Ouachitas | Timberlands | Delta | River Valley | Central | Ozarks
River Valley
The striking topography of the River Valley region is just a hint of what awaits visitors - picturesque lakes, rivers and forests creating an inspiring dynamic. One of the most serene and relaxing experiences in the state is Arkansas Wine Country, and geocaching - the new treasure-hunting sport that uses GPS devices - is popular in this area.
Attractions and destinations not to miss include:
- Arkansas and Missouri Railroad (p. 133)
- Travel over the Boston Mountains aboard beautifully restored turn-of-the-century rail cars
- 134-mile round trip beginning in Springdale with a layover in historic Van Buren for shopping and lunch
- 70-mile excursion from Fort Smith to Winslow
- Arkansas Wine Country (p. 126)
- Includes five wineries in Altus, Paris and Wiederkehr Village
- Each offers tastings, tours and shopping
- Centerville Dragway (p. 127)
- Home of ESPN's "Pipes" reality show
- Racing February through November
- Fort Smith National Historic Site (p. 129)
- Site embraces the remains of two frontier forts and the Federal Court for the Western District of Arkansas
- Visit the "Hell on the Border" jail, the courtroom of "Hangin' Judge" Isaac C. Parker and see the gallows where justice came at the end of a rope
- Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center - Fort Smith (p. 128)
- Center showcases the nature, environment, history and unique features of its surrounding area
- Lake Dardanelle State Park (p. 132)
- Visitor center features four large aquariums, state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment, a lab and touch-screen kiosks that feature information on the park, the area's water resources and history
- Lake Dardanelle, a 34,000-acre reservoir, has become known as one of Arkansas's hottest bass fishing destinations
- Mount Magazine State Park - near Paris (p. 131)
- The Lodge at Mount Magazine sits atop the highest point in Arkansas at an elevation of 2,753 feet
- Includes 13 mountaintop cabins
- Offers hang gliding, rappelling, rock climbing, horseback riding, camping and hiking
- Known for its outstanding butterfly population
- Mount Nebo State Park - near Dardanelle (p. 128)
- One of the tri-peaks of the Arkansas River Valley
- 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
- Museum of Automobiles - Petit Jean State Park near Morrilton (p. 130)
- Collection of 40 vintage vehicles dating from 1904
- Hosts two annual car shows, swap meets
- National Scenic 7 Byway (p. 133)
- Scenic 7 (Arkansas 23) runs from the Louisiana border to Bull Shoals Lake near the Missouri state line, passing through both the Ouachita and Ozark mountains
- Car and Driver magazine named a portion of Scenic 7 Byway as one of the top 10 driving experiences in the United States
Petit Jean State Park - Petit Jean Mountain near Morrilton (p. 131)
- History of the area is evidenced by Native American pictographs on a cave wall and the grave of a French explorer's great love for which the mountain is named
- Scenic views are found throughout more than 20 miles of hiking trails that lead to mountain overlooks, streams, an abundance of unmarred woods, ravines, springs, caves, interesting ecological formations and 95-foot Cedar Falls
- Van Buren Downtown Historic District (p. 133)
- District is composed of six blocks of art galleries, antique shops, restaurants and historical attractions
- Winthrop Rockefeller Institute - Morrilton (p. 130)
- Premier educational and conference center, lodging
- Ideal setting for outdoor recreation atop Petit Jean Mountain
Copyright © 2007 Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism. All Rights Reserved.
by .
The Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism is in compliance with the ,
Ar. Code Ann., § 25-19-101 et seq.
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