| ENTERTAINMENT |
| Lowrey Picwood 11: The Lowrey Picwood 11 movie theater, established in 1941, has been a gathering place movie-goers for decades. Bargain movies are offered Monday nights and during the weekend matinees; opens nightly at 6:30 p.m.; weekends, 12:30 p.m.. 3800 West Main, Russellville; (479) 968-3434. www.picwood11.com |
Russellville Skate Station: Founded in 1997, Skate Station is an indoor roller rink open year round. Public Skating sessions and reservations for birthday, holiday or private parties are available. 1102 East Second St., Russellville; (479) 967-9466. |
| Centerville Super Speedway: Find loads of excitement at Centerville at this quarter-mile dirt oval speedway. The 1000’ drag strip is located 11 miles south of Russellville near Centerville off Hwy. 154. www.centervilledragway.com; (479) 747-3055. |
Extreme Paintball & Laser Tag: Indoor and outdoor facilities; located seven and a half miles north of Russellville off AR Hwy. 7, 1507 Linker Mtn. Rd, Dover. (479) 970-1104; www.doverxtremepaintball.com. |
| Beezer’s Fine Billiards: Test your skills at the local pool hall. The gathering place for a game of billiards, Beezer’s also offers new and used tables, bumpers and accessories. 224 N Shamrock Blvd, Russellville; (479) 968-3559. |
Spa Treatment: Visitors to the Arkansas River Valley can enjoy similar ‘Hot Springs’ spa treatments at a number of local spas and salons. For a list of local businesses, call the Russellville Chamber of Commerce, (479) 968-2530. |
| Sportsworld: A game dating back to Ancient Egypt and traced to Eastern Europe as early as 300 A.D., modern bowling is enjoyed by 95 million people in 90 countries. Enjoy a local game of 10-pin at Sportsworld, 3700 West Main, Russellville. (479) 968-1122. |
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| SIGHT SEEING |
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| Potts Inn: The Potts Inn Museum is one of the best preserved stagecoach stations on the Butterfield Overland mail route between Memphis and Fort Smith. The restored antebellum home (circa 1950) houses a doll museum, house and clothing collections, antique farm equipment and historic photos. Potts Inn Museum, 25 East Ash St., Pottsville, AR. (479) 968-8369. |
Lake Dardanelle State Park Visitor Center: A must-see spot, this unique center overlooking the lake has engaging interactive exhibits and state-of-the-art touch screen kiosks that share information on the park, the area’s water sources and rich history. An aquatic exhibit features four aquariums containing fish found area waterways. (479) 967-5516. |
| River Valley Arts Center: The gallery displays 40 exhibitions annually of local, regional, national and international artists. A non-profit community organization serving the River Valley area offering annual summer musical theater, Summer Arts camp; and art, drama and music classes for all age groups and abilities. On-site gift shop. 1001 East B St., Russellville; www.arvartscenter.org ; (479) 968-2452. |
Petit Jean State Park: Waterfalls, lakes, mountainsides, meadows and 21 miles of hiking trails can be found at Arkansas’s first and flagship state park. Located 45 minutes southeast of Russellville. (501) 727-5441; www.petitjeanstatepark.com. |
| Arkansas River Visitor Center: The Visitor Center offers wildlife exhibits and an interpretive presentation chronicling the development of the Arkansas River. The center overlook is the perfect location to watch barges pass through the Lock and Dam below. Off of AR Hwy. 7, 1598 Lock & Dam Road, Russellville; managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. (479) 968-5008. |
Subiaco Abbey: Established in 1878 as a Benedictine Monastery, the abbey serves as a college preparatory school for boys. Pick up a brochure on-site for a self-guided tour to view the dramatic stone architecture and manicured grounds on Scenic AR Hwy 22 southwest of Russellville. (479) 934-1000. |
| Arkansas Tech Museum: “The Changing Face of Campus” has more than 60,000 items in its history-related collections celebrating the 100-year anniversary of the university. Most of those items are photographs, negatives and documents. Open Tuesday through Thursday, 9-4 and by appointment. 1502 N. El Paso Ave., ATU, Russellville; www.museum. atu.edu. (479) 964-0826. |
River Valley Welcome Center: For local information, be sure to make the River Valley Welcome Center one of your first stops. The center is located at 121 E. Harrell Drive, Russellville; next to Cracker Barrel just off Arkansas Avenue/Hwy. 7 North. (479) 857-9721. |
| Historic Missouri Pacific Railroad Depot: The Russellville Depot was built in 1916 and rededicated in 2004 following completion of a 2 year rehabilitation project. The depot houses a visitor center, railroad museum, community room and the office of Main Street Russellville. The location, and the adjacent Depot Park, serves as home-base for festivals and special events. (479) 967-1437. |
Historical and Heritage Sites: History buffs will enjoy visiting local heritage-rich sites of historical significance. More than 33 locations are noted on the National Register of Historic Places in Pope County alone! For a list, visit the Russellville Chamber of Commerce, 708 W. Main, Russellville; (479) 968-2530. |
| Museum of Automobiles: Atop Petit Jean Mountain, Winthrop Rockefeller constructed a building to the exhibition of quality antique and vintage automobiles cars on October 18, 1964, originally with thirty-three cars on display. Exhibits include an antique gun collection, a display of Arkansas license plates, and a player piano. (501) 727-5427; www.museumofautos.com. |
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| SHOPPING |
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| Bargains Galore on 64: Shop until you drop along Hwy. 64 each year for three full days in August from Fort Smith past Conway to Beebe, Ark. This “travel treasure” event parallels Interstate 40 and boasts 160 miles of yard sales, flea markets, and antiques and collectibles. 1 (888) 568-3552. |
Shop, Dine, Discover: Unique shopping experiences begin in Russellville. From the quaint shops and friendly, locally-owned businesses located from Historic Downtown Russellville throughout the city to nationally-known ‘big box’ retailers and restaurants, shoppers will delight in their discoveries. Russellville has something for everyone. |
| Antique Shopping: The Russellville area offers more than a half-dozen established locations for antique enthusiasts, plus countless shops found north and south on AR Hwy. 7 and beyond. For a list of local businesses, call the Russellville Chamber of Commerce, (479) 968-2530. |
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| EVENTS |
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| Russellville Christmas Parade: This annual parade is a local holiday tradition held on the first Thursday evening following Thanksgiving. The event attracts thousands and is believed to be the largest lit parade in the state of Arkansas. (479) 968-1272. |
ValleyFest: An annual summer event fund raiser for the Boys and Girls Club of the Arkansas River Valley, ValleyFest includes games, a barbeque cook-off, competitive events, concessions, a car show and fantastic live entertainment. For dates and times, call (479) 968-7819. |
| Fall Festival & Chili Cook-off: A fun-filled, day-long street festival held each year on the last Saturday in October. The event, sponsored by Main Street Russellville, is held in Downtown Russellville and is centered round the Historic Missouri-Pacific Railroad Depot and Depot Park. (479) 967-1437. |
Mt. Magazine International Butterfly Festival: At least 91 of Arkansas’s total 127 resident butterfly species can be found on Mt. Magazine’s plateau-like summit. The nation’s “showcase butterfly,” the Diana Fritillary -- seen only occasionally in other parts of the U.S. -- consistently reproduces on the mountain. Mt. Magazine is a living butterfly “Eden.” Enthusiasts gather in late June from around the world to participate in the annual festival first held in 1997. The festival includes an opening ceremony in Downtown Paris, local entertainment, arts & craft vendors and shows, photo contest, a walk-thru Butterfly Conservatory, horticultural and butterfly seminars, nature walks with interpreters and more! (479) 963-2244; www.butterflyfestival.com. |
| Farmer’s Market: Shop the Pope County Farmers’ Market for fresh. locally-grown goods! Located at the West Side Church of Christ in Russellville, the market is open various hours on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. (479) 967-1437. www.popecountyfarmersmarket.com |
MistleToe Market: Shop for a Cause at this annual holiday shopping extravaganza benefiting the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Arkansas River Valley, 600 E. 16th St., (479) 968-7819. |
| Taste of the Valley: Main Street Russellville’s award-winning tasting party features a delicious assortment of food and drink provided by River Valley restaurants, caterers, vineyards, and food service institutions. This event is held the last Thursday in April. (479) 967-4137. www.mainstreetrussellville.org. |
Hot Summer Nights/ Quarterly Artwalk: Join the fun as these two events bring together visitors, musicians and merchants in Historic Downtown Russellville. Shop, Dine, Discover the fun. For dates and times, visit: mainstreetrussellville.org or call (479) 967-1437. |
| OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES |
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| Mt. Magazine State Park: For a breath-taking view atop the highest point in Arkansas, visit Mt. Magazine State Park. Reservations may be made at the park’s magnificent 60-room lodge or one of the 13 cabins. Located on Scenic Highway 309, 43 miles southwest of Russellville. www.mountmagazine.com (877) 665-6343 |
Sunset Cinema: An outdoor movie theater operating the first Thursday of each month during June, July and August, presentations are rated “G” and begin 30 minutes after dusk on a large screen outside the Lake Dardanelle State Park Visitors Center. An inexpensive, family-focused promotion of the Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Russellville A&P Commission. (479) 968-2530. |
| Mt. Nebo State Park: View sweeping views of the Arkansas River or hike/bike fourteen miles of winding trails situated 1,350 feet above the River Valley. Mt. Nebo State Park is one of two Arkansas State Parks offering launch sites for hang gliding enthusiasts. Campsites and cabins available. www.mountnebo.com (479) 229-3655. |
Disc Golf: A sport played much like traditional golf but with major differences. Disc golfers use flying discs, or a type of Frisbee. The 6,000-foot, 18-hole, 57-par course which opened Sept. 2007 is “champion caliber.” Located 0.8 of a mile north of Russellville on Pleasant View Rd., off AR Hwy. 7. For information, contact the Recreation and Parks Dept.; (479) 968-1272. |
| Ozark Mountains and Buffalo National River: Starting in early October and running through the middle of November, the mountains sights along Hwy 7 explode with vibrate fall colors spanning the rainbow. The Ozark Mountains and the Buffalo National River, the country’s first national river with 95,000 acres of public land along its corridor, are a must to see in the autumn. Hidden nearby are natural springs, caves, waterfalls, natural bridges, and box-like canyons. |
Galla Creek Golf: The 18-hole course features 5,864 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 71. The course rating is 70.0 and it has a slope rating of 122. Designed by James Mackey, the course opened in 1994; 141 Golf Club Lane, Pottsville; (479) 890-6653. |
| Bona Dea Trails: If trails or biking are your style, the Bona Dea Trails and Sanctuary is a must. Over 186 acres and 5.5 miles of trails and wetlands and wooded lowlands provide a perfect habitat for 200 species of birds. (479) 968-5008. |
Skate Board Park: An outside concrete surface designed by Wally Hollyday Design and California Skateparks. Open daylight to dark; 205 S. Jonesboro, Harmon Park, Russellville. (479) 968-1272. |
| Motorbikes on Scenic Hwy 7: Gas up your Harley, Honda, Kawasaki or whatever type of motorcycle you ride. Hit the roads in Pope County and travel north to scenic Hwy 7 for some of the most beautiful scenery in Arkansas. |
M.J. Hickey Swimming Pool: A popular spot to cool off during the summer, this municipally-managed pool generally opens on Memorial Day. ARC swimming lessons, pool passes, adult swim and private party reservations are available. (479) 968-1272. |
| Big Piney: Want adventure? Canoe the Big Piney Creek nestled in the heart of the Ozarks. Contact Moore Outdoors for water levels, rates, or to make reservations for a great outdoor outing on one of Arkansas’s best waterways. (479) 331-3606; www.mooreoutdoors.com. |
Water Skiing: Jackson’s Hole, located on the Illinois Bayou of Lake Dardanelle, is home to the Russellville Ski Club. Open to the public, west on Pleasant View Dr., cross Twin Bridges, turn right. (479) 293-4590 or 968-2997. |
| Hollow Bend Wildlife Management: Established to provide essential habitat for migratory birds in the Mississippi Valley Fly-Way, this area has over 7,000 acres of agricultural fields, bottomlands, forest and open water. Home to several species of ducks, bald eagles, Canadian geese and other wildlife (varying during the year.) 10448 Holla Bend Rd., Dardanelle, (479) 229-4300. |
Fishing /Bow Fishing: Pope County alone is home to 22 lakes, among them 35,000-acre Lake Dardanelle, excellent for fishing and other water sports. For directions, visit: www.fishingworks.com/lakes/arkansas/pope. For the ride of a lifetime and awesome bow fishing contact Southern Draw bow fishing at (479) 264-0596. |
| Hang Gliding: Aficionados of this aerial activity will find launch sites at Mt. Nebo and Mt. Magazine State Parks. Even if you don’t participate—watching can be just as exciting! Call for regulations and weather conditions. Mt. Magazine State Park, 16878 Highway 309 South, Paris, (479) 963-8502; Mt. Nebo State Park, 16728 West State Highway 155, Dardanelle, (479) 229-3655. www.arkansasstateparks.com. |
Biking: Arkansas is a vacation paradise for the bicycling enthusiast. Miles of highways and scenic byways, plus three awesome mountains located within 50 miles of Russellville make this a chosen training location for many. Bring your own or rent one from one of three local State Parks. For trails and event schedules, visit www.cyclingarkansas.com. |
| Sunset Cruise: Take a sunset cruise on Lake Dardanelle to relax and enjoy the outdoor beauty. Call for cruise dates and times. You never know, you might even get to see a few eagles. (479) 967-5516 |
Kayaking: From peaceful float trips to rushing Class IV rapids, the area offers open waters, quiet coves and the ultimate outdoor experience. Rentals available from Lake Dardanelle State Park (479) 967-5516 and independent merchants. Information on water levels, rates or reservations available from Moore Outdoors. (479) 331-3606. www.mooreoutdoors.com |
| Russellville Country Club: Founded in 1926 by an enterprising group of 71 men. For information on Green Fees and membership, call the club at (479) 968-1139. 186 Country Club Plaza north of Russellville off AR Hwy. 7, Russellville. www.golfrcc.com. |
Russellville City Parks: The city maintains 12 parks. Most facilities offer modern play equipment, pavilions, basketball courts, baseball fields, concessions and restroom facilities. Facilities also offer large pavilions, group-grills, tennis/basketball/pickleball/sand volleyball courts, walking trails, swimming pool, tournament-sized softball fields, seven-field baseball complex, 15 soccer fields and multi-purpose trails. For a complete list of park amenities, pavilion reservations and additional information, call the Russellville Dept. of Parks and Recreation, (479) 968-1272. www.russellvillearkansas.org/parks. |
