Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Osceola, Arkansas

Situated on the west bank of the Mississippi River between Blytheville and West Memphis, Osceola is located in Arkansas’ Mississippi County and was established in 1837.

For many years, the town prospered as a river port, facilitating the transport of natural resources, such as cotton and timber, from the region to the more industrialized northeast and mid-west.

The town was initially part of the Arkansas Territory before it was formally conferred statehood. In its early days, only a few hundred families resided within its boundaries.

Below are 15 notable attractions and activities in and around Osceola, Arkansas.

1. Osceola Community Center

Located on North Country Club Road in Osceola, the newly constructed Osceola Community Center offers an array of amenities, including indoor basketball and racquetball courts, a complete gym, exercise and aerobics rooms, as well as men’s and women’s locker facilities.

This facility represents an investment exceeding one and a half million dollars and serves as a valuable resource for individuals seeking fitness opportunities.

Different rates apply for county residents and those residing outside the county, and the center is available for rentals through prior arrangement.

For details on pricing and operating hours, please visit their website.

2. Osceola Municipal Golf Course

As indicated by its name, the Osceola Municipal Golf Course is owned and operated by the city of Osceola.

Situated on South Country Club Road, this 9-hole course provides an opportunity for players to complete 18 holes by playing the course twice.

Much of the course has undergone recent renovations. Previous visitors have commented on its excellent maintenance, where the tree-lined areas, sand traps, and water hazards present a challenging yet manageable experience.

Monthly memberships are available; however, guests should note that prices increase during weekends and peak summer months for those paying for single outings.

3. Downtown Osceola

Despite its relatively small size, Osceola boasts a notable number of structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The picturesque downtown area features minimal traffic and is home to an assortment of shops and dining establishments, making it an ideal location for a leisurely morning or afternoon stroll.

Additionally, various murals in the area depict the lives and histories of the residents. The Osceola Courthouse is a significant architectural landmark nearby worth exploring.

Completed in 1912 and designed in the neoclassical style, it showcases a distinctive copper dome that rises above the surrounding buildings.

4. Osceola Parks and Recreation Complex

Parks and recreation complexes in rural regions serve as excellent venues to visit if you are struggling to find activities.

For most of the year, these facilities are bustling with families and children engaging in various sports events, providing opportunities to socialize with locals and enjoy some complimentary entertainment.

As with most sports complexes, they host tournaments throughout the year and often include facilities like basketball courts and baseball fields that local residents can utilize when no games are scheduled.

Moreover, there are affordable and delightful food options available at the concession stand.

5. Mississippi County Historical and Genealogical Society Museum

Located on West Hale Avenue in Osceola, the Mississippi County Historical and Genealogical Society Museum is a premier repository of genealogical information and historical artifacts pertaining to the county’s residents.

Situated directly across from the Mississippi County Courthouse, it occupies a building that has stood for over a century.

The museum has actively preserved the county’s cultural heritage since the late 1980s and is recognized as one of the state’s leading destinations for ancestry research.

They fulfill their mission through outreach programs, offering various instructional and educational activities throughout the year.

6. Visit a Park

Even in more rural areas, one can often find a park or two, provided you are willing to conduct some research.

Osceola’s Sans Souci Park offers visitors an unobstructed panoramic view of the majestic Mississippi River. The park is equipped with a boat ramp, shore fishing access, and covered pavilions, making it an excellent location for special gatherings or a serene picnic.

Additionally, the park features several informative historical plaques that shed light on intriguing Civil War narratives, including a confrontation involving Union and Confederate gunboats that occurred nearby.

Located just off Arkansas Highway 61, it is easily accessible.

7. Dyess Colony

For visitors to Osceola with transportation and a willingness to take a brief excursion into the countryside, a trip to Dyess, located approximately 15 miles away, offers a captivating insight into the area’s history that is often overlooked.

The town of Dyess was the childhood home of music icon Johnny Cash. During the Great Depression in the 1930s, it was designated as an agricultural colony aimed at providing employment for the unemployed, enhancing productivity, and fostering self-sufficiency.

Both the Cash family residence and the Dyess Colony Administration Building are open for public viewing, though hours of operation may vary, so it is advisable to check online or call ahead.

8. Adams Gin

Upon its completion in 1992, Adams Gin in Leachville, Arkansas, earned the distinction of being the world’s largest cotton gin. More than two decades later, it retains this title.

Cotton gins are intricate and powerful machines that separate unwanted seeds and fibers from raw cotton prior to processing. This once labor-intensive task was performed manually, primarily by enslaved individuals.

The invention of the cotton gin significantly bolstered the local economy, making it worthwhile to visit and observe this impressive facility. If your timing is fortunate, you may receive a guided tour from the gin’s manager.

9. Herman Davis State Park

Although not the largest park globally, Herman Davis State Park in Manila is essential for military enthusiasts and those seeking authentic Americana.

Named in honor of a renowned World War I sniper, the park is situated near the intersection of Baltimore Avenue and Arkansas Route 18, adjacent to the historic downtown area.

This memorial, constructed from granite and standing nearly 30 feet tall, commemorates the courageous actions of the Manila native who eliminated a group of German infantrymen and machine-gunners before they could retaliate.

The park features pathways leading to the memorial along with some shaded grassy areas, which are ideal spots for soaking up the sun or enjoying a leisurely read.

10. Big Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Overseen by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Big Lake National Wildlife Refuge near Manila encompasses more than 10,000 acres of land, primarily composed of lowland forests, lakes, and marshy wetlands.

This refuge serves as a critical habitat for migratory waterfowl that stop to rest during their annual journeys. Popular activities at the refuge include hunting, fishing, hiking, and wildlife photography.

For avid bass fishermen, the refuge also hosts Millard Lake, the location where the state record largemouth bass was captured.

The visitor center is conveniently located off Arkansas Route 18 and serves as an excellent first stop before venturing into the natural surroundings.

11. Manila Water Park

Situated at the intersection of Davis and Lake Streets in Manila, the Manila Water Park is a popular family destination during the sweltering Arkansas summer months.

If you plan to visit on a weekend or holiday, anticipate a lively atmosphere, as the park is filled with amenities geared toward children—such as diving boards, slides, and a splash pad.

Additionally, a kiddie pool is available for younger visitors. For parents preferring to observe from a distance, numerous shaded seating areas provide comfort and excellent views of the pool activities.

Locker facilities for both genders and a concession stand offering delectable summer refreshments are also present on-site.

12. Crowley Ridge State Park

Positioned conveniently along Arkansas Highway 168 in the town of Paragould, Crowley Ridge State Park is favored by locals seeking affordable outdoor activities.

The park features extensive walking and biking trails, wooden bridges, covered picnic areas, a playground, and a large sandbox.

For those interested in fishing, a stocked pond is available. If you prefer to extend your visit, reasonably priced cabins for rent are located directly on the water.

This destination is an easy drive from Osceola and should offer hours of enjoyable recreation.

13. Paragould War Memorial

With roots going back well before the Civil War, the residents of Osceola and Paragould have made significant sacrifices throughout history. The Paragould War Memorial features an eight-foot-tall replica of the Statue of Liberty, dedicated to local men who lost their lives during World War I.

The memorial serves as the focal point of the park, located in proximity to several other historic sites in downtown Paragould.

The park includes additional smaller memorials that honor those who have perished in subsequent conflicts involving the United States. Due to its tranquil environment and tree-lined grounds, it is also a pleasant place for a leisurely stroll.

14. Tina Turner Museum

What significance does love hold?

If that timeless inquiry has ever crossed your mind, a visit to the Tina Turner Museum at Flagg Grove School should be included in your itinerary while in northeast Arkansas.

Although you must cross over into Brownsville, Tennessee, the distance is negligible. Here, you will gain unique insights into the humble beginnings of a woman who ascended to the pinnacle of the international music scene.

The museum is open daily, with admission prices being quite reasonable. An introductory video detailing her life is available, alongside a collection of artifacts related to her childhood and career.

15. West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center

The Mississippi and Arkansas Delta regions are widely recognized as the origins of various musical genres, including blues and rock ‘n roll. The West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center is dedicated to preserving these rich musical traditions.

Conveniently located near the previously mentioned home and school of Tina Turner, consider planning a day dedicated to musical exploration.

The center operates almost daily except for major holidays, with affordable admission and complimentary coffee available.

There is no indication regarding whether this includes cappuccinos or other specialty coffee beverages, but likely, they do not.