Van Buren County: Nature, History and Events

Get to know Van Buren County through its natural surroundings, water activities, architectural history, and local events. A short loop trail, well-maintained nature trails, cultural sites, and annual events offer different ways to tailor your stay to your interests.

Nature, Water and Trails

Choctaw Park in Clinton has a boat ramp, swimming area, playground, picnic pavilion, and marina. Facilities and seasonal availability may change, so check the latest information before your visit.

The Post Oak Savanna Nature Trail in Gulf Mountain WMA is a loop trail less than one mile long. South Fork Nature Center has more than two miles of maintained hiking and nature trails. The difference is in both the distance and the format: the Post Oak Trail is a loop, while South Fork has hiking and nature trails.

Gulf Mountain WMA has six primitive camping areas with 118 campsites. For fishing, Scott Henderson Gulf Mountain WMA offers 5.4 miles of stream, including a low-water ford.

Fairfield Bay's ATV trail network covers more than 90 miles of trails ranging from easy to challenging. Access and trail conditions may change, so check the latest information before planning your visit. Indian Hills Golf Resort has an 18-hole championship course; golf course operations may change. Ed Leamon Park has rose and butterfly gardens; garden features may change.

Architecture, Art and Local History

The Van Buren County Courthouse is a two-story native stone building constructed by the WPA in 1934. It is considered the county's finest example of WPA/Rustic architecture. Fairfield's Historic Log Cabin, by contrast, illustrates what domestic life was like from the mid- to late 19th century. Together, they offer two different ways to explore history: the courthouse through its architecture and construction date, and the log cabin through its depiction of everyday life at the time.

The American Totem Pole connects to local arts and crafts: it is one of three unique carvings by the local group of craftspeople, Woodcarvers Unlimited. The North Central Arkansas Art Gallery exhibits works by local and national artists. Since exhibitions may change, check the latest information if you plan to visit a particular exhibition.

Festivals and Recurring Events

The Van Buren County Fair & Livestock Show brings neighbors together every year in Clinton, Arkansas. The program includes award-winning livestock, handmade crafts, homegrown produce, award-winning baked goods, pageants, and evening entertainment. Exhibits and entertainment may vary from year to year, so check the dates and current program before your trip.

The National Championship Chuckwagon Race takes place every Labor Day weekend at a ranch in Clinton, Van Buren County. If you want to plan your trip around one of these annual events, check the dates for the relevant year. Planning around a set event date offers a different focus from choosing individual nature trails, art venues, or historical themes.

Discover more destinations: Fairfield Bay, Pope County, Lawrence County, Mississippi County, Conway County, Sharp County, Hot Spring County, Sevier County.

For the broader travel overview: Arkansas.