Blytheville combines cultural history with recreational opportunities on Thunder Bayou. The Delta Gateway Museum offers free cultural and educational heritage programs for cultural tourists and the general public. The Commercial Historic District includes commercial buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries; the Greyhound Bus Station was built in 1939. The history of Blytheville/Eaker Air Force Base, from its beginnings in 1942 to its closure in 1992, is presented in the BAFB Exhibition.

Museums and Architectural History

The Delta Gateway Museum regularly displays historical and cultural objects, artifacts, photographs, works of art, printed materials and audiovisual materials. They explore the history and cultural development of Blytheville, Mississippi County, Northeast Arkansas and the Arkansas Delta. The museum is located in the historic S. H. Kress Building in the Blytheville Commercial Historic District. The district includes a cohesive collection of commercial buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Another architectural landmark is the Blytheville Greyhound Bus Station. The building was constructed in the Art Moderne style in 1939. It houses the local tourism information center and exhibits, and is a stop on the African American Heritage Trail.

The History of Blytheville/Eaker Air Force Base

The BAFB Exhibition is dedicated to the history of Blytheville/Eaker Air Force Base, from its beginnings in 1942 to its closure in 1992. On display are memorabilia, videos and personal stories. The exhibition also includes original furniture from the well-known Alert Compound, pictures and uniforms. A dedicated Memorial Room tells personal stories of soldiers who survived the war and of soldiers who lost their lives in the war.

Walking Trails and Sports on Thunder Bayou

The Blytheville Sportsplex at Thunder Bayou includes eight baseball and softball fields, four soccer fields, a seven-acre lake and a walking trail. The Thunder Bayou Walking Trail is 1.5 miles long. It loops around the lake and passes the golf course and sports fields. The Thunder Bayou Walking Trail is 1.5 miles (about 2.4 kilometers) long; the lake covers seven acres (about 2.8 hectares). These conversions make the trail length and lake size easy to understand in metric units and help you plan a walk around the lake.

Golf also has a named connection to the region: Thunder Bayou Golf Links is on the Natural State Golf Trail. Blytheville is also on the Great River Road National Scenic Byway.

Celebrations at Walker Park

The pavilion at Walker Park can be reserved for a wedding reception. The park’s swimming pool is available for celebrations from June 1 through mid-August.

Discover more destinations: Osceola

Return to the overview of the region: Mississippi County.