Crittenden: Mississippi, Delta and History

When looking for a hotel in Crittenden, it helps to first sort out your travel interests: the Mississippi River and the Delta, outdoor trails, or history and culture. The Mississippi River forms the eastern boundary of Crittenden County, which is considered fertile Delta farmland. The following topics range from a boat ramp and trails to museums and historic architecture. This can help you plan your trip around the activities that interest you most.

Mississippi River, Delta, and Horseshoe Lake

Horseshoe Lake in Crittenden County is a specific point of reference for water activities. Nancy and Pat Bonds Access provides free public access to the lake by boat. The facility includes a double-width concrete boat ramp, a dock, and a large asphalt parking lot with room for up to 30 boat trailers. This clearly describes both access to the water and the available facilities.

The landscape history of Horseshoe Lake offers another perspective: post-War of 1812 survey maps show it as a large oxbow lake. The Great River Road runs around Horseshoe Lake. The Plantation Gallery in Horseshoe Lake features works by artists from throughout the Delta. This brings together several different themes in one place: the historic landscape, a route around the lake, and art from the Delta.

Trails and connections along the Mississippi River

Big River Crossing is part of a 10-mile multimodal corridor connecting Memphis, Tennessee, with West Memphis, Arkansas. The crossing is free and open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Check the latest visitor information before your visit.

The Big River Trail runs as a 7-mile loop through the West Memphis floodplain along the Mississippi River. The trail also offers almost 5 miles of paved and hard-surface paths for walking, running, and jogging. The two measurements provide different points of reference: 7 miles refers to the loop, while almost 5 miles refers to the paved and hard-surface paths for these activities.

Museums and historic sites

The Crittenden County Museum is located in Earle, Arkansas, in a restored train station. It opened in 1922 as part of the Missouri Pacific Railroad. The museum also displays works by Carroll Cloar, an artist from Earle. The Sultana Disaster Museum tells the story of the steamboat from its construction through its destruction and beyond. The two museums therefore focus on different subjects: a historic train station and the story of a steamboat.

Architecture and historic listings also offer specific points of reference. The Crittenden County Courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places on August 3, 1977. Its porticos are supported by six Ionic columns. Marion Colored High School was added to the same register on March 23, 1995. A monument to George Berry Washington in Earle is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

More recreational interests

For motorsports enthusiasts, Riverside International Speedway is defined by its track features: the racetrack is 0.25 miles long, heavily banked, and made of gumbo clay. Southland Casino & Racing has more than 1,700 slot machines and offers simulcast racing with thoroughbred horses and greyhounds. The current gaming and racing offerings may change; check the latest information before visiting.

Explore more destinations: West Memphis, Turrell, Edmondson, Gilmore, Marion, Sharp County, Ashley County, Sevier County.

For the broader travel overview: Arkansas.