History of The White River and Beaver Dam
The 722-mile-long White River flowing through northern Arkansas and southern Missouri is a major tributary of the Mississippi River. The river begins in northwestern Arkansas in the Boston Mountains and flows east toward the Fayetteville (Washington County) area. Four major dams in Arkansas and one in Missouri, all constructed by the 1960s along the upper river and its tributaries, create manmade lakes and generate hydroelectric power for the region. Numerous state parks and wildlife reserves are associated with these areas. Some of these lakes include Beaver Lake, Table Rock Lake (in Missouri), Bull Shoals Lake, Norfork Lake, and Greers Ferry Lake.
Map of the White River Dam system in Missouri and Arkansas.
Beaver Dam on Beaver Lake outside of Eureka Springs was constructed in the early 1960s as part of a flood control and hydroelectric power project by the United States Army Corps of Engineers. The dam is 720 feet long, 228 feet high, and was completed in 1966; Beaver Lake has since become a popular destination for outdoor recreation, including fishing, boating, and camping.
The White River flows from Beaver Dam and is the closest river to Eureka Springs (10-15 minutes away), and is floatable year-round! The Beaver Dam to Houseman float is an 8 mile stretch of river with beautiful scenery, inspiring wildlife, and terrific fishing. This is an easy float which is suitable for any skill level of paddler, and takes between 3 and 4 hours depending on the speed of the current. This makes it a perfect river to canoe or kayak!
The White River river is dam-fed, which means it is always a great level to float below Beaver Dam. We do not have control over the water level of the river and when the river level is higher there may be a limited number of gravel bars or places on shore to stop during your float. When there is less rain fall, Beaver Dam will release less water through its turbines and flood gates and the river will get lower and move a bit slower.
Book your float now and don’t miss out on a great day on the water!