Russellville Advertising and Promotions Website

Lake Dardanelle State Park

Lake Dardanelle is a sprawling 34,300-acre reservoir on the Arkansas River, and is rapidly emerging as a major bass fishing tournament site. Lake Dardanelle State Park offers two areas on the lake: one in Russellville, and the other in nearby Dardanelle. Both the Russellville (main park) and Dardanelle locations offer camping, launch ramps, standard pavilions, picnic sites, restrooms, and bathhouses with hot showers. (479) 967-5516; www.arkansasstateparks.com/lakedardanelle

Bona Dea Trails

If trails or biking are your style, the Bona Dea Trails and Sanctuary is a must. Over 186 acres and 5.5 miles of trails and wetlands and wooded lowlands provide a perfect habitat for 200 species of birds. (479) 968-5008.

Big Piney

Want adventure? Canoe the Big Piney Creek nestled in the heart of the Ozarks. Contact Moore Outdoors for water levels, rates, or to make reservations for a great outdoor outing on one of Arkansas’s best waterways. (479) 331-3606; www.mooreoutdoors.com.

Motorbikes on Scenic Hwy 7

Gas up your Harley, Honda, Kawasaki or whatever type of motorcycle you ride. Hit the roads in Pope County and travel north to scenic Hwy 7 for some of the most beautiful scenery in Arkansas.

Holla Bend Wildlife Management

Established to provide essential habitat for migratory birds in the Mississippi Valley Fly-Way, this area has over 7,000 acres of agricultural fields, bottomlands, forest and open water. Home to several species of ducks, bald eagles, Canadian geese and other wildlife (varying during the year.) 10448 Holla Bend Rd., Dardanelle, (479) 229-4300.

Hang Gliding

Aficionados of this aerial activity will find launch sites at Mt. Nebo and Mt. Magazine State Parks. Even if you don’t participate—watching can be just as exciting! Call for regulations and weather conditions. Mt. Magazine State Park, 16878 Highway 309 South, Paris, (479) 963-8502; Mt. Nebo State Park, 16728 West State Highway 155, Dardanelle, (479) 229-3655. www.arkansasstateparks.com.

Sunset Cruise

Take a sunset cruise on Lake Dardanelle to relax and enjoy the outdoor beauty. Call for cruise dates and times. You never know, you might even get to see a few eagles. (479) 967-5516.

Russellville Country Club

Founded in 1926 by an enterprising group of 71 men. For information on Green Fees and membership, call the club at (479) 968-1139. 186 Country Club Plaza north of Russellville off AR Hwy. 7, Russellville. www.golfrcc.com.

Disc Golf

A sport played much like traditional golf but with major differences. Disc golfers use flying discs, or a type of Frisbee. Russellville features two 18-hole “champion caliber” disc golf courses. The first is located 0.8 miles north of Russellville on Pleasant View Rd., and the second at 1598 Lock & Dam Road, off of AR Hwy. 7. For information, contact the Recreation and Parks Dept.; (479) 968-1272.

Sunset Cinema

An outdoor movie theater operating the first Thursday of each month during June and July. Presentations are rated “G” and begin 30 minutes after dusk on a large screen outside the Lake Dardanelle State Park Visitors Center. An inexpensive, family-focused promotion of the Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Russellville A&P Commission. (479) 968-2530.

Galla Creek Golf

The 18-hole course features 5,864 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 71. The course rating is 70.0 and it has a slope rating of 122.  Designed by James Mackey, the course opened in 1994; 141 Golf Club Lane, Pottsville; (479) 890-6653.

Skate Board Park

An outside concrete surface designed by Wally Hollyday Design and California Skateparks. Open daylight to dark; 205 S. Jonesboro, Harmon Park, Russellville. (479) 968-1272.

M.J. Hickey Swimming Pool

A popular spot to cool off during the summer, this municipally-managed pool generally opens on Memorial Day. ARC swimming lessons, pool passes, adult swim and private party reservations are available. (479) 968-1272.

Fishing

Pope County alone is home to 22 lakes, among them 35,000-acre Lake Dardanelle, excellent for fishing and other water sports. For directions, visit: www.fishingworks.com/lakes/arkansas/pope. With a valid drivers license, you can borrow fishing equipment from the Lake Dardanelle State Park Visitors Center.

Water Skiing

Jackson’s Hole, located on the Illinois Bayou of Lake Dardanelle, is home to the Russellville Ski Club. Open to the public, travel west on Pleasant View Drive, cross the Twin Bridges and turn right. (479) 293-4590 or 968-2997.

Biking

Arkansas is a vacation paradise for the bicycling enthusiast. Miles of highways and scenic byways, plus three awesome mountains located within 50 miles of Russellville make this a chosen training location for many. Bring your own or rent one from one of three local State Parks. For trails and event schedules, visit www.cyclingarkansas.com.

Kayaking

From peaceful float trips to rushing Class IV rapids, the area offers open waters, quiet coves and the ultimate outdoor experience. Rentals available from Lake Dardanelle State Park (479) 967-5516 and independent merchants. Information on water levels, rates or reservations available from Moore Outdoors. (479) 331-3606. www.mooreoutdoors.com

Russellville City Parks

The city maintains 12 parks. Most facilities offer modern play equipment, pavilions, basketball courts, baseball fields, concessions and restroom facilities. Facilities also offer large pavilions, group-grills, tennis/basketball/pickleball/sand volleyball courts, walking trails, swimming pool, tournament-sized softball fields, seven-field baseball complex, 15 soccer fields and multi-purpose trails. For a complete list of park amenities, pavilion reservations and additional information, call the Russellville Dept. of Parks and Recreation, (479) 968-1272. www.russellvillearkansas.org/parks.

Mt. Magazine State Park

For a breath-taking view atop the highest point in Arkansas, visit Mt. Magazine State Park. Reservations may be made at the park’s magnificent 60-room lodge or one of the 13 cabins. Located on Scenic Highway 309, 43 miles southwest of Russellville. www.mountmagazine.com (877) 665-6343.

Mt. Nebo State Park

View sweeping views of the Arkansas River or hike/bike fourteen miles of winding trails situated 1,350 feet above the River Valley. Mt. Nebo State Park is one of two Arkansas State Parks offering launch sites for hang gliding enthusiasts. Campsites and cabins available. www.arkansasstateparks.com/lakedardanelle (479) 229-3655.

Ozark Mountains and Buffalo National River

Starting in early October and running through the middle of November, the mountains sights along Hwy 7 explode with vibrate fall colors spanning the rainbow. The Ozark Mountains and the Buffalo National River, the country’s first national river with 95,000 acres of public land along its corridor, are a must to see in the autumn. Hidden nearby are natural springs, caves, waterfalls, natural bridges, and box-like canyons.