Arkansas Post was the first European settlement in the lower Mississippi Valley and was chosen in 1819 as the first capital of the Arkansas Territory. In Arkansas County, early settlement history and political beginnings meet memories of the Grand Prairie, art, and experiences on the water. This variety offers different ways to explore: you can follow historical traces, visit exhibitions, or set aside time for outdoor activities.
Arkansas Post and the Region’s History
The Arkansas Post National Memorial preserves restored sections of the town from the 19th century. A viewpoint overlooks the Arkansas River. Here, you can encounter both the history of the place and the landscape along the river. The historical significance of Arkansas Post extends beyond the preserved sections of the town: it was the first European settlement in the lower Mississippi Valley and was designated the first capital of the Arkansas Territory in 1819.
Places and events in Stuttgart also tell of different chapters in the region’s history. On November 24, 1936, the first national duck-calling contest took place on Main Street, alongside the annual Arkansas Rice Carnival. The Arkansas County Courthouse, Southern District, marks a different point in time: it was built in 1931–1932 and is listed individually in the National Register.
Prairie History, Exhibitions, and Art
The Museum of the Arkansas Grand Prairie commemorates the prairie pioneers and houses more than 10,000 artifacts. Its exhibitions cover agriculture and the pioneers who farmed the Grand Prairie in eastern Arkansas from the 19th century through 1921. This long time span makes the development of an agriculturally based way of life the museum’s central theme.
The Arkansas Post Museum tells the story of life on the Grand Prairie and in the Arkansas Delta—from 1877 to the present—in a complex of five exhibit buildings. The museum includes the Refeld-Hinman Loghouse, built in 1877: a dogtrot cabin furnished in the style of the 19th century. Admission to the Arkansas Post Museum is free.
The Arts Center of the Grand Prairie offers a contemporary artistic perspective. Visitors can view exhibitions featuring works by local and regional artists. Classes in pottery, visual arts, photography, abstract art, and mixed media are also offered throughout the year. Alongside historical collections, there is also a focus on artistic work and classes.
Paddling, Hiking, and Wildlife
When water levels are safe, the bayous along the Arkansas Post Water Trail are suitable for paddling on calm water; no shuttle vehicle is required. Another paddling option is the 3.3-mile trail on H Lake in the Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge. If you compare activities by type, this option is clearly different from the Champion Baldcypress Tree Trail: it is a 2.8-mile out-and-back hiking trail in the refuge’s South Unit. Seasonal flooding can affect conditions there.
At the Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge, you can observe wildlife in the Demonstration Area from a Wildlife Drive and an observation tower. The Demonstration Area is open from March 1 to October 31. Special eligibility requirements apply to fishing at Cook’s Lake: it is available to youth under 16 and anglers with mobility impairments, as well as up to two companions. You can choose between a 140-foot accessible pier or a boat launch; a phone reservation at least one day in advance is required.
Practical Information
According to park regulations as of May 27, 2026, the grounds of the Arkansas Post National Memorial are open daily from 7 a.m. until sunset. Check the opening hours before your trip, as they may change. Old Post Road is the main access road to the Memorial.
Discover more destinations: Gillett, Stuttgart, White County, Lawrence County, Monroe County, Sebastian, Drew, Crawford.
See the main travel overview: Arkansas.
