Columbia County offers a range of very different discoveries: at Logoly State Park, a State Natural Area, mineral springs, and environmental education shape the experience; Magnolia brings murals, a heritage museum, and architectural history into focus. When planning your trip, landscape and history stand out as distinct highlights.
Nature and Waterways
Most of the 370 acres of Logoly State Park consists of a State Natural Area. It includes unique plant species and mineral springs; its natural communities are representative of the south-central Arkansas region. Logoly Natural Area is used extensively for environmental education, and park rangers lead programs and excursions year-round. Alongside its natural features, guided educational activities also shape the character of the area.
For choosing a trail, the Crane's Fly Trail is clearly described: It is 0.75 miles long, rated easy to moderate, and is not ADA accessible. To reach Logoly Natural Area, turn east from U.S. Highway 79 onto Logoly Road at the McNeil intersection. Lake Columbia offers a different scale: The reservoir covers 3,000 acres and stretches for six miles along Beech Creek.
Historical traces can also be found at Logoly State Park: Remains of the Duke Hotel and the Bathing Basin are located at the Magnesia Springs Campground.
Art and History in Magnolia
Six colorful murals depicting the city's history are located around Magnolia's historic square. One is signed by actor Charlton Heston. The Annual Art Show takes place at the Magnolia Arts Center on the central square—another opportunity to discover art in the city.
Two blocks west of Magnolia City Square, the South Arkansas Heritage Museum is housed in the historic Dr. H.A. Longino House. The museum shares local heritage through visual exhibits, genealogical research, and historical presentations. Its setting in a historic house and its range of educational formats bring together architectural history, family research, and local history.
On the campus of Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia, the Cross and Nelson Hall Historic District includes two former student dormitories. Cross and Nelson Hall was built in 1936 with support from the Public Works Administration; the Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places on January 20, 2010. The Columbia County Courthouse was added to the Register on April 15, 1978. The Greek Amphitheatre followed on June 1, 2005, and is the only structure of its kind in southern Arkansas.
Fellowship Cemetery near Calhoun is the final resting place of some of the earliest settlers of Columbia County, Arkansas. The cemetery is also believed to have been the site of the first Primitive Baptist Church in the county.
Events and Further Discoveries
Events offer clear seasonal markers: The Magnolia Blossom Festival draws thousands of visitors every May; the Columbia County Fair is held annually in September. If you would like to plan your trip around a festival, check the specific event dates. Southern Arkansas University also offers tours of its 658-acre Agricultural and Horticultural Farm—another point of interest for those interested in agriculture and horticulture.
Discover more destinations: Magnolia, Mcneil, Jefferson County, Dallas County, Sharp County, Arkansas County, Boone County, Crawford
For the main travel overview: Arkansas.
