
Things to do This Weekend in Cherokee Village, AR
Cherokee Village, AR, found amid the scenic Ozark foothills, is a charming escape built around lakes, nature trails, and a welcoming resort‑style atmosphere. Spread over 13,000 acres and home to seven beautiful lakes, including the expansive Lake Thunderbird, this community shines as a haven for outdoor lovers and those seeking relaxation.
Below are some of the most popular things to do in Cherokee Village.

With seven lakes surrounding it and a river flowing through it, Cherokee Village has plenty of places to play in the water. The lakes offer opportunities for fishing, boating, swimming, and kayaking. Lake Thunderbird is stocked annually with species such as crappie, catfish, largemouth bass, and big bluegill.
The South Fork Spring River provides a great place for fishing for trout and bass. It’s also an excellent spot for tubing. The gentle nature of the river makes it perfect for a family adventure.
There are also plenty of options for picnicking along both the shores of the lakes and the shores of the river. With so many ways to have fun in the water, you may need to spend a whole weekend enjoying the activities!
1. Play in the water
Cherokee Village offers two distinct 18‑hole golf courses, each delivering a unique challenge amid the scenic backdrop of the Ozark foothills and the meandering South Fork River.
The North Course
Designed by developer John Cooper, this course spans approximately 6,687 yards from the back tees, is a par‑72 layout, and features lush fairways and bent greens. With a slope rating of 120 and a course rating of 71.7, it provides well‑groomed but approachable play, perfectly blending beauty and challenge along riverbanks.
The South Course
Architectured by the renowned Edmund Ault, the South Course stretches between 5,270 and 7,058 yards across four tee boxes and is consistently praised as “a hidden diamond in Arkansas.” Golf Digest lauds its mountainous terrain, captivating design, bent greens, and quick play. Featured among the top public‑access courses in Arkansas, it challenges players to employ their full bag while soaking in Ozark vistas and a welcoming atmosphere.
Whether you’re drawn to the North’s riverside elegance or the South’s hidden‑gem sophistication, both courses offer immaculate conditions, varied terrain, and a delightful Ozarks golfing experience.
2. Go Golfing

3. Enjoy Cycling
Cherokee Village and the surrounding area is the perfect place to go both motorcycling and bicycling. Just 90 minutes from Cherokee Village is Devil’s Den State Park. This charming location offers miles of scenic roads and overlooks, excellent for touring by motorcycle.
The state park also features miles of mountain biking trails, all created by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. These trails include the famed Monument Trails and the original Fossil Flats loop, a mountain biking pioneer in Arkansas.
Closer to town, you can also enjoy the thrills of motorcycling, mountain biking, bicycling, and gravel grinding along our scenic roads.
4. Visit Mammoth Spring State Park
Located just 25 minutes north of Cherokee Village, Mammoth Spring State Park centers around one of the largest natural springs in the United States. It pours nine million gallons of water every hour into a serene 10-acre lake.
This National Natural Landmark provides visitors with a delightful blend of outdoor recreation and historical charm. An easy 0.6‑mile walking loop goes around the lake and across the original limestone mill dam to offer scenic views of the outlet pool where the Spring River begins. On‑site facilities include paddleboat and kayak rentals, picnic pavilions, playgrounds, a baseball field, and ADA‑accessible paths.
Those who love history will delight in the restored 1886 Frisco railroad depot, now housing life‑like exhibits and a vintage caboose. Visitors can also see the remnants of the early hydroelectric plant and mill, testaments to the area’s industrial heritage.
A visitor/Welcome Center provides interpretive displays, a gift shop, and seasonal programs, such as August’s Old Soldiers Reunion and river clean-up events.
Whether you’re drawn by tranquil spring views, recreational paddling, fishing in the trout-rich Spring River, or exploring Ozarks history, Mammoth Spring State Park offers a compact but rich experience for all ages.
5. Experience Downtown Hardy
Main Street in Hardy, Arkansas, lies at the heart of the Hardy Downtown Historic District and embodies the town’s late‑19th and early‑20th century charm. Stretching roughly between Church and Cope Streets, this brick‑ and stone‑lined thoroughfare is home to around 43 preserved buildings.
Today, Main Street offers a delightful mix of antique
shops, art galleries, and boutiques—such as Memory Lane Mall, Moss Antiques, Jade’s Boutique, the Spring River Art Gallery, and cozy candy and ice‑cream parlors—making it a treasure hunter’s delight and a perfect place for a leisurely stroll and local shopping.
As visitors wander the street, they encounter local craftsmanship and warm hospitality framed by historic facades. Just a block away flows the crystal-clear Spring River—ideal for boating or fishing before or after exploring downtown.
Find the Perfect Place to Stay with Village Vacations
Village Vacation takes the frustration out of finding a place to stay by offering you a selection of cabin rentals and lodging options to choose from. Regardless of which location you decide on, you can be certain you’ll receive quality service and beautiful accommodations.
Book your stay in Cherokee Village through Village Vacations today and come see all that we have to offer!