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Mississippi River State Park: Where Rivers, Ridge, and Delta Meet

Explore the natural beauty and rich history of the Arkansas Delta at Mississippi River State Park, where rivers, ridge, and forest converge.

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Nestled on the southern end of Crowley's Ridge, Mississippi River State Park offers a unique blend of natural beauty, where the hardwood forests meet the sandy shores of the Mississippi River. Explore three lakes, scenic byways, and immerse yourself in the rich history and diverse ecosystems of the Arkansas Delta.

A brief summary to Mississippi River State Park

  • Monday 8 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-5 pm
  • Friday 8 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 8 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Bring binoculars for birdwatching, as the park is part of the Audubon Great River Birding Trail.
  • Check the water levels at Bear Creek Lake before boating, as levels can be low due to spillway damage.
  • Visit the park's visitor center to learn about the history and ecology of the region.
  • Consider camping at Beech Point Campground for full hookups and lake views.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Mississippi River State Park is located near Marianna, Arkansas. From Marianna, take Highway 44 (Great River Road/Crowley's Ridge Parkway) east. The visitor center is approximately three miles southeast of town on Highway 44. Bear Creek Lake Recreation Area is about six miles southeast of Marianna on Highway 44. There is no fee to enter the park.

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Discover more about Mississippi River State Park

Mississippi River State Park, situated in eastern Arkansas within the St. Francis National Forest, is a captivating destination where the Mississippi River, Crowley's Ridge, and the Arkansas Delta converge. This 536-acre park provides access to the St. Francis National Forest and aims to foster connections with the river, delta, and Crowley's Ridge. The park's location on Crowley's Ridge, a geological formation rising 500 feet above the plains, has served as a refuge for humans for millennia. Native American tribes sought shelter here from high waters and hunted in the surrounding forests. The area also saw some of the earliest European explorers, as the Mississippi River was a major travel route. In 1815, the confluence of the St. Francis and Mississippi Rivers became the starting point for the land survey of the Louisiana Purchase. Today, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including fishing for largemouth bass, bream, crappie, and catfish, as well as hiking, birding, and wildlife watching. The park boasts four hiking trails, ranging from the barrier-free Trotting Fox Trail to the four-mile roundtrip Base Line Trail. Two National Scenic Byways, the Great River Road and Crowley's Ridge Parkway, also traverse the park. Mississippi River State Park offers several camping options, including the Beech Point Campground with full hookups, the primitive Lone Pine Campground, and the Maple Flats Group Campground. Visitors can also rent kayaks and paddleboards at Bear Creek and Storm Creek swim beaches. The park's visitor center features interactive exhibits that explore the Arkansas Delta, the Mississippi River, and Crowley's Ridge.

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