Conway County: Nature, History and Special Experiences

Conway County combines distinctive landscapes, water activities and diverse insights into the history of Arkansas. The Arkansas River divides the county into two parts of different sizes. As the county’s highest peak, Petit Jean Mountain reaches 1,207 feet. Nature and cultural experiences around this mountain can be combined into very different vacation days.

Nature Experiences at Petit Jean Mountain

Petit Jean State Park was the first state park in Arkansas. More than 20 miles of hiking trails offer various ways to explore the landscape on foot. Those planning a more active day can use the CCC Hike & Bike Trail on foot and by bicycle. The Petit Jean Via Ferrata is another special experience: it offers a guided mountain adventure in the state park.

The area’s history is also present in the landscape. More than 700 pictographs are located on or in the immediate surroundings of Petit Jean Mountain. The state park is also certified as part of the National Historic Trail “Trail of Tears.” During Walks with the Governor, guides lead visitors across the former estate of Winthrop Rockefeller on Petit Jean Mountain. When planning a vacation rental or vacation home, it is therefore worth weighing quiet days in nature, hikes and guided experiences.

Lakes, River Landscapes and Practical Information

Lake Bailey in Petit Jean State Park covers 100 acres and is suitable for fishing, kayaking and pedal boating. Lake Brewer is a 1,166-acre reservoir and fishing lake that supplies Conway County with drinking water. The Lake Overcup WMA covers 1,340 acres in Conway County. All users of this area are required to have a valid hunting or fishing license or a WMA/Lake Conservation permit. This requirement should be taken into account when planning excursions focused on nature, water or fishing.

Interstate 40 is an important transportation link through Conway County. When searching for accommodation, you can therefore first decide what combination of state parks, museums, water activities and events should shape your trip. This allows you to choose a vacation rental or vacation home based on your planned excursions without limiting the trip to just one type of experience.

Discover Museums and History

The Conway County Library is located in an original Carnegie library building and offers free Wi-Fi as well as child-friendly play areas. The Conway County History Museum collects, preserves and presents the history of the county and its communities. Children can take part in a scavenger hunt there, searching for specific objects in the exhibits.

The Depot Museum is located in a restored Missouri-Pacific railway depot built around 1915. Its exhibits cover the Trail of Tears, Native American artifacts, railroad history and the Civil War. The Museum of Automobiles opened in 1964 and displays automobiles from 1904 to 1981, with about 50 vehicles from each year. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on May 31, 2019. The Springfield-Des Arc Bridge is also listed there.

Morrilton and Regional Discoveries

In the associated town of Morrilton, the Rialto Community Arts Center hosts concerts, theater performances and community events. The Point Remove Brewing Company produces craft beer and wines made from Arkansas muscadines there. The two-day Great Arkansas Pig Out takes place in Morrilton every August. The Conway County Fair, featuring a Burger Barn, a cotton candy stand and a bingo stand, is another event option. These different attractions make Conway County interesting for trips in which days in nature alternate with culture, regional cuisine and shared discoveries.

Other destinations: Stone County, Hot Spring County, Clark County, Sevier County, Randolph County, Lawrence County, Jefferson County.

To the higher-level travel overview: Arkansas.