At the Railroad Prairie Natural Area, prairie, herbaceous wetlands, and forests are part of the landscape. The area also includes sections of the abandoned right-of-way of the former Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad along U.S. Highway 70 between Carlisle and DeValls Bluff. Much of it is tallgrass prairie; birdwatching is one of the recreational opportunities. Because wildlife is seasonal, the time of year matters for this nature experience.
Prairie, Wetlands, and Fishing Spots
The other natural areas each offer something different. Prairie Bayou WMA covers 453 acres in southeastern Lonoke County, south of Carlisle, and is part of the Grand Prairie Ecosystem. Dog training for rabbit hunting is offered there as a recreational activity. Regulations may change; check them if you plan this activity.
Areas of Cypress Bayou WMA lie in northern Lonoke County. Most of the area was replanted with various hardwood species in the early 1990s. Beside the parking lot on Arkansas Highway 31 is a six-acre pond that offers fishing for bream, catfish, and bass. Holland Bottoms WMA offers public fishing at Tommy L. Sproles Lake Pickthorne. Because access rules may change, check the latest notices before fishing.
Birdwatching is the main activity at the Railroad Prairie Natural Area; the two WMAs mentioned offer fishing, while Prairie Bayou additionally offers dog training for rabbit hunting. The natural areas therefore differ not only in their landscapes but also in the activities listed for each.
Plum Bayou: Archaeology and Landscape
At Plum Bayou Mounds Archeological State Park, the Knapp Trail combines a short route with clearly described trail conditions: it is 0.8 miles long, fully paved, and ADA-accessible. Trail conditions may change; check the latest notices before your visit.
The Plum Bayou culture inhabited the Plum Bayou Mounds site from about 650 to 1050 CE. The landscape of the ceremonial center includes the oxbow lake Mound Lake, which remains its fourth boundary today. The lake is therefore not merely a name associated with the mounds, but part of the traditional description of this place.
History and Discoveries in Lonoke
The history of the Joe Hogan State Fish Hatchery began near Lonoke in early 1928. Initially called the Lonoke Fish Hatchery, it was renamed in 1956 in honor of Joe Hogan. Today, it is the largest public warmwater fish hatchery of its kind in the United States. The hatchery’s Lee Brady Visitor Center features aquariums and displays of native species. Exhibits may change; check the latest information before visiting.
The Lonoke County Museum and Genealogical Research Center is located on Southeast Front Street in Lonoke and preserves an archive of the newspaper The Lonoke Democrat. At the Lonoke County Museum, a diorama depicts the town in the late 19th century; there is also a replica of a pioneer town. The museum’s map collection spans two centuries. Lonoke’s historic homes can be explored on a tour using a smartphone or printed maps. The neighborhood’s homes are listed on the National Register of Historic Places; access to individual properties varies.
Trails, Parks, and Seasonal Events
A walking and running trail in Lonoke follows a former railroad right-of-way and continues east, with lighting, to Lonoke Ballpark. City Park and Waggoner Park have accessible playgrounds, picnic pavilions, and fitness trails. Every spring, Lonoke Ball Park offers baseball and softball programs for all ages; check specific dates in advance.
The Lonoke County Fair is held annually at the Lonoke County Fairgrounds and includes a livestock show. The fair also features lawn mower races. If you’re planning a visit for an event, check the dates. Lonoke is accessible by road via Highway 70.
Discover more destinations: Lonoke, Cabot, Washington, Pope County, Stone County, Lawrence County, Dallas County, Van Buren County.
For the broader travel overview: Arkansas.
