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Arkansas Post National Memorial

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Settled by the French in 1686, the remote "Post de Arkansae" was the first permanent European colony in the Mississippi River Valley and played a valuable role in the long struggle between France, Spain and England for dominance of the lucrative fur trade.



 The Basics


Hours:

The park grounds are open daily: 8:00 am to dark. The visitor center is open daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, except for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.

Address: 1741 Old Post Road
Gillett, AR 72055
Phone: 870-548-2207
Fax: 870-548-2431


 Directions

Arkansas Post National Memorial is located in southeastern Arkansas. The entrance to the park is on Arkansas state road 169, nine miles south of Gillett, via U.S. 165 (The Great River Road), and about 17 miles northeast of Dumas, via U.S. 165.

From the North (Little Rock, AR)
From Interstate 40, turn onto Interstate 30 south. South of Little Rock, exit onto Interstate 530 and continue to Pine Bluff. When Interstate 530 ends, exit to Highway 65. Follow Highway 65 to Gould, AR and turn left onto State Road 212. When 212 ends, turn left onto Highway 165, and cross over the Arkansas River. Continue on 165 for five miles, and turn right on State Road 169. Follow 169 two miles into the park.

From the South (Lake Village, AR / Greenville, MS / Monroe, LA)
Follow Highway 65 or 165 north to Dumas, AR. In Dumas, turn right at the stoplight onto Highway 165, and continue north for about 18 miles. Turn right onto State Road 169 and follow 169 two miles into the park.

From the east (Helena, AR)
Head west on Highway 49. Turn onto State Road 1 at Marvell, and continue on 1 until De Witt. In De Witt State Road 1 merges into Highway 165. From De Witt, follow 165 about 20 miles. Turn left onto State Road 169 and follow 169 two miles into the park.


 Climate
 

Summers are hot and humid with temperatures normally excceding 90° Fahrenheit. Afternoon thunderstorms are common and may develop rapidly. Winter is normally mild with daytime highs in the range of 60 to 70° Fahrenheit and night time lows falling below freezing.

Link to our Arkansas River Valley Weather coverage for more information.

 Fees
 

No Fees, but a special Use Permit necessary for commercial and special events.


 Reservations
 

Groups planning a visit to the park should contact the park and make a reservation at least one week prior to their scheduled visit.Reservations are not accepted for the picnic area.


 Things To Do
 

Visitors are invited to view the park movie Arkansas Post: Echoes of the Past" and explore museum exhibits reflecting over three hundered years of human history at Arkansas Post. This twenty minute feature is available upon request daily from 8:00 a.m. till 4:30 p.m.

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty and tranquility of over two miles of trails winding through the "historic town site" and an ancient hardwood forest.

Guided tours are available for groups, however, reservations are required. Bus parking is available at the visitor center. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the town site and nature trails.

Musket and Cannon demonstrations are regularly scheduled during periods of high visitation.

Fishing is allowed in all the waters in and around the park; however, an Arkansas fishing license is required for individuals 16 years of age and older.


 For Kids
 

A Junior Ranger program is available for children ages 7 - 12.


 Nearby Attractions
 

National Park Service Areas

  • Hot Springs National Park, 120 miles
  • Central High School National Historic Site, 100 miles
  • Vicksburg National Military Park, 140 miles
  • Buffalo National River, 229 miles
  • Shiloh National Military Park, 260 miles
  • Fort Smith National Historic Site, 240 miles
  • Pea Ridge National Military Park, 300 miles
  • Poverty Point National Monument, 120 miles
  • Natchez Trace Parkway, 150 miles
  • Trail Of Tears National Historic Trail, 0 miles

Other Attractions

  • Arkansas Post Museum State Park, 2 miles
  • Delta Rivers Nature Center, 50 miles
  • Louisiana Purchase State Park, 70 miles
  • Corps of Engineers - Arkansas Post Field Office, 32 miles
  • Toltec Mounds State Park, 85 miles
  • White River National Wildlife Refuge, 35 miles

Link to our Arkansas River Valley Attractions coverage for more information.


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