Uh oh...
It appears that you're using a severely outdated version of Safari on Windows. Many features won't work correctly, and functionality can't be guaranteed. Please try viewing this website in Edge, Mozilla, Chrome, or another modern browser. Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused!
Read More about this safari issue.
The Ozarks meet the Delta in Bald Knob, Arkansas. From there, Highway 64 North will lead you to tour the upper Delta, one of Arkansas’s unique geographic regions. As you head toward Marion or beyond to Memphis, you pass through fields of corn, soy and cotton. Catch a glimpse of an area that has both thrived and suffered at the hands of the Mississippi River. It’s a region that often gets overlooked in tourism, but is bursting with adventure. Get ready to explore Highway 64.
Bald Knob
Known for its incredibly sweet strawberries and rich farming history, Bald Knob is a growing community that serves as central Arkansas’s gateway to the Delta. Head downtown to see what remains of the strawberry sheds or visit Arkansas Traveler Hobbies located inside the historic Missouri Pacific Depot building. Before heading out of town, fill up with a world-famous strawberry shortcake at the Bulldog Restaurant or grab some grub and head out to the Henry Gray Hurricane Lake Wildlife Management Area for a picnic and some fishing or birdwatching.
Augusta
Augusta is a small farming town whose access to the White River and the Cache River has been a driving force in the community for nearly 200 years. It became a settlement in the 1840s. Since then, the rivers have been popular fishing spots and create the perfect duck hunting environment. Mighty White Marine can keep your boat in tiptop shape and outfit you with all of your hunting needs. Head over to the White River Cafe to fill your belly, then head to RC’s Bait Shop to fill your bait bucket before you launch your boat on Horseshoe Lake.
In the fall, a trip to Augusta must include a stop at Peebles Farm. Select the perfect pumpkin, then enjoy getting lost in a corn maze and playing in the sunflower and zinnia fields. Hayrides, train rides and zip lines are a few of the attractions to enjoy from mid-September through October.
Wynne
Crowley’s Ridge brings rolling hills through Wynne, making this delta town an outdoor lover’s paradise. Village Creek State Park offers golfing, two lakes and more fishing and hiking opportunities than you could explore in a day or even a weekend. The mountain bike trails, horseback riding trails, cabins and camping areas make this 7000-acre park a local treasure.
History buffs will want to check out the Old Military Road Trail and learn about the Trail of Tears before heading into town to visit several other historic sites. The Cogbill Cemetery has more than 2500 graves and dates back to the mid-1800s. Step back in time and visit the New Hope School House or climb aboard the Union Pacific Railroad caboose located in the Jess W. Wallin Memorial Park.
Photo courtesy of Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism.
Parkin and Earle
Located on the banks of the Tyronza River, Parkin and Earle are small communities with a rich Indigenous history. The Parkin Archaeological State Park pays tribute to the Mississippian Period American Indian village, located in the area from A.D. 1000 to 1550. The museum showcases a series of artifacts discovered on the site along with evidence of Hernando de Soto’s visit in 1541 and highlights the historical locations of the Northern Ohio Lumber Cooperage Company and the Northern Ohio School House.
Just down the road in Earle stands a massive funerary sculpture built to honor Rev. George Washington Berry and his significant contribution to Black Arkansans. Berry was born into slavery but became one of the largest landowners in the county during the 1920s.
Photo provided with permission from Rosalind O’Neil and the Marion Chamber of Commerce.
Marion
Nestled along the banks of the Mississippi River, Marion is a booming community with rich history and a bright future. Enjoy some of the perks of a big city while experiencing the charm and character of a small town. Settlements existed in the area as early as the 1700s and the town was incorporated in 1896. One of the most notable historical events to occur was the sinking of the Sultana. The disaster is considered the United States’ greatest maritime disaster, and a trip to the Sultana Disaster Museum is sure to astound you.
Highway 64 is a quick way to get from Central Arkansas to Memphis. But it’s rich with history and worth exploring in its own right by taking a detour or two.
Like this story? Read more from Julie Kohl
0
15 Historic Properties in White County
You’re never too young or too old to appreciate history. My...
0
Flag Etiquette and Disposal Stations
We’ve all seen an American flag tattered and torn, flying when it’s...
0
6 Ways To Celebrate Great Outdoors Month in Arkansas
Longer days, bright sunshine and beautiful weather. It must be...
Join the Conversation
Leave a Comment
One response to “Highway 64: Road Trip from Bald Knob to Marion”
Leave a Reply
Leave a ReplyWe do the work.
You check your email.
Sign up for our weekly e-news.
Get stories sent straight to your inbox!
[…] Bald Knob to Marion Ozark Road Trip: Clinton to Omaha Delta Road Trip: Marked Tree to Wilson Cave City Road Trip 10 Day Trips and Outings in Little Rock Arkansas Food Trip Down US-165 […]