A drive into Delta region shows Arkansas’ rich farming history
Outdoor writer and photographer Corbet Deary is featured regularly in The Sentinel-Record. Today, Deary takes readers along for a drive into the Delta.
Last week’s destination article lead us in a southward direction and alongside three Civil War battlefields. Well, this week, we will strike out in yet another direction. Although the terrain is comparable, there is one noticeable difference. There are far more farming practices in eastern Arkansas. In fact, agriculture plays a huge role in the very survival of a majority of the people who reside in this section of the state.
In turn, those embarking upon this particular drive will have the opportunity to see acres upon acres of farmland. It won’t be uncommon to drive alongside rice fields, cotton fields, cornfields and huge stands of soybeans. And I can’t think of a better time of the year to see these operations, as the plants have flourished as a result of ample precipitation, producing beautiful, vibrant-green pallets of colors.
Although one could enjoy this entire excursion without ever getting out of their vehicle, I purposely chose a route that might prove of interest to those who might favor getting out and stretching their legs every now and then. Yep, there are several interesting destinations lurking along the way.
This drive is also noticeably longer than the one we embarked upon last week. One could pretty much eat up an entire day prior to returning home. So let’s load the rig with our favorite snacks and beverages and be on our way.
Although the highlight of the excursion is along rural routes, there are a few miles of interstate separating us from the beautiful and interesting setting lurking in the heart of the Delta.
From Hot Springs, take Highway 70 east for about 17 miles to Interstate 30, where we’ll continue in an eastward direction, toward Little Rock. Remain on I-30 for 27 miles, where we will veer right onto
I-440. Travel
I-440 for 6 .1 miles and take Exit 7 onto Highway 165, toward Scott and England.
This is the last time we will see the interstate for a while, as we will remain on state and U.S. highways throughout the remainder of the journey, except for the short section we will have to travel on the way back home.
I have always enjoyed this stretch of road, as there are two different state parks situated close to each other.
The Plantation Agricultural Museum State Park focuses on Arkansas’ farming history. Although I do enjoy the informative kiosks awaiting inside the visitor center, I most enjoy kicking around outside and checking out their line of antique tractors and implements. The Gin Exhibit and Seed Warehouse are also very intriguing.
The Toltec Mounds State Park is just a few more miles down the highway, and also focuses on the state’s rich history. However, this facility is designed to share information pertaining to a Native American tribe ceremonial ground at the location where the park is situated.
Remain on 165 for 18 miles and take a left onto East Fordyce Street. Go another 29 miles and take a left onto East 22 Street. Continue straight for 7.1 miles where you will continue onto Highway 153.
Follow 153 for 5.3 miles and turn left onto Highway 33. Go six-tenths of a mile, where we will turn right back onto 153. Remain on the highway for 3.4 more miles to the intersection of Highway 1.
Although there are no public venues along Highway 153, it was actually one of my favorite sections of the excursion, as I savor the opportunity to drive alongside huge crops at the road’s edge. In fact, I find it somewhat mesmerizing to watch the spaces between the rows clicking by.
Turn left onto Highway 1 at the intersection and follow the road through St. Charles. The highway nears a large bridge spanning the White River shortly thereafter. However, one might consider stopping in at the Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge, which is accessible just before crossing the bridge.
There a visitor center located a short distance from the highway. However, it is closed on weekends. But a paved trail is accessible at a nearby trailhead, lending an opportunity to get out and stretch one’s legs while growing better acquainted with the White River drainage area.
Remain on Highway 1 for a few miles, after crossing the river, and take a left onto Highway 49. Keep an eye out for the Louisiana Purchase State Park sign while traveling along 49, as this is a great location where one can take a short trek along a boardwalk to a historical marker in the heart of a swamp. In fact, this is the exact spot where all of the surveys of lands acquired in the Louisiana Purchase originated.
Remain on 49 to the Highway 70 intersection, where we will take a left. Although uncertain, I suspect this was the main highway to Memphis prior to the construction of the interstates we have grown accustomed to using. I also suspect the interstates provide us with a quicker route. But there is truly something to be said for traveling rural highways when time is not an issue. And what’s really cool? We get to follow this highway all the way back to Interstate 440.
The highway makes its way alongside the access point of the Dagmar Wildlife Management Area. One might consider making a short detour into the designated area. However, I wouldn’t suggest embarking upon this particular leg of the excursion in anything other than an SUV or pickup, as all of the roads are unsurfaced.
Highway 71 eventually crosses the White River for the second time at DeValls Bluff. That being said, this small town was a predetermined stopping point during our excursions to this neck of the woods, and for good reason. One of my favorite barbecue joints is situated in the heart of DeValls Bluff. Of course, we stopped and ordered a couple of rib plates. But we also chose to stop and purchase some Warren tomatoes at a stand that was situated along the main drag of the small town.
The highway runs alongside Hazen and Carlisle, prior to entering Lonoke. This is yet another location where one might consider stopping for a breather, at the Arkansas Game And Fish Commission’s Joe Hogan Fish Hatchery.
We didn’t stop at the facility during our most recent excursion. However, I can recall visiting the facility a few years ago. It was well worth the extra time consumed, as I enjoyed looking at the live fish exhibits located at the visitor center.
We will remain on Highway 70 until it intersects Interstate 440. One can actually continue on Highway 70 all the way to Interstate 30. However, this is a section of road that I not would feel comfortable suggesting that one should travel. Besides, I suspect I-440 is somewhat quicker.
Once merging onto I-440, one can simply backtrack to the point where the excursion initially began. Or one might consider remaining on I-30 to the Malvern Exit, where they can return to Hot Springs via Highway 270.
Regardless of the route one chooses to return home, I am confident that those who embark upon a journey into eastern Arkansas will enjoy their excursion. And I can say with all certainty, that they will experience an environment that is far different from the mountainous terrain we refer to as home.