Wheatley ArkansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Wheatley, Arkansas.
1. Louisiana Purchase State Park
HISTORIC LAND ACQUISITION MARKER
Louisiana Purchase State Park commemorates the initial point from which all surveys of the Louisiana Purchase Territory were measured. The park features a boardwalk that leads visitors through a headwater swamp to a monument marking this significant historical location. Visitors can immerse themselves in both natural beauty and important American history while exploring this unique site.
2. East Arkansas Community College Fine Arts Center
CULTURAL ARTS HUB
The East Arkansas Community College Fine Arts Center serves as a premier venue for performing arts in the region near Wheatley. The center hosts a variety of events including concerts, theatrical performances, and art exhibitions throughout the year. Its modern facilities and diverse programming make it a cultural cornerstone for residents and visitors alike.
3. Lower White River Museum State Park
RIVER HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Lower White River Museum State Park offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of river commerce and life along the White River. Exhibits showcase artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays that tell the story of this important waterway's impact on the region. The museum provides visitors with a comprehensive understanding of how the river shaped settlement and commerce in eastern Arkansas.
4. St. Francis National Forest
NATURAL WOODLAND RETREAT
St. Francis National Forest offers outdoor enthusiasts a diverse landscape of forests, lakes, and wildlife near Wheatley. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, hunting, and camping across its expansive 22,600 acres of natural beauty. The forest's proximity to the Mississippi River creates a unique ecosystem that supports a rich variety of plant and animal species.
5. Mississippi River Observation Points
MIGHTY RIVER VIEWS
The Mississippi River observation points near Wheatley provide spectacular views of America's most iconic river. Visitors can witness commercial barges, recreational boats, and abundant wildlife along the river's expansive shoreline. These vantage points offer perfect opportunities for photography, bird watching, and appreciating the natural power of this historic waterway.
6. Crowley's Ridge Museum
REGIONAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
Crowley's Ridge Museum, located in the restored Rush-Gates home, showcases the rich history and natural features of this unique geological formation. The museum houses the J.O. Rush relic collection, a reconstructed doctor's office, and exhibits on geology, fossils, and African American history. It serves as the central visitors center for the Crowley's Ridge National Scenic Byway, offering temporary and seasonal exhibits year-round.
7. Low's Bridal
RENOWNED WEDDING DESTINATION
Low's Bridal attracts brides from across the country to its impressive 25,000-square-foot showroom housed in a beautifully restored historic hotel. The shop features more than 3,000 dresses, including selections from many of the world's best-known designers. The building itself is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, adding architectural significance to the shopping experience.
8. Petit Jean State Park
ARKANSAS'S FIRST STATE PARK
Petit Jean State Park, inspired by the mountain named for a French girl who disguised herself as a cabin boy, holds the distinction of being Arkansas's first state park. The park features Mather Lodge, Cedar Creek Canyon, interesting rock formations, and the spectacular Cedar Falls. Visitors can explore miles of hiking trails and enjoy the park's visitor center, which remains open year-round.
9. Potts Inn Museum
HISTORIC STAGECOACH STATION
The Potts Inn Museum is a meticulously restored 1850s antebellum home that served as one of the best-preserved stagecoach stations on the historic Butterfield Overland Mail Route. The museum complex includes several authentic log buildings and an impressive collection of antique farm equipment. Visitors can step back in time and experience this important piece of Arkansas transportation history.
10. Burns Park
RECREATIONAL PARADISE NEARBY
Burns Park offers an extensive recreational complex with activities ranging from camping to golf, sports facilities, and even a dedicated dog park. Visitors can explore unique features including a historic covered bridge and Civil War artifacts within the park grounds. The park's diverse amenities make it a perfect day trip destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts from the Wheatley area.
11. Village Creek State Park
FORESTED RECREATION AREA
Village Creek State Park, located on Crowley's Ridge near Wheatley, features two fishing lakes, hiking trails, and camping facilities amid a beautiful forested setting. The park offers interpretive programs that highlight the unique natural and cultural history of this distinctive geographic region. Visitors can enjoy cabins, pavilions, and a visitor center that make this park a comfortable base for exploring eastern Arkansas.
12. Delta Cultural Center
BLUES HISTORY MUSEUM
The Delta Cultural Center celebrates the rich musical heritage and cultural history of the Arkansas Delta region near Wheatley. The museum features exhibits on blues music, including the studio where the legendary King Biscuit Time radio show is broadcast daily. Visitors can explore artifacts, interactive displays, and special exhibits that tell the story of this culturally significant region.
13. Parkin Archeological State Park
ANCIENT NATIVE SITE
Parkin Archeological State Park preserves and interprets the Parkin site, believed to be the Native American village of Casqui visited by Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto in 1541. The park features a museum with artifacts, a walking trail through the archaeological site, and interpretive exhibits. Visitors can learn about the indigenous peoples who inhabited this area long before European contact.
14. Cache River National Wildlife Refuge
PRISTINE WETLAND ECOSYSTEM
Cache River National Wildlife Refuge preserves one of the largest remaining contiguous blocks of bottomland hardwood forest in North America near Wheatley. The refuge is renowned for its waterfowl populations and was the location where the thought-to-be-extinct Ivory-billed Woodpecker was reportedly rediscovered in 2004. Visitors can enjoy fishing, hunting, wildlife observation, and photography throughout this ecologically important wetland area.
15. Craig's Bar-B-Q
LEGENDARY SMOKED MEATS
Craig's Bar-B-Q is an iconic roadside restaurant that has been serving legendary smoked meats since 1947 near Wheatley. The restaurant is famous for its slow-cooked pork and beef prepared with a closely-guarded family recipe and served with a distinctive vinegar-based sauce. Despite its humble appearance, Craig's has earned national recognition and draws barbecue enthusiasts from across the country.