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 RecreationOzark 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 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 BridgesCoal Miner's Memorial
Six-foot bronze statue of coal miner, authentic coal car, two granite walls displaying names of Sebastian County miners.
Greenwood, AR MemorialsFort Smith Museum of History
Directions: West end of Rogers Ave. between 3rd and 4th Streets Artifacts depict history and culture of the Fort Smith area from Native Americans to present, military activity, notable personalities; revolving exhibits; old-time soda fountain; gift shop.
Fort Smith, AR MuseumsBlue 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 AreasFirst 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 CoursesMiss 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 CentersCreekmore 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 ExcursionsOzark 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 Byways