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 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 MuseumsCrawford 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 SpeedwaysRialto Community Arts Center
Directions: U.S. 64 becomes Broadway in downtown Morrilton Restored historic 1911 movie theatre that has performances of country-Western, big band, gospel, bluegrass and Western swing music
Morrilton, AR ArtsFort Smith River Park
Playgrounds, Miniature Golf, Skateboarding, Walking Trails, Fishing, Boating, Bird Watching. Baseball, Volleyball, Soccer, Tennis, Basketball, Swimming. The new Fort Smith Bikeway connects you to parks, libraries, schools and universities, and to transit system bus stops.
Fort Smith, AR ParksOak Cemetery
Earliest tombstone is that of Captain Gookin, who died in 1842, the same year the city was incorporated. Other personalities buried here include Arkansas Governor William Fishback (1833-1895); Captain John Rogers, founder of the city; and Arthur Erback, husband of Pearl Starr.
Fort Smith, AR CemeteriesWalton Fine Arts Center
Directions: University of the Ozarks campus Features Stephens Art Gallery, with glass and ivory carvings collections, and numerous original oil paintings; theater; monthly special events.
Clarksville, AR ArtsArkansas River Valley Arts Center
Visual arts displays by well-known artists; a local artists' gallery;
Russellville, AR Arts