Desha County: Nature, History, and Regional Culture

The Rohwer Relocation Center Memorial Cemetery in Desha County, Arkansas, is one of only three surviving cemeteries at former Japanese American internment sites in the United States. Japanese Americans imprisoned at Rohwer from 1942 to 1945 designed and built the cemetery. Its origins connect the site directly to the history of the people it commemorates.

Rohwer and the History of the Camp

At the cemetery, visitors can take a self-guided walk along the southern boundary of the original camp. The walk thus incorporates a specific boundary of the former camp into the visit. Conditions at the site may change; check them before traveling. The Rohwer Japanese American Relocation Center site also offers an audio tour narrated by George Takei. Confirm whether it will be available when you travel.

In McGehee, the WWII Japanese American Internment Museum is housed in the renovated southern building of the McGehee Railroad Depot. Its interpretive exhibit explores the history of the nearby Rohwer and Jerome sites. More than 17,000 Japanese Americans were held at the U.S. government’s internment camps there. A traditional Japanese garden is located behind the museum building. John H. Johnson Day takes place annually in November.

Nature, Trails, and Outdoor Recreation

Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge also extends into Desha County. At Wildlife Drive, access to an observation tower provides an opportunity to watch wildlife. Access is seasonal. Factor this time restriction into your plans and check visitor conditions before committing to the trip.

The refuge has hundreds of miles of trails open to foot traffic. For ATVs, use the trails marked with yellow blazes on trees. Access and conditions may vary depending on water levels and closures. When planning a visit, distinguish between trails open to pedestrians and ATV routes marked accordingly.

The Delta Heritage Trail is a recreational trail on a former railroad corridor. Its southern corridor runs 32.4 miles from Yancopin to Arkansas City. Trail access points are located in Watson, Rohwer, and Arkansas City. The stated distance refers to this southern section; the access points listed provide additional, specific landmarks for navigating the trail.

The Dumas area offers fishing opportunities at lakes, bayous, and along the Arkansas River. Wildlife viewing, trails in the refuge, a converted railroad corridor, and fishing thus offer distinct ways to enjoy the outdoors.

Architecture, Crafts, and Seasonal Products

The Desha County Courthouse stands out for its four-story clock tower, rounded arches, and decorative brick patterns. In Arkansas City, the Commercial District was added to the National Register of Historic Places on February 18, 1999. The courthouse’s architectural features and the Commercial District’s historic designation offer two different glimpses into the region’s built history.

Esau’s Home-Grown Sweet Corn was established in Desha County near Dumas in 1990 as a family business. At Esau Farms, freshly harvested sweet corn can be ordered for farm pickup each year starting May 15. Sales for 2026 have ended and are expected to resume the following year. The set seasonal order start date and family background give the corn offering a distinct local connection.

In Dumas, Miller’s Mud Mill creates finely wheel-thrown contemporary ceramic art. It is sold to retail customers from a studio in the Brookhaven Shopping Center. Ceramics thus add contemporary craftsmanship to the region’s story.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: McGehee, Craighead, Franklin County, Sevier County, Independence County, Carroll County, Arkansas County, Ashley County

For the broader travel overview: Arkansas.