Swifton ArkansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Swifton, Arkansas.
1. Swifton Sand Ponds Natural Area
RARE HABITAT PRESERVATION
Swifton Sand Ponds Natural Area protects intact examples of rare sand pond habitat in the Mississippi Alluvial Plain. The natural area consists of mostly wooded tract set within a largely cleared agricultural landscape and provides habitat for pondberry, a federally-listed endangered shrub. Visitors can experience this unique ecosystem located just 2 miles northeast of Swifton on U.S. Highway 67.
2. Phillips 66 Station
HISTORIC GAS STATION
The Phillips 66 Station in Swifton is a historic building constructed around 1925 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This preserved gas station represents an important piece of early automotive history in rural Arkansas. Visitors can view this architectural landmark that showcases the classic design elements of early 20th century service stations.
3. New Home School
CENTURY-OLD EDUCATIONAL LANDMARK
The New Home School, built around 1915, stands as an important historical landmark in Swifton and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This early 20th century educational building represents the development of rural education in Jackson County. Architecture enthusiasts and history buffs can appreciate the preserved structure that tells the story of small-town Arkansas education.
4. Rock 'n' Roll Highway 67
MUSICAL HERITAGE ROUTE
Rock 'n' Roll Highway 67 runs through Swifton and commemorates the musical legacy of this historic route where legends like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Conway Twitty once performed. The Arkansas General Assembly designated this stretch of old U.S. Highway 67 as the 'Rock 'n' Roll Highway' in 2009 due to iconic venues like the former King of Clubs roadhouse. Music history enthusiasts can drive this scenic route while appreciating the rich cultural heritage of early rock and roll in Arkansas.
5. George Kell Heritage
BASEBALL LEGEND'S HOMETOWN
Swifton proudly claims Baseball Hall of Fame third baseman George Kell as one of its most famous natives. Kell's legacy is celebrated throughout this small town where he grew up before his illustrious Major League Baseball career. Baseball fans visiting Swifton can connect with the roots of this sports legend who was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1983.
6. Jacksonport State Park
HISTORIC RIVER PORT
Jacksonport State Park preserves the historic port town that once served as a major steamboat stop on the White River. The park features a restored 1872 courthouse that now serves as a museum showcasing the region's rich history. Visitors can enjoy interpretive exhibits, picnicking, camping, boating, and fishing while exploring this beautifully preserved historic site.
7. Lake Charles State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Lake Charles State Park offers visitors access to a serene 645-acre lake perfect for fishing, boating, and water recreation. The park features well-maintained campgrounds with 60 campsites, hiking trails, swimming beaches, and boat launches. Nature enthusiasts can spot diverse wildlife while enjoying the stunning natural beauty of this peaceful Ozark retreat.
8. Powhatan Historic State Park
19TH CENTURY RIVER TOWN
Powhatan Historic State Park preserves a 19th-century river port town that once served as an important commercial center. The park's centerpiece is the restored 1888 courthouse, accompanied by other historic structures including a jail, schoolhouse, and church. Visitors can take guided tours of these carefully preserved buildings and learn about life in this once-thriving river town through exhibits and interpretive programs.
9. Cash Country Store
JOHNNY CASH CONNECTION
The Cash Country Store in Dyess connects visitors to the early life of music legend Johnny Cash, who performed near Swifton during his early career. This restored general store represents the type of establishment that would have been central to farm communities like Dyess and Swifton during Cash's youth. Music fans can explore this historic building while learning about rural life during the formative years of one of rock and roll's greatest icons.
10. Arkansas State University Museum
REGIONAL HISTORY COLLECTION
The Arkansas State University Museum houses extensive collections highlighting the cultural and natural history of Northeast Arkansas, including artifacts from the Swifton area. The museum features over 35,000 artifacts, with exhibits on archaeology, regional history, and natural science that provide context for understanding communities like Swifton. Visitors can explore interactive displays and educational programs that bring to life the rich heritage of the Mississippi Alluvial Plain region.
11. Davidsonville Historic State Park
FRONTIER SETTLEMENT ARCHAEOLOGY
Davidsonville Historic State Park preserves the archaeological remains of Arkansas's first planned settlement, established in 1815. The park features interpretive exhibits explaining the town's significance as the site of Arkansas's first post office, courthouse, and land office. Visitors can explore hiking trails, enjoy water recreation on the Black River, and camp at the park's modern facilities while learning about frontier life in early Arkansas.
12. Depot Days Festival
ANNUAL MUSIC CELEBRATION
The Depot Days Festival in nearby Newport celebrates the Rock 'n' Roll Highway 67 heritage that runs through Swifton with live music, food, and entertainment. This annual event honors artists like Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash who performed at venues along Highway 67, including Swifton's King of Clubs. Festival-goers can enjoy musical performances, classic car shows, craft vendors, and delicious regional cuisine during this popular community celebration.
13. Old Independence Regional Museum
PIONEER HERITAGE CENTER
The Old Independence Regional Museum in Batesville showcases the history and culture of the 12-county area that was once the original Independence County, including Jackson County where Swifton is located. The museum features exhibits on pioneer life, Native American history, Civil War events, and the development of industries that shaped communities like Swifton. Visitors can explore interactive displays, participate in living history demonstrations, and research genealogical records in this comprehensive regional heritage center.
14. Swifton Community Center
LOCAL GATHERING PLACE
The Swifton Community Center serves as a hub for local events, gatherings, and celebrations in this small Jackson County town. The center hosts community meetings, family reunions, holiday events, and other social functions throughout the year. Visitors can check the community bulletin board for upcoming events or contact local officials to learn about activities happening during their stay in Swifton.
15. White River National Wildlife Refuge
WETLAND WILDLIFE HAVEN
The White River National Wildlife Refuge protects one of the largest remaining bottomland hardwood ecosystems in the Mississippi River Valley, not far from Swifton. The refuge spans over 160,000 acres and provides critical habitat for migratory birds, black bears, and numerous other wildlife species. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy fishing, hunting, wildlife photography, and hiking while exploring this vast wilderness area that represents the natural environment that once covered much of eastern Arkansas.