Etowah ArkansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Etowah, Arkansas.
1. Historic Dyess Colony: Boyhood Home of Johnny Cash
MUSICAL LEGEND'S EARLY HOME
The Historic Dyess Colony features the restored boyhood home of music legend Johnny Cash. Visitors can explore the modest farmhouse where the Man in Black spent his formative years, gaining insight into the rural upbringing that influenced his iconic music. The site provides a fascinating glimpse into Depression-era life in a New Deal resettlement community that shaped Cash's perspective and artistry.
2. Johnny Cash House
COUNTRY MUSIC HERITAGE SITE
The Johnny Cash House stands as a preserved tribute to one of country music's most influential artists. The modest home has been meticulously restored to appear as it did when the Cash family lived there during the 1930s and 1940s. Guided tours offer visitors an intimate look at the humble beginnings that influenced Cash's distinctive musical style and storytelling.
3. Herman Davis Memorial State Park
WORLD WAR I HERO
Herman Davis Memorial State Park honors one of Arkansas's most decorated World War I heroes. The small but significant park features a monument dedicated to Private Herman Davis, who was ranked fourth on General Pershing's list of the greatest American heroes of World War I. Visitors can reflect on Davis's service while enjoying the peaceful surroundings of this historical memorial.
4. Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site
ANCIENT NATIVE AMERICAN SETTLEMENT
The Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site preserves the remains of an ancient Mississippian culture that thrived over 1,000 years ago. Six earthen mounds, a plaza, village area, and defensive ditch offer visitors a glimpse into the sophisticated civilization that once inhabited this area. The on-site museum displays artifacts including copper figures, stone effigies, and ornate ceremonial items excavated from the site.
5. Booth Western Art Museum
WESTERN ART COLLECTION
The Booth Western Art Museum houses the largest permanent exhibition space for Western American art in the country. Its extensive collection includes paintings, sculptures, and artifacts that capture the spirit and history of the American West. Visitors can also explore the Presidential Gallery featuring portraits and correspondence from every U.S. President.
6. Table 20
SEASONAL FARM-TO-TABLE DINING
Table 20 offers an eclectic bistro experience in downtown Cartersville with innovative, chef-driven cuisine and craft cocktails. The menu changes regularly based on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, ensuring a fresh culinary experience with each visit. The restaurant provides a laid-back yet refined atmosphere perfect for savoring creative dishes prepared with regional flavors.
7. Left Hand Chute of the Little River
SCENIC WATERWAY EXPERIENCE
The Left Hand Chute of the Little River offers outdoor enthusiasts a serene waterway passing through southeastern Etowah. Visitors can enjoy fishing, kayaking, or simply taking in the natural beauty of this peaceful tributary. The river provides habitat for various wildlife species, making it an excellent spot for nature photography and bird watching.
8. Hampson Archeological Museum State Park
NATIVE AMERICAN ARTIFACTS
Hampson Archeological Museum State Park showcases an internationally renowned collection of artifacts from the Nodena site, a 15-acre Native American village that thrived from 1400 to 1650 CE. The museum's collection includes incredibly preserved pottery, tools, and art that provide insight into the sophisticated Mississippian culture. Interactive exhibits and educational programs help visitors understand the daily lives of these ancient inhabitants of the Mississippi River Valley.
9. Big Lake National Wildlife Refuge
PRISTINE WETLAND SANCTUARY
Big Lake National Wildlife Refuge encompasses over 11,000 acres of wetlands and forest habitat that serves as an important stopover for migratory birds. The refuge offers excellent opportunities for fishing, wildlife viewing, and photography throughout its diverse ecosystem. Visitors can explore hiking trails, observation platforms, and boat launches while experiencing one of the few remaining natural areas in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley.
10. Osceola Heritage Music Festival
ANNUAL CULTURAL CELEBRATION
The Osceola Heritage Music Festival celebrates the rich musical legacy of the Mississippi Delta region with performances spanning blues, gospel, country, and rock. Attendees can enjoy local food vendors, artisan crafts, and family-friendly activities throughout the weekend event. The festival showcases both established musicians and emerging talents, highlighting the cultural significance of music in Arkansas's heritage.
11. Mallard Rest Restaurant
LOCAL COMFORT FOOD
Mallard Rest Restaurant serves up authentic Southern comfort food in a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. Diners can enjoy hearty portions of fried catfish, country-fried steak, and homemade desserts that showcase regional culinary traditions. The restaurant's casual setting and friendly service make it a favorite gathering spot for locals and visitors seeking a genuine taste of Arkansas.
12. Riverlawn Country Club
GOLF AND RECREATION
Riverlawn Country Club offers a challenging 9-hole golf course set against the backdrop of Mississippi County's natural landscape. The well-maintained greens and fairways provide an enjoyable experience for golfers of all skill levels throughout the year. Beyond golf, the club features social events, dining options, and recreational facilities that serve as a community gathering place.
13. Delta Gateway Museum
REGIONAL HISTORY COLLECTION
The Delta Gateway Museum chronicles the rich cultural and agricultural history of the Arkansas Delta region. Exhibits showcase artifacts ranging from Native American items to military memorabilia and items representing the area's farming heritage. Visitors can explore displays that tell the story of how the Mississippi River shaped the development and identity of northeastern Arkansas.
14. That Bookstore in Blytheville
ICONIC INDEPENDENT BOOKSHOP
That Bookstore in Blytheville (now Blytheville Book Company) has served as a literary landmark in the Arkansas Delta for decades. The independent bookstore has hosted signing events for renowned authors including John Grisham, Maya Angelou, and President Jimmy Carter. Book lovers can browse an excellent selection of titles with special emphasis on Southern literature and works by Arkansas authors.
15. Main Street Blytheville Farmers Market
FRESH LOCAL PRODUCE
The Main Street Blytheville Farmers Market connects local growers with community members seeking fresh, seasonal produce. Vendors offer a variety of fruits, vegetables, handcrafted goods, and homemade treats in a friendly, open-air environment. The market strengthens the local economy while providing access to nutritious food options grown in the fertile Delta soil.