Colt ArkansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Colt, Arkansas.
1. William Stone House
HISTORIC VICTORIAN ARCHITECTURE
The William Stone House in Colt is an excellent example of a Plain Traditional house with applied Colonial Revival and Folk Victorian detail, listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1992. Built around 1884, the house is rumored to be a Sears & Roebuck pre-fabricated house, though this claim lacks documentation. The historic home now holds displays on the history of northern St. Francis County and is open by appointment.
2. Colt Pioneer Days
ANNUAL CULTURAL FESTIVAL
Colt Pioneer Days is a vibrant annual festival held each September at the historic William Stone House. The community celebration features gospel music performances from several musical groups, food booths, historical displays, and handcrafts. This beloved event is sponsored by the Colt Community Development Corporation and showcases the rich cultural heritage of the region.
3. Charlie Rich Birthplace
COUNTRY MUSIC LEGEND
Colt is widely recognized as the birthplace of Charlie Rich, the famous gospel, blues and country singer nicknamed the 'Silver Fox,' who was born here in 1932. Rich earned a Grammy and the Country Music Association's 1973 Male Vocalist of the Year award for his blockbuster hits 'Behind Closed Doors' and 'The Most Beautiful Girl.' The birthplace of this musical legend represents an important piece of Colt's cultural heritage.
4. University of Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station
AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH CENTER
The University of Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station in Colt serves as an important research facility for agricultural sustainability in the Arkansas Delta. This facility conducts valuable studies that help advance farming practices in the region. Visitors interested in agriculture can learn about innovations and developments being tested at this research center.
5. Village Creek State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Village Creek State Park is a highly-rated natural attraction located near Colt with a 4.4/5 rating from visitors. The park features beautiful hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and camping facilities for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can explore Crowley's Ridge and experience the unique natural environment that characterizes this region of Arkansas.
6. The Ridges at Village Creek
PREMIER GOLF EXPERIENCE
The Ridges at Village Creek is a well-regarded golf course near Colt with a visitor rating of 4.5/5. This scenic course offers challenging play amid the beautiful natural surroundings of the Arkansas countryside. Golfers of all skill levels can enjoy the well-maintained fairways and greens while taking in views of the surrounding landscape.
7. East Arkansas Community College Fine Arts Center
CULTURAL ARTS VENUE
The East Arkansas Community College Fine Arts Center is a highly-rated cultural venue with a 4.9/5 visitor rating. This center hosts various performances, exhibitions, and cultural events throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy quality arts programming in a modern facility that serves as a cultural hub for the region.
8. Parkin Archeological State Park
NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE
Parkin Archeological State Park preserves and interprets the site of a 16th-century Native American village that was likely visited by Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto. The park features a museum with exhibits on the Mississippian culture and the archaeological discoveries made at the site. Visitors can explore the grounds and learn about the indigenous people who once thrived in this region.
9. Taylor's Creek Historic Area
EARLY SETTLEMENT SITE
Taylor's Creek Historic Area is located one mile southeast of present-day Colt, where William Mitchell Taylor settled in 1826 and built a large log house on the western edge of Crowley's Ridge. This area became an important stagecoach and mail stop during the era of the Military Road. The historic site offers visitors a glimpse into the early settlement days of Arkansas.
10. L'Anguille River
SCENIC WATERWAY ADVENTURE
The L'Anguille River flows near Colt, offering opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and wildlife observation. The river forms part of the natural boundary of the town and contributes to the agricultural richness of the surrounding area. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy the peaceful setting and diverse ecosystem along this scenic waterway.
11. Crowley's Ridge Scenic Drive
PANORAMIC NATURAL VIEWS
Crowley's Ridge Scenic Drive offers travelers breathtaking views of the unique geological formation that rises from the flat Mississippi River Delta. The drive passes near Colt and showcases the distinct landscapes, flora, and fauna of this natural landmark. Visitors can experience the changing elevations and diverse ecosystems while enjoying a leisurely drive through the countryside.
12. Delta Cultural Center
REGIONAL HERITAGE MUSEUM
The Delta Cultural Center in nearby Helena explores the rich history and cultural heritage of the Arkansas Delta region. The museum features exhibits on music, agriculture, and the social history that has shaped this distinctive part of Arkansas. Visitors can immerse themselves in interactive displays that tell the story of the people who have lived and worked in the Delta.
13. St. Francis National Forest
PRISTINE WOODLAND GETAWAY
St. Francis National Forest encompasses over 20,000 acres of diverse habitat near Colt, including portions of Crowley's Ridge. The forest offers recreational opportunities such as hiking, camping, hunting, and wildlife viewing throughout the year. Nature lovers can explore the unique flora and fauna that make this area an ecological treasure in eastern Arkansas.
14. Jones Bar-B-Q Diner
LEGENDARY BBQ INSTITUTION
Jones Bar-B-Q Diner is an iconic eatery not far from Colt that has been serving authentic Arkansas barbecue for generations and has received a James Beard America's Classic Award. This small, family-operated establishment is known for its slow-smoked pork served on white bread with a signature sauce. Visitors from across the country make pilgrimages to this humble restaurant to taste what many consider to be among the best barbecue in America.
15. Hampson Archeological Museum State Park
ANCIENT ARTIFACTS COLLECTION
Hampson Archeological Museum State Park houses an internationally renowned collection of artifacts from the Nodena people who inhabited the area from 1400 to 1650 CE. The museum displays exquisitely preserved pottery, tools, and art that showcase the sophisticated culture of this pre-Columbian civilization. Visitors can explore the exhibits in a modern facility that protects and interprets this important archaeological collection.