Arkansas Post National Memorial

Things To Do Near Arkansas Post National Memorial

The Arkansas Post was established in 1686 as a trading post on the lower Mississippi River. French and Spanish people traded with the Quapaw Indians. In the present day, it is a monument rich in history and natural beauty. You can hike the trails and enjoy unique plants like the American lotus. There is plenty of wildlife like deer, raccoons, or alligators, and if you are a bird watcher, you will enjoy a variety of migratory and resident birds like bald eagles, turkey, and waterfowl.

Hiking Trails

• Knapp Trail and Plum Bayou Trail Loop

  This trail is near Scott, AR, and is a perfect spot to take the family. It features a lake and is an easy walk. The trail and boardwalk lead you through a prehistoric Indian site. You will see three of the 18 mounds that were once in the earthen embankment. The guided tour will help to give you a glimpse into the past. Dogs can come too, but they must stay on a leash.

  Location

  Williams Township, Arkansas 72142

  Length

  2.5 miles

  Intensity

  Easy

• Delta View Trail

  Delta View Trail is known for a gorgeous array of wildflowers. It is in Cane Creek State Park near Star City. This is a serene quiet walk where you may be able to spot deer. The trail is characterized by gentle hills. When you get to the one-mile mark, there is a bench where you can enjoy a stunning view of Cane Creek Lake. This trail is a great opportunity for interpretive programs and the perfect place to view wildlife and get some fresh air and exercise.

  Location

  Lincoln County, Arkansas 71667

  Length

  2.3 miles

  Intensity

  Easy

• Champion Baldcypress Tree Trail

  On this trail, you will be able to see the largest and oldest tree in Arkansas. It is 14 feet in diameter and 126 feet tall. These trees are home to many bird species like wading birds and bald eagles. Black bears also enjoy making their dens in them. Be sure to bring your fishing pole along so you can catch a little lunch while you are there. You might want to wear boots as well since sometimes the trail can get muddy.

  Location

  Prairie Township, Arkansas

  Length

  2.3 miles

  Intensity

  Moderate

Sightseeing

• Delta Rivers Nature Center

  The Delta Rivers Nature Center showcases a land shaped by rivers and teeming with wildlife. You can see cicadas, tree frogs, bobcats, bears, alligators, and so many more. The center is there to teach you about the wetlands and the wildlife that live there. You can also enjoy the aquariums or take a walk on the trails. The park covers 130 acres with more than two miles of trails.

  Location

  Little Rock, Arkansas

• White River National Wildlife Refuge

  President Roosevelt established this refuge in 1935 to protect wintering migrating waterfowl. The refuge is also the home of the only native black bear in the state. Explore over 300 different lakes and ponds in the area, the hardwood forest, and the White River. You can hunt, fish, or just enjoy wildlife viewing. Follow the hiking trails. There is also a 3.3-mile canoe trail on H Lake that you will enjoy paddling.

  Location

  St. Charles, Arkansas

Museums

• Arkansas Post National Memorial

  The visitor center and museum have exhibits that cover over 300 years of history at the post. They also have a 20-minute film called “Arkansas Post: Echoes of the Past.” You can also tour the historic townsite and see musket and cannon demonstrations.

  Location

  Gillett, Arkansas

• Museum of AR Grand Prairie

  This museum was created to record Arkansas County’s history and heritage, everything from producing rice to duck hunting. The exhibits show off how common home life was back then, as well as what entertainment and education they had back in the old days. The Waterfowl Wing exhibit features all kinds of waterfowl and information about them. There are also exhibits of farm equipment back in history.

  Location

  Stuttgart, Arkansas

• Desha County Museum

  The Desha County Museum is a collection of ten buildings that portray life in a typical southern Arkansas farming community. This museum has some amazing historical collections. There are shops, homes, war memorabilia, farm equipment, and exhibits to explore. The staff has wonderful insights into the history of the area.

  Location

  Dumas, Arkansas

Nearby Shops and Restaurants

• McCain Mall

  The McCain Mall is a fun adventure of shopping with 96 stores to explore. It has been open since 1973 with four anchor stores, including JCPenney, Regal McCain Mall, RPX, and Dillard’s.

  Location

  3929 McCain Blvd, North Little Rock, AR 72116

• Park Plaza Mall

  The Park Plaza Mall was opened in 1960 and is in midtown. The mall has great shopping, including stores like Victoria’s Secret, Custom Clothing & Tees, and a Build-A-Bear Workshop. You can also grab a meal while you are there at places like Chick-fil-A, Mandarin Express, or Auntie Anne’s. They have great deals on their website so you can get the most for your money.

  Location

  6000 W Markham St, Little Rock, AR 72205

• Pendleton Sandbar

  The Pendleton Sandbar is known for mouth-watering steaks and seafood. They offer great food, reasonable prices, and excellent customer service. A nice view will definitely broaden your smile to complete the perfect dining experience.

  Location

  170 Pendleton Ln, Dumas, AR 71639

• Big Boys BBQ

  Big Boys BBQ has a reputation for its tasty barbecue. They offer appetizers while you wait on your order of pork, sausage, chicken, ribs, or brisket. They also serve fish and shrimp as well as a children’s menu.

  Location

  437 Highway 65 S, Dumas, AR 71639

How To Get To Arkansas Post National Memorial

The Arkansas Post National Memorial is about an hour and a half southeast of Little Rock, Arkansas. From there, take Interstate 530 south to Pine Bluff. Then head east on Interstate 65 to the small town of Gould. Go through Gould and head east on Interstate 212. Follow that highway to Pendleton. From Pendleton, take Highway 1 up to the Arkansas Post Museum. Then follow Highway 169 east to reach the Arkansas Post National Memorial. The park is open from 8 a.m. until dark and only closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.

Address

1741 Old Post Road, Gillett, AR 72055

Fee: Entry fee $0

Visiting Arkansas Post National Memorial is a must if you are near the state. Not only will you learn and experience the rich history of the area, but you can enjoy the vast array of outdoor activities as well. This monument covers a huge area, so traveling by RV gives you the flexibility to explore all it has to offer as you enjoy your walk in the past.