Columbia County: Nature and History

Columbia County offers a variety of reasons to visit: distinctive plant species and mineral springs at Logoly State Park, murals and historic sites in Magnolia, and Lake Columbia, a large reservoir. Its natural and cultural attractions range from distinctive communities of living things to local history and regional heritage.

Logoly State Park and Its Nature

Most of the 370 acres at Logoly State Park are part of a State Natural Area. It includes unique plant species and mineral springs; its natural communities are representative of southern Central Arkansas. Park rangers lead programs and excursions year-round. The Logoly Natural Area is used extensively for environmental education. The park’s notable features also include traces of its history: the remains of the Duke Hotel and Bathing Basin are located at the Magnesia Springs Campground.

The Crane’s Fly Trail is 0.75 miles long, rated easy to moderate, and is not ADA-accessible. To reach the Logoly Natural Area, take the McNeil exit: from U.S. Highway 79, turn east onto Logoly Road.

Lake Columbia

Lake Columbia is a 3,000-acre reservoir that stretches for six miles along Beech Creek. This natural feature is quite different from the plant species and mineral springs at Logoly: Lake Columbia is defined by its water and its expanse.

Murals and Museum Work in Magnolia

Six colorful murals depicting the city’s history are located around Magnolia’s historic square. One bears the signature of actor Charlton Heston. Another way to explore the area’s cultural heritage is the South Arkansas Heritage Museum in the historic Dr. H.A. Longino House, two blocks west of Magnolia City Square. The museum shares this heritage through visual exhibits, genealogical research, and historical presentations.

Historic Buildings and Regional Heritage

The Cross and Nelson Hall Historic District on the Southern Arkansas University campus in Magnolia consists of two former student dormitories. Cross and Nelson Hall was built in 1936 with support from the Public Works Administration. The district was added to the National Register of Historic Places on January 20, 2010. The Columbia County Courthouse was added to the Register on April 15, 1978. The Greek Amphitheatre was added on June 1, 2005, and is the only structure of its kind in southern Arkansas.

Fellowship Cemetery near Calhoun in Columbia County, Arkansas, is the final resting place of some of the county’s earliest settlers. The cemetery is also believed to be the site of the first Primitive Baptist Church in Columbia County.

Events Throughout the Year

The Annual Art Show takes place at the Magnolia Arts Center on Magnolia’s central square. The Magnolia Blossom Festival draws thousands of visitors every May; the Columbia County Fair is held each year in September. May and September therefore offer two different events to consider when planning a trip. If one of these events is a deciding factor for your stay, check the specific dates in advance.

Discover more destinations: Mcneil, Magnolia, Pulaski, St. Francis County, Craighead, Cleburne County, Garland, Conway County.

For the broader travel overview: Arkansas.