St. Francis County: History, Landscapes, and Hotels

When looking for a hotel for a trip to St. Francis County, it helps to decide what you want to focus on during your stay: Crowley’s Ridge shapes the landscape, while places in Forrest City, Madison, and other parts of the county offer insights into history and architecture. Routes and cultural sites provide different themes for planning your trip.

Crowley’s Ridge, Routes, and Landscapes

Crowley’s Ridge runs through St. Francis County from north to south and forms the high ground on which Forrest City was founded. The Crowley’s Ridge Parkway, a National Scenic Byway, passes through the county. Along the route, you can enjoy views of diverse plant communities, wildlife, ridges, and hills. In spring, summer, and fall, wildflowers are also part of the scenery.

Another route option is the St. Francis County Loop. This official loop leaves the Great River Road National Scenic Byway and runs through the county to the communities of Madison and Forrest City. Village Creek State Park extends across the northern border of St. Francis County into neighboring Cross County. The L’Anguille and St. Francis rivers also attract boaters and anglers.

In Forrest City, Stuart Springs is a 16-acre park that serves as a local picnic spot. Check the park’s current condition before visiting.

Local Architecture and History

Wylds Cabin is located on the campus of East Arkansas Community College in Forrest City. It was added to the Arkansas Register of Historic Places on September 3, 1997. Also in Forrest City is First Baptist Church. Completed in 1914, the church is designed in the Gothic Revival style and was the first brick church in the city built for an African American congregation.

The St. Francis County Museum is housed in the restored historic Rush-Gates Home and displays the J.O. Rush Relic Collection. It also serves as the central visitor center for the Crowley’s Ridge National Scenic Byway. Admission to the EACC Art Gallery is free; group tours can be arranged with the Arts Center Manager. Check opening hours before your visit.

Madison was the home of Scott Bond, who was considered the first African American millionaire in Arkansas. Madison was the county seat of St. Francis County until the seat was moved to Forrest City in 1874. The Scott Bond Family Plot in Madison includes two structures and a memorial stone bearing the names of family members buried there. The site is considered the last surviving place associated with Scott Bond and was nominated for inclusion in the National Register for its statewide significance.

The William Stone House was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1993. Its architectural features include the Plain Traditional style, along with applied elements of the Colonial Revival and Folk Victorian styles. The St. Francis River Bridge on Highway 70 opened in 1933. It is one of three swing-span highway bridges in Arkansas and was added to the National Register of Historic Places on April 9, 1990.

The Blackfish Lake Ferry Site in New Shady Grove is an Arkansas-listed property associated with the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail. The “Memphis to Little Rock Road–Blackfish Lake to Hill Lake” segment is also associated with the Cherokee Removal: its connection to the Bell Detachment establishes its statewide significance. The segment is eligible for inclusion in the Arkansas Register of Historic Places.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Forrest City, Conway County, Crawford, Drew, Carroll County, Chicot County, Cross County, Grant County.

For the main travel overview: Arkansas.