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River Valley Region
Journey into Arkansas' River Valley Region and explore the gorgeous lakes, rivers, streams and forests that lie between the Ouachita and Ozark mountain ranges. Small-mouth bass abound in the Mulberry River, Big Piney Creek, Illinois Bayou and South Fourche River. Visit the state-of-the-art fish weigh-in station at Lake Dardanelle State Park and the impressive new visitor's center. Fort Smith National Historic Site takes you back in time to the Old West. Enjoy free tours and samples in wine country at Altus and Paris. See the three state parks in the clouds - Mount Nebo, Petit Jean and Mount Magazine. You'll enjoy the Museum of Automobiles atop Petit Jean, the Whitetail World Museum of Clarksville and many more interesting stops in the area.
Arkansas and Missouri Railroad
Van Buren - River Valley
Located approximately 2.5 hours from Little Rock. Take Interstate 40 West to Van Buren.
Contact Information:
Phone: 479-751-7291
Toll Free: 800-687-8600
Email: brendab@arkansasmissouri-rr.com
Website: http://www.arkansasmissouri-rr.com/
Travel over the Boston Mountains aboard beautifully restored turn-of-the-century cars, passing over three high trestles and through the 1882 Winslow tunnel. Enjoy a 134-mile round trip with a layover in historic Van Buren for shopping and lunch or a 70-mile excursion from Van Buren to Winslow.
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Fort Smith National Historic SiteFort Smith - River Valley |
The site, located in downtown Fort Smith, embraces the remains of two frontier forts and the Federal Court for the Western District of Arkansas. A building that now houses the park’s visitors center was first used in the early 1800s as barracks for Army troops sent to keep peace and administer government policies over Native American Tribes. In 1872 the building became a federal courthouse and its jail soon became known as "Hell on the Border." Today, the historic courthouse and jail building have been restored and its visitors center includes exhibits that focus on: Fort Smith’s military history from 1817 to 1871; "Hangin’ Judge" Isaac C. Parker and the federal court’s impact on Indian Territory; U.S. Deputy Marshals and outlaws; Federal Indian policy; and Indian Removal including the Trail of Tears. The park also contains a reconstruction of the 1886 gallows on the original site used for executions from 1873 to 1896. Maintained trails lead visitors through this urban park and along the site of the first fort and the Arkansas River.
Lake Dardanelle State Park
Russellville - River Valley
Located approximately 1 hour from Little Rock. Interstate 40 West, take Exit #81 and turn south then immediately turn west on Ark. 326 and go five miles.
Contact Information:
Phone: 479-967-5516
Email: lakedardanelle@arkansas.com
Website: http://www.arkansasstateparks.com/lakedardanelle
For those who enjoy camping by a scenic lake with great fishing, this park offers two areas on Lake Dardanelle, a 34,300-acre reservoir on the Arkansas River. The Russellville (main park) and Dardanelle locations offer camping, launch ramps, standard pavilions, picnic sites, restrooms and bathhouses with hot showers. A visitor center featuring interpretive exhibits and a major aquatic exhibit of four aquariums, marina (Dardanelle also), barrier-free fishing pier, miniature golf course, trail, fishing tournament weigh-in pavilion and interpretive programs are available in the Russellville Area, plus kayak and bicycle rentals.
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Mount Magazine State ParkParis - River Valley |
Arkansas’s highest peak (2,753 ft.), long a recreational haven, is home to Arkansas’s newest state park. The mountain is renowned for its beautiful views, butterflies, star watching, rock climbing, rappelling, hang gliding and hiking. Park highlights include a visitors center with exhibits on the mountain’s wildlife, climate, wildflowers and more and an 18-site campground.
Mount Nebo State Park
Dardanelle - River Valley
Located approximately 1 hour from Little Rock. The park is seven miles west of Dardanelle on Ark. 155. [NOTE: Ark. 155 zigzags and includes hairpin curves. Trailers over 24 ft. should not attempt the climb.]
Contact Information:
Phone: 479-229-3655
Email: mountnebo@arkansas.com
Website: http://www.arkansasstateparks.com/mountnebo
Rising 1,350 feet, Mount Nebo offers sweeping views of the Arkansas River Valley. In 1933, a portion of the mountain was chosen as a park site. Native stone and logs from Mount Nebo were used by the Civilian Conservation Corps to construct many of the park's bridges, trails, rustic-style cabins and pavilions. The park offers 35 campsites and 14 fully-equipped cabins with kitchens. Fourteen miles of trails encircle Mount Nebo. Facilities include a pool, tennis courts, picnic areas, playgrounds, extra-large enclosed and standard open pavilions and a ball field. The visitor center offers exhibits, a store and bicycle rentals. Interpretive programs tell about the mountain's history and natural resources. [Please note that many private homes are also situated atop the mountain.]
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Petit Jean State ParkMorrilton - River Valley |
This mountaintop respite is the flagship of the state parks system. The park encompasses 2,658 acres of rare natural beauty -- an abundance of unmarred woods, ravines, streams, springs, spectacular views and interesting ecological formations preserved almost as French explorers found them 300 years ago. In addition to cabins and the park’s Mather Lodge, it has a restaurant, swimming pools, campsites, boating, fishing, several hiking trails and the spectacular 95-foot Cedar Falls waterfall. The Museum of Automobiles is also located atop Petit Jean Mountain, housing over 50 antique automobiles and motorcycles.
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