Mount Ida Area Chamber of Commerce Web Site
also serving Norman, Caddo Gap, Oden and Montgomery County.


 

If you're checking out this site, we hope it means that you have decided to make the Mount Ida area your home, or at least plan to spend some time here. Following is a list of some things that may be of interest to you.


This is "Your Land"

Sixty-three percent of the 805 square miles comprising Montgomery County is part of the Ouachita National Forest. It is the South's oldest and largest national forest. Montgomery County is located in the west central part of the state of Arkansas and is near the center of  the Ouachita National Forest.  It is upland, being on the eastern slope of the Ouachita Mountains. The lakes, mountains, ridges, and streams are truly a paradise for nature lovers and sportsmen alike.  Hiking trails and campgrounds are in abundance.

 

Community Profile - Just a few Facts

The population of Montgomery County is approximately 8,448.

Population density is less than 10 people per square mile!

Mount Ida is a easy-going little town (population is 942) and is a Mecca for Rockhounds and  a crossroads community to Lake Ouachita.   Of the 8,448 people living in Montgomery County,  approximately 1,683 have jobs.  The rest are children or are retired.
The town of Norman located on the Caddo River is the gateway to the Little Missouri Falls, Albert Pike Recreation Area and Winding Stairs "possibly the longest "stairs" in the world, since the name refers to 1,700 acres along the Little Missouri River.
Pine Ridge was made famous in the 1930s and 40s by the highly popular "Lum and Abner" radio show.  It is now home to the Lum and Abner Museum and the Jot 'Em Down Store, which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The major source of income is cattle, swine, poultry, timber, mining and tourism.
The average rainfall is 46 inches, average snowfall is 4 inches, and the average temperature is 68 degrees F.
The low real estate prices, nominal tax and license fees, moderate living expenses and low crime rate make this area a wonderful place to live.


Moving to the Mount Ida Area

 If you have decided to move to this beautiful area and want some help finding a home or other local services, please link to the Mount Ida Chamber Business Directory.  Also please take a look at the local Church Listings. 

 

 

 EDUCATION
Montgomery County has three school districts.
These are fully accredited by the Department of Education.
Caddo Hills     (870) 356-3331
Mount Ida     (870) 867-2771
Oden   (870) 326-4311
All offer grades K-12.

Universities                    Enrollment              Degrees Offered        Location            Driving Distance
 Henderson State                            3,527                    A  B  M            Arkadelphia            57 miles
Ouachita Baptist                             1,601                         B  M            Arkadelphia            55 miles

Colleges
 Garland County Com.                  1,868                                A            Hot Springs            33 miles
 Rich Mountain Com.                       670                                A            Mena                      40 miles
 Rich Mountain Community College   "Outreach Center"        Mount Ida
University of AR
     Community College                   1,048                               A            Hope                      63 miles
A=Associate B=Bachelors M=Masters

Vocational-Technical Institutes            13 Courses Offered
Quapaw Technical Institute             1,823                                            Hot Springs             33 miles

LIBRARY
Montgomery County Library
Joann Whisenhunt, Librarian
P.O. Box 189  Mount Ida, Arkansas   71957
Located: 145D Whittington St. in the Civic Center
Telephone and Fax (870) 867-3812
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
The Montgomery County Library welcomes newcomers.  The library's book collection consists of over 13,000 items, 10 magazine and three newspaper subscriptions, many of which may be checked out.  A small collection of video tapes and audio-books are also available.  Other services include interlibrary loans, summer reading program, genealogical information, federal and state tax forms, microfilm and microfilm reader and reference.  A television, VCR, computer with internet access  and fax machine are available.  A wide variety of reading materials for both recreation and educational reading is selected to provide for the reading interests and needs of toddlers through senior citizens.


Other Mount Ida Numbers
Montgomery County Sheriff's Office   (870) 867-3151
Montgomery County Assessor              (870)867-3271
Montgomery County Judge                     (870)867-3114


         Contact information for this site: director@mtidachamber.com  or call 870-867-2723.

           This web site produced and maintained by the Mount Ida Area Chamber of Commerce
          All material found herein are the property of the Mount Ida Area Chamber of Commerce.
          Web Page Last Updated on July 09, 2010.