Tour One

Jefferson County

Pine Bluff Mural

Your tour of the Land of Legends begins at Pine Bluff, the historic County Seat of Jefferson County. A trade and entertainment center for Southeast Arkansas, Pine Bluff began as a small trading post high atop a bluff covered in towering pines overlooking the Arkansas River. Jefferson County was named after President Thomas Jefferson in 1829. The French, believed to be the first white settlers of the area, resided along side the American Indians native to the lands.

In Pine Bluff I-530/U.S. Highway 65 is the major traffic artery to and from the city. Off of Highway 65B take the Pine Street Exit. The Dexter Harding House, located just off of Highway 65B at the Pine Street exit, was once a pioneer residence. The house is now a Visitor Information Center where you can obtain maps, brochures and touring advice from the personable staff.

When you leave the Dexter Harding House take a driving tour of the city's "Old District" and see some of Pine Bluff's most historic and handsome homes and buildings. This collection represents a variety of classic architectural styles and includes:

Be sure to view the colorful murals on Main Street and the beautiful regional park and outstanding interactive exhibits at the Delta Rivers Nature Center along the Arkansas River. With a Railroad Museum, a Band Museum, and the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame, located in the Pine Bluff Convention Center, Pine Bluff has a lot for visitors to see and do while in the city.

Scenic Byway Tour

The state's newest scenic byway roughly follows Bayou Bartholomew - crossing the stream several times - from its origins in the rolling woodlands of the West Gulf Coastal Plain until it descends into the flatlands of the Mississippi Alluvial Plain, or Delta. The 15 mile route follows Interstate 530 between Ark. 256 northwest of White Hall and U.S. 65 in southern Pine Bluff.

Approximately the southern two-thirds of the route travels a wetlands corridor once designated for preservation as a "greenbelt." Though I-530 and urban development now encroach on the corridor, waterfowl and wading birds can still be observed in the bayou backwaters, ponds and borrow pits from which fill was taken to build the roadway. Young bald cypresses planted as part of a reforestation effort can also be seen. LENGTH: 15 miles.

Star City Clock Tower

Tour 2

Lincoln & Cleveland Counties

Traveling south from Pine Bluff on Highway 42, visitors are welcomed to Star City, the county seat of Lincoln County.

As you enter into town a handsome clock tower will catch your eye. It features the county's original courthouse clock. A little south of Star City on Highway 425 is Country Village, a thriving cluster of steak and catfish restaurants, a bakery and 21 shops and stores.

Lincoln County is a destination for sportsmen and outdoor lovers. Fishermen can access the Arkansas River at Lock and Dam Number 3 in the northernmost part of the county at the end of Arkansas Highway 11. Bayou Bartholomew, the longest bayou in the world, traverses the county from northwest to southeast. Several county roads lead to the bayou.

Located a few miles east of Star City on Highway 293, Cane Creek State Park, a 2,053 acre park, is a haven for anglers and nature lovers, with Cane Creek Lake, campsites, playground, activities, guided tours, kayaking, hiking and access to Bayou Barholomew, the park offers plenty of opportunities for family fun.

You won't see the Gould, Grady, Fresno Triangle on a map, but if you're a hunter, you need to know about it. Prime duck country is located within an invisible line that connects these towns. Grady and Gould are located on Highway 65; Fresno is located at the junction of State Highways 11 and 114.

Traveling west, take State Highway 114 to Rison where the stately Cleveland County Courthouse reigns as the city's most popular National Historical Register site.

The Pioneer Village at Rison is a restoration of a typical south Arkansas community during the late 1800s.

Take U.S. Highway 79 south to Kingsland, birthplace of entertainer Johnny Cash, and pick up State Highway 97 to visit Marks' Mill Battleground State Civil War Historic Site at the junction with State Highway 8.

Return to Highway 9 and travel southwest to just above Fordyce, where you take U.S. Highway 167 north to continue the tour.

Saline River Fishing

Tour 3

Grant County

The Tour continues as you travel Highway 167 to Crossroads where a side trip on County Road 8 will take you over to State Highway 46 and the Jenkins' Ferry State Historic Site. A Civil War battle took place during the Union Army's Red River Campaign at Jenkins' Ferry. Leaving this historic site, take Highway 46 into Sheridan, the county seat of Grant County.

The Grant County Museum and Heritage Village, featuring a collection of restored buildings, an exhibit and administration building, and displays of county history, re-located just off of Highway 46 in Sheridan. By taking U.S. Highway 270 to Prattsville and the Harper Arabian Farm you can tour one of the South's finest breeding and training centers for Arabian horses. Just south of Sheridan at Leola the Dorey Fish Company raises fish for the table.

Float fishermen are fond of the stretch of Saline River from the northwestern corner of Grant County to Jenkins' Ferry near the county's southern border. Cox Creek Lake in the western part of the county is another favorite fishing spot.

Your Land of Legends tour concludes with a return to Pine Bluff via Highway 270.