Wetlands, bottomland forests, and river landscapes give White County a distinctive natural character. At the Henry Gray Hurricane Lake Wildlife Management Area, 17,000 acres include bottomland hardwood forest habitat. At suitable times, visitors can observe more than 80 bird species and explore wetlands there. The area’s waterways offer both year-round and seasonal paddling opportunities.
Wetlands and River Landscapes
Bald Knob National Wildlife Refuge features a different combination of habitats, including cypress-tupelo swamps, oxbow lakes, bottomland hardwood forests, and agricultural lands. In winter, the refuge provides habitat for large concentrations of ducks and geese. This offers different seasonal opportunities for nature observation: the ducks and geese associated with winter at Bald Knob Refuge, and opportunities to observe more than 80 bird species at Henry Gray at suitable times.
The Little Red River is also part of the county’s natural landscape and offers recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. At Riverside Park, biking and hiking trails lead to viewpoints overlooking the river. These trails combine exercise with scenic views; paddling offers another way to spend time on the water.
Activities On and Around the Water
Bald Knob National Wildlife Refuge has two gravel boat ramps: one at Pole Brake and one at the old channel of Overflow Creek. Access may depend on conditions at the refuge or on closures. Check conditions before planning to use either ramp.
The Henry Gray Hurricane Lake Wildlife Management Area has 11 fishable lakes. Species caught there include largemouth bass, crappie, and bream. The public also has access to 35 primitive campsites. Specific fishing rules apply at Searcy City Lake: fishing is permitted only with a rod or pole, and largemouth bass must be released immediately. The daily limit is three catfish and 25 bream; only electric trolling motors are allowed. If you plan to fish there, check the current rules before your visit.
Art in Searcy
In Searcy, you’ll encounter art in a variety of forms. The Searcy Mural Tour takes visitors to murals in the city’s historic streets and parks. A brochure shows their locations; QR codes on the murals link to additional information about the artists. Art Alley is an ever-changing micro-mural project at 218 West Arch. Art exhibits rotate throughout the year at the Historic Benjamin Clayton Black House, built in 1874. Together, the tour and Art Alley bring public murals alongside changing exhibits in a historic building.
Places and Stories from the County
Pioneer Village includes a log cabin, the Little Red School, an old post office, a smokehouse, a barn, and a blacksmith shop; the buildings are open only during official events. The village also includes farm equipment and other historic objects. The White County Historical Society has preserved the late-19th-century buildings and objects from throughout the county. The Beebe Colored School tells a different part of the story: from 1944 to 1956, it was the only educational institution for African American students in the Beebe area.
Churches and historic buildings also tell the story of the county’s past. Smyrna Methodist Church is considered the oldest documented church building still standing in Arkansas. McRae Methodist Church was built in the Plain Traditional style with mixed masonry and Gothic Revival influences; its local historic significance is tied to the religious history of McRae. Historic Smyrna Church can be reserved for weddings and other events. Since availability may change, confirm reservations with the City of Searcy before making plans.
The White County Courthouse is the oldest courthouse still in operation in Arkansas. The Rialto Theater was built in the 1920s and extensively renovated in 1940. Judsonia also has its own agricultural history: strawberry farming began in 1874 with Daniel W. Wheaton’s first local strawberry harvest. Taken together, these discoveries range from nature and water experiences to art, architecture, and local history.
Discover more destinations: Bald Knob, Searcy, Beebe, Dallas County, Randolph County, Lawrence County, Benton, Pike.
For the broader travel overview: Arkansas.
