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 RecreationDarby 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 MuseumsMorrilton Historic District
Carnegie Library, Classic Revival courthouse, churches, homes, downtown shopping
Morrilton, AR Historic DistrictsOzark 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 BridgesOld 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 MuseumsBona 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 TrailsPetit Jean State Park
Book a Room Online Credit Cards Accepted: American Express, Discover Card, MasterCard, Visa Food Service/Picnic Area Available # of Units/Rooms: 56 Restaurant on site/nearby Recreation Seating Capacity: 100 Non-Smoking Area Available Type of Service: Banquet, Buffet, Menu Directions:
Morrilton, AR State ParksU.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 CemeteriesArkansas & Missouri Railroad
Three train trips are available on this historic train: round trip from Springdale to historic Van Buren; round trip from historic Van Buren to Winslow; excursion from Fort Smith to Winslow on Sundays, April through September. You'
Van Buren, AR Railroad History