Conway County: Water, Trails and History

The Arkansas River divides Conway County into two parts of different sizes. At 1,207 feet, Petit Jean Mountain is the county’s highest peak. Nature experiences and historical collections highlight different aspects of a trip: Petit Jean State Park was the first state park in Arkansas, while museums offer insights into the region’s history.

Water and Trails

Petit Jean State Park has more than 20 miles of trails. The CCC Hike & Bike Trail can be used on foot and by bicycle. For a guided mountain adventure, the Petit Jean Via Ferrata offers another option. The park is also certified as part of the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail. More than 700 pictographs can be found on or near Petit Jean Mountain.

The waterways each have their own appeal. Lake Bailey in Petit Jean State Park covers 100 acres and is suitable for fishing, kayaking and pedal boating. Lake Brewer is a 1,166-acre reservoir and fishing lake; it also supplies Conway County with drinking water. Lake Bailey offers specific activities, while Lake Brewer plays an important role in the county’s water supply.

Interstate 40 is an important transportation route through Conway County and a useful point of reference when planning your arrival. It offers a practical guide for trip planning without reducing the area’s varied natural and cultural destinations to a single kind of visit.

Museums and History

The Conway County Library is housed in an original Carnegie library building. Free Wi-Fi and child-friendly play areas are also available. Check these visitor amenities before your trip.

The Depot Museum is housed in a restored Missouri-Pacific railroad depot built around 1915. Its exhibits cover the Trail of Tears, Native American artifacts, railroad history and the Civil War. The Conway County History Museum collects, preserves and shares the history of the county and its communities. A scavenger hunt invites children to find specific objects in the exhibits.

The Museum of Automobiles opened in 1964 and displays automobiles dating from 1904 to 1981. About 50 vehicles are on display at a time. On May 31, 2019, the museum was added to the National Register of Historic Places. The Springfield-Des Arc Bridge is also listed on the Register.

Events and Culture in Morrilton

The Great Arkansas Pig Out is a two-day festival held every August in Morrilton. Check current event dates before your trip. The midway at the Conway County Fair includes, among other things, a Burger Barn, a cotton candy stand and a bingo stand; individual offerings may change.

In Morrilton, the Rialto Community Arts Center hosts concerts, theater performances and community events. Point Remove Brewing Company produces craft beer and Arkansas muscadine wines there. Check current operating arrangements before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Morrilton, Carroll County, Benton, Jackson County, Phillips County, Pike, Pope County, Clay County.

For the main travel overview: Arkansas.