of Lee Creek meandering through the wooded Ozark hills.
We spent some time at the dam watching the waterfall,
and some kids playing there.
Check out the boy running along the top of the dam.
Health insurance is a good thing.
If you get a chance to travel into northwest Arkansas, we highly recommend you make a stop at Devil’s Den State park. Rent a cabin and enjoy the quiet woods and walk the trails. We had a wonderful relaxing time. Just what we needed to start our trip off right.
For more info about Devil’s Den, visit their site here.
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——> UP NEXT: A waterfall in Oklahoma,
and armadillos in Arkansas.
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I think the CCC should get back in business and continue to make sure beautiful parks!
Wow, I agree, we need something like the CCC now! It looks like they did a great job, and that would be a great place to visit. Thanks!
Looks like a serene place to ponder. Thanks.
The CCC has a rich history. Also built many structures in the Great Smokies National Park.
A cabin, a fire and a running river all good vacation words.
There was one photo that puzzled me. Was the tree in the water a reflection of one standing or was the tree down under the surface? Inquiring minds want to know. Loving those hills in the background. The CCC was their “shovel ready” project of the day.
Hi Glenda,
It was an entire tree laying down under water. Looked odd to me too.
What a gorgeous place.
Good for you! I can’t wait to see the rest of your journey.
My favorites here are the spring house and the waterfall.
Hi Suzanne,
I saw your post about your part airedale dog you got from the humane societ on JulandMatts blog and thought I’d pay you a visit. We lost our airedale a couple of years ago, and just got a Welsh Terrier from the Humane Society. He has been a challenge.
I love your state park photos. My husband and I visit Brown County State Park in Indiana every October and I posted about it, and the CCC back then. I think it needs to be started up again, don’t you?
I’ve never seen those ice flowers. Stunning!
Cindy
Your cabin looks wonderful! I love the hard wood floors and the beautiful fireplace. I hope you guys had some great rest and relaxation!
Welcome to my part of the world! I am so glad you enjoyed your stay at Devils Den. I spent many summer days out there when my girls were little. Now that they are ages 17 to 23 they don’t have time for “kid stuff” any more.
If you get a chance to come this far south again, try Eureka Springs. Sparky’s Road House has the best burgers and you have to get pictures of Beaver Dam looking out over the Lake.
I very much enjoy your blog and pictures. Keep up the great work!
Hi Lynne,
We plan on heading your way again some day, and will keep your advice about Eureka Springs and Sparky’s and Beaver Dam in mind. Thank you!
Wow, you take great photos. I have family in the Ozarks; thanks for showing me a great place to visit should I ever have the chance to drive that direction. Karmen
Devil’s Den is less than an hour from my home! I loved looking at your beautiful pictures! I will have to reserve a cabin up there this fall! 🙂