See some interesting murals, gladiolus, the mighty Mississippi, and Blues Corner.
Most agree the Ozark area is a great area to drive in Arkansas, but sometimes taking a new direction will find you even better driving. This direction is fun and interesting. Murals are major attractions at each end of this drive in Helena (Cherry Street) and Paragould (Court and Emerson Streets. They become bookends for a drive through nature and history.
Starting in Paragould near the northeast corner of Arkansas, take U.S. 412 west for 10 miles to Rte. 141 south. Pass by Lake Frierson State Parks and Crowley’s Ridge (or stop to fish awhile) as you make your way to Jonesboro, the region’s “big” city. Jonesboro is well-known for its gladiolus and Arkansas State University. Continuing, drive Rte. 18 through Manila. A short stop in Manila to see the Herman Davis, a monument to an astonishing WWI hero, is in order. On to Blytheville, you get your first good view of the impressive Mississippi, eight
miles east on Rte. 18. The Great River Road starts on U.S. 61. Along the length of U.S. 61, you will see the great river sparkling in the morning sun. The drive through St. Francis National Forest is wonderful year round.
Continue to Osceola’s beautiful town square, then to Wilson and then Turrell. Be sure to stop at Wilson’s Hampson Museum to know about the Native Americans in the area. South from Turrell, take Rte. 77 to West Memphis where you pick up U.S. 70 and turn west to U.S. 79 to Marianna. Here, you pick up Rte. 14 south for your final leg of this joyous drive to the lively city of Helena. Helena is loaded with great things to see–historic homes, Blue Corner, a confederate cemetery with a view, and a cool marketplace along Cherry Street. Don’t forget to stop and see the tower-high murals on Cherry Street, they are great.
Starting Point:
Paragould, AR
Distance of Drive:
223 miles
Must Eat:
Guy’s Buffet
403 West Kings Highway, Paragould, AR 72450
Phone: 870-236-2299
Call ahead to confirm hours of operation.
Good Stop For: Catfish
Perfect Time of Year for Drive:
The gladiolas bloom in Jonesboro from July through September, but the rest of the area is beautiful during all seasons.
Points of Interest on Drive:
Herman Davis Monument
St. Francis National Forest
Tagged with: Arkansas • best time:yearround • Ozark
Filed under: Best Road Trips