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 RecreationFort Smith National Historic Site
The site, which just underwent a $7 million renovation, contains the remains of two frontier garrisons, Federal Court for the Western District of Arkansas, "Hangin' Judge" Isaac C. Parker's courtroom, reproduction of the 1886 gallows, the "Hell on the Border" jail, the 1846
Fort Smith, AR Historic SitesArkansas 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 CentersCoal Miner's Memorial
Six-foot bronze statue of coal miner, authentic coal car, two granite walls displaying names of Sebastian County miners.
Greenwood, AR MemorialsFort 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 ParksMount Magazine State Park
Mount Magazine State Park, the highest peak in the state at 2,753 feet, provides commanding views; impressive visitor center with interactive exhibits; camping, all sites have water, electric, and sewer hookups; new bathhouse with hot showers; rappelling, hang gliding, hiking;
Paris, AR State ParksPig 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 BywaysRialto 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 ArtsFirst 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 Courses