Kim Williams

Crowley’s Ridge, located in the Upper Delta of Arkansas, is a unique geological formation believed to have been created by water, ice, and wind action over a 50-million-year period. The ridge is actually an island formed by ancient paths of the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers.

An interpretive boardwalk takes visitors into the heart of this headwater swamp and provides a view of the stone survey monument. Wayside exhibits tell the story of the Louisiana Purchase and describe the flora and fauna found in this ecosystem.

Turkey Scratch is a small community located in Arkansas’s Lower Delta, with part in Lee County and part in Phillips County. It’s known for two legendary musicians who called it home: Robert Lockwood, Jr., and Levon Helm.

Located in Monticello, in Arkansas’ Lower Delta, is the Allen House. It’s a beautiful home with a creepy past…and some say…a haunted present.

Monticello, located in the Lower Delta, is one of the largest towns in southeast Arkansas. It’s located on the Drew County Loop of the Great River Road National Scenic Byway, the state’s first All-American Road.

The Arkansas Delta is fortunate to have a variety of outdoor opportunities year-round for residents and visitors. Whether it’s fishing or hiking or birdwatching, a great choice for some outdoor fun is Wapanocca National Wildlife Refuge in Turrell.

Here are some suggestions of locations to visit in the Lower Delta to learn more about the region’s culture and heritage. Plan to visit a few or all of them for your customized tour of southeastern Arkansas.

Let’s start with a little history. Arkansas has “dry” and “wet” counties, and it has nothing to do with rainfall. Wet counties can serve alcohol…dry cannot.

Delta Dirt Distillery, a family-owned craft distillery located in historic Helena, opened its doors officially in April 2021, featuring their original sweet potato vodka. Their motto was, and remains, to “Raise Spirits in the Delta.” In 2022, Delta Dirt unveiled their new Tall Cotton Gin.

Blytheville is located in the northeast corner of the state, near the Missouri state line, and if you’re headed south, is the first Arkansas stop along the Great River Road National Scenic Byway. Established as a lumber mill town in the 1880s, it also served as a center for the cotton-growing industry, a Strategic Air Command (SAC) airbase and a gateway city for The Natural State. There’s a literal arch on Highway 61 that “welcomes” you to Arkansas. It’s the only archway over a U.S. highway in A…