Dyess Colony: New Deal History

Historic Dyess Colony brings a remarkable chapter in Mississippi County’s history to life: as part of the New Deal, an agricultural resettlement colony was established here for nearly 500 farmers. The Dyess Colony Visitors Center is the first stop. It features an orientation video and exhibits and is located at Colony Circle on the former site of the theater and pop store. Before your visit, it’s a good idea to check the latest visitor information.

The roads also help orient visitors: Historic Dyess Colony is a stop on the Sunken Lands Cultural Roadway and lies along an official loop of the Great River Road National Scenic Byway. Big Lake in Mississippi County can also be seen from loops off the Great River Road. Exploring the county therefore takes you to both historic sites and a landscape revealed along these routes.

Archaeology and History of the Arkansas Delta

The Hampson Archeological Museum State Park in Wilson, Arkansas, displays a collection from the Nodena site. The fortified village once stood in what is now Mississippi County. The exhibit explores the way of life of the agrarian Nodena civilization, which lived there from 1400 to 1650 AD. Staff lead group and private tours; it’s best to confirm their availability before your trip.

In Blytheville, the Delta Gateway Museum offers a different focus. It is located in the historic Kress Building in the Commercial Historic District and dedicates its exhibits to the history and heritage of the Arkansas Delta. It is also an official Great River Road Interpretive Center. Visitors interested in the region will find both a museum focused on the local area and a stop connected to the wider route.

The BAFB Exhibition tells the story of Blytheville Air Force Base: memorabilia, videos, and personal stories trace the base’s history from its beginnings in 1942 to its closure in 1992. The exhibit also explores its impact on people and the community. It is open Tuesday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; check the hours before your visit. Another landmark in Blytheville is the Arch on Highway 61. It marks the gateway between Arkansas and Missouri and bears the inscriptions “Entering Arkansas” and “Entering Missouri” on its sides.

Osceola and Local Life

The Mississippi County Historical & Genealogical Society Museum in Osceola is housed in an old downtown storefront and focuses on local history. The museum includes a café, a gift shop, and a research center. As on-site offerings may change, it’s worth checking on these facilities before your visit.

The Main Street Osceola Farmers' Market is seasonal and brings together local farmers and craftspeople from across the Mid-South. It offers locally grown foods, as well as educational and wellness activities that may vary by season. If you’re planning to visit the market, check the current dates and schedule.

Music also adds a distinctive note to Osceola’s calendar: the Osceola Heritage Music Festival features classic rock, blues, country, and 1980s music. The lineup may change from one festival to the next. It’s another way to experience the city, distinct from visiting historic exhibits or the seasonal market.

Big Lake and Seasonal Experiences

Different landscapes come together at Big Lake. Big Lake National Wildlife Refuge includes bottomland hardwood forests, wooded swamps, and open water. The Big Lake Wildlife Management Area has an eastern boundary about 12 miles long that is accessible entirely by boat. As infrastructure and boating rules may change, check conditions before your visit.

A seasonal experience in Blytheville is Lights of the Delta, an annual Christmas light festival. It opens on the Monday before Thanksgiving and closes immediately after Christmas. More than six million lights and 56 large animated displays line a 1.5-mile driving route. Check the exact dates each year in advance. The recurring winter lights are quite different from the seasonal offerings at the Farmers' Market and the historical discoveries available at museums throughout the county and nearby areas.

Discover more destinations: Blytheville, Osceola.

For the main travel overview: Arkansas.