November events in the Ouachitas

Learn fascinating Arkansas bat facts and build a bat house during Bat House Building Nov. 5 at Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro. A $15 workshop fee is payable upon arrival at the visitor center. All ages are welcome to attend though younger participants should bring an adult to assist with building the bat house (no charge for helpers). The workshop takes place at the park's Diamond Discovery Center classroom. For more details visit www. craterofdiamondsstatepark.com or call 870-285-3113.

A Walking in History Tour of the Couchwood Historic District is set for Nov. 12. Located southeast of Hot Springs on Lake Catherine, Couchwood was established in 1927 to serve as Harvey Couch’s country retreat. Couch, a multi-talented entrepreneur, is best known for his role as founder and president of Arkansas Light & Power Company (later Arkansas Power & Light). Among the historic resources at Couchwood are four Rustic-style cabins—The Big House, Calhoun, Little Pine Bluff, and Remmelwood. Couch entertained his friends, business associates, and political acquaintances at Couchwood. Some of his most notable guests were Herbert Hoover, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Will Rogers. For more details on this free event visit www.arkansaspreservation.org or call 501-324-9880.

Enjoy a relaxing paddle on Lake Ouachita, located just outside Hot Springs, while being regaled with tales of the history of the area and taking in the natural wildlife and flora during an Overnight Kayking Trip Nov. 12-13. Sit on an island beach enjoying a fresh lunch while experienced guides set up camp, complete with tents, sleeping bags, and a kitchen. Explore the island, take a swim in the lake, or play bocce ball while the guides, turned chefs, cook a dutch oven dinner, complete with dessert. After dinner, enjoy a moonlit star-gazing paddle or lounge around a campfire. The cost is $250 per person. For more details visit www.ouachitaoutdoors.com or call 501-767-1373.

The 30th annual Spa City 10K is Nov. 19 in Hot Springs. The winding route of the race takes runners up West Mountain and through the neighborhood of the Quapaw-Prospect Historic District. The event also includes a 5K race, a 1K race for kids, and live music along the course. For more information visit the Arkansas Spa Pacers website at www.arspapacers.com or call 501-318-1003.

Garvan Woodland Gardens Lights on the Landscape is Nov. 19- Dec. 31 in Hot Springs. During this event more than 1.7 million holiday lights illuminate Garvan Woodland Gardens from 5-9 p.m. each evening. Admission is $6 for adults, $4 for children 6-12 years old, and free for kid's 5 and under. For more information visit www.garvangardens.com or call 501-262-9300.

Owl prowls, guided hikes, nature games, and lake tours to search for wintering bald eagles are part of the agenda of Thanksgiving-Get-Away Nov. 23-27 in Bismarck at DeGray Lake Resort State Park. During the event visitors can walk a trail, ride a bike, and enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving Day meal at Lodge Shoreline Restaurant. For more information visit www.degray.com or call 501-865-5850.

The 24th annual Winter Wonderland Craft & Gift Show is Nov. 25-26 in Hot Springs at the Hot Springs Convention Center. Over 250 vendors display a variety of hand-crafted items of arts, crafts, and other items. For more information visit www.hotsprings.org or call 501-262-3651.