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 RecreationBona 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 TrailsFort 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 MuseumsByrd'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 CentersFort Smith Art Center
Housed in the Vaughn-Schaap House, a Victorian Second Empire structure, the center presents changing exhibits and permanent collections.
Fort Smith, AR ArtsMorrilton Historic District
Carnegie Library, Classic Revival courthouse, churches, homes, downtown shopping
Morrilton, AR Historic DistrictsCreekmore 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 ExcursionsRialto 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 ArtsU.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 CemeteriesFort 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 ParksOzark 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