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Set where the Arkansas River widens into Lake Dardanelle, Russellville sits between the Ozark Mountains to the north and the Ouachita foothills to the south. It is the seat of Pope County and home to Arkansas Tech University, whose students keep the town lively through the school year.
The town grew up along the railroad in the 1870s, and its Missouri Pacific depot and brick Main Street still recall that era. Today Russellville is best known as an outdoor base: Lake Dardanelle State Park sits right on the edge of town, with fishing, boating and a visitor center that tells the story of the Trail of Tears water route that passed this way on the river.
Within a short drive are the Bona Dea Trails wetlands, the sheer cliff of Dardanelle Rock, the hilltop cabins of Mount Nebo State Park, winter bald eagles at Holla Bend refuge and the clear swimming holes of Long Pool in the Ozark National Forest. Petit Jean State Park, with its waterfall and canyon trails, is under an hour away.
A state park on a 34,000-acre reservoir of the Arkansas River, with campsites, boat ramps, a fishing pier and kayak rentals. Its visitor center has aquariums of native fish and exhibits on the Trail of Tears water route. The park hosts major bass fishing tournaments, so book campsites early.
Arkansas's first state park, on a mountain about an hour southeast of Russellville, known for the 95-foot Cedar Falls, rustic CCC stone lodge and bluff overlooks above the Arkansas River. The Cedar Falls Trail is steep but short. Stay for sunset at the overlook near the lodge.
A flat-topped mountain rising about 1,350 feet above the valley, reached by a steep switchback road unsuitable for long trailers. Rustic cabins built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, a pool and trails circle the summit, and Sunset Point looks west over Lake Dardanelle. Hang gliders launch here too.
A city nature preserve of woods, ponds and wetlands with several miles of paved and gravel trails, popular with walkers, runners and birders. Boardwalks cross the marshy sections and benches overlook the water. It is right in town, so it makes an easy morning or evening outing.
A Forest Service site in the Ozark National Forest north of Dover, where Big Piney Creek forms a deep, clear pool below tall bluffs. It has campsites, picnic tables and a popular summer swimming spot, and floaters often launch nearby. Summer weekends get crowded, so arrive early.
The state university at the heart of Russellville, with a leafy campus of brick buildings, a historic district of older halls and athletic venues where the Wonder Boys and Golden Suns play. Visitors can stroll the grounds, catch a game or performance, and eat at the cafes and restaurants nearby.
Russellville's railroad-era downtown along Main Street, with brick commercial buildings, antique shops, local restaurants and murals. It hosts seasonal events and farmers markets organized by Main Street Russellville. Park once and walk the few blocks between the depot and the courthouse area.
A restored early twentieth-century railroad depot listed on the National Register of Historic Places, a reminder that the town grew up along the railroad. Its brick walls and deep eaves are a highlight of a downtown walk. Trains still pass on the adjacent tracks, so take care when photographing.
A massive sandstone bluff on the Dardanelle side of the river, long a landmark for travelers and the site of an 1820 council between the Quapaw and U.S. officials beneath a grove of oaks. A park at its base has river views and interpretive signs. It is a short drive across the river from Russellville.
A national wildlife refuge on an old bend of the Arkansas River, managed for waterfowl and wintering birds. From November to February visitors often spot bald eagles, geese and ducks along the auto tour route. Binoculars are essential, and a small entrance fee is charged per vehicle.
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Log in to add photosPhoto: Valis55, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Valis55, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Valis55, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: National Trails Office (US National Park Service), Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
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Photo: Valis55, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Valis55, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Valis55, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Valis55, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Valis55, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
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Photo: National Trails Office (US National Park Service), Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
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Photo: National Trails Office (US National Park Service), Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: National Trails Office (US National Park Service), Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: National Trails Office (US National Park Service), Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
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