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 RecreationArkansas 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 WineriesAmerican Bonsai Nursery
Directions: From I-40 take Exit 7 to I-540 South, then Exit 3 at Van Buren to Ark. 59. Go left for one long block, turn left into the Industrial Park, then go three miles to 5141 Industrial Park Rd Browse "finished"
Van Buren, AR GardensByrd's Adventure Center of the Ozarks
Canoeing and kayaking on the Mulberry River, hiking on the Ozark Highlands Trail, mountain biking, rock climbing for all levels of experience, motorcycle trails and races, horse trails, four-wheel drive obstacle course and competitions
Ozark, AR Visitors CentersArkansas River Visitor Center
"Renaissance of a River" interpretive exhibits chronicle the development of the river; managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Russellville, AR Visitors CentersJohn Paul McConnell Exhibit
Memorabilia of John Paul McConnell, U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff from 1965 to 1969, is on display.
Booneville, AR ExhibitsFirst 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 CoursesOld Jail Museum
Occupied in April of 1891, the Sebastian County Quorum Court had the two-story solid rock building constructed as a "holding jail" for drunks and rabble rousers. Its use was discontinued in 1950
Greenwood, AR MuseumsArkansas River Valley Arts Center
Visual arts displays by well-known artists; a local artists' gallery;
Russellville, AR ArtsMount Olive United Methodist Church
Constructed by freed slaves in 1889
Van Buren, AR Historic ChurchesNational Scenic 7 Byway
One of the most scenic drives in the country, Scenic 7
Russellville, AR Scenic Byways