Discover Mississippi County: Culture, History, and Nature

Mississippi County combines impressive landscapes with places where the history of the Mississippi Delta can be experienced in a vivid way. Those who want to plan a trip involving nature, culture, and special events will find a variety of options here: from Big Lake and historic settlements to museums in Blytheville and Osceola. When searching for a vacation rental or vacation home, it is therefore worthwhile to first determine the desired daily destinations and preferred travel rhythm.

Nature at Big Lake and Historic Roads

The Big Lake National Wildlife Refuge encompasses bottomland hardwood forests, wooded swamplands, and open water areas. The Big Lake Wildlife Management Area complements this landscape with typical floodplain vegetation such as tupelo, willows, buttonbush, and cypress trees. The entire approximately 12-mile eastern boundary of the area is accessible by boat. This creates a special perspective on the landscape without requiring a specific excursion duration or fixed itinerary.

The roads through the region also lead to noteworthy historic sites. Historic Dyess Colony was an agricultural resettlement colony for nearly 500 farmers in Mississippi County as part of the New Deal. Today, the site is a stop on the Sunken Lands Cultural Roadway and an official loop of the Great River Road National Scenic Byway. The Dyess Colony Visitors Center is the first stop and includes an orientation video as well as exhibits. Big Lake is also visible from loops away from the Great River Road.

Museums and History in Blytheville and Osceola

The Nodena site is the focus of Hampson Archeological Museum State Park. The fortified village was once located in what is now Mississippi County; the agriculturally based Nodena civilization lived there from 1400 to 1650 AD. Museum staff conduct group and private tours. For travelers who enjoy exploring historical connections together, this site offers a clear cultural focus.

In Blytheville, the Delta Gateway Museum is located in the historic Kress Building in the Commercial Historic District. Its exhibits focus on the history and heritage of the Arkansas Delta. The museum is also an official Great River Road Interpretive Center. The BAFB Exhibition is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and displays memorabilia, videos, and personal stories from the beginnings of Blytheville Air Force Base in 1942 through its closure in 1992. It also addresses the impact of the base on people and the community.

In Osceola, the Mississippi County Historical & Genealogical Society Museum is dedicated to local history. It is located in an old retail store in the center of town and also includes a café, gift shop, and research center. Founders Park preserves the grave of Rev. H. T. Blythe as well as the gravestones of early Blytheville residents. The Ritz Civic Center in Blytheville is a restored historic theater that was originally established as a 1950s cinema. The preserved Blytheville Greyhound Bus Station also illustrates the transportation architecture of the mid-20th century.

Events, Markets, and Active Days

Depending on the time of year, events can add to the character of a stay. Lights of the Delta opens every year on the Monday before Thanksgiving and closes immediately after Christmas. The Christmas lights festival in Blytheville features more than six million lights and 56 large animated displays along a 1.5-mile driving route. In early May, Blytheville also hosts the annual Springtime on the Mall festival.

The seasonal Main Street Osceola Farmers' Market brings together local farmers and artisans from throughout the Mid-South. Offerings include locally grown food as well as educational and wellness activities. For a more active part of the day, Osceola's municipal recreation system includes a two-mile trail for cycling and walking. This makes it possible to combine museum visits, landscape experiences, a market visit, and physical activity according to your interests.

Choosing the Right Base for Your Trip

Accommodation in Mississippi County can be chosen according to whether you want to focus on historic sites, nature at Big Lake, events, or a combination of several themes. A vacation rental or vacation home provides a starting point for your personal daily planning without requiring a specific location or amenities.

You can also find additional destinations for trip planning at Pope County, Sevier County, Franklin County, Cross County, Little River, and Ashley County.

For the higher-level travel overview: Arkansas.