Take The Dam Tour It’s Well Worth it

If you enjoy traveling the beautiful state of Arkansas like I do, then you need to at least go check out the dam tour. I'm talking of course about Bull Shoals Dam in North Central Arkansas. The tour is set for this Friday, August 16 at the James A. Gaston Visitor Center. According to the website LeisureGroupTravel.com: The dam is 2,256 feet long. The fifth largest concrete dam in the nation, it took more than 2.1 million cubic yards of concrete to construct it. And according to the tour guides, that same amount of concrete would make a road six inches thick and 20 feet wide from Bull Shoals to Disney World in Orlando. And, the eight generators can produce 390 million watts of electricity, which is enough to supply the energy needs of a city like Orlando. With all eight units running, more than 9 million gallons of water flow per minute into the White River below.

During the tour you will understand how water is used to make electric power. Be able to see the huge equipment used to produce this important energy resource. Learn about the history of the construction, the environmental and commercial impact of the dam, and the role it plays in providing flood control, hydropower and recreational opportunities. Photo ID  and Registration is required to tour the facilities.

Did you know the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began construction on the dam in 1947, completed it in 1951 and dedicated it with the help of President Harry S. Truman on July 2, 1952. And that the The White River is one of the premier trout fisheries in the United States.

Situated on a high point, the park visitor center offers sweeping views of the White River, Bull Shoals Dam and Bull Shoals Lake. The center contains an exhibit hall, theater, lobby, gift shop and video presentations. More information can be found online at ArkansasStateParks.com.

Admission to the dam tour is $4 and age restrictions apply. Call (870) 445-3629 for more information.