Known for its many amazing parks, spectacular outdoor activities, and abundant history, the seven counties in Arkansas’s Great Southwest bring many visitors to the region. Many notable people are from this area which is overflowing with cultural and natural resources.
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Welcome to Southwest Arkansas, a corner of the world known for its natural beauty and charming hospitality. On those fronts, this region does not disappoint. From the lakes of De Queen and Millwood to Little Grand Canyon, our “backyard” is ideal for camping, swimming, hiking, fishing, hunting, biking, boating, or just hanging in a hammock. And while there is certainly solitude to be found in the vast open space, good company is never hard to find; around these parts, friendliness is commonplace. We want you to see the excitement of the people in our counties.
This area isn’t only for outdoorsy types; leisure, shopping, and entertainment opportunities abound. Annual events like the Four States Fair and Rodeo, the Hope Watermelon Festival, and the Jonquil Festival draw thousands in crowds each year. In warmer months, families find relief from the heat at the Big Dam Water Park and fresh produce at the region’s many farmers’ markets. When winter arrives, people of all ages enjoy Civil War reenactments in Prairie D’Ane, breathtaking performances from the Texarkana Symphony Orchestra, and trips to the many museums (at least one in every county). National history buffs won’t want to miss checking out the birthplace of former U.S. President Bill Clinton in Hope or the exhibit of wartime weaponry at the Two Rivers Museum in Ashdown. Those interested in indigenous studies, regional history, architecture, or children’s education should add the Texarkana Museum of Regional History to their must-see-visit list.
Our diverse dining options can satisfy every eater’s desires—those seeking homestyle comforts as well as folks seeking modern fares. Terry Powell’s Grocery in Hope is known for their house-made cracklins. With locations throughout the region, Big Jake’s Bar-B-Que serves high-quality meat with their addictive secret sauce. For both casual and fine dining, check out Texarkana’s Rail Yard Entertainment District, where you can start your evening with chips and margaritas and end it with espresso and crème brûlée.
Whether you’re just passing through or setting up camp, a solo traveler or road tripping with the family, we’re glad you’re here! We hope this booklet serves as a preview of all our region has to offer. There is truly always something fun going on!
We hope you enjoy your visit in Southwest Arkansas as much as we did making this guide!
B oard of directors , a rkansas’s Great s outhwest
Hempstead County, one of Arkansas’s original five counties, was formed on December 15, 1818, and named for Edward Hempstead, a delegate to the U.S. Congress from the Missouri Territory. Hempstead County’s county seat is the town of Hope, and other cities located in this county include Fulton, Washington, Blevins, Ozan, Perrytown, McCaskill, Patmos, Oakhaven, and McNab.
Hempstead Hall, located on the University of Arkansas-Hope campus, serves as a premiere multipurpose conference center for meetings, events, banquets, and concerts. Performing arts and stage productions, from concerts to dance recitals to ice skating and movies, take place in the auditorium. The state-of-the-art theater and amphitheater also serve as a great Arkansas concert venue, hosting spectacular acts such as Little River Band, Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, The Spinners, Clint Black, The Charlie Daniels Band, Trace Atkins, The Oak Ridge Boys, and The Temptations.
Four-wheeler enthusiasts who enjoy gathering for a muddy good time travel to Hillarosa ATV Park in Blevins, Arkansas. The park is also home to special events including Mud Nationals, Muddin’ for the Military, and Boggin’ Away New Years’ ride.
Held annually at Fair Park, 800 South Mockingbird, in Hope, this summer festival dates back to the mid-1920s and celebrates the state’s largest watermelons. Arts and crafts, food, races, dog shows, contests, and music comprise the weekend’s activities, as well as watermelon weigh-ins and watermelon eating/seed spitting contests.
Located at 100 East Division Street, the Hope Visitor Center is found in a restored 1912 railroad depot. It contains railroad memorabilia, historic photographs, and exhibits featuring Hope native and former U.S. president, Bill Clinton, and former Arkansas governor, Mike Huckabee.
JAMES BLACK SCHOOL OF BLADESMITHING AND HISTORIC TRADES
History, art, and skill are celebrated and preserved at the James Black School of Bladesmithing and Historic Trades, located in Historic Washington. Unique to the University of Arkansas System, students learn the art of bladesmithing, forging, handles and guards, and Damascus steel, in the exact place where the Bowie Knife was born.
The arrival of spring in Southwest Arkansas is celebrated during the Jonquil Festival. Crafts, food, tours, and entertainers are part of the attractions that draw visitors to the town of Washington, Arkansas, annually.
The Klipsch Museum of Audio History in Hope is dedicated to preserving and sharing the technological discoveries of Paul W. Klipsch, an American audio pioneer. Collections of artifacts and memorabilia from audio history are on display here, as well as Klipsch speakers and many other great sound inventions.
The original Bowie knife was forged in Washington, Arkansas. Located in Historic Washington is the James Black School of Bladesmithing and Historic Trades. Annually the James Black’s Bowie Heritage Festival draws knife enthusiasts from all over.
A unique museum village and Arkansas’s first Heritage Site, Historic Washington State Park preserves the history of 19th-century Washington, Arkansas. Guides provide historic tours and interpretive programs. The 1874 Courthouse serves as the park visitor center. A Blacksmith Shop, Weapons Museum, Print Museum, Williams Tavern Restaurant, and other restored locations make up this historic collection. Special events are scheduled throughout the year, including Christmas and Candlelight, Civil War Weekend, and Music in the Park. Hands-on workshops scheduled periodically include knitting basics, knife making, gardening basics, soap making, weaving and sometimes surrey driving!
The childhood home of William Jefferson Clinton, the 42nd president of the United States, is located at 117 Hervey Street in Hope. The home has been restored and furnished with period furnishings by the Clinton Birthplace Foundation, Inc. This National Park Service National Historic Site includes the birthplace home, a visitor center, and the Virginia Clinton Kelley Memorial Garden.
Outdoor experiences are plentiful at the Rick Evans Grandview Prairie Conservation Education Center, located close to Columbus, Arkansas. Situated on the blackland prairie, this beautiful land is home to prairie plants and numerous animals, including deer, birds, and reptiles. A pond offers fun fishing enjoyment, while a shotgun range offers a place to sharpen shooting skills. Many Indian artifacts of the past can be found here while some are displayed at the center. This education center offers a great place for school children to visit, while learning about the area’s cultural and natural resources.
Comprised mainly of timberland and farmland, Howard County was formed in 1873 and currently has a population of 13,202. In 1905, the county seat was moved to Nashville. Other cities located in Howard County are Dierks, Center Point, Mineral Springs, and Tollette.
The Cossatot River begins in the Ouachita Mountains, south of Mena, Arkansas, then flows southward, through the Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area. The stream borders the Howard County Wildlife Management Area, then impounds into Gillham Lake. Below the lake, it continues south past De Queen and joins Little River just above Millwood Lake. Fishing, camping, rafting, canoeing, and kayaking are plentiful. Hikers can enjoy four scenic trails spanning approximately 20 miles.
Located approximately 15 miles from Nashville, Arkansas, Crater of Diamonds is a unique experience where people from all over the world come to search for diamonds in the eroded surface of a volcanic crater. Rocks, minerals, and gemstones are also found while searching for diamonds. Walking trails, picnic areas, and RV camping are also available at the park. This area also features great fishing and boating on Lake Greeson and trout fishing along the tailwaters of Narrows Dam on the Little Missouri River.
Diamond Park Speedway is a semi-banked 3/8 mile rich red clay oval racetrack in Southwest Arkansas, close to Nashville. Regular racing nights are Saturdays and include Front Wheel Drive, Bombers, Factory Stocks, Modifieds and Mod Lites. Special event nights are held throughout the year, so come out and enjoy the fun! DPSDirt.com or 870-298-1293.
NASHVILLE CITY PARK
Nashville, Arkansas, City Park is the perfect place for outdoor fun. For spending the day with immediate family or hosting a family reunion, the park’s 130 acres has ample space. Amenities include: softball fields, disc golf, fishing lake, tennis courts, basketball courts, baseball fields, playgrounds, soccer fields, skate park, walking trails, volleyball court, campsites, outdoor covered stage, and numerous pavilions.
NASHVILLE COMMERCIAL HISTORIC DISTRICT
Centered at the junction of Main and Howard Streets, downtown, the Nashville Commercial Historic District buildings were built between 1895-1930s. The oldest building in the district is located at 203 North Main, built circa 1895. This area is listed on the Arkansas Historic Register. One block over at the corner of 2nd and Hempstead Street is the 1912 E.A. Williams Chapel/Museum which is on the National Registry of Historic Places. The former Presbyterian Church features Victorian-Gothic Stick architecture from the 1850s, historical artifacts of Howard County, dinosaur bone collection, Caddo Indian artifacts and a military display that covers the Civil War, Spanish American
A U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lake, Dierks Lake offers 1,360 acres for boating, canoeing, kayaking, camping, and swimming. Located in the Ouachitas region of Arkansas, Dierks Lake sits on the Saline River. Known for its excellent bass and crappie fishing, hunters will find approximately 600 acres of public hunting lands in the upper reaches of the project.
War, WW1 and WW2. Located down the street at Main and Sypert is the Lyons Center which houses the Howard County Historical Society, Nashville’s Old City Hall, the Old Nashville Fire Department Museum, the Trailways Bus Station museum and the Stormy Blagg Train House. The museums are open free to the public.
Nashville, Arkansas, City Park and Downtown are the sites of the town’s annual Peach Blossom Festival, held the first weekend of May. Vendors, Square dancers, rides, antique/classic car show, and arts & craft vendors are just a small part of the scheduled activities. September brings the annual Pack the Park Car Show and Swap Meet sponsored by the Howard County Historical Society and the Nashville City Park.
Dierks, Arkansas, hosts its signature annual event, the Pine Tree Festival, in City Park on the first weekend of August. Celebrating the town’s lumber industry, the event features children’s activities, vendors, a parade, and games.
In recognition of Independence Day, Nashville, Arkansas, hosts a Stand Up for America Celebration the Saturday following July 4 in the Nashville City Park, located at 1301 West
Johnson. Musical performances are slated throughout the evening while veterans from all branches of the military are recognized. A fireworks display wraps up activities after dark.
A biennial celebration, the Tollette Homecoming occurs the second week of August on the Town Hall grounds at 205 Town Hall Drive in Tollette, Arkansas. Activities include a parade, class meet and greets, games, and vendors.
Lewisville, Arkansas, is the county seat of Lafayette County. Also comprised of the cities of Bradley, Buckner, and Stamps, Lafayette County has a landscape made up of rolling hills and much forest land. Lake Erling is included in the Lafayette County Wildlife Management Area, and Lake June offers fishing, water sports, and picnicking.
A family tradition, Burge’s has been located in Lewisville, Arkansas, since 1962. Famous for their smoked turkeys and smoked hams, Burge’s also offers a vintage-style dining experience and a delicious menu. Burge’s was inducted into the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame in 2018.
During the first weekend in October, the city of Bradley, Arkansas, hosts the largest garage sale in South Arkansas. Come out and shop the many booths, eat some great Junkfest food while enjoying live country music.
Located in Lafayette County, this lake is 4,389 acres in size. A man-made lake, Lake Erling was originally built to supply water for a paper company. Fishing is a popular sport at Lake Erling with white crappie, largemouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill, and redear sunfish the major sportfish found in the lake.
An 80-acre lake that was completely revitalized in 2017-18, Lake June is a popular fishing location for residents of Stamps and Lafayette County. It is known as “the pond” to many, and the late Maya Angelou, Stamps’ most notable resident, wrote about “the pond” many times in her world-renowned literature.
Little River County, located in the southwest corner of Arkansas, borders Texas and Oklahoma. It has rolling, pine-covered hills, and a rich history is plentiful in this county. Ashdown is its county seat, and other cities located within the county are Alleene, Foreman, Ogden, Wilson, and Winthrop.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Hunter-Coulter House is a Craftsman-style home, located in Ashdown, Arkansas. The house was built in 1918 by local builder, Henry Westbrook for William Grant Hunter, an Indiana native who relocated his undertaking business to Ashdown. It was later purchased by a dentist, Dr. John Coulter. It is now owned by the Little River County Historical Society.
A private club located in Winthrop, Arkansas, Little River Club was established in 1928 and sits on 1,100 acres. Known to many as a family playground, with easy access to the Little River, this private country club is a gathering place for friends and family. It contains a nine-hole golf course, swimming pool, tennis courts, hunting, fishing, and clubhouse.
The National Professional Fishing League brings a 3-day bass tournament to Millwood Lake as the 2nd stop on the NPFL Tour annually.
stores in quaint boutiques in the heart of
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Located nine miles east of Ashdown, Millwood Lake was formed when Arkansas’s longest dam was completed across the Little River. A renowned largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie fishing lake, the 29,260-acre lake is also rated as one of Arkansas’s best birding locations. Millwood State Park is a popular destination for camping, picnicking, bicycling, walking, and canoeing/kayaking.
The Little River County Historical Society’s Two Rivers Museum is located on the corner of Constitution Avenue (Hwy. 71) and Main Street in Ashdown, Arkansas. It contains a variety of historical displays including a large collection of artifacts. Something for everyone can be found, from military and medical exhibits to pipe and hat exhibits. A horse-drawn hearse, Civil War memorabilia, and an antique gun collection draw much attention from visitors.
The Will Reed Farm House, also known as the “Pioneer Farm House,” is located in Alleene, Arkansas. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1978, the home was built about 1895 by J.D. Abney in the “dog trot” style. The Little River County Historical Society now owns the house and operates it as a historical museum.
A historical representation of a rural school building in the early 20th Century, the Winthrop School Museum is located in Winthrop, Arkansas. A two-story brick building, reminiscent of the Colonial Revival style, the city hall is located inside, and the building also serves as a community meeting center and election facility.
Southwest Arkansas is home to a place called Hope, whose welcoming culture has birthed a president, a governor, and a famous inventor and whose calling card is a sweet slice of watermelon. With a rich history dating back to 1852, day trip visitors have the opportunity to enjoy strolling, shopping, and dining. So hop aboard and spend some time in a friendly community that loves to make tourists feel welcome!
Just a few steps from the Visitors Center, you’ll find a favorite downtown restaurant called Tailgaters Burger Co. This popular dining spot is located in the former Capital Hotel and offers tourists a chance to stroll down memory lane simply by looking at the amazing “days-gone-by” fun décor. You can even dine on an actual tailgate!
Leisurely walk the streets, and discover great shopping from Division to the antique shops on Elm with treasures all in-between. A must-stop is the coffee house called Hebrews 11:1, housed in the tallest building in the heart of downtown, the National Building. Tourists need to bring a major sweet tooth with them, because sweets and treats can be found in the most unique and inviting stores in Southwest Arkansas.
Heritage Wall Millennium Public Art Project
Established by Southwest Arkansas Arts Council in 2000, the heritage wall celebrates the railroad heritage of Hope and Hempstead County.
The Arts Council also worked to improve awareness of downtown. As a downtown entity, the Arts Council offers artists gallery space to showcase their talents.
The city has a variety of restaurants that offer something for every palate, including: Mexican, Italian, American, Chinese, and Japanese. For extra special sweet treats, tourists will want to check out the Picket Fence and Elm Street Marketplace, both located downtown.
There are several murals downtown, including one of the “Band of Hope.” Portrayed in this mural is President Clinton on sax, Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee playing bass guitar, and Patsy Montana and Ketty Lester, who were famous singers of their time and from the Hope area.
Most of the historical buildings you’ll discover were built between 1880 and 1945, the major period of Hope’s development. The most architecturally significant buildings in the historic district are the Brundidge Building, an 1893 Romanesque Revival structure, and the former post office built in 1911 in the Renaissance Revival style. It is now owned by the Hope School District.
Hempstead Hall is the newest performance/meeting space venue in Southwest Arkansas. Home to conventions, concerts, and cultural events, the facility features a 1,600 seat theater, four modern conference suites, two meeting rooms, full catering kitchen, and an outdoor amphitheater.
In addition to hosting Grammy Award-winning musical acts, country music’s top hit makers and some of the biggest events in SW Arkansas, the 65,000 square foot venue is also Hempstead County’s most versatile facility. It is the perfect site for conventions, parties, reunions, and a variety of other events. It is located on the campus at Arkansas Highway 29, at the southern city limits of Hope. For upcoming events, visit HempsteadHall.com. UAHT also has an outdoor walking track/trail that winds around beautifully landscaped areas near the college campus.
The largest James Hayes art glass installation ever created suspends from the rotunda of Hempstead Hall. “Visions of Harmony, Colors of Hope” is a colorful, custom 714-piece art glass chandelier, created by artist James Hayes, a Pine Bluff, Arkansas, native.
Follow the railroad tracks only a few blocks deeper into downtown, and take in the sights and sounds of a town with a rich history of trains. The Visitors Center & Clinton Museum is located inside the actual Missouri Pacific Railway Depot at the intersection of South Main and Division Streets. Originally built in 1912 as the Iron Mountain/Missouri Pacific Freight and Passenger Depot, the structure was restored by the City of Hope in 1995 with the help of grants. It is on the National Register of Historic Places and currently runs as a major Amtrak stop.
Not only a showcase for one of Arkansas’s best collections of railroad artifacts, the Depot houses an impressive collection of photos, a video, and memorabilia from the life of President Clinton. You can also learn about native son, past Governor Mike Huckabee. Even the bathrooms are full of memorabilia! There’s a replica of a watermelon that was grown in 2005 and weighed 268.6 pounds. Lloyd Bright grew the Guinness Book of World Records winner on his father’s land, east of Hope. This massive melon beat the family’s own record of 260 pounds from 1986.
Visit in May for the city’s “Train Days” festival (contact the Chamber of Commerce for dates.) During this one-day festival, children and adults can enjoy food, music, crafts, vendors, train rides, petting zoos, clowns, and a variety of kid-focused activities.
No life is complete without attending the famous Hope Watermelon Festival which is held annually during the second weekend of August in the 190-acre Fair Park. Hope is built on sandy soil which is the secret behind giant, Guinness World Record setting watermelons. Come enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of a spectacular festival! For three days, the young and young at heart have exciting entertainment options, including: arts & craft vendors, live music, a variety of concessions, a jammed-packed Kidz Zone area filled with low-cost or free activities for all ages. Take in a dog show, watch the “Watermelon Idol” talent contest, run a 5K race or walk a melon mile. There are Watermelon Olympics, and civic clubs hold smoked chicken and golden fried catfish dinners. You’ll also enjoy an Antique Car and Bike Show, Watermelon Waddle Duck Races, the Rusty Wheels and Engines Museum in the Park, Watermelon Eating and Seed Spitting Contests, Watermelon Weigh-in and Auction, Baggo Tournament, AND watermelon by the slice!
This 190-Acre Fair Park also offers: For RVers, the City of Hope RV Park is located within Fair Park at 800 South Mockingbird Lane. It offers about 200, 50 amp electric hookups with water, for a reasonable rental fee. There are 20 full hookups (electric/water/sewer) for the monthly renters.
Visitors to the park can fish in The Mike and Janet Huckabee Lake which was built in cooperation with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. The 11-acre lake complex features a concrete walking trail completely around the rim of the lake, several
handicapped-accessible fishing piers, concrete lined shores, and a boat ramp.
Fair Park has several other facilities, including two playgrounds, three tennis courts, basketball court, and a 9-hole Disc Golf Course starting at the swimming pool parking lot. The swimming pool is typically open for the season around Memorial Day and closes around Labor Day with nominal day rates for kids and adults.
The parks in Hope offer picnic areas, soccer and softball fields, as well as playground fun. Walking trails create easy access to the lake that is known to be a nice place to catch a fish or two.
The new Klipsch Audio Museum Visitor Center and gift shop is open MondayThursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
For the audiophiles around the world, don’t miss the story of brilliant inventor Paul W. Klipsch who revolutionized speaker sounds forever in his pursuit of audio perfection. A journey into the museum is like taking a trip back in time to the very beginning of great sound. In 1946, Paul W. Klipsch (PWK) changed the face of the audio industry by inventing, discovering, hypothesizing, and proving that it was darn well possible to make and reproduce exciting, explosive, accurate audio. Real, dynamic music was heard in living rooms for the first time – nearly mimicking the power of a live performance. Along the way, Paul Klipsch worked with industry giants, famous pop stars, and some of the smartest people in the world – always in search of a better sound.
Klipsch was an eccentric man, known for his wit and determined ways. He changed the sound industry from Hope, Arkansas. Stationed in Hope at the Southwest Proving Grounds during World War II, Klipsch spent his time tinkering on the loudspeaker and phonograph systems of the day. His goal was to make sound better; at least, the way he liked it.
Company Factory – After the war was over, Klipsch followed the encouragement of fellow servicemen and founded Klipsch and Associates in 1946 after receiving a patent for his design in 1945. The Klipschorn is the only known speaker that has remained relatively unchanged for over 70 years. He made each instrument himself until he was able to add staff two years later. Today, Klipsch Audio Technologies is based in Indianapolis, Indiana, and makes loudspeaker tools used in concert halls, movie theaters, churches, and large gathering spaces.
Klipsch Auditorium
Klipsch Auditorium is a 400 seat capacity theater on the top floor of City Hall. This facility was updated some in 1995 with the larger City Hall renovation but remains similar to how it looked when it was built in 1926.
Museum Visitor Center
The Klipsch Museum Visitor Center holds relics like prototypes of new products and some of Mr. Klipsch’s own tools, as well as pieces developed by some of the “giants” upon whose shoulders he stood. Tour the collection and listen to the stories. Hear fantastic tales about the “madman from Hope” and his adventures in the air and on the ground. The Klipsch Audio Museum Visitor Center in Historic Downtown Hope, Arkansas, is a place where you can see his his biggest speakers, his government patents, and all of the surroundings that Paul Klipsch and his team would have loved: relics of great sound, created by a sound genius.
Klipsch Audio Museum Visitor Center 403 W Division Street, Hope, AR 71801, Open Monday – Thursday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Dedicated to Preservation
The people behind the history of Paul Klipsch and his genius believe in the importance of science in education, the spirit of discovery, and good ‘ol American ingenuity. As a nonprofit organization, the Klipsch Museum of Audio History is dedicated to preserving and sharing the technological discoveries, artifacts, and principles of Paul W. Klipsch.
Journey only five minutes from I-30 to the edge of Downtown Hope where you can discover the birthplace of our 42nd President, William Jefferson “Bill” Clinton. The first four years of his life were spent in a two-story, white house which has been restored to closely resemble the home as they knew it, according to the memory of his mother. It is a National Historic Site owned by the National Park Service.
Clinton Childhood Home | 321 East 13th Street
Clinton Birthplace | 117 South Hervey Street
Clinton Elementary Museum | 500 South Spruce Street
Hope Visitor Center Museum/Tribute to Clinton Sign | 100 E Division St.
Located in the extreme southwest corner of the great state of Arkansas is Miller County, whose county seat is Texarkana. With a total population of 43,257, other cities located within the county include Fouke, Garland City, Genoa, and Doddridge.
Located in an active five-block area of downtown Texarkana, this entertainment district offers something for everyone, whether you’re with family, friends, or just exploring. Guests ages 21 and older can enjoy alcoholic beverages in approved open containers purchased within the district, making it easy to take part in outdoor concerts, community events, and live music. Outside alcohol isn’t permitted, and open-container privileges are allowed until midnight. Front Street Festival Plaza, where you’ll find live performances throughout the year, is located within the entertainment district. Bars and delicious dining included in the entertainment district are options like Hopkin’s
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Located in the former Ritchie Grocery Store in Texarkana, Arkansas, this art gallery is home to many regional artists. Art classes are held weekly, and the Second Saturday Trade Days brings in artists, crafters, and live music from regional musicians.
The Arkansas Municipal Auditorium is a popular Texarkana tourist stop. Major music acts have performed in the venue over the years, including Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash. An exhibit features musicians who have performed in the auditorium throughout the years.
Travelers can get up-to-date information about attractions and events at the Red River Welcome Center, located at 12555 North State Line Avenue in Texarkana, Arkansas. Brochures, maps, and booklets are available for visitors.
Downtown Texarkana is the site of many mural tours. The driving tours encompass many of Texarkana’s points of interest, including museums, Scott Joplin’s birthplace mural, Corrine Bailey Griffith’s Dr. Pepper Mural, the balloons on the counter of Main Street, the Clydesdales on the side of the Crossties Property near the railyards, and other unique destinations.
Straddling the Texas/Arkansas state line is the Federal Courthouse and U.S. Post Office, located in Downtown Texarkana. It is only fitting that visitors stop by this popular landmark to have their photo taken at “Photographer’s Island” where you can stand in two states at one time.
Located in Texarkana, the Four States Fair Entertainment Center & Fairgrounds is home to the annual Four States Fair & Rodeo. Activities for all ages include amusement rides, a demolition derby, monster truck show, and much more. Throughout the
Rumored to be the 2nd most photographed courthouse in the nation, the U.S. Federal Courthouse is the only courthouse to straddle two states: Texas and Arkansas. Here, a visitor takes a selfie with her dog in Texas and her feet in Arkansas.
year, the Entertainment Center & Fairgrounds hosts many events, including barrel races, horse shows, banquets, and cattle shows.
The Agricultural Learning Center at the fairgrounds promotes dairy education and agricultural awareness for children. Open year-round for educational programs for groups of children of all ages, the center provides a fun interactive way for children to learn about the importance of dairy and agricultural programs. Teachers are welcome to request field trips to learn where food is grown!
BIG
Crossroads Parkway in Texarkana, Arkansas, is home to Big Dam Water Park. The park’s attractions include a lazy river, wave pool, water slides, children’s pools, sand castle area, and private cabanas. Hours of operation are listed on the Big Dam Water Park website, along with ticket information.
Held annually the first Monday in December, the Main Street Texarkana Christmas Parade encompasses two states (Texas and Arkansas) and ends at the Federal Courthouse and U.S. Post Office on State Line Avenue.
Held for over 35 years, the parade draws over 100 entries each year with marching bands, floats, antique cars, and a variety of live performers.
TEXARKANA
If you love historical artifacts, then you’ll enjoy walking through the comprehensive exhibits at the Texarkana Museums System’s Museum of Regional History. Located in the historic Offenhauser & Co. insurance building in Texarkana, this museum houses the area’s most extensive variety of artifacts dating back to the early nineteenth century. For non-members, there is a $7 entrance fee. While there, ask about The Ace of Clubs House, a home owned by the Museum’s System by a gambling man who won the money to build the home like a club, in a game of cards.
Known as the largest half marathon in southwest Arkansas, this race starts in Texarkana, Texas, and winds through the Twin Cities’ parks, trails, and streets to finish in downtown Texarkana, Arkansas. The event benefits Partnership for the Pathway, an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization dedicated to building a safe pedestrian and bicycle trail system in the Texarkana area.
Founded in 2006, the Texarkana Symphony Orchestra is a professional symphony orchestra, whose mission is to bring great symphonic music to Texarkana through excellence in live performance and education. With most performances held in the historic Perot Theatre, TSO presents a series of classical masterworks, symphonic pops, and education concerts during its season, held September-May.
Tourist and travel information about The Natural State can be found at the Texarkana Welcome Center located at 10000 I-30 East in Texarkana, Arkansas. Pamphlets, maps, and brochures are plentiful, while computer kiosks, WiFi, and fresh coffee are available for visitors.
Rich in natural resources like timber, oil, lakes and rivers, Nevada County is located in the southwestern part of the state of Arkansas. It is the 63rd county in Arkansas and was formed in 1871 from portions of Hempstead, Ouachita, and Columbia Counties. It was named after the state of Nevada because of their physical similarities. Prescott is the county seat of Nevada County, and other towns include Bluff City, Bodcaw, Cale, Emmet, Rosston and Willisville.
and historic demonstrations
A 122-mile stream, Dorcheat Bayou begins in Nevada County and flows into Louisiana. Popular because of its natural beauty, Dorcheat Bayou is a draw for all fishermen.
On the northern side of White Oak Lake, right past the dam, sits Little Grand Canyon. Definitely worth the drive, this area features beautiful sand and rock formations with many vantage points and is the perfect spot for a picnic.
Located in Prescott, the Nevada County Depot & Museum dates back to 1911. Photo collections, cemetery surveys, and historical censuses are housed in the museum.
The Prairie D’Ane Battlefield, near Prescott, was the scene of heavy skirmishes during the spring of 1864, when Southern soldiers sought to drive the Union soldiers toward the Red River. The pasture land still looks much as it did in 1864. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1994.
In the fall, the Prescott-Nevada County Chamber of Commerce hosts its Fall Festival and Trade Days on the lawn of the Nevada County Courthouse. A great pumpkin treasure hunt is held for kids, and activities include a 5K run/walk, pie eating contest, food vendors, arts & crafts, basketball tournament, and games.
PRESCOTT MURAL
Have your photo taken beside the colorful mural in Downtown Prescott. The images in the artwork depict historical items related to Prescott, including an old iron bridge, a railroad, Prairie D’Ane Battlefield, and the wildlife industry.
Prescott Raceway brings drag racing excitement to Nevada County. A member of the IHRA, International Hot Rod Association, the raceway is located at 5121 Highway 53 in Prescott.
Bluff City is home to White Oak Lake State Park, which offers 2,765 acres of fishing. Also a great place for bird sightings, the park offers RV camping, boat rentals, picnic sites, a playground, and walking trails.
Scenic beauty and outdoor recreation draw many visitors to Sevier County, which was established in 1828. Known as the “Land of the Lakes,” Sevier County sits among a complex of reservoirs in both Arkansas and Oklahoma. De Queen is the county seat, and other cities in Sevier County include Lockesburg, Horatio, Gillham, and Ben Lomond.
Located on the Rolling Fork River, De Queen Lake provides flood control, water supply, water quality, recreation, and fish and wildlife enhancement. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began constructing the lake in 1966 and began operations in 1977. Three campgrounds (Bellah Mine, Oak Grove and Pine Ridge), six boat ramps, three swimming areas (Oak Grove, Rolling Fork, and Story Creek), and numerous picnic areas are an outdoor enthusiast’s dream.
Boating, canoeing, fishing, swimming, picnicking, and hiking are found at Gillham’s five recreation areas. Five boat ramps, three campgrounds, two picnic shelters, and a designated swimming area draw visitors to this lake. Big Coon Creek, Cossatot Reefs, and Little Coon Creek offer great camping opportunities. Fishing on the 1,370 acre reservoir offers excellent bass fishing while canoeing and flyfishing on the Cossatot River are also popular.
In the floodplain between Ashdown and De Queen, Arkansas, lies the Pond Creek National Wildlife Refuge. Its primary use is for migratory and resident waterfowl, neo-tropical migratory birds, wading birds, and other wetland-dependent wildlife. Camping, fishing, hunting and wildlife observation and photography are abundant here as well as six primitive campsites.
CAMPGROUNDS
Hope Fair Park RV Park
Four States Fairgrounds RV Park
/ COUNTIES / CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE
Bradley Chamber of Commerce
C ity of Ashdown
City of De Queen
City of Foreman
City of Hope
City of Nashville
City of Prescott
De Queen Chamber of Commerce
Dierks Chamber of Commerce
8 00 S. Mockingbird Ln, Hope, AR, 71801
3700 E 50th Street, Texarkana, AR 71854
P.O. Box 662, Bradley, AR 71826
250 N. Second St., Ashdown, AR 71822
220 N 2nd St., De Queen, AR 71832
209 Schuman Street, Foreman, AR 71836
206 W Avenue A, Hope, AR 71802
426 N Main St., Nashville, AR 71852
P.O. Box 676, Prescott, AR 71857
315 W Stillwell, De Queen, AR 71832
P.O. Box 292, Dierks, AR 71833
Hope/Hempstead County 201 S Main St., Hope, AR 71801
Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 250, Hope, AR 71801 Hempstead
870-777-7500
870-773-2941
870-898-2622
870-548-3445
870-542-7434
870-777-6701
870-845-1432
870-887-2210
870-584-3225
870-557-1465
870-777-3640
