Top 14 Attractions and Activities in Blytheville, Arkansas

Situated just off Interstate 55 in the northeastern corner of Arkansas, Blytheville was established in the 1870s. Historically, the town’s economy largely focused on the timber industry, which attracted a significant number of laborers, contributing to a rough and perilous environment.

Due to its closeness to neighboring states including Missouri, Tennessee, and Kentucky, a visit to Blytheville offers visitors a distinctive chance to explore an array of natural and historical landmarks within a short drive.

Presented below are 14 notable attractions in Blytheville and its vicinity.

1. Delta Gateway Museum

Situated on West Main Street in Blytheville, the Delta Gateway Museum is an excellent initial stop for your visit.

Entry is complimentary, and the museum serves as one of the area’s most comprehensive collections dedicated to the town’s historical, cultural, and heritage narratives.

Alongside various displays and exhibits, it also provides educational programs, particularly for local school children and older residents.

The showcased items include photographs, artifacts, and audio-visual materials, encouraging guests to stop by and explore.

Consider contributing a modest donation to ensure the museum continues operating for future generations.

2. Thunder Bayou Golf Links

Established in 2002, the municipal golf course—Thunder Bayou Golf Links—offers golfers an accessible and economical option for enjoying the sport without excessive costs.

Previous patrons have noted the attractive greens and fairways, coupled with numerous sand and water hazards that make it a visually appealing and demanding layout.

A chipping area and putting green are also available for those wishing to warm up before their game. The pro shop sells equipment such as balls, gloves, hats, and tees.

The popularity of tee times can lead to swift bookings; therefore, consider playing during weekdays or securing one of the earliest morning slots to avoid traffic.

3. Visit a Park or Four

Downtown Blytheville possesses a quaint, small-town ambiance that is increasingly rare in today’s homogenized world.

With numerous historic structures and tranquil neighborhoods, it presents an ideal setting for leisurely strolls. There are four parks within town limits, ensuring easy access to green spaces perfect for a visit.

Cypress, Walker, Nelson, and Williams Parks are conveniently situated near each other; while they may lack extensive amenities, they provide an excellent setting for an afternoon walk or picnic.

4. Blytheville Youth Sportsplex

Comprising nearly 50 acres, the Blytheville Youth Sportsplex stands as a significant community asset and merits exploration.

The facility includes eight baseball and softball fields, soccer fields, walking trails, and two ponds designated for fishing.

Adjacent to Thunder Bayou Golf Links, the Sportsplex offers diverse activities ensuring visitors will find ample options to engage in leisure pursuits.

Hosting regular games and tournaments, it draws crowds from across the region, presenting an enjoyable atmosphere for spectators looking to relax with snacks like burgers or hot dogs at reasonable prices.

5. Boyhood Home of Johnny Cash

Regarded as a legend in American music, Johnny Cash’s humble origins began in the nearby town of Dyess.

This residence, which housed the Cash family from the 1930s to the 1950s, is filled with intriguing artifacts that provide insight into the early life of “The Man in Black.”

Visitors can also delve into the captivating history of Dyess itself, which was established as an agricultural resettlement colony during the New Deal era, making this stop a dual experience.

6. Historic Greyhound Bus Depot Visitor Center

A visit to Blytheville’s Historic Greyhound Bus Depot Visitor Center provides a unique perspective on the past and offers numerous ideas for additional activities while in the area.

The historic depot has undergone several renovations, showcasing a classic art-deco style which exemplifies this architectural genre in the region.

Entry is complimentary, featuring exhibits on the civil rights movement, local military history, and the Greyhound Bus Company, which has been transporting passengers nationwide for decades.

7. The Ritz Theatre

Featuring a distinctive design that harkens back to the ’50s and ’60s, The Ritz Theatre on West Main Street in Blytheville is an invaluable slice of Arkansas culture that merits attention.

With a rich history spanning nearly a century, the theatre has endured through time. Despite numerous renovations, it has preserved its original allure.

Offering a relatively intimate venue, it hosts a diverse array of performances ranging from acrobatic stunts and magic acts to puppet shows and dramatic productions.

To stay informed about their upcoming events, visiting their website for updates is recommended.

8. Lower Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge

Situated within an easy drive from Blytheville, Lower Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge is an integral part of the national parks system, established to safeguard the animals native to this region.

A significant portion of the refuge comprises wetlands, formed by the convergence of the Hatchie and Forked Deer Rivers.

Located in Tennessee, it showcases a surprisingly varied collection of fish, mammals, and avian species.

Parts of the refuge are accessible to nature enthusiasts and bird-watchers; the wading birds and waterfowl are particularly notable.

9. Big Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Based in Manila, Arkansas, Big Lake National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1915 with the primary aim of protecting the large populations of migratory birds that inhabit the area during winter months.

The Mississippi Valley functions as a crucial migratory corridor for birds traveling north and south throughout the year. The refuge was also significant in facilitating the reintroduction of bald eagles to the area during the 1980s and 1990s.

While certain portions of the refuge are permanently off-limits to visitors, other areas are accessible, although their hours are seasonal. Therefore, it is advisable to check online or call ahead before visiting.

10. Craighead Forest Park

While in Blytheville, a visit to Jonesboro is likely, and if you find yourself with some spare time, consider exploring one of the area’s most beloved state parks.

Craighead Forest Park encompasses nearly 700 acres of natural beauty and recreational opportunities designed to engage a diverse audience.

The park features numerous hiking trails, a disc golf course, playgrounds, and a lake that is popular with local anglers.

The trails accommodate walkers, runners, and cyclists, while ample covered seating areas are ideal for picnics or simply unwinding with a good book.

11. ASU Museum

Arkansas State Museum is situated on the Arkansas State University campus in Jonesboro and is recognized as one of the state’s most impressive collections related to cultural heritage, history, and ecology.

Northeast Arkansas, being part of the Mississippi Delta, has significantly influenced the national landscape, especially concerning fields such as art, music, and literature.

The museum houses numerous displays, exhibits, and artifacts, including some interactive and audio-visual elements that are quite popular.

Admission is free, and there is a creative area for children to engage in activities as well.

12. Skirmish at Jonesboro

During the Civil War, Arkansas and Missouri were fiercely contested by Union and Confederate forces at various intervals.

Numerous confrontations transpiring throughout the state were not unexpected; among the most significant was the battle that occurred in nearby Jonesboro.

The battle site offers a compelling glimpse into the nation’s tumultuous past, having taken place around what was then the inaugural territorial courthouse in the early 1860s.

A monument to fallen soldiers stands at the site, providing visitors with a poignant experience that does not require an extensive time commitment.

13. Bradbury Art Museum

Also located on the campus of Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, The Bradbury Art Museum stands as the region’s most extensive showcase of contemporary art, featuring works in a variety of mediums.

Having been established for nearly two decades, the museum has transitioned from a private gallery to a public institution to fulfill its mission of collecting and preserving significant contemporary artworks.

Exhibits encompass photographs, sculptures, and paintings, as well as a range of unconventional media. Additionally, many exhibits are updated throughout the year, so checking their website for the latest information before visiting is advisable.

14. Forrest L. Wood Crowley’s Ridge Nature Center

Forrest L. Wood Crowley’s Ridge Nature Center is another destination in Jonesboro worth visiting should your itinerary permit.

Located on East Lawson Road, it features multiple professionally designed exhibits and displays, many offering interactive and audio-visual components.

A short film is screened multiple times daily, allowing guests to relax in a comfortable setting while learning about the area’s fascinating geology, including the formation of its mountains, valleys, and caves over millennia.

A small petting zoo is also available, which delights younger visitors.