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 nonprofit community organization offering summer musical theatre and summer arts camp along with 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.

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.

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.

Historic Missouri Pacific Railroad Depo
The Russellville Depot was built in 1916 and rededicated in 2004 following completion of a two-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 serve as home base for festivals and special events. (479) 967-1437.

Museum of Automobiles
Atop Petit Jean Mountain, Winthrop Rockefeller constructed a building to exhibit 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.

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.

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.

Russellville Christmas Parade
This annual parade is a local holiday tradition held on the first Thursday of December. The event attracts thousands and is believed to be the largest lit parade in Arkansas. (479) 968-1272.

Balloons Over Russellville
Hot Air Balloon rides, Helicopter Rides, and more! Don’t miss out on this annual festival! in early May each year.

Summer Concert Series
Main Street Russellville’s summer concert series features local and regional talent at Depot Park in Russellville Downtown!  Bring your blankets and lawn chairs throughout the summer for a special treat. (479) 967-1437.

Pope County Fair
Nothing beats the smell of a corn dog and cotton candy at the Pope County Fair. Begun in 1941, the fair has been an annual tradition in Pope County Arkansas for over 65 years. Get up close and personal with farm animals, fun, foods and amusement rides each September. Pope County Fair Association, (479) 967-0320; www.popecountyfairarkansas.com.

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 around the Historic Missouri-Pacific Railroad Depot and Depot Park. (479) 967-1437.

Pickle Fest in Atkins
In 1945, Goldsmith Pickle Company invested $75,000 to build a pickle plant in town. Townspeople raised an additional $15,000 to build and equip the plant that became the Atkins Pickle Company. The plant sustained the local economy for more than half a century. Pickle Fest honors the pickle. Mr. Dill Pickle & Miss Sweet Pickle pageants, pickle juice drinking, pickle eating contests and more. Always held the third weekend in May.

Pope County Farmers Market
The Pope County Farmers Market services the Russellville, AR area. They offer fresh, locally-grown produce, meats, honey, and eggs; and locally-made baked goods, crafts and more. Visit them in Downtown Russellville at the Depot Park each Saturday from 8am-1pm, or Tuesday evenings from 4pm-7pm! Check out their Facebook page for more information.

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.

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: www.mainstreetrussellville.org or call (479) 967-1437.

Mt. Magazine State Park
For a breathtaking 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. Mt. Nebo State Park: View sweeping views of the Arkansas River or hike/bike 14 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

Mt. Nebo State Park
View sweeping views of the Arkansas River or hike/bike 14 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.

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.

Ozark Mountains and Buffalo National River
Starting in early October and running through the middle of November, the mountain’s sights along Hwy 7 explode with vibrant 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.

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.

Holla Bend Wildlife Management
Established to provide essential habitat for migratory birds in the Mississippi Flyway, 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 throughout the year. 10448 Holla Bend Rd., Dardanelle, (479) 229-4300.

Mountain Biking Ouita Coal Company & Old Post trails
Maintained by the River Valley Chapter of the Ozark Off-Road Cyclists Club, Ouita Coal Company Trail is a nine-mile, single track lollipop trail system. It’s a great stopover for riders heading south to the Ouachitas or north to the trail playgrounds in Bentonville. Old Post is a “fast, flowy trail near the banks of the Arkansas River” for any level of riding ability. Riders can make a full day of Old Post Park: eight miles of singletrack, an 18-hole professional disc golf course, tennis, basketball and volleyball courts decorate this Corp of Engineers owned park

Monument Trail at Mt. Nebo
This 25 mile Monument Trail system has something for everyone, including spectacular views, waterfalls, pine forests, winding rock gardens, and gravity – down and up.

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.

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.

Disc Golf
A sport played much like traditional golf but with major differences. Disc golfers use flying discs, or a type of Frisbee. Russellville features two 18-hole “champion caliber” disc golf courses. The first is located 0.8 miles north of Russellville on Pleasant View Rd., and the second at 1598 Lock & Dam Road, off of AR Hwy. 7. For information, contact the Recreation and Parks Dept. at (479) 968-1272

Russellville Connected Trail System
The city of Russellville has put its best foot forward in the creation of the Russellville Connected Trail System. This coordinated effort links all of Russellville’s hiking and biking trails by a network of paths throughout the city using its existing roads, sidewalks, and a few new passages.