Arkansas River Valley, Arkansas
Old World charm, unsurpassed scenic beauty, modern sophistication - it's all here in the Arkansas River Valley.
You'll find pretty little towns such as Ozark and Russellville on the Arkansas River, and you'll find European flavor in the Altus area, the heart of Arkansas Wine Country. Three family-owned wineries dating back to the 1800s and one new one in the area offer tours, tastings and insight into the art of viticulture. You'll find another winery at nearby Paris.
Throughout the valley, the Arkansas River provides exceptional recreation. Lake Dardanelle in the Russellville-Dardanelle area is one of the most popular lakes in the state.
The unsurpassed beauty is best viewed from one of "The Tri-Peaks" that dominate the valley - Nebo, Petit Jean and Magazine. Atop the first two, you'll find state parks that proudly proclaim their Civilian Conservation Corps heritage with 60-year-old-plus housekeeping cabins at both parks and a lodge at Petit Jean. Also at Petit Jean is spectacular Cedar Falls, the park's trademark. Another lofty state park is under development for Magazine, where some of the state's most unspoiled landscape can be found. Currently, you can sightsee and hike, with new facilities opening this fall. These include 18 campsites with water, electric and sewer hookups; a bathhouse; a pavilion and a visitor center with exhibits.
Modern sophistication blends nicely with Old West history at Fort Smith. The state's second largest city is also one of its most historic. At the Fort Smith National Historic Site, you can discover what life was like on the lawless frontier.
And across the river, the refinement of the Victorian era is preserved in all its glory in venerable Van Buren, a mecca for arts, crafts and antiques.
Explore Arkansas River Valley
Cove Lake
In the Ozark National Forest, 160-acre scenic Cove Lake features swimming, hiking, camping, and fishing. There are 28 family-unit campsites, 24 family-unit picnicking sites, restrooms with hot showers, drinking water and boat launching ramp. Boating and jet skis are allowed on Cove Lake. A "no wake"
Paris, AR RecreationFirst Tee of Fort Smith
50-acre site designed by Glen Day-Alan Blalock Golf Design, which features a six hole, 1147 yard, par 24 executive length golf course. The course uses U-3 bermuda grass on all the tees and fairways with 328
Fort Smith, AR Golf CoursesMulberry River
Considered one of the state's wildest rivers during spring. From its beginnings in the Ozarks to its confluence with the Arkansas River, the Mulberry pours over ledges, shoots through willow thickets, and whips around sharp turns. These wild characteristics are what give the stream its class II/
Ozark, AR RecreationArkansas & Missouri Railroad
Three train trips are available on this historic train: round trip from Springdale to historic Van Buren; round trip from historic Van Buren to Winslow; excursion from Fort Smith to Winslow on Sundays, April through September. You'
Van Buren, AR Railroad HistoryCreekmore Park Train Rides
Train runs Wednesday thru Sunday plus holidays, from Memorial Day to Labor Day; weekends only September 8-October 28
Fort Smith, AR ExcursionsBlue Mountain Wildlife Demonstration Area
Directions: Take Hwy. 23 south out of Booneville, then Hwy. 217 east seven miles to the headquarters building A world-class bird dog field trial area that attracts visitors from throughout the United States and several foreign countries;
Booneville, AR Wildlife AreasPetit Jean State Park
Book a Room Online Credit Cards Accepted: American Express, Discover Card, MasterCard, Visa Food Service/Picnic Area Available # of Units/Rooms: 56 Restaurant on site/nearby Recreation Seating Capacity: 100 Non-Smoking Area Available Type of Service: Banquet, Buffet, Menu Directions:
Morrilton, AR State ParksVan Buren Confederate Monument
Directions: Crawford County Courthouse Lawn Has been in existence for over 150 years
Van Buren, AR MonumentsArkansas River Visitor Center
"Renaissance of a River" interpretive exhibits chronicle the development of the river; managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Russellville, AR Visitors CentersCrawford County Speedway
Racing modifieds, factory stocks, hobbies, mini-stocks and front-wheel drives on a three-eighths mile clay oval Saturdays at 8 p.m. from March through September
Van Buren, AR Speedways