Little River: Nature, Water and History

Little River brings together riverside nature, forest landscapes and county history, with Millwood Lake as a fishing destination. To plan your trip, you can first decide whether you are more interested in distinctive landforms, water and wildlife, or historic sites.

River Landscapes and Natural Areas

At White Cliffs Natural Area, a 100-foot chalk bluff rises above the Little River. Palmetto Flats Natural Area showcases a different side of the landscape: it contains the largest contiguous remnant of a floodplain terrace forest in the Arkansas Red River Valley. Rare wet hardwood and pine-hardwood flatwoods grow there, with an understory of dwarf palmettos.

The trails also differ in their landscapes and details. Waterfowl Way Trail passes through a swamp, over prairie bumps, and through pine and hardwood stands. Wildlife Lane Nature Trail is a four-mile multi-use trail for hikers and cyclists. It runs through several hundred acres designated as a wildlife refuge. Its length and designated uses give you a concrete reference for planning; no difficulty level is specified.

To reach Palmetto Flats Natural Area, travel about 5.2 miles west from Ashdown on State Highway 32, about 5.6 miles south on Richmond Road (Little River 21), and then 0.25 miles along an unpaved road. A parking area is one mile north on the east side of the road. Flooding can affect seasonal access; check conditions before driving.

Millwood Lake: Fishing and Migratory Waterfowl

The 29,260-acre Millwood Lake in Millwood State Park is a major fishing destination. Fish species found there include largemouth bass, catfish and crappie. In fall and winter, many species of migratory waterfowl use the lake as a stopover on their long journeys. This brings together two distinct interests: the lake as a fishing destination and its seasonal role for migratory birds.

The regional Arkansas Southwest Waterways network includes Howard, Little River and Sevier counties. The three counties share Millwood Lake, which is considered a fishing destination. The lake is therefore not just a Little River attraction, but part of a regional waterscape.

History and Culture in Ashdown and the Surrounding Area

The Two Rivers Museum opened in 2005 at the corner of Constitution Avenue (Highway 71) and Main Street in Ashdown, in Little River County. The military history exhibit “Freedom’s Heroes” features uniforms, medals and firearms from World War I and World War II. When volunteers are available, the museum is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Check whether volunteers are available before your visit.

The Little River County Courthouse is considered one of the most impressive county courthouses in Arkansas and the most prominent building in Little River County. The Freeman Cemetery near Alleene also has a place in local history: it is associated with the early settlement of the Alleene area. The first court session in Little River County was held in 1867 on the porch of William Madison Freeman’s home. In Ashdown, murals are also a popular photo opportunity for visitors.

The natural areas differ mainly in their focus: White Cliffs is known for a single chalk formation, while Palmetto Flats features floodplain forest and flatwoods. At Millwood Lake, fishing interests meet the seasonal opportunity to observe migratory waterfowl. These differences can help you focus your search for a hotel in Little River on the reason for your trip that matters most to you.

Discover more destinations: Ashdown, Hot Spring County, Craighead, Arkansas County, Lonoke County, Pike, Mississippi County, Desha County.

For the broader travel overview: Arkansas.