Franklin County: Wine, Rivers and History

Winemaking, rivers and nature, and historic sites offer different ways to plan a stay in Franklin County. If you are looking for a hotel, you can first consider which of these themes will shape your trip. The places and details below provide concrete guidance.

Winemaking history and regional products

In northern Franklin County, the climate and terrain were suitable for winemaking. Swiss and German farmers established wineries in Altus. The Altus AVA was established in 1984 and covers 46,000 acres. The countywide landscape description and the stated area of the AVA describe different aspects of winemaking.

Today’s product offerings include various wines and other products. Post Familie produces wines ranging from sweet dessert wines to very dry varieties. The company also makes non-alcoholic grape juice for sale and sells fresh grapes to the public in summer. Its vineyards are on the summit of St. Mary’s Mountain. The mountain is also known as Pond Creek Mountain and rises 400–500 feet above the Arkansas River.

The wines of Mount Bethel also have a distinctive connection to regional produce: the winery makes elderberry wine from a native wild berry. Dionysus Wine & Brew is a boutique winery in Altus. Chateau Aux Arc opened its winery on July 21, 2001, and sells Cynthiana grapevines to both the public and wholesalers.

Specific directions are provided for Chateau Aux Arc: From Interstate 40, take Exit 41 and drive 2.3 miles south on Highway 186. The information ranges from the history of winemaking to products and specific directions. If you are interested in rentals at the Pig Trail, see the note in the following section.

Rivers, nature, and scenic routes

The approximately 55-mile-long Mulberry River has Class II/III whitewater features in spring. In drier periods, it offers opportunities for swimming, wading, and fishing. These seasonal differences help put the activities described into context: whitewater is the main feature in spring, while the other activities mentioned are associated with drier periods.

The Mulberry River has relatively frequent access points, particularly where it runs through the Ozark National Forest. The Highway 23 crossing is less than twelve miles north of Interstate 40. At the junction of the Pig Trail Scenic Byway and the Mulberry River, Turner Bend Outfitter rents canoes, kayaks, and rafts. Since rental offerings can change, it is advisable to check what is available before planning.

The Pig Trail Scenic Byway runs between Fayetteville and Ozark in Franklin County through the Ozark National Forest. It is used more for recreation and leisure than for traveling between two destinations. Its described purpose therefore differs from simply connecting places: recreation and leisure are more prominent uses.

Another nature destination is Cherokee Prairie Natural Area. It is one of the largest remaining areas of prairie grasses in the Arkansas Valley and provides habitat for plant and animal species considered rare or endangered. Prairie Creek flows through the center of the area. Certain types of hunting are permitted there—a specific use condition to bear in mind when considering the natural area.

Historic sites and landmarks

The Ozark Courthouse Square Historic District includes the courthouse and commercial buildings around Courthouse Square, the 300 block of W. Commercial, and half of the 100 block of N. Second Street. This precise boundary makes clear that, in addition to the square, the historic district includes specific sections of streets.

The Ozark Area Depot Museum is housed in a historic railroad depot that Main Street Ozark converted into a museum. The building stands on the banks of the Arkansas River and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A comparison with Courthouse Square thus highlights two different historical contexts: a defined urban district and a repurposed railroad station building.

St. Mary’s Catholic Church, also known as Our Lady of Perpetual Help, was built in 1879 and is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Another historic landmark concerns the Charleston School District: it was the first school district in the former Confederate states to integrate all twelve grades. The National Park Service recognized the district as a National Commemorative Site. These examples differ in subject—church architecture, local history, and educational history—and offer different ways to explore the region’s past.

Discover more destinations: Ozark, Arkansas County, Jefferson County, Crittenden, Polk County, Pope County, Carroll County, Garland.

For the broader travel overview: Arkansas.