Siloam Springs Community Guide

26 | 2023 Siloam Springs community guide S iloam Springs sits on the northwest corner of Arkansas and the southwest quadrant of the Ozarks. e Ozarks region is a range of rocky hills abundantly covered by large trees, divided by creeks and rivers, and dotted with an abundance of mineral springs. Sources of fresh water were an invaluable resource for the pioneers who settled here, and springs were held in even higher esteem than streams and lakes. In the latter half of the 19th century, doctors and laypeople alike believed that springs in the Ozarks had medicinal properties. Towns were formed as people congregated to these springs, seeking relief from their illnesses and improved health. In the late 1800s, the area that is now Siloam Springs was a well-known summer resort that people visited for the healing benefits of its springs. T oday, people still come from across Arkansas and surrounding states for outdoor adventure and fun in Siloam Springs. Below is a sampling of the unique amenities this charming town offers those seeking a good time in the great outdoors of Northwest Arkansas. For more information on these and other wonders found in Siloam Springs, visit DiscoverSiloamSprings. com. It's filled with lots of helpful information on what to do, where to stay, events, restaurants and general info on Siloam Springs.. city lake park 14021 taylor orchard rd, Siloam Springs Located just 3 miles from downtown, City Lake Park hosts several amenities including 6-plus miles of new, beginner and intermediate level, multiuse so surface trails; mountain bike-optimized, directional flow trails; raised-bed hiking trails; and the region's largest bicycle skill course and pump track to date. e stacked loops on the trail system create a platform to develop the bike handling skills necessary to adopt mountain biking as a healthy lifestyle choice on a single park. From the skills course and pump track, conveniently located close to the main parking area, mountain bikers have easy access to the beginner loop. e beginner trails connect to the intermediate trails, where riders will find more challenging elevation, as well as access to the directional flow trails. e Ozark Off Road Cyclists are overseeing the City Lake Park improvements and are hosting family friendly volunteer opportunities. Visit OzarkOffRoadCyclists.org for more information on the Ozark Off Road Cyclists and your opportunity to make a difference. memorial park and chautauqua amphitheater Just north of 205 e. Jefferson, Siloam Springs Adjacent to historic downtown and the Siloam Springs Public Library, this corner piece park has everything you could want for a beautiful day in Siloam Springs. Memorial Park holds a space for the farmers market, a beautiful pavilion, an interactive splash pad, the KIA Veteran's Memorial, lush green space, and the Chautauqua Amphitheater. e splash pad provides hours of fun for children (and adults!) operating from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. A simple push of the button on the grey bollard located in the northwest corner of the splash pad activates a spectacular water show that runs for 20 minutes before needing to be reactivated. Its safe for the whole family with wind sensors to reduce the height of water spray at certain wind speeds and an automatic switch-off system that activates when winds are over 15 mph. e Chautauqua Amphitheater is one of the newest additions to Siloam Springs and hosts a wide variety of entertainment for residents and visitors. For a list of scheduled events, go to DiscoverSiloamSprings.com and click on the Events tab. Siloam Springs Kayak park 19253 Fisher Ford road, Siloam Springs Positioned along the scenic Illinois River, Siloam Springs Kayak Park attracts outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. is family friendly park features a section of engineered river, providing a great experience for every skill level, from beginners to skilled kayakers. e park also offers riverbank access, so families can enjoy the beautiful waters of the Illinois River. Additionally, the park has a climbing boulder, a family swimming hole with riverside seating, picnic tables, a paved parking lot, porta-potties, and a designated changing area. e rapids are approximately 700 feet long and are class I and II. Lifejackets, helmets and closed toe shoes are strongly recommended for all users, whether tubing, kayaking or canoeing. Swimming in the rapids is not recommended as the currents are very strong. Admission is free to the public. e park is seven days a week, 5:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. For more information, visit SiloamSpringsKayakPark.com. Sager creek mountain bike trail w. valley drive near the Jbu tennis courts on the north side of campus W. Valley Drive near the JBU tennis courts on the north side of campus e Sager Creek Mountain Bike Trail is a 5-mile so surface trail that runs along Sager Creek on the campus of John Brown University. e trail's terrain covers various elevations around JBU's main campus and has been designed a gateway trail that riders of all skill levels will enjoy. e South Loop Trail, ranked a blue level/ intermediate course, measures 1.8 miles and encompasses a flow trail – a downhill trail with multiple banks and fast jumps. e North Loop Trail, ranked a green level/beginner course, measures 3.3 miles. e North and South loops are connected by a 0.8-mile trail. e 1.1-mile Strider Trail follows the path of the Dogwood Springs Trail, and gives children priority as they learn the skills of mountain biking. Walkers and runners who want to enjoy the beauty of JBU's campus and Siloam Springs can use the paved Dogwood Springs Trail or the JBU Cross Country Trail. Outdoor adventure and fun in Siloam Springs | by Karen Rice

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