Last Saturday, my wife, mother-in-law, and I drove to Russellville (Pope County) to welcome the newest addition to the Brown family—an adorable three-month-old Boston Terrier named Tucker. Departing from our home on Lake Norrell, we opted for the scenic route along Highway 10 to reach our destination. Hailing from Texas and unfamiliar with this part of the Natural State, my mother-in-law was particularly astounded by the magnitude and splendor of the body of water we drove past on Highway 10—Lake Maumelle.
The origins of Lake Maumelle can be traced back to the post-World War I growth of Little Rock and its surrounding suburbs. At that time, it became evident that the drinking water supply from Lake Winona in northwestern Saline County was insufficient to meet the increasing demand. Consequently, construction of a dam on the Big Maumelle River commenced in 1956, and the lake was ultimately completed in March 1959, covering approximately 8,900 acres.
The creation of Lake Maumelle necessitated the relocation of fifty families from the small community of Crossroads, which was home to several churches, schools, and stores. As part of the relocation process, graves in the local cemetery were transferred, and many families resettled in Roland and Natural Steps.
Both the lake and the river that was impounded to create it were named after the original appellation of nearby Pinnacle Mountain, initially referred to as Mamelle by nineteenth-century French explorers due to its resemblance to a female breast. The Big Maumelle River runs to the north of Pinnacle Mountain, while the Little Maumelle River flows to the south of the mountain.
Central Arkansas Water took on the responsibility of managing the upkeep of the lake and its surrounding watershed. Throughout the years, the organization has negotiated with property owners near the lake, resulting in several agreements. These agreements encompass a range of regulations, including the prohibition of tree clearance on the land, restrictions on the development of hotels, condominiums, or restaurants in the lake's proximity, and the requirement for property owners to obtain specific permission before commencing any construction. Moreover, the use of animal waste as fertilizer is expressly banned. Financial incentives are in place to encourage the replacement of septic tanks with sewer lines, diverting household waste away from the watershed area.
While fishing and certain types of boating are permitted on the lake, activities such as swimming, wading, and specific watercraft operations are prohibited.
Over the years, Lake Maumelle has become a beloved spot for sail boating enthusiasts, and is renowned for its vibrant sailing regattas. The lake is home to Grande Maumelle Sailing Club, a nonprofit organization that boasts a clubhouse, pavilion, docks, keelboat slips, as well as amenities for trailered sailboats including a boat ramp and crane.
Lake Maumelle and the Big and Little Maumelle Rivers are inhabited by a variety of fish species, such as bass, crappie, bream, catfish, mussels, and other aquatic life. The area is also home to many birds and other wildlife, particularly within the Ouachita National Forest. The U.S. Forest Service allocated $4 million in 2012 to safeguard four miles of forest along the river outside the national forest, enhancing environmental protection. Additionally, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission established a wildlife management area and signed a ninety-nine-year lease with Central Arkansas Water in 2013 to preserve the river and lake.
Nearby Pinnacle Mountain State Park offers eagle-watching cruises on Lake Maumelle during the fall months. The tours are open to all ages and cost between $10 and $15 per person. They typically last about an hour and a half. For further details about the cruises, contact the park’s visitor center at (501) 868-5806.
If you happen to find yourself in central Arkansas and are looking to immerse yourself in our state's breathtaking natural scenery, I highly recommend taking the drive along Highway 10 to behold one of the most beautiful and pristine bodies of water in the Natural State—Lake Maumelle.
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