Great River Road in Arkansas captures the imagination. Look out over the river, and try to comprehend the complex layers of history that have been acted out along its banks. Reflect on the large communities of the Hopewell Indian culture -- the most complex society in North America (circa A.D. 700 to 1400) -- and early French colonial settlements and fortifications.

Or reflect on the frightened, cautious, and optimistic eyes of slaves seeking freedom on the Underground Railroad. Watch as nearly 15 percent of the nation's shipping passes through the river's complex system of locks and dams. And look upward and see that the river flows under the spreading wings of the newly thriving American bald eagle.

The Arkansas section of the Great River Road has some varied architectural highlights. You will want to be sure to see them as you travel from north to south on the southern part of the byway.

Marianna: Begin in Marianna at the Chamber of Commerce, and pick up a map of the walking tour of the historic downtown district. Around 45 of the buildings here are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Also in Marianna is the Missouri-Pacific railroad depot, built in 1915.

Great River Road Information
Length: 159 miles
Time to allow: Three hours
States it runs through: Arkansas, Louisiana, Missouri
Cities it runs through: Eudora, St. Charles, West Memphis, Blytheville
Considerations: During the winter, there may be some icy patches in rural parts of the roadway. There is one 11.5 mile segment through the St. Francis National Forest that is gravel, but it is well maintained and accessible for all vehicles.

Helena: Helena is a fascinating port town with a mixture of Mississippi River charm, blues music, Civil War history, and a generous blend of building styles.

Helena's Delta Cultural Center tells the story of this area. Also downtown is the Cherry Street Pavilion, a former theater with grand Spanish Colonial Revival detailing, and more.

First United Methodist Church: In DeWitt is the First United Methodist Church. It is an excellent example of Charles Thompson architecture.

Rohwer Relocation Center: Though only a few scattered building foundations and the cemetery remain, the Rohwer Relocation Center had a very basic functional style of architecture. The camp was opened in 1942 to intern Japanese American evacuees from California during World War II. The Rohwer Memorial Cemetery is a National Historic Landmark.

Arkansas City: Arkansas City is one of the few remaining examples of an old Mississippi River town in eastern Arkansas. A walking tour of the historic downtown area yields a variety of building styles.

Detailed map of eastern Arkansas, highlighting Great River Road.
This map will guide you along the Great River Road.

Eudora: Eudora has some interesting sites. The Dr. A. G. Anderson House is a restored 1901 home. The Rubye and Henry Connerly Museum offers a quaint bit of local history in a historic grocery store. And the American Legion Post is a 1934 rustic-style structure.

Sunset Fishing on the Great River Road
©Byways.org
Sunset fishing on the Mississippi river is a fine way to spend an evening
along the Arkansas portion of the Great River Road.

This drive traverses the rivers, lakes, and swamps of the Arkansas delta, offering a unique look at a southern culture making the transition from agriculture to modern industry.

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