Mount Magazine State Park Lodge

A few people may still remember the magnificent sight of the original Mount Magazine Lodge. The massive stone structure was completed in 1941 by the CCC. Sadly, it was destroyed by fire in 1971. Now, after 30 years, there will once again be a lodge on the top of Mount Magazine. Ground was broke by Park Superintendent David Flugrad on April 9th, 2004. Completion is expected by early 2006, with an anticipated Opening Day set for May 1, 2006. The new 60 room Mount Magazine State Park Lodge and 13 cabins, as well as overnight facilities, will carry on the mountain’s lodging legacy. The mountain has long been a rich source of research and nature study, drawing visitors from all around the world. Visitors have also flocked to the 2,753 feet Mount Magazine to enjoy the endless hiking, sight seeing, camping, horseback riding and rock climbing that it offers.

Located on the South side of Mount Magazine, the new Mount Magazine State Park Lodge sits some 2,200 feet atop the mountain overlooking Blue Mountain Lake and the Petit Jean River Valley. All of the 60 rooms in the Lodge were carefully designed to overlook this spectacular view! Comprised of three connected buildings totaling 126,177 square feet, the Mount Magazine Lodge features a restaurant, registration and guest services facility, and guest room and pool facility. The Lodge welcomes guests with a grand lobby, indoor swimming pool, fitness center, and gift shop. The 60 Guest Rooms consist of 24 standard Queen rooms, 16 Double Queen rooms, 17 Single King rooms, and 3 Suites. Of these, 44 rooms offer balconies and 17 rooms include spa tubs.

Mount Magazine State Park is located on Scenic Highway 309 approximately 17 miles south of Paris, Arkansas. The weather is moderate, highs rarely reach above 90 degrees in the summer months. Visibility is at it’s peak in March and April, while February tends to have the most fog. The average rainfall is 54 inches a year. And the average year round temperature is 56 degrees.

Other upcoming events on Mount Magazine during the 2006 summer season include “Island in The Sky” May 20-21, from 6pm the 20th until 3pm the 21st. Park Interpreters and guest speakers will introduce many of the mountain’s natural resources through guided walks and demonstrations. Topics will include birds, butterflies, wildflowers, reptiles, history, hang gliding, and astronomy. Admission is free. The “10th Annual Mount Magazine Butterfly Festival” will be June 23rd through 24th. There will be fun and activities for butterfly lovers of all ages. There will be presentations and walks to explore butterfly biology and gardening. Children will enjoy make-and-take crafts. Admission is free.

For more information on the beautiful Mount Magazine State Park Lodge, or any of the other area events and attractions, you may call (479)963-8502, or by mail at: 16878 Highway 309 South, Paris, Arkansas 72855.