Find Hotels in Faulkner: History, Trails and Culture

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Tatjana Herzegova, Kiew, Ukraine

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Sustainable Travel

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Markus Lenk, Düsseldorf, Germany

Perched on a hill overlooking the Arkansas River, Cadron Settlement Park lies just west of Conway. During a cholera epidemic, more than 700 Cherokee were stranded there for 16 days. Two exhibits focus on the Trail of Tears, giving this historic site a tangible connection to Cherokee history. The 150-acre site was established in 1979; its view of the river provides a scenic counterpoint to its somber history.

History Around Cadron

The Cadron Blockhouse also tells the story of earlier ways of life and trade. It is a replica of a late-18th-century building that served settlers and fur traders as a home, trading post and public meeting place. Cadron was also a stop on the Butterfield Overland Mail Route in the 1850s. The Trail of Tears and the Butterfield Trail near Cadron are part of the Arkansas Historic Trails System—two distinct historical connections that converge here.

Those looking to spend time outdoors will find hiking trails, picnic areas, two pavilions and a boat ramp at Cadron Settlement Park. These amenities complement the exhibits and the site's history with different ways to enjoy the outdoors. The Faulkner County Museum offers another perspective on regional history: housed in the historic County Jail dating to 1896, it preserves the history of Conway and Faulkner County. Its exhibits include historic and contemporary crafts, equipment and photographs. The research and archival collections can also be used for genealogical or historical research on Faulkner County.

Trails, Water and Scenery

Lake Bennett, a 40-acre lake about 18 miles north of Conway, is located in Woolly Hollow State Park near Greenbrier. The 3.5-mile Huckleberry Trail is a loop that runs along the lake, crosses the earthen dam and passes through a hardwood forest. Fishing is available at Lake Bennett, and canoes, kayaks and pedal boats can be rented in the park. Rental availability may vary by season.

The park also preserves a trace of history: Woolly Cabin is an original, one-room family home built in 1882. It was moved to its present location and restored in 1975. Erosion-control structures dating to the Great Depression can also be seen in Woolly Hollow State Park. Here, a lake, a loop trail and traces of earlier settlement and land management sit side by side.

For mountain biking, Enders Fault in Woolly Hollow State Park offers a 9.4-mile trail. The Lake Conway WMA Woodlands Auto Tour provides a different way to explore: the 4.5-mile loop has five stops. The experiences differ not only in length but also in format—a driving tour with several stops versus a loop around the lake. Lake Conway itself covers 6,700 acres and is a popular fishing spot for catfish, bream and bass.

In Conway, the city's original walking and cycling trail runs for 3.1 miles along Tucker Creek, from Tyler Street to Hogan Lane. The Dave Ward Pedestrian Bridge safely connects sections of Conway's trail system. For another waterside activity, Beaverfork Lake Park has an 18-hole disc golf course.

Art, Music and a Spring Festival

The Baum Gallery is an educational art museum serving students, faculty and staff at the University of Central Arkansas as well as the Central Arkansas community. Its exhibition program features both national and international traveling exhibitions and juried student shows. Those who prefer to focus on music can enjoy a program of masterworks and lesser-known musical works from the Conway Symphony Orchestra. The program includes holiday, children's and park concerts.

Toad Suck Daze has been a springtime tradition in the Conway area since 1982. Held in downtown Conway, the festival features the World Championship Toad Races. The Toad Market offers shopping at local boutiques and arts and crafts booths; participating vendors may vary. When planning a visit, it's worth checking the event dates.

History, waterways, art and events offer different ways to experience Faulkner. You can focus on one interest or, for example, make museum visits and time outdoors the centerpiece of your trip—depending on which discoveries appeal to you most.

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Explore more destinations: Conway, Damascus, Greenbrier, Pulaski, Jackson County, Polk County, Dallas County, Mississippi County.

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