In 1686, Henri de Tonti established a trading post known as "Poste de Arkansea" at the Quapaw village of Osotouy. It was the first semi-permanent French settlement in the lower Mississippi River Valley.
The Buffalo River is one of the few remaining unpolluted, free-flowing rivers in the lower 48 states offering both swift-running and placid stretches. The Buffalo National River encompasses 135 miles of the 150-mile long river.
Established in 1975, Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is located in southeast Arkansas, approximately eight miles west of the town of Crossett.
Holla Bend NWR, established in 1957, is located 8 miles down river from Dardanelle, Arkansas. The refuge is situated on a bend of the Arkansas River which was cut off when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers straightened the river in 1954 for flood control.
Geographically positioned in a area where the Central and Mississippi flyways overlap, Pond Creek Refuge provides outstanding habitat for waterfowl.
Wapanocca NWR located 20 miles northwest of Memphis, Tennessee, in Crittenden County, Arkansas was established in 1961 to provided habitat for migrating and wintering waterfowl.
White River NWR, was established in 1935 for the protection of migratory birds. The refuge lies in the floodplain of the White River near where it meets the mighty Mississippi River.
Bald Knob National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) was established in 1993 to protect and provide feeding and resting areas for migrating waterfowl.
Big Lake NWR was established in 1915 to provide habitat and protection for migrating and wintering birds and is recognized as an important link in the Mississippi migration corridor.
Overnight camping is available in Pool 3 at Rising Star Park, located about 4 mi N of Linwood off US 65. Boat launching is also available in Trulock Park and Sheppard Island Park.
The Pine Bluff area abounds with history. White Bluff is the natural geographic boundary where the Western Gulf Coastal Plain and Mississippi Delta meet.
Overnight camping and boat launching are available in Tar Camp Park, located about 6 mi E of Redfield. Bank fishing is best in Dam Site 5 Park, located about 6 mi E of Jefferson off US 65.
Lying between the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains, the pools reach 48 miles up the Arkansas River from Conway to Russellville.
The Arkansas River is one of the Mississippi's largest tributaries. It flows 1, 450 miles from the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, through the Royal Gorge, on through Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas to its confluence with the Mississippi River.
Located near the Ozark and Ouachita National Forests, the picturesque shoreline, excellent fishing and abundant wildlife provide ideal conditions for nature enthusiasts and camera bugs.
Located on the Rolling Fork River about 4 mi NW of DeQueen, with 4, 000 acres open to hunters. Whitetail deer is the principal game. Other wildlife includes squirrel, cottontail and swamp rabbit, raccoon, bobwhite quail, and duck.
At Dierks Lake, visitors are afforded many opportunities for an enjoyable outdoor recreation experience. Overnight accommodations, food, bait, tackle, etc. are available in the area.
Greers Ferry Dam stands at the foot of beautiful Round Mountain and in the shadow of Sugar Loaf Mountain. Numerous parks offer modern camping and recreational opportunities. Marinas provide rental services, food and other supplies and services.
Cradled between the Ouachita and Ozark Mountains, Nimrod Lake has proven popular with fishers and hunters since it was completed in 1942. It is the oldest Corps of Engineers lake in the state.
zark Lake extends 36 miles along the Arkansas River. The shoreline of the lake varies from steep bluffs and tree-lined banks to open farm lands and level fields. Many outdoor activities offer excellent recreational opportunities.
DeGray Lake, AR, on the Caddo River, is known for its camping facilities and geological formations. Located in the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains, lake visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, swimming and scuba diving as well.
Located about 50 mi S of Stuttgart. Anglers can fish for bass, crappie, catfish and bream from boats or the riverbanks.The Arkansas River is one of the Mississippi's largest tributaries.
Lock no. 2 is located on the man-made Arkansas Post Canal that connects the Arkansas River with the White River. Wilber D. Mills Dam is located on the main stem of the Arkansas River. Overnight camping is available in Merrisach Lake Park near Lock No.
Located on the eastern and western city limits of Little Rock, the recreation activities provided by Pool 6 attracts many outdoor enthusiasts.
The Arkansas River is one of the Mississippi's largest tributaries. It flows 1, 450 miles from the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, through the Royal Gorge, on through Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas to its confluence with the Mississippi River.
Nestled in the Ozark Mountains of northwest Arkansas, Beaver Lake is a nature lover's delight during all seasons.
Located in the shadow of Mt. Magazine, Arkansas' highest mountain, Blue Mountain Lake offers many recreational opportunities. Modern campgrounds provide many amenities for land- and water-based outdoor activities.
On the Cossatot River about 6 mi NE of Gillham, there is good hunting on 5, 400 acres. Game includes whitetail deer, squirrel, cottontail and swamp rabbit, and bobwhite quail. Most waterfowl are found in the downstream flood plain.
26, 000 acres of submerged timber and an average depth of only 7 ft provide excellent year-round fishing. The uniquely scenic Millwood Lake area is as much birder's paradise as fisherman's.
Norfork Lake provides both open breezy stretches for sailing and quiet, secluded coves which are ideal for water sports. Undeveloped shoreline allows for ample room to enjoy the hills and hollows.
Bull Shoals Lake, located in the beautiful Ozark Mountains, is popular year-round, as each season unfolds a new panorama. Summer contrasts lush green hardwoods and cedar glades against towering rocky bluffs and unusual rock formations.
Lake Ouachita, AR is located on the Ouachita River near the resort spa of Hot Springs. Its crystal-clear waters make the lake a popular site for scuba diving.
Lake Greeson, AR, on the Little Missouri River, has many hunting and fishing opportunities as well as camping, swimming and boating. The lake is a wintering site for bald eagles. A nature trail allows the visitor to reach the site of a cinnabar mine.
The Ozark National Forest covers more than one million acres, mostly in northwest Arkansas. The southernmost portion runs along the Arkansas River valley south to the Ouachita Mountains.
Located in west central Arkansas and southeast Oklahoma, the Ouachita National Forest offers visitors a myriad of opportunities for either 1-day trips or extended vacations filled with relaxation and enjoyment.