Lindsey's Resort on the Little Red River

Lindsey's Resort on the Little Red River

Lindsey’s Resort is one of the oldest and most respected names in the Arkansas tourism industry. The resort is also one of the most important destinations in the South for trout fishing, occupying a substantial length of Little Red River shoreline just above the dam in Heber Springs. But spend any time at Lindsey’s Resort and you’ll realize that “tourism” and “fishing” aren’t what makes this family-run business special.

Lindsey's Resort on the Little Red River

When you read the testimonials and reviews about Lindsey’s Resort, a few words and phrases keep popping up. The words “family,” “traditions,” “memories,” “comfort,” “peaceful,” and “relaxing” are all repeated over and over. After talking to Lindsey’s Resort staff, you start to figure out why. Words and phrases like “reputation,” “family,” “service,” and “care” drive the conversation. Visitors aren’t thought of as “tourists” and “customers” but guests and that makes a difference.

General Manager Lindsey White represents the third generation of his family to work at the resort. He says the resort was focused on hospitality from day one.

“Bill and Mavis Lindsey worked hard to build a reputation for taking care of guests and making them feel like family. This is the same attitude we have today.”L

indsey’s Resort has been helping people catch trout on the Little Red River for as long as there have been trout in the Little Red River. For more than 50 years, Lindsey’s has employed a team of full- and part-time guides dedicated to helping guests of all kinds have fun on the river. The resort also has a comprehensive bait shop and dock for those wanting to go fishing on their own. But it’s the variety and quality of the amenities beyond fishing that make Lindsey’s Resort a destination.

In 2015, the resort underwent a multimillion dollar renovation. The cabins were updated with new appliances, bedding, TVs, and LED lighting. White says the resort works hard to maintain the tradition of service and hospitality but that they work just as hard to keep things fresh. “We are always improving the resort and adding new things. It might be new experiences or décor and seasonal specials.”

With more than 40 rooms and cabins, Lindsey’s Resort can accommodate groups as large as 160. And not all of them are coming to “get away from it all.” Many are coming to conduct business or planning. The resort has a 2,100-square-foot “conference lodge” with Wi-Fi and a 60” LED screen for groups doing more than just relaxing during their stay. White says that incorporating fishing into corporate retreats is an increasingly popular way to “team build.”

Another amenity unique to Lindsey’s is the full-service “Pot O’ Gold Restaurant.” One of the few restaurants on the Little Red River, the Pot O’ Gold offers steaks, seafood, and other American pub fare in addition to the great views.

Seafood entree at Pot O' Gold Restaurant

Steak entree at Pot O' Gold Restaurant

It’s cliché to say, but there really isn’t a bad time to visit Lindsey’s Resort. Steady water temperatures and flows from the dam make fishing fairly consistent all 12 months of the year. However, fall does have a reputation for some of the most productive brown trout fishing. White says fall is also a busy time at the resort. “During the fall we host many weddings and retreats. It’s a beautiful time to visit us and to be on the river. And closer to the holidays you’ll see us light up the dock and surrounding areas with Christmas lights.”

Lindsey’s Resort is conveniently located in central Arkansas. It’s only 90 minutes from downtown Little Rock. It’s only 90 minutes from Russellville. And it’s only an hour from Conway. That location makes day trips to Lindsey’s for a work retreat or day away from work well within reach.

For those returning to Lindsey’s after some time away, a visit is a chance to reconnect with fond memories while enjoying new comforts and amenities. For those who have never been, a visit might be the start of an annual trip for your family or business. But no matter what brings you to the resort, once you get there you’ll be treated like family. It’s a tradition.

For more information or to book your trip to Lindsey’s Resort visit www.LindseysResort.com or find them on Facebook.