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 RecreationMuseum of Prehistory & History
Regional museum with aspects of local history; exhibits on the people (including Native Americans) and events of the Arkansas Ozarks and the Arkansas River Valley; slide show and tour presentations available with reservations.
Russellville, AR MuseumsMiss Laura's Visitor Center
Directions: Downtown Fort Smith, just seven miles east of the Interstate 40 exit in Roland, OK; adjacent to the River Parks Amphitheater and Pavilion buildings; three blocks from the Fort Smith National Historic Site. A restored turn-of-the-century brothel that is now the city's visitor center;
Fort Smith, AR Visitors CentersOzark 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 RecreationVan Buren Confederate Monument
Directions: Crawford County Courthouse Lawn Has been in existence for over 150 years
Van Buren, AR MonumentsLake Dardanelle State Park
Two park locations on 34,000-acre lake: Russellville (main park) and Dardanelle. Bass fishing, boat ramps, hiking trails, lake tours, pavilion, state-of-the-art visitor center with interactive exhibits, campground, marina, miniature golf
Russellville, AR State ParksArkansas Historic Wine Museum
The Arkansas Historic Wine Museum is the only wine museum in the nation dedicated to the wine history of a state. Large casks, tanks, filtering, bottling equipment and old presses.
Paris, AR WineriesArkansas & 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 HistoryBlue 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 AreasU.S. National Cemetery
When the first Fort Smith was laid out in 1817, land was set aside for a military cemetery. Granted national status in 1867, the 21-acre U.S. National Cemetery contains almost 10,000 graves -- among them Judge Isaac Parker and "Darby's Rangers" founder William O. Darby. The colorful "
Fort Smith, AR CemeteriesOzark 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 BywaysFirst 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 Courses