Parkin ArkansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Parkin, Arkansas.
1. Parkin Archeological State Park
ANCIENT NATIVE AMERICAN SITE
Parkin Archeological State Park preserves a 17-acre Mississippian Period American Indian village that existed from 1000 to 1550 AD. The site is a National Historic Landmark where archeologists have uncovered evidence of Hernando de Soto's visit in 1541. Park interpreters offer tours, educational programs, and special events throughout the year, making it an educational destination for visitors interested in Native American history.
2. St. Francis River Boat Ramp
RIVERSIDE RECREATION SPOT
The St. Francis River Boat Ramp provides convenient river access for boating and fishing enthusiasts visiting Parkin. Located within the Parkin Archeological State Park grounds, this boat ramp is open daily year-round from 8 a.m. until one hour after sunset. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the St. Francis River while engaging in various water activities.
3. Parkin State Park Picnic Area
SCENIC OUTDOOR GATHERING SPACE
The Parkin State Park Picnic Area offers a peaceful setting for family gatherings and outdoor meals. Equipped with a playground and restroom facilities, this day-use area makes for a complete recreational experience. The picnic area is available daily from 8 a.m. until one hour after sunset, providing a convenient spot for visitors to relax after exploring the archaeological site.
4. Northern Ohio School House
HISTORIC EDUCATIONAL BUILDING
The Northern Ohio School House is a well-preserved historic building located within Parkin Archeological State Park. Dating back to the 1920s era of the Northern Ohio Lumber Cooperage Company, this structure offers visitors a glimpse into early 20th century education in rural Arkansas. The schoolhouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and serves as a tangible connection to the area's more recent history.
5. Village Creek State Park
NATURAL FOREST RECREATION
Village Creek State Park spans 7,000 acres of forested hills and features two fishing lakes near Wynne, about 20 minutes from Parkin. The park offers extensive recreational opportunities including hiking, camping, fishing, and interpretive programs throughout the year. Visitors can explore the unique terrain formed by Crowley's Ridge, a geological formation that rises from the flat Delta landscape.
6. Hampson Archeological Museum State Park
MISSISSIPPI RIVER ARTIFACTS
Hampson Archeological Museum State Park houses an internationally recognized collection of Native American artifacts from the Nodena site. Located about 30 minutes from Parkin, this museum showcases pottery, tools, and art pieces that demonstrate the sophisticated culture of the Mississippi River Valley inhabitants from the Late Mississippian period. The museum's exhibits provide insight into daily life in a 15th-century farming-based society.
7. Johnny Cash Boyhood Home
MUSIC LEGEND'S EARLY HOME
The Johnny Cash Boyhood Home is a restored New Deal-era farmhouse where the legendary musician spent his formative years. Located about 45 minutes from Parkin, this historic site offers guided tours that provide insights into Cash's early life and the influences that shaped his iconic musical career. The home is part of the Dyess Colony, a Great Depression-era agricultural resettlement community that provides context for understanding rural American life in the 1930s and 40s.
8. Wapanocca National Wildlife Refuge
WETLAND BIRD SANCTUARY
Wapanocca National Wildlife Refuge encompasses over 5,000 acres of wetlands and forests that serve as an important stopover for migratory birds. Located approximately 40 minutes from Parkin, this natural area offers wildlife observation, photography opportunities, and fishing in designated areas. The refuge's diverse habitats support numerous species of waterfowl, making it especially popular with birdwatchers during spring and fall migrations.
9. Mallard's Restaurant
LOCAL DELTA CUISINE
Mallard's Restaurant serves authentic regional cuisine featuring Delta specialties and Southern comfort food. Located in nearby Wynne, this family-owned establishment is known for its catfish, barbecue, and homestyle sides that reflect the culinary traditions of eastern Arkansas. The restaurant's welcoming atmosphere makes it a favorite gathering place for locals and visitors exploring the Parkin area.
10. Delta Heritage Trail State Park
RAILS-TO-TRAILS PATHWAY
Delta Heritage Trail State Park features a converted rail-to-trail pathway that will eventually stretch 84.5 miles through the Arkansas Delta region. Located within driving distance of Parkin, this developing trail system offers hiking and biking opportunities through scenic bottomland hardwood forests and agricultural landscapes. Trailheads are equipped with amenities including interpretive exhibits that highlight the natural and cultural history of the Delta.
11. Sultana Disaster Museum
CIVIL WAR MARITIME HISTORY
The Sultana Disaster Museum commemorates the worst maritime disaster in American history, which claimed more lives than the Titanic. Located about 35 minutes from Parkin, this museum tells the tragic story of the Sultana steamboat explosion in 1865 that killed an estimated 1,800 people, many of whom were Union soldiers returning home after the Civil War. Through artifacts, documents, and interactive displays, visitors gain insight into this often-overlooked historical event and its connection to Arkansas.
12. Forrest City Civic Center
REGIONAL CULTURAL HUB
The Forrest City Civic Center serves as a cultural hub hosting various performances, exhibitions, and community events throughout the year. Located approximately 25 minutes from Parkin, this venue provides entertainment options ranging from concerts and theatrical productions to craft fairs and conventions. The center plays an important role in the cultural life of eastern Arkansas, offering visitors a chance to experience local arts and entertainment.
13. Big River Crossing
MISSISSIPPI RIVER PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE
Big River Crossing is the longest pedestrian and bicycle bridge across the Mississippi River, connecting Arkansas to Tennessee. Located about an hour from Parkin, this converted railroad bridge offers spectacular views of the Mississippi River and the Memphis skyline. Spanning nearly a mile, the crossing provides recreational opportunities and connects to trail systems on both sides of the river.
14. Thistledew at the Gables
CHARMING ANTIQUE SHOPPING
Thistledew at the Gables offers a curated selection of antiques, collectibles, and handcrafted items in a historic building. Located in nearby Wynne, this charming shop provides a nostalgic shopping experience with items ranging from vintage furniture to local artisan creations. Visitors from Parkin can enjoy browsing through unique finds while appreciating the architectural character of the shop's historic setting.
15. Arkansas State University Museum
REGIONAL HISTORY COLLECTION
The Arkansas State University Museum houses extensive collections focusing on the natural and cultural history of the Mississippi Delta region. Located about an hour from Parkin, this accredited museum features exhibits on archaeology, regional folk traditions, and natural science that complement the experience at Parkin Archeological State Park. Interactive displays and educational programming make this an engaging destination for visitors interested in deepening their understanding of northeast Arkansas history.