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 RecreationCrawford 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 SpeedwaysMount Magazine Scenic Byway
Mount Magazine Scenic Byway leads travelers across the top of Mount Magazine, the highest point in Arkansas. It includes a 20.4-mile segment of Ark. 309
Paris, 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 CoursesRialto 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 ArtsLogan County Museum
Small museum of local history is housed in the old jail where the state's last hanging took place;
Paris, AR MuseumsOzark 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 BridgesBona Dea Trails & Sanctuary
186 acres of wetlands and low woods provide an ideal habitat for a wide variety of wildlife. Nearly six miles of trails wind through the sanctuary providing a multitude of recreational opportunities such as walking, jogging, nature photography, and nature study.
Russellville, AR TrailsMorrilton Historic District
Carnegie Library, Classic Revival courthouse, churches, homes, downtown shopping
Morrilton, AR Historic Districts