Walk Lake Atalanta’s Park and Trails: Two Miles of Stories

Since the mid-1900s, Lake Atalanta and its trails have been a getaway where residents in and around Rogers, Arkansas can enjoy various recreational activities. On this walking tour, I’ll tell you how the park and its trails have developed into a tranquil oasis for visitors, and share some of the area’s more sinister stories.

Starting on North Lake Atalanta Bridge, you’ll circumnavigate the man-made reservoir using either the hiking trail or boardwalk. You’ll hear how Lake Atalanta Park went from obscurity to a state highlight and then back to obscurity, before emerging as the beautiful park we have here today.

You’ll gain an understanding of the many challenges that people who settled here had to overcome. Many of them were instrumental in making this part of Arkansas what it is today. Along the way, I’ll share some of the area’s gripping stories that have been lost to time.

You’ll also have a chance to:

• Become familiar with J.D. “Cactus” Clark and Ed Bautts’ vision to transform the land into a popular resort, complete with a swimming pool, restaurant, skating rink and miniature golf course
• Discover how the Civil War affected the Lake Atalanta area
• Find out where the name Atalanta comes from
• Hear about the homicide that rocked the area in the late 1950s
• Spot a variety of fish and birdlife as you stroll around the reservoir

Join me on this leisurely 45-minute walk and we’ll give your brain and your body the break it needs.