Top 14 Attractions and Activities in Wynne, Arkansas

With a population exceeding 8,000, Wynne serves as the county seat of Cross County in Arkansas. This city, while the largest in the county, maintains a quaint, small-town charm.

Situated within the Arkansas River Delta, Wynne offers proximity to several national and state parks, providing visitors with diverse outdoor recreational opportunities.

Many visitors to the area also find Memphis appealing, known for its historical significance, cultural richness, and music venues that attract travelers worldwide.

Below is a carefully curated list of 14 premier activities to experience in and around Wynne, Arkansas.

1. Village Creek State Park

Arkansas features a diverse landscape and expansive outdoor spaces, establishing itself as a paradise for sports enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Located just a short distance from downtown Wynne, Village Creek State Park is among five similar parks situated in the renowned Crowley’s Ridge area. Spanning over 6,000 acres, it ranks as one of the state’s largest parks.

Visitors can engage in activities such as hiking, fishing, mountain biking, and bird-watching. The park also boasts amenities including a welcome center offering displays, interactive exhibits, and various educational programs centered on the region’s unique natural and cultural heritage.

2. East Arkansas Community College Fine Arts Center

Located just off Interstate 40 in Forrest City, the East Arkansas Community College Fine Arts Center stands as the premier venue for traditional and performing arts in the area, having welcomed visitors for nearly two decades.

Situated on New Castle Road, the center features permanent exhibits and hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including live music, theatrical performances, dance recitals, and guest lectures.

This facility serves as a valuable community resource, boasting modern amenities that meet high standards.

3. Delta Q

Barbecue is a cultural staple in the American South, celebrated for its diverse regional styles, each offering unique flavors. Delta Q, located on North Washington Street in nearby Forrest City, invites visitors to sample a variety of Southern BBQ without straining their budget.

Menu options include brisket, ribs, and pulled pork, ensuring that every palate is catered to. Patrons have also praised the side dishes, which feature fries, mac & cheese, hush puppies, and more.

While the ambiance is casual and the menu is hearty, this establishment remains a local favorite for families seeking an enjoyable dining experience.

4. Bald Knob National Wildlife Refuge

Situated west of Wynne, Bald Knob National Wildlife Refuge is located in adjacent White County, close to Bald Knob. This refuge serves as a critical stopover for migratory waterfowl traversing the Mississippi and Arkansas River corridors every year.

Designated public areas within the refuge support various recreational activities such as fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and bird-watching.

Additionally, the refuge is home to a significant population of Bald Eagles, although visitors should note that certain sections remain closed to the public, and those that are accessible are typically open only seasonally.

5. National Civil Rights Museum – Lorraine Hotel

One of the most significant historical sites in the United States, the National Civil Rights Museum – Lorraine Hotel marks the location where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968.

The museum offers a wealth of exhibits, artifacts, and multimedia presentations that illuminate the civil rights movement and its key figures.

Visitors are encouraged to engage with documentary screenings prior to exploring the museum, as they provide insightful context about the movement and the exhibits on display.

Highlights of the museum include the room where Dr. King stayed and the balcony where his tragic fate occurred.

6. Stax Museum of American Soul Music

The historic Stax Recording Studio served as a prominent gathering place for musicians destined to become legends in the realm of soul music. Today, the Stax Museum attracts thousands of music enthusiasts annually.

Conceivably located near other remarkable attractions downtown, the museum showcases hundreds of invaluable pieces of memorabilia, exhibits, photographs, and musical instruments of historical significance.

Among the displays is a custom Cadillac outfitted with lavish features, created for the iconic Isaac Hayes.

This museum is a staple of visitors’ itineraries but tends to become crowded during peak hours, so planning ahead is advisable.

7. Sun Studio

Sun Studio in Memphis is famously known as the recording venue where the young Elvis Presley laid down his first tracks.

Often hailed as ‘the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll,’ it has become a pilgrimage site for devoted music fans worldwide, who visit annually to pay homage to the legendary artist.

The studio is also notable for having hosted various blues, country, and rock legends, including big names such as B.B. King and Johnny Cash.

By day, the studio operates as a museum displaying exhibits and memorabilia from multiple decades.

8. Graceland

As the primary attraction in Memphis, Graceland is an iconic site cherished by rock ‘n’ roll enthusiasts globally.

This expansive estate, once the home of Elvis Presley, is situated approximately ten minutes from downtown and served as the artist’s sanctuary amidst the pressures of fame and touring.

Notable tour highlights include the jungle room, pink Cadillac, and Elvis’ final resting place, which many visitors may not realize is located on the property.

Audio guides are available for those interested in a detailed narrative; however, informative plaques containing key insights are also abundant throughout the tour.

9. Beale Street

Beale Street provides a relaxed atmosphere reminiscent of New Orleans during Mardi Gras. Although less crowded, it is vibrant with blues and rock ‘n’ roll bars, live performance venues, and excellent dining options.

Historically, this area was frequented by many artists who became significant names in the music world, adding to Beale Street’s legendary status among music lovers.

Notable establishments, such as the Orpheum Theater and W.C. Handy Museum, are also in the vicinity. While the nightlife may not be suitable for families, daytime visits are enjoyable for those traveling with children.

10. Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum

The Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum offers an enriching experience for ardent enthusiasts wishing to explore the origins of American music.

Apart from being affiliated with the prestigious Smithsonian Institute, the museum houses a myriad of unique items and exhibits that trace the lineage of rock and soul music back over a century to its roots in the Delta region.

Audio guides are offered for visitor convenience, featuring musical instruments, photographs, and firsthand accounts typical in diverse galleries.

11. Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum

During the early to mid-1800s, an underground network of tunnels and safe houses was established, facilitating escape routes for enslaved individuals fleeing from the brutalities of the southern states to freedom in the North, where slavery had already been abolished.

Located on the Burkle Estate, the Slave Haven now allows tours of the original tunnels.

This museum provides a poignant insight into a challenging chapter of American history and is often an emotionally resonant experience for visitors.

It represents a significant diversion from the pervasive music culture of Memphis, making it a worthwhile visit.

12. Crystal Shrine Grotto

Constructed in the 1930s by the innovative artist and architect Dionicio Rodriguez, the Crystal Shrine Grotto continues to captivate visitors nearly a century later.

Located near various other attractions, including a cemetery and a man-made cave, it draws hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.

This site is now recognized on the National Register of Historic Places and is a preferred location for special photographs, often utilized by wedding and birthday parties.

Rodriguez’s artistry can also be found in other states, including Michigan, Maryland, and New Mexico.

13. The Peabody Ducks

For those persistent travelers seeking a whimsical experience with a troupe of trained ducks, your search ends here.

For nearly a century, the illustrious Peabody Ducks have been performing at a hotel in Memphis. When not on duty, they reside in an exclusive penthouse suite.

The ducks boast a fascinating history, and if their charming antics pique your interest, you can witness their daily performance at 11 AM, led by their dedicated Duckmaster.

This event is particularly appealing to families and remains reasonably priced.

14. Blues Hall of Fame

Originating in the Mississippi Delta centuries ago, blues music is deeply rooted in the spirituals sung by African Americans during the 17th and 18th centuries.

Located on South Main Street in Memphis, the Blues Hall of Fame has been an iconic establishment since 1980, managed by an organization dedicated to the preservation of this unique southern musical form, now celebrated globally.

Over the years, notable artists on their rise to fame have passed through Memphis en route to performances in major Midwestern cities such as St. Louis, Chicago, and Cleveland.

The exhibits display album covers, instruments, and narrated historical insights, enriching the visitor’s understanding of this essential music genre.