@story  TODD WHETSTINE
@image  WILD WOODS PHOTTOGRAPHY

Lake Catherine State Park was built in the early 1930s and became a state park in 1935. It was one of the masterpieces built by the CCC (Civil Conservation Corps). As the men, who were working as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal, cleared the land and built the rustic cabins, they no doubt imagined families enjoying the wonderful new park in Arkansas. But the military stepped in, voicing its own needs, and for a time, during the 1940a, the park became a POW camp for the captured forces of German Field Marshal Erwin Rommel, whom you might recognize from your history classes. Late in the war, Rommel was linked to the rebels within the German ranks, who plotted to overthrow Hitler.

While in custody in Arkansas, Rommel’s POWs built several stone walls, as well as steps and walkways. There is a spot by the steps you can see where a prisoner inscribed “PW ’45.” Over the years many visitors have talked about coming out to the camp to see the prisoners play baseball.

But the park’s history can be traced even farther back. The land was once owned by Harvey Couch, who had a dream of building a hydro-electric dam. The dam was finished and Lake Catherine was commissioned in 1924. Remmell Dam is still providing power for area residents. 

Today, Lake Catherine State Park offers forty-five AAA campsites with fifty amp power, water, and sewer. This will be handy for the folks cruising in the big RVs. And if you’re looking for a heated (or air conditioned once summer hits) cabin, Lake Catherine has you covered. Eighteen original cabins, built by the CCC, are still in service.

This densely forested park provides visitors with 2,240 acres of prime real estate for roaming.  Three trails with different lengths and skill levels give hikers plenty of choices. The trails total ten miles, ranging from two and a half to four miles in length. One trailhead, located inside the park, provides access for all three trails. A word of warning here: make sure you keep a close eye on your kids on the trails and keep them safe. You don’t want them hurrying ahead where you can’t see them.

You can also catch fish straight from your campsite. Once you’ve caught your fill, there are fire rings and grills for cooking. During the summer months the marina offers boat rentals. Party barges, fishing boats, motors, fuel and bait are available. Canoes, kayaks, water bikes and pedal boats can also be rented at the marina.

They even rent camps and yurts for people that don’t have all the gear. The rent-a-camp provides campers with a 9x12 tent with a wood floor, a lantern, a two-burner stove, a table and a grill. All you’ll need to bring is food and sleeping bags.

The yurt is a round tent with three bunk beds, lanterns, a stove, a table and chairs, and a wood floor. There are electric outlets inside. During the winter you may want your own portable heater. It can get pretty cold when the temperatures drop below forty.A beach and swimming area offer relief during the warmer months. There is also a very large picnic area with grills, water, restrooms, and a covered pavilion within walking distance of the beach.

Families will enjoy a large variety of interpretive programs. A nature cabin by the beach has exhibits containing clues to the park’s past. During the warmer months, the snake programs are most popular. Kids at the snake shows get to handle non-poisonous snakes indigenous to the park. Another popular program is the tracking program. This is where children and adults learn the footprints of critters that live in the park. Other fun activities include guided hikes, scenic lake cruises, nature talks, and demonstrations. Special programs include Wildflower Walks, Fall Foilage Tours, and Eagle Awareness activities. Groups can also request tours in advance to accommodate their particular interests.

For those looking for a unique place to celebrate Valentine’s Day, Lake Catherine is the natural choice. Check to see if they have room for you in one of the cabins that line the gorgeous shores of Lake Catherine. Now is a great time to see the state park, since the cabins can book up two years ahead of time during the summer.

I’ve traveled this state for years checking out the great state park system Arkansas has to offer.  I’ve seen many of these historic CCC-built sites, and this is one of the most stunning. Take the picturesque three hour drive from Fort Smith and see for yourself why this park has become my new favorite place to camp.

For more on Lake Catherine State Park, log on to arkansasstateparks.com/lakecatherine or call 501-844-4176.
  
TODD’S PRESENTATION ON FEBRUARY 21

On Tuesday, February 21, at 7 p.m. Todd is having a slide show presentation of his nature photography at the Fort Smith Library, at 3201 Rogers Avenue. You’ll have a chance to meet Todd, ask him any questions you might have, and see a collection of his wonderful work.