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 RecreationMount 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 BywaysOzark 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 BywaysDarby House Museum
The boyhood home of General William O. Darby, leader of Darby's Rangers in World War II; contains personal military memorabilia of the general; also has tributes to Darby and artifacts from Cisterna, Italy, Fort Smith'
Fort Smith, AR MuseumsAmerican 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 GardensWorld's Largest Spinach Can
Alma is the Spinach Capital of the World and commemorated this by painting its water tower to be the "world's biggest can of spinach."
Alma, AR UniquesMulberry River
Considered one of the state's wildest rivers during spring. From its beginnings in the Ozarks to its confluence with the Arkansas River, the Mulberry pours over ledges, shoots through willow thickets, and whips around sharp turns. These wild characteristics are what give the stream its class II/
Ozark, AR RecreationJohn Paul McConnell Exhibit
Memorabilia of John Paul McConnell, U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff from 1965 to 1969, is on display.
Booneville, AR ExhibitsFort 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 Museums