Arkansas Great River Road Trip

Start your Arkansas Great River Road Trip in the city of Lake Village, and take in the scenic views as you drive through De Witt, Helena-West Helena, and Memphis. Along the way, you can explore the rich cultural heritage of Arkansas, with attractions like the Delta Blues Museum in Helena-West Helena and the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis. The total distance of the road trip is around 541 km and is best completed in three days. The best time of year to take this road trip is in the spring or fall, when the road conditions are optimal and the temperatures are mild. This road trip is suitable for all drivers, and can be managed on a moderate budget.

Lake Village is a small town located in the extreme southeastern corner of Arkansas, on the bank of the Mississippi River. It is the starting point of the Arkansas Great River Road Trip, a road trip through the Arkansas Delta that offers beautiful views of the river and its wildlife. The town of Lake Village offers a variety of attractions for travelers. One of the most popular is the Lakeport Plantation, a Greek Revival-style home built in 1859. The plantation offers guided tours that provide a glimpse into the history of the area and the stories of the former residents. The Lake Village Museum is also worth a visit, with its collection of artifacts and photographs that tell the story of the town's past. For those arriving by air, the closest international airport is Memphis International Airport (MEM), located just across the river in Tennessee. Car rental services are available at the airport, making it easy to start the Arkansas Great River Road Trip. Lake Village is a great place to start exploring the Arkansas Delta. There are plenty of attractions to discover and stunning views of the river to enjoy. Whether travelers are looking for a weekend getaway or a longer road trip, Lake Village is the perfect starting point.

Welcome, road-trippers! This stage of your journey will take you from Lake Village to De Witt, a distance of 91mi that can be covered in less than 2 hours. Get ready for an amazing ride! To start your journey, visit the beautiful Lake Village, where you can take a stroll in the park, take a boat tour around the lake, and enjoy the stunning views of the Mississippi River. Once you have taken in the sights of Lake Village, you can begin your drive to De Witt. On the way, make sure to visit the historic town of Eudora, where you can explore the old buildings and visit the Eudora Historical Museum. Your next stop is the charming town of Stuttgart, where you can visit the Rice and Duck Museum, enjoy local cuisine at the restaurants, and take a walk along Main Street. Finally, you will arrive in De Witt, where you can take a tour of the historic district and visit the local shops. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

Are you ready for a road trip from De Witt to Helena-West Helena? This 71mi journey will take you less than two hours and you'll get to explore two interesting cities. Your first stop is De Witt, a small city known for its historic downtown and the DeWitt County Courthouse, a beautiful building that dates back to 1876. You can also visit the historic St. John's Church and the DeWitt County Museum. Your next stop is Helena-West Helena, one of the oldest cities in Arkansas. Here, you can explore the Delta Cultural Center, a museum dedicated to preserving and celebrating the culture of the Arkansas Delta. You can also visit the Helena Confederate Monument, a memorial to the Confederate soldiers who fought in the Civil War. So, pack your bags and get ready for an exciting road trip from De Witt to Helena-West Helena! Don't forget to check the itinerary for more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route.

Embark on an exciting road trip from Helena-West Helena to Memphis! This 102mi journey will take you less than three hours and you will be able to explore some of the most fascinating sites in both locations. In Helena-West Helena, make sure to visit the Delta Cultural Center and the Old Town Historic District. The Delta Cultural Center is a museum dedicated to the history of the Delta region and the Old Town Historic District is a great place to explore the city’s past. As you make your way to Memphis, take some time to appreciate the beauty of the area. Along the way, you can stop at some of the most scenic spots, such as the Mississippi River, the Crowley's Ridge Parkway, and the Loosahatchie River. Once you arrive in Memphis, you’ll be able to explore some of the city’s most iconic attractions, such as the National Civil Rights Museum, the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, and the Memphis Zoo. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the Itinerary of this stage. Have a great road trip!

Are you ready for an amazing road trip from Memphis to Blytheville? This 73mi journey will take you fewer than two hours and is part of a larger tour. You will be mesmerized by the scenic road and breathtaking views. Start your trip in Memphis, Tennessee, the birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll and the home of the blues. Visit the National Civil Rights Museum, the Memphis Zoo, and the iconic Graceland. Continue your journey to Blytheville, Arkansas, where you can enjoy the Arkansas Welcome Center, Delta Gateway Museum, and the Blytheville Arboretum. Check out the historic downtown area and the nearby Delta Cultural Center. Be sure to take advantage of the attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. More information is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So hop in your car and get ready for an adventure!

Blytheville, Arkansas, is the perfect ending point for the Arkansas Great River Road Trip. Located in the Mississippi River Delta, it's a great place to explore the deep South. The town is full of historic buildings, quaint shops, and great restaurants. One of the must-see attractions in Blytheville is the Arkansas Aeroplex, a former World War II airbase. The Aeroplex is now home to the Arkansas Aviation Historical Society Museum, which features a variety of vintage military aircraft. For a taste of local history, the Blytheville Heritage Museum is a great place to visit. The museum has exhibits about the town's early settlers, the Civil War, and the Great Depression. For some outdoor fun, the Big Lake National Wildlife Refuge is a great place to explore. The refuge is home to a variety of wildlife, including migratory birds, white-tailed deer, and American alligators. Visitors can also enjoy fishing, boating, and wildlife watching. For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is Memphis International Airport (MEM). From there, it's a short drive to Blytheville. At the end of the Arkansas Great River Road Trip, Blytheville is the perfect place to explore the history and culture of the deep South. With its historic buildings, quaint shops, and great restaurants, it's an ideal destination for a road trip.

Before you set off

The Arkansas Great River Road Trip is an immersive experience beginning in the charming town of Lake Village and winding through the heartland of the Arkansas Delta, featuring stops in historic towns like De Witt and Helena-West Helena, before culminating in the iconic city of Memphis, Tennessee. Spanning approximately 541 km along the Mississippi River, this journey is a tapestry of breathtaking river landscapes, rich cultural heritage sites, and the deep musical roots of the American South.

Key Destinations and Top Sights:

• Lake Village: This starting point is nestled on the shores of beautiful Lake Chicot, Arkansas's largest natural lake and a haven for fishing, boating, and wildlife observation.
• De Witt: A picturesque stop known for its surrounding natural landscapes, where travelers can soak in the tranquil beauty of the Arkansas Delta.
• Helena-West Helena: A treasure trove of history, it houses the Delta Cultural Center, which celebrates the region's intriguing past, and the King Biscuit Blues Festival, an annual event that honors the legacy of Delta Blues.
• Memphis: The final jewel in the crown, Memphis boasts the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel, the assassination site of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and is a pilgrimage site for music lovers, being the birthplace of Rock 'n' Roll and home to the legendary Sun Studio and Graceland, Elvis Presley's former residence.

Best Time to Go:

The Road Trip is most pleasant during spring (March to May) or fall (September to November), when the landscape is at its most vibrant and the weather offers a perfect balance for both outdoor adventures and comfortable driving.

Potential Risks:

• The Mississippi Delta region can experience unpredictable weather; thus, checking forecasts and traveling outside of peak summer or winter can help avoid extreme conditions.
• Remote stretches require a well-maintained vehicle; ensure a thorough check-up before embarking to prevent breakdowns in sparsely populated areas.

Facts for Roadtrippers:

• The drive can be budget-friendly, with many free or low-cost attractions along the way.
• The route is accessible for drivers with any level of expertise, with straightforward Roads that are easy to navigate.
• Allocating at least 3 days for this journey allows you to embrace the relaxed pace of the Delta and appreciate each unique destination.

A good choice for:

The Arkansas Great River Road Trip is a journey through the heart of America's cultural landscape, offering a vivid exploration of the Mississippi River's influence on the region's history, music, and spirit. It's an enriching experience that resonates with the soulful sounds of the blues, the struggles and triumphs of civil rights, and the serene beauty of the river's natural surroundings.