Montgomery County, formed on December 9, 1842, was named for Gen. Richard Montgomery, a hero of the American Revolution. The county was once the hunting grounds of the Caddo Indians. The county seat is Mount Ida. Landscape of the county is long, narrow ridges of folded rock, large fertile valleys, and mountains (Ouachita) covered with oak and pine timber. Montgomery County’s natural resources and its rugged beauty are its livelihood.Sixty-three percent of the county is national forest land with the federal government being a stable employer. Cattle, swine and poultry production, along with mining and tourism makes up the economy. The Ouachita Mountain range of Arkansas is one of only three known areas in the world to have enough high quality quartz crystal to warrant mining.

Each year Montgomery County has an annual Quartz Crystal Festival and Crystal Dig, and  hosts a “Good Ol’ Days” festival each May. More information about these events can be found at the Mount Ida Chamber of Commerce’s web site http://www.mtidachamber.com/.

Montgomery County also contains a magnificent lake, Lake Ouachita, Arkansas’ largest. Lake Ouachita  is popular because of its’ clear water, fishing and many other water sports.

Mount Ida is known as the  “Quartz Crystal Capital of the World “  because of the abundance of the stone which can be purchased at roadside shops or dug for in private mines through out the county. The city of Mount Ida, the county seat of Montgomery County, is located approximately 35 miles west of Hot Springs on Highway 270 East.

Lake Ouachita Vista Trail

 Lake Ouachita Vista Trail is an un-surfaced hiking and mountain biking trail winding along the southern shore of Lake Ouachita. Being developed by volunteers in cooperation with the US Army Corps of Engineers and the US Forest Service, plans call for the trail to extend 35 to 40 miles along the shore, connecting private resorts and public campground before finally linking up with the Charlton Trail to the east.

Parking is provided at each trailhead.Hikers and bikers travel up, down, and along mountain slopes through a mixed hardwood and pine forest opening up at several places to breathtaking views of the lake.  Beautiful displays of wildflowers await during the spring and summer months. Eagle Vista provides a glorious opportunity to view the Bald Eagles in the winter.  Along the trail pits left by quartz and silver speculators, an old cattle dip, and the remains of a moonshiner’s still are evidence of the area’s colorful history.  Strategically placed benches allow hikers to take a break and enjoy the view.

There are several places to shop here in the country.

There are lots of great quartz crystal shops scattered around the county.
Where did you shop and what did you purchase?

When you visisted our county, where did you stay?
Please give your reviews if you have spent the night in any of the motels or resorts.

   The Montgomery County Arkansas Frontporch Stage and Possums Unlimited host Saturday Acoustic Jams and Free Concerts from the first Saturday in May through the second Saturday in October. Jam sessions start around 3pm and the concerts start at 7pm. The concerts feature area and regional bands playing Bluegrass, Country, Country Rock, Gospel and occasionally Folk and Folk Rock. 

These are free concerts!

      Bring your family and friends, your lawnchairs or blankets and enjoy an afternoon and evening of great music in a peaceful family friendly environement on the town square in beautiful downtown Mount Ida, Arkansas. The Backporch Snack Bar is open during the concerts for your snacking pleasure and if you’re looking for a unique gift or souvenir, stop by the Possums Unlimited table.
The Frontporch Stage and Possums Unlimited are non-profit volunteer groups. Our purpose is to serve our community through voluntary efforts and keeping our local music heritage alive.

Please visit our web site for additional information: http://www.frontporchstage.org/ 

 What to do here in Montgomery County, so many to chose from.

Just were to start on this list of activities here in Montgomery County.

First of all there are all the activities associated with Lake Ouachita, boating, sailing, fishing, swimming, scuba diving.  The list just goes on and on.

While in the Mountain Harbor area, stop by the Mountain Harbor Riding Stable for a relaxing ride though the Ouachita Mountains.  Stop by Mountain Harbor Resort and have a wonderful meal overlooking Lake Ouachita.

Then Mountain Biking on the Lake Ouachita Vista Trail.  Great place to ride your trail bike or just hike along the new Vista Trail.  For more information on the trail’s web site: www.lakeouachitavistatrail.org.

If you like to dig Quartz Crystals or just shop for them, Mount Ida is the place for you.

For more information about the area, visit www.mtidachamber.com.

This is a great place to post information about some of the small business here in Montgomery County.

There a several unique business here in the county.  For more information please visit the Mount Ida Chamber of Commerce’s web site at www.mtidachamber.com.