Welcome to Bull Shoals

Bull Shoals, population 1,950 (2010 U.S. Census), is in north central Arkansas about 10 miles south of the Arkansas-Missouri state line. Primarily a retirement and vacation center, Bull Shoals is bordered in three directions by a clear, deep, man-made lake of the same name, Bull Shoals Lake.

Bull Shoals Lake is the hub of activity for the people of the South Shore communities and our many visitors. The smooth, clean waters are perfect for boating, fishing, swimming, and water sports. Our green, shady parks and campgrounds make for a peaceful getaway for nature lovers. Small businesses supply the needs of the townspeople and vacation attractions focus on the natural environment and the land's features and history. Northern Arkansas Telephone Company (NATCO) provides Fiber-to-the-Home Internet access of up to 1Gbps, bringing a world of opportunities to this rural community.

Bull Shoals has been honored as an Arkansas Volunteer Community of the Year several times. Activities of the following organizations contribute to the achievement: Bull Shoals Theatre, Parks Committee, Historical Society, Cemetery Board, VFW, Library Board, Police Auxiliary, Fire Department Auxiliary, Meals on Wheels, Lions Club, Rotarians, Chamber of Commerce, Bull Shoals churches, and the people of Bull Shoals.

History

The town of Bull Shoals, as we know it today, was created by real estate developers C.S. Woods and C.S. Woods Jr., with the city being officially established in 1954. Bull Shoals Dam is the threshold into the town, if you are coming in from the southeast.

Bull Shoals Dam and the town of Bull Shoals developed together. The developers bought several tracts of the former Newton Flat settlement when they heard the government planned to build a flood-control and power-generating concrete dam at the site. Construction of the dam took four years, between 1947 and 1951, resulting in one of the largest dams built in the nation at that time.

Looking to Relocate?

South Shore - Bull Shoals Lake, Arkansas - a great place to visit; a better place to live!

Area Information

Location

Driving Distances from Bull Shoals

City Distance
Chicago 551 miles NE
Dallas 455 miles SW
Kansas City 279 miles NW
Little Rock 146 miles S
Memphis 210 miles SE
St. Louis 255 miles NE
Tulsa 222 miles W
Wichita 355 miles W

Bull Shoals is located in north central Arkansas about 10 miles south of the Arkansas-Missouri state line in the Ozark Mountains. It is accessible by Arkansas Highway 178 from north-south Arkansas Highway 5 or from U.S. Hwy 412/62 at Flippin.

Bordered on the north, northeast and west by the waters of Bull Shoals Lake, the town of Bull Shoals is nearly a peninsula. The White River flows alongside the town on the east, and the town is just north of the Buffalo National River 34 miles. Terrain is heavily wooded on rolling hills with water recreation on Bull Shoals Lake defining the town by name and proximity.

Nearest interstate highways are Interstate 44 (135 miles north) and Interstate 40 (125 miles south). A nearby north-south, highly-traveled route is U.S. Highway 65 from Des Moines, Iowa, to Natchez, Miss., through Little Rock, Ark., Branson and Springfield, Mo. U.S. Highway 65 is 35 miles west of Bull Shoals.