Liz and Jim 'retired' early and came back 'home' to the Ozarks. They needed something to keep me busy, so they decided to by property on the North Fork River and remodel it into something that would allow for comfortably entertaining guests and relatives. They purchased the Bed and Breakfast next to the Lodge and now use it as our residence. The White and North Fork Rivers are famous for trout and Jim loves to fish for them. It does not matter if it is fly fishing or spin fishing, in a boat or wading, Jim likes it all. When he tires from trout fishing, you can find him at Norfork Lake where he fishes for everything and uses every method. Jim is a Captain (6 pack 50 ton) in the U.S.Coast Guard and still makes it 'out to sea' several times a year. However, his favorite trip is fly fishing for Northern Pike in upper - upper Manitoba. When he is not fishing, he is hunting here in Arkansas, or he is working on his restoration of Alfa Romeo sports cars. He rescently sold the Alfas and went the American Muscle Car route. How about a nostalgic '67 Plymouth Sport Satellite, totally restored, scary fast 440 cu. in. 4 speed. At the age of 70, if you feel young, show it. He actually finds some time to do a little work around the Resort.

Liz loves to hate going to town. Running this business, as she does, requires 4 or 5 trips to Mountain Home each week. Her favorite hobby is scrap booking. She even arranges 3 or 4 scrap-booking 'bee' weekends at the Lodge every year. Both Liz and Jim love this business. But, if it wasn't for the great family and company functions, the job would not be as challenging. Both use their vast corporate experience to orchestrate outings and reunions. Their job is to make you want come back and that is why they have an eighty percent rebooking rate. Hope to see you at the Lodge and Resort soon.

Liz Smith purchased this lodge in 2001

Location, Location, Location The North Fork River is ever changing. Some of the best Trout fishing in the World. Home of the once Brown Trout record of 38.6 lbs. the Arkansas Game and Fish has indicated that several 40 - 50 pounders are in these waters. This is what many come for, but not all.

You will not find a more organized, immaculate and relaxing Lodge on the White and North Fork River system. The expertise of the staff at the Lodge at River Ridge Inn is experienced in knowing what it takes to coordinate large outings, while not sacrificing the individual needs of our guests. What other Lodge offers its own Fly Fishing Academy. If this is a sport you want to learn or to become more proficient at, then it is the only option you will want to consider. The instructors that work out of River Ridge Inn are extremely proficient at what they do. But, the first measurement of success is if you had fun while doing it. Fun comes first. You'll catch fish with other guides, but will you have fun doing it?

Just a word about Dry Run Creek. It is for kids under 16 and the severely handicapped. If you take your child to 'the best quarter mile of trout fishing' then be prepared. That child will be spoiled. You would be too if you were all but assured of the largest catch of the day. Big Trout...I mean BIG TROUT. At times it seems as though you could walk across the backs of the trout (Cut Throat, Browns, Brooks and Rainbows). Then there is the Trout Fish Hatchery right next door. This is a great place to take that kid when he or she gets tired of catching fishing. You have heard the saying that if you caught fish on every cast it would not be called fishing, it would be called 'catching'; well, we now know where that came from. Again, when your child gets tired of 'catching' trout, go for a tour of the largest cold water hatchery in America, right next to Dry Run Creek in Norfork, AR and just 5 minutes from the Lodge at River Ridge Inn.

You can fish for a Norfork Grand Slam....a rainbow, brown, cut throat and brook trout all in one day. In this part of the Ozarks, you wake up in the morning and must decide if you want to hunt or fish. Hunt bear, deer, turkey, squirrel, quail, pheasant, chukkers...and fish for trout, stripers, large mouth, small mouth, hybrids, whites, gar, catfish, brim, walleye, or crappie. Tough choice!

Then there is time to relax. Do it by working out in the large exercise room while you watch or listen to your favorite game or music. Then slip into the sauna for a muscle relaxing experience. You can shower and change in the dressing room, no need to scurry back to your room. Haven't relaxed enough? On the way back, stop off at the Hot Springs hot tub for more muscle therapy. Finish it all off with a drink of your choice at the private dock or pavilion while you watch the beautiful North Fork River flow at your feet.

There are numerous places to lay back and relax at the Lodge. Try the Sunroom, visit the Greenhouse, sit under the shade of a walnut, hickory or oak trees. Stroll among the many flowers and professional landscaping. Find your way onto one of the many Decks where just catching up on reading is as relaxing as it gets. Don't want to miss that 'big game', do it in the lounge area with surround sound and big TV screen. Need to communicate outside of the Inn, use the complimentary WiFi, from your room, the Lodge, one of he cabins or chalets. It covers the entire range of the resort.

There are many ways to leave your troubles, work and hustle bustle behind. Try them here at the River Ridge Lodge and you will see why 80% of our guest return.