The Heartland Classics 2026 Hot Springs Classic
pre-event ~ April 30th on Lake Ouachita ~
May 1st & 2nd on Lake Hamilton
Note: this year’s event is one week later in the calendar year. Does that mean warmer water and weather? Whenever, whatever, this is the SPRING OPENER of the BOATING SEASON with the very best of friends in a beautiful setting!
Labeled a “Pre-event,” but becoming one of the favorite parts of the Hot Springs Classic.
The Lake Ouachita Cruise
April 29-30, 2026
Lake Ouachita is located about 26 miles west of Hot Springs and provides over 50 miles of beautiful cruising on clear, deep water nestled between mountains and dotted with forested islands.
Lodging is at Mountain Harbor Resort. Ramp located at the marina and covered slips available.
Early arrivals dinner on Wednesday, April 29th, at Mt Harbor Restaurant, 6:30 PM.
The guided cruise will start at 10:00 am on Thursday from the Mountain Harbor Marina. Lunch stop is at Shangri La (Thompkins Bend), famous for its pie.
You may choose to spend an extra night at Mountain Harbor or load your boat Thursday afternoon and drive to your accommodations for a Friday morning launch.
994 Mountain Harbor Road, Mount Ida, AR
Call early for reservations in the lodge. (800) 832 2276
Mention Heartland Classics when booking. Special rates for us are $103/night including tax. REPEAT: call early since rooms are not reserved for us. Non-cancelable.
Ramp located at the marina and covered slips are available with room for $22 per night.
Hot Springs Classic Itinerary
May 1st (Friday)
Lunch at Fisherman’s Wharf at 12:00 noon, 5101 Central Ave. (Dutch treat).
Captain’s meeting at 1:30 PM on the docks at Fisherman’s Wharf, then depart for an afternoon cruise on Lake Hamilton, returning to Fisherman’s Wharf by 3:30 PM
(If you need a ride on one of the boats, see John Davenport at the Captain’s meeting)
Dinner at Mama’s Little Italy at 6:30 pm, at 1020 Airport Road (Dutch treat).
May 2nd (Saturday)
Hamburger Lunch (Included in event fee) and social at Clay and Patty Thompson’s on Lake Hamilton beginning at 11:30 AM. Their address is: 715 NorthShore, Hot Springs, AR. Boat parking is available along the sea wall and dock.
For those needing a ride to Clay and Patty’s by boat meet on the docks of Bubba Brews at 11:00 AM. Bubba Brews is located at 1252 Airport Road. Contact John Davenport (479 234 5102) to arrange for the ride.
Saturday afternoon, there will be an optional Lake Hamilton cruise or continue the social activity at Clay and Patty’s.
Dinner venue for Saturday evening is at the Colorado Grill (Tex-Mex), 6:30 PM, located a block off Bathouse Row in downtown Hot Springs, at 320 Ouachita Avenue. (Additional parking at rear of venue just off Hickory Street.) (DutchTreat)
Contact with any questions:
John Davenport (479) 234-5102 john.davenport49@gmail.com
Marilyn Davenport (479) 234-1742
Hot Springs LODGING suggestions:
The Hamilton (formerly The Country Inn Lake Resort) 1332 Airport Road, Hot Springs, AR
(501) 767-3535 Covered slips available on first come first serve basis. Limited trailer parking.
Launch boats at nearby Hill Wheatley Park public ramp.
DoubleTree Hotel
4813 Central Ave., Hot Springs, AR (501) 525-1391
Onsite ramp and uncovered slips available for a per visit fee
Baymont by Wyndham 5321 Central Ave, Hot Springs, AR (501) 520-5522
Limited boat dock
THANKS to these committee members who plan a weekend full of memory-making fun for everyone.
John & Marilyn Davenport (chairs), Mike Langhorne, and Clay & Patty Thompson.
The Annual Spring Opener at Lake Hamilton, AR
The Hot Springs Classic is held in April each year to welcome boaters to the boating season. Event dates are determined by the calendar of the Easter holiday and when the Arkansas Derby Day is held.
In the past, this spring opener has included boating on Lake Ouachita, Lake Hamilton and a pre-event in Little Rock, AR.
Arkansas offers even more for travelers when attending this event such as; Garvan Gardens, Bathhouse Row, Hot Springs Mountain, museums, historic gangster hangouts, and more.