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 RecreationLake Dardanelle State Park
Two park locations on 34,000-acre lake: Russellville (main park) and Dardanelle. Bass fishing, boat ramps, hiking trails, lake tours, pavilion, state-of-the-art visitor center with interactive exhibits, campground, marina, miniature golf
Russellville, AR State ParksMuseum of Prehistory & History
Regional museum with aspects of local history; exhibits on the people (including Native Americans) and events of the Arkansas Ozarks and the Arkansas River Valley; slide show and tour presentations available with reservations.
Russellville, AR MuseumsDarby 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 MuseumsMount Olive United Methodist Church
Constructed by freed slaves in 1889
Van Buren, AR Historic ChurchesPig Trail Scenic Byway
The route includes 19 miles of Ark. 23 from the south boundary of the Ozark National Forest (10 miles north of the town of Ozark) to its intersection with Ark. 16 at Brashears. The byway is located in both Franklin and Madison Counties. This major north/
Ozark, AR Scenic BywaysArkansas 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 WineriesFort 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 MuseumsArkansas River Valley Arts Center
Visual arts displays by well-known artists; a local artists' gallery;
Russellville, AR Arts