This Quiet Arkansas City Is Hiding In Plain Sight
Few towns epitomize Arkansas' diverse landscape the way Russellville does. Russellville is nestled between the Ouachita and the Ozark Mountains, on the banks of the Arkansas River and Lake Dardanelle. Russellville boasts the best of both worlds: access to state parks and outdoor recreational activities in every direction, as well as a vibrant downtown. Any given day of the year in Russellville lets you venture outdoors or attend a community event in town. This quiet Arkansas city is hiding in plain sight and deserves a spot on everyone's must-visit list.
Downtown Russellville
Historic downtown Russellville is open every day of the year and ready to greet residents and visitors alike. Downtown Russellville is filled with unique stores and boutiques, art galleries, many great places to eat, and is the site of different festivals and events held in town throughout the year. The Russellville Depot, the former Missouri-Pacific Railroad Depot, operates today as a space that hosts community events, including the Downtown Art Walk, which runs on the first Friday of March, June, September, and December. On these Art Walks, numerous locations around downtown feature local artists and musicians with vendors selling food and drinks. The depot also has an outdoor stage for live performances and houses the Railroad Museum.
Spend some time exploring downtown and visit local establishments like P.J.'s Corner, an antique store specializing in jewelry, artwork, and antiques. Their 10,000 square feet of space is filled with vintage items dating from the 1850s to the 1950s. The Arkansas River Valley Arts Center houses a gallery with monthly exhibits and runs several painting and pottery classes in its classroom. Brangus Steakhouse offers generous portions and a cozy ambiance, making it an ideal place for a variety of occasions, from casual dining to family gatherings.
Lake Dardanelle State Park
Lake Dardanelle State Park is located in two areas: one in Russellville, and the other in Dardanelle. Lake Dardanelle is a 34,000 acre reservoir on the Arkansas River. It allows for a multitude of outdoor recreation, including hiking, camping, picnicking, boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Additional facilities include a fishing pier, boardwalk, 57 campsites, a trail, a swimming beach, and a visitors center that houses five aquariums.
The park is a designated Trail of Tears National Historic Site, which refers to the forced removal of Cherokees from their native homelands. The visitor center features exhibits that detail the story of their removal. While you observe exhibits, you can look out across the water at the bluff line on the far shore, which is the border of the original river channel. The Cherokee and other tribesmen travelled there during the journey between their eastern homeland and what is now current-day Oklahoma.
Other Nearby State Parks
The Arkansas River Valley is home to three other state parks that are accessible from Russellville: Mount Nebo State Park, Mount Magazine State Park, and Petit Jean State Park. Mount Nebo State Park is situated on top of the 1,350-foot-high Mount Nebo, which grants panoramic views of the Arkansas River. There are many rustic-style cabins, pavilions, bridges, and 32.6 miles of multi-use trails that the 1930s-era Civilian Conservation Corps constructed. The cabins are available to rent, and although they date back to the 1930s, they are loaded with modern amenities, including satellite television, climate control, and full kitchens. Twelve of the 15 cabins available are perched atop the bluff and have views of the river valley below.
Mount Magazine State Park is home to Arkansas’ highest point. At 2,753 feet, Mount Magazine offers sweeping views and is a premier destination for outdoor sports such as mountain biking, horseback riding, backpacking, ATV riding, technical rock climbing, and hang gliding. For less extreme outdoor enthusiasts, hiking trails lead to scenic viewpoints, picnic areas, and a visitor center. Accommodation options include The Lodge at Mount Magazine, which has 60 guest rooms, an on-site restaurant, a heated indoor swimming pool, and views of the Petit Jean River Valley and Blue Mountain Lake.
Petit Jean State Park is Arkansas’ first state park and features over 20 miles of hiking trails, including one that leads to the 95-foot-high Cedar Falls. The park’s rugged landscape has influenced the accommodation’s rustic-style of native log and stone, including Mather Lodge, a 24-room lodge that overlooks Cedar Creek Canyon. The lodge is equipped with a restaurant, meeting rooms, and a gift shop. Near the lodge are private cabins and camping facilities.
Arkansas' Hidden Gem
Russellville is a gem of a quiet city in Arkansas. Aside from its bustling, vibrant downtown and endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, it is also part of lesser-known United States history. Whether travelers are looking for a quiet city to get off the beaten path, to immerse themselves in the peacefulness of nature, or to soak up history, Russellville is open and waiting to be explored. This quiet city is often overlooked, but has proven to be a worthwhile retreat for anyone looking for an escape.
