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 RecreationCoal Miner's Memorial
Six-foot bronze statue of coal miner, authentic coal car, two granite walls displaying names of Sebastian County miners.
Greenwood, AR MemorialsOzark Highlands Scenic Byway
The Ozark Highlands Scenic Byway includes 35 miles of Ark. 21 from the Ozark National Forest southern boundary north of Clarksville in Johnson County to the northern boundary near the Upper Buffalo Wilderness and Buffalo National River in Newton County. Ark. 16
Clarksville, AR Scenic BywaysOzark Lake
As the Arkansas River flows through the state, it reaches its northern-most point in a sweeping bend. Now a part of Ozark Lake, this big bend was called "Aux Arc"
Ozark, AR RecreationFort Smith Trolley Museum
Directions: Go south on South 4th from Garrison Avenue. The museum is 4 blocks south of the avenue. You will see a steam locomotive. We are next to the National Cemetery and close to the Fort Smith Museum of History and The Fort Smith Historic site.
Fort Smith, AR MuseumsMount Magazine State Park
Mount Magazine State Park, the highest peak in the state at 2,753 feet, provides commanding views; impressive visitor center with interactive exhibits; camping, all sites have water, electric, and sewer hookups; new bathhouse with hot showers; rappelling, hang gliding, hiking;
Paris, AR State ParksBlue 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 AreasMount Olive United Methodist Church
Constructed by freed slaves in 1889
Van Buren, AR Historic ChurchesFort Smith Air Museum
Aviation displays include a pilot's license signed by Orville Wright, Piper J-3 Cub, P-51
Fort Smith, AR MuseumsArkansas River Valley Arts Center
Visual arts displays by well-known artists; a local artists' gallery;
Russellville, AR ArtsMulberry 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 RecreationOzark Bridge
Spanning the Arkansas River as Scenic Hwy. 23, this structure is listed as one of the 16 most beautiful long spans in the U.S. by the American Institute of Steel Construction. A lighting project showcases the structure at night.
Ozark, AR Historic Bridges