Portia ArkansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Portia, Arkansas.
1. Johnny Cash Boyhood Home
MUSIC LEGEND'S CHILDHOOD RESIDENCE
The Johnny Cash Boyhood Home offers visitors a glimpse into the early life of the legendary musician. The restored home is part of the Historic Dyess Colony, where Cash's family relocated during the Great Depression as part of a New Deal resettlement program. Visitors can explore the modest home where Cash developed his musical talents and gained the life experiences that would later influence his iconic songs.
2. Historic Dyess Colony
NEW DEAL ERA SETTLEMENT
Historic Dyess Colony preserves an important piece of American Depression-era history as one of President Roosevelt's New Deal resettlement communities. The colony includes the restored Administration Building which houses exhibits about the colony's history and the families who lived there. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about this unique community that provided new opportunities for struggling families during the 1930s.
3. Powhatan Historic State Park
19TH CENTURY RIVER TOWN
Powhatan Historic State Park preserves the history of a 19th-century river port town that once served as an important commercial hub. The park features several restored historic buildings including a courthouse, jail, and schoolhouse that offer insights into frontier life. Visitors can explore exhibits that showcase the area's rich cultural heritage and the role the Black River played in the region's development.
4. Davidsonville Historic State Park
PIONEER SETTLEMENT ARCHEOLOGY
Davidsonville Historic State Park preserves the archeological remains of Arkansas's first planned settlement, established in 1815. The park features interpretive exhibits that tell the story of this frontier town that once housed Arkansas's first post office, courthouse, and land office. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, fishing, camping, and educational programs that bring the area's pioneer history to life.
5. Lake Charles State Park
SCENIC OUTDOOR RECREATION
Lake Charles State Park offers outdoor enthusiasts a beautiful 645-acre lake surrounded by forested hills and scenic camping areas. The park features excellent fishing opportunities for bass, crappie, bream, and catfish, with boat rentals and launch ramps available for visitors. Hiking trails, swimming areas, and picnic facilities make this a perfect destination for families seeking outdoor recreation.
6. Eddie Mae Herron Center and Museum
AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE
The Eddie Mae Herron Center and Museum preserves a historic African American schoolhouse that now serves as a cultural center. The museum houses artifacts, photographs, and exhibits that document the African American experience in Randolph County. Visitors can learn about local civil rights history and the educational challenges faced by the Black community during segregation.
7. Randolph County Heritage Museum
LOCAL HISTORY COLLECTION
The Randolph County Heritage Museum showcases the rich history of one of Arkansas's oldest counties through engaging exhibits and artifacts. The museum's collections include pioneer tools, Civil War memorabilia, Native American artifacts, and displays highlighting the area's agricultural heritage. Visitors can explore how the region's unique geography and cultural influences shaped local development over the centuries.
8. Lights on the Mississippi River Bridge
ILLUMINATED RIVERFRONT ATTRACTION
The Lights on the Mississippi River Bridge transform the Hernando de Soto Bridge into a spectacular light show visible for miles along the riverfront. The ever-changing LED light display creates a mesmerizing effect as it reflects off the water's surface at night. Visitors can enjoy the view from Tom Lee Park or Mud Island River Park, making it a perfect evening attraction when exploring the Memphis area.
9. Black River Beads & Pottery
LOCAL ARTISAN SHOP
Black River Beads & Pottery offers a charming shopping experience featuring handcrafted items from local artisans. The shop specializes in unique pottery pieces, handmade jewelry, and beading supplies for crafters. Visitors can often watch demonstrations of traditional crafting techniques or participate in workshops to create their own keepsakes.
10. Loberg's River Inn Restaurant
RIVERSIDE DINING EXPERIENCE
Loberg's River Inn Restaurant offers diners picturesque views of the Black River while enjoying classic Southern cuisine. The restaurant specializes in freshly caught catfish, homemade cornbread, and other regional favorites served in a casual, family-friendly atmosphere. Guests can relax on the outdoor deck during warmer months while watching boats pass by on this historic waterway.
11. Old Davidsonville Pioneer Cemetery
HISTORIC BURIAL GROUND
Old Davidsonville Pioneer Cemetery preserves the final resting places of some of Arkansas's earliest European settlers from the early 1800s. The historic cemetery contains weathered headstones and monuments that offer insights into the harsh realities of frontier life. Visitors interested in genealogy and local history will appreciate the peaceful grounds and connection to Arkansas's territorial period.
12. Peco Foods Visitor Center
AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRY SHOWCASE
Peco Foods Visitor Center provides an educational look at the poultry industry that plays a major role in the region's economy. The center offers interactive displays explaining the farm-to-table process and the technological advances in modern agricultural production. Guided tours allow visitors to learn about sustainable farming practices and career opportunities in the food production industry.
13. Downtown Pocahontas Historic Square
PRESERVED HISTORICAL DISTRICT
Downtown Pocahontas Historic Square features well-preserved 19th-century architecture surrounding the historic Randolph County Courthouse. The charming square houses local shops, restaurants, and boutiques in buildings that showcase the area's architectural heritage. Visitors can take self-guided walking tours to admire the historic buildings and learn about the town's development as an important regional center.
14. Black River Overlook
SCENIC RIVER VIEWPOINT
Black River Overlook offers spectacular views of the meandering Black River as it flows through the lush Arkansas landscape. The observation area provides informational panels about the river's ecology and the important role it played in the region's transportation history. Photographers and nature lovers will appreciate the panoramic vistas, particularly during sunrise and sunset when the light creates dramatic reflections on the water.
15. Ozark Folk Center State Park
LIVING APPALACHIAN HERITAGE
Ozark Folk Center State Park preserves and celebrates the cultural heritage of the Ozark Mountains through demonstrations of traditional crafts and music. Visitors can watch skilled artisans practice blacksmithing, pottery, quilting, and other crafts that have been passed down through generations. The park's music venues showcase authentic Ozark folk music, featuring instruments and songs that tell the story of this unique American region.