Jefferson County features a striking change in scenery: the western third is covered in pine trees and gently rolling, while the eastern two-thirds consist of fertile Delta farmland. The county has also long been one of Arkansas’s leading cotton-growing areas. Its character is shaped by agricultural land as well as bayous, forests, and wetlands.
Bayou, Forest, and Waterways
Bayou Bartholomew begins near Pine Bluff, Arkansas, and flows for 359 river miles to the Ouachita River in Sterlington, Louisiana. In the 19th century, it was one of the most important waterways for transportation in the interior Delta. Today, Dr. Curtis Merrill Access on the Bayou Bartholomew Water Trail offers a specific paddling option: from there, you can paddle about two river miles upstream or downstream. The short stretch at the access point and the river’s long course illustrate two different scales of this waterscape.
The George H. Dunklin Jr. Bayou Meto WMA covers 33,832 acres in Arkansas and Jefferson counties. It provides wintering habitat for migratory waterfowl and habitat for resident wildlife; it also offers hunting opportunities in a natural complex of forests and wetlands. Most areas can be accessed only on foot or by boat. There are 52 primitive campsites scattered throughout the area. These access options and dispersed campsites are useful landmarks when exploring the WMA.
Another way to experience nature is through the Delta Rivers Nature Center. It presents the Delta’s heritage, wildlife, and ecology both indoors and outdoors. The center is located on 130 acres of bottomland forest and is surrounded by Caney Bayou and Lake Langhofer. More than two miles of forest trails offer opportunities for wildlife viewing. The 22,000-gallon aquarium features native fish; native reptiles and birds of prey are also on display at the center. Here, the themes of waterways, habitat, and wildlife come together in one place.
Cultural History and Special Discoveries
The Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame is dedicated to the careers of entertainers from Arkansas. Its collections include works by authors, musical instruments, and entertainers’ costumes. Film and television memorabilia relate to the work of Jerry Van Dyke and Harry Thomason, as well as the film “Slingblade.” The Pine Bluff/Jefferson County Museum, in turn, serves as a central repository for historical information, photographs, and other memorabilia relating to the history of Pine Bluff and Jefferson County.
The Pine Bluff/Jefferson County Historical Museum is located in the restored Union Station Depot, built in 1906. Its artifacts, displays, and exhibits document the people, land, culture, and history of Jefferson County. The Community Theatre also tells a story of change over time: the building was originally constructed in 1889 as a mercantile store. In 1922, it became the silent movie theater The Berbig; later that same year, it was renamed the Community Theatre. It is the oldest continuously operating single-screen movie theater in Arkansas.
Traces of history can also be found at the John Horse and John Ross Site in Pine Bluff. It is located in a green space near Lake Saracen and was once a landing on the Trail of Tears water route. Saracen Landing includes a walking path that circles Lake Saracen. At the same lake, you can experience both a historic site and a path around the water as distinct aspects of the area.
At the Arkansas Railroad Museum, children can climb aboard many of the railroad cars and locomotives. Check before your visit to see if this is currently available. The annual Crossroads Cultural Festival celebrates the region’s French, Quapaw, and African American heritage over three days; check the event dates when planning your trip. The name of Crenshaw Springs Water Park also reflects the history of White Hall: it was chosen to honor the community’s heritage.
Discover more destinations: Pine Bluff, White Hall, Saline County, Little River, Baxter County, Independence County, Conway County, Randolph County.
Return to the main travel overview: Arkansas.
