family friendly

Pine Bluff Regional Park in Pine Bluff, Arkansas

5+ Outdoor Things to Do in Pine Bluff

July 17, 2024

Incorporated in 1839, Pine Bluff is a unique place to visit. Located along the Arkansas River, the city used to thrive as a cotton center and river port. Its unique geography places the city along the boundary line of the West Gulf Coastal Plain and the Delta. The area contains much history, as it has seen the removal of Native Indians during the Trail of Tears, the October 1863 Attack on Pine Bluff, plays a role in music history, and has a heritage in Civil Rights.

Pine Bluff is a great place for outdoor enthusiasts to explore nature and enjoy outdoor activities. The city is host to nineteen parks and a plethora of rivers and lakes! The Delta Family Adventure Trail in Pine Bluff encompasses the city’s many experiences inside and outdoors. Check out just a few of the family (and adult) friendly things to do outdoors in Pine Bluff in the list below. All things listed below are free, so be sure to eat and shop in Pine Bluff to show your appreciation and support for providing these activities to the public.

AGFC Nature Center

The Governor Mike Huckabee Delta Rivers Nature Center is a great place to learn about the Delta’s heritage and the wildlife and ecology that make up the Delta. The center offers visitors a 22,000-gallon aquarium, native reptiles and American alligators in two ponds, and native birds of prey in an outdoor exhibit.

The center offers 130 acres of forest and is surrounded by a bayou and lake. With over two miles of hiking trails, there is plenty of wildlife to encounter. The main trail, Discovery Loop, is a short half-mile paved and ADA accessible trail. Whitetail Trail is a shorter trail that is also paved. The other trails are primitive and not paved.

In addition to nature, the center also offers a 3D Archery Range that gives visitors the opportunity to practice shooting from different distances. There are 20 targets in different sizes of game.

Please be aware that Delta Rivers Nature Center is not pet friendly. Picking flowers and plants is also not allowed.

Murals of Downtown Pine Bluff

Just driving around Pine Bluff’s downtown area will attract your attention to the large wall murals on many of the downtown buildings. The mural tour can easily be explored on foot as it is a short distance between the murals. The murals depict different aspects of the area’s history over the past 200 years. While they are all uniquely curated, some are more educational in content.

Along the tour, you will find an entertainment park with plenty of tables and shade for resting or a picnic. Also, while walking the downtown streets viewing murals on the tour, be sure to stop by the Pine Bluff Veterans Memorial for another large mural spanning the side of a building.

Bayou Bartholomew

Flowing roughly 364 miles, Bayou Bartholomew is the longest bayou in the world. Beginning in Pine Bluff, the bayou joins the Ouachita River in Louisiana. It is the second most diverse stream in North America as it contains over 117 documented species of fish. Lined with tupelo and cypress swamps, the bayou is home to an entire ecosystem of nature and wildlife. Turtles and alligators are known to make their home in the bayou.

The bayou is the perfect place for fishing, canoeing, or kayaking. For an ultimate lazy river experience, launch your kayak at the Dr. Curtis Merrill Access.

Bayou Bartholomew is a parent stream of Byrd Lake, an Arkansas Natural Area that represents the boundary between the Coastal Plain and Mississippi Plain. Byrd Lake Nature Trail offers an easy and ADA accessible hiking trail loops visitors through a bottomland mixed pine-hardwood forest. An overlook of the lake and viewing benches are available on the trail. This trail is located off Main Street. More information on its location can be found here.

Saracen Landing All-Inclusive Playground

If you are visiting Pine Bluff with your family or children, the Saracen Landing All-Inclusive Playground is a good place to bring the kids to play and run off some energy. This playground was thoughtfully designed to provide a safe place for kids of all abilities to play alone and/or with other kids. The park’s equipment is mostly sensory.

See, feel, discover and play together!
Pine Bluff Parks & Recreatonal Department

Harbor Oaks Golf Club and Restaurant

Located at Pine Bluff’s Regional Park, the Harbor Oaks Golf Club reopened last year. Voted one of the top 10 public golf courses in the state of Arkansas, there is also an award-winning restaurant and conference center on site. Offering its guests an 18-hole golf course, Harbor Oaks is a challenging par 72. Facilities also include a chipping and putting green, practice bunker, and 25 hitting stations on the practice range.

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff has a partnership with Harbor Oaks that allows the U of A golf team to host all home and dual tournaments at the Harbor Oaks Golf Course.

For more information on things to do and what Pine Bluff offers, make a stop at their Visitor’s Center (623 S. Main Street). Located in a historical building, it is a great place to learn about Pine Bluff’s history, as well.

What is your favorite outdoor activity?

Ultimate Guide to Shopping in Batesville

July 3, 2024

As the oldest city in the state of Arkansas, Batesville has a population of over 11,000 people. With this kind of population, you would except a large city with a lot of shopping, dining, and things to do. So where is the best place to spend money at in Batesville?

Grocery Stores

The best grocery store in Batesville is Aldi. They recently opened and are still new to the city but are a lot of people’s first choice for groceries. The store is really clean, has spacious aisles, delicious food that tastes superior to name brand products, and their prices are cheaper than Kroger’s sales and coupons, making them cheaper than anywhere else in the city.

Aldi is a brand that is known for offering cleaner products. Their product line contains less harmful chemicals, preservatives, dyes, and artificial colors and flavors than food found in other stores. Looking at the products, you will quickly notice that most are products of German and Swiss companies. Although, most of the products are manufactured in the United States. Unfortunately, Aldi is a small store and only carries a limited supply of food and other miscellaneous household items. If Aldi was as big as Walmart, I am sure that they would easily put Walmart out of business.

Other grocery stores:

Dollar General

Dollar Tree

Family Dollar

Walgreens

Bill’s Cash Saver

Kroger

Walmart

Harps (Southside)

Entertainment

The entertainment industry is huge, especially if you have kids or are dating. However, Batesville is extremely lacking in this area. I only have two places of entertainment –

Hollywood Bowl is our only bowling alley and hosts tournaments almost every night of the week. They also have a small arcade section, offer parties through a host party planner, and host to a scary haunted house during Halloween. When they are caught up on business tasks, they operate an escape room at the back of the arcade.

Next Level Playground has also made an appearance in Batesville. Catering to little kids, they offer a play pit, arcade games, and a trampoline. They also rent out their facilities for parties. Be sure to watch their hours because they are open seasonally.

Batesville has two movie theaters, in which both run first time movies. There is an updated, modern theater in the middle of town and a restored, historic theater at the end of Main Street. The Melba Theater offers free movies seasonally and supposedly has the best popcorn.

Clothing

A lot of Batesville residents complain about the lack of clothing stores, but I have found that they are certainly not lacking in clothing stores. However, our most notable one is actually in Southside and is a consignment store – Secondhand Swank.

Secondhand Swank is a clean and very nice clothing consignment store. Both their prices and sales are really good deals. Their entire back room is full of prom and formal dresses, so it is the best place to find a good price on formal wear. Consignments include women’s, men’s, formals, babies, and children’s clothing.

Other clothing stores:

Barbara’s Fashions

Cato Fashions

Maurices

The Twisted Spoke

Factory Connection

TJ Maxx

Bellabird

Simple By Design

Main Attire

Clara Jane & Jax Children’s Boutique

Viv & Rose Bridal and Formal

Siloe

Lainey Mae

Little Luxe

Thrift Stores

Batesville has quite a bit of thrift stores, but I think most people shop at Goodwill. Considering Goodwill is a large store and a known brand, it would make sense to start your thrifting journey at Goodwill.

Other thrift stores:

Fresh Start Resale Shop

Fleaman Barkus

Almost New Store

Weeping Willow

Flea Markets

Within Batesville city limits, there is only Olde Towne Mall, Etta’s Attic, and The Rusty Trunk. Both Olde Towne and Etta’s are located on Main Street and offer an entirely different product selection. The Rusty Trunk is a newcomer to Batesville and has more of a rustic design.

Just outside Batesville is The Birdcage Vintage Market (north side of Batesville) and Southern Traditions (Southside). Both are owned by the same family and the buildings were new buildings. More flea markets are located farther away, so plan out your trip if you are visiting just for antiquing.

Restaurants

Batesville is known for having fast food row. You can find all kinds of fast-food places on St. Louis Street. There is quite a bit of family owned and chain restaurants, though. Depending on what you want to eat, here is a list of the best restaurants.

BBQ – Both Cowboy’s Barbecue and Fox Creek BBQ are worth a visit, but Fox Creek offers a bar.

Burgers – Big’s of Batesville has an extensive menu of sandwiches and burgers. If you are interested in eating at a food truck, Meme’s Burgery is the best place to get burgers. They are often located beside The Tea Crate.

Breakfast – The Triangle Café in Southside gets a lot of customers. They offer breakfast and lunch only and a great breakfast selection if you are okay with eating in a small space with a lot of older people.

Chinese – Tailee Chinese Restaurant serves a buffet and menu with quality Chinese food.

Japanese – Sakura Japanese Steakhouse and Dora Express offer an entirely different atmosphere and are both worth a visit.

Italian – Tavolo Italian Ristorante is the only Italian restaurant in Batesville. It is owned by an Italian family and offers a bar.

Fast food – Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers is the closest thing to real food that the current fast-food line up offers in Batesville.

The best overall restaurant is a tie between H&H Café (Moorefield) and Whistle Stop Cafe. Both places have great service, good homecooked food, quiet atmosphere, and good prices.

Gifts

If you are looking to buy general merchandise or gifts, Five Below (opening soon) and TJ Maxx is the best place to shop. Five Below carries a lot of products that are perfect for Christmas and birthday gifts, especially for children. TJ Maxx carries more household products and a good selection of dog products.

Pet Products

Batesville has a Petsense that offers everything you need for your pets. There is also Tractor Supply if you need pet food or have chickens or horses. However, TJ Maxx is a great place to buy dog toys and miscellaneous dog and cat products that you cannot find elsewhere.

This list of places to spend your money in Batesville is certainly not comprehensive. Businesses are always coming and going and expanding. Before you head to Batesville to shop or dine, please check the business hours to make sure they will be open. Like most places in Arkansas, a lot of businesses are closed on Mondays and open late in the morning.

Where is your go-to place to spend money when you visit Batesville?

Spring River Dam at Mammoth Spring State Park in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas

5+ Family Friendly Things To Do In Mammoth Spring

June 14, 2024

My parents got a divorce when I was a little girl. While it was a good thing for my parents, it was not something that was easy to handle – even in adulthood. My brother and I might have gotten two Christmas’s, but the “fun” of being a part of two households ended there and I dreaded Christmas time.

My dad’s entire life has been spent in Mammoth Spring. So, after the divorce, he stayed in the area and my mom moved away. Mammoth Spring has always been what I consider to be a small town with its own culture. Everyone knows each other because no one moved off after high school graduation, so gossip runs rampant (among the locals and only about the locals). Main Street was a traditional dying downtown that was in desperate need of restoration. And the worst part of my childhood in Mammoth was spending every single weekend on the Spring River. I literally hated the river, being in my swimsuit, and forced to “swim” or “play” in the river. All my childhood memories of the place were painted grey because of the divorce situation.

As an adult, though, things are very different. I only got to experience the environment that my dad created, which was not the best. So, I saw all the rough spots of the area and barely any of its good, attractive qualities. One of the only good spots we got to enjoy as kids was Mammoth Spring State Park, which was a gold mine for us kids! Now, I love going back to Mammoth just to enjoy how wonderful of a place it is to visit!

The Town of Mammoth Spring

Located on the border of Thayer, Missouri, Mammoth Spring is a very unique town. It offers an abundance of shopping, dining, and recreational activities for everyone in the family. Named after one of the world’s largest springs, Mammoth Spring (the spring) is known for its trout fishing.

Founded in 1883, a strategy to grow the town was created. So, the town was promoted to Memphis investors as a site for manufacturing operations, which would create industry, money, and new residents. During this time, Napoleon Hill, a Memphis millionaire, built an upscale resort hotel in Mammoth Spring. His hotel, The Nettleton, is said to have rivaled any hotel in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. It operated from 1899 to 1932, when the hotel was sadly destroyed by a fire and never rebuilt.

Since the town borders Missouri, they get a lot of traffic from travelers. While it is hard to miss the Arkansas Welcome Center and Mammoth Spring State Park, it is easy to miss the great things to do in town if you do not plan a day or weekend trip to stay and play. Listed below are some of Mammoth Spring’s most notable and family friendly reactional activities that are worth experiencing. While visiting these places and exploring Mammoth Spring, do not forget to go into town and enjoy their local dining options, shop the antique stores and boutiques, and take amazing family pictures (or selfies) in this nature-filled town.

Arkansas Welcome Center

Located at Mammoth Spring State Park, the Welcome Center is a great place to stop for brochures and information on places all over the state of Arkansas! They have a little gift shop inside if you need to pick something up on your visit. If you have your Arkansas Historic Preservation Program passport, you can get it stamped at the Welcome Center.

After browsing the Welcome Center, do not forget to take your journey outside to Mammoth Spring State Park.

Mammoth Spring State Park

Mammoth Spring is a National Natural Landmark, as it is the world’s 10th largest spring. The spring has nine million gallons of water that flow every hour. Mammoth Spring State Park consists of a 10-acre lake, remnants of a mill and hydroelectric plant, 1886 Frisco train depot and museum, walking trail, playground, picnic area, baseball field, Civil War cannon, Arkansas Welcome Center, and gift shop.

The 1886 Frisco Depot Museum is the oldest railroad station in the state and open to the public. Inside the museum, you’ll be transported back to the early 1900s, where custom-sculpted lifelike figures portray train passengers, crew, and depot crew. Located next to the museum is a Frisco caboose that is also open for tours.

Both the Mammoth Spring Dam and Lake and the Kansas City, Fort Scott, and Memphis Railroad Depot is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Not only can you get a stamp for your State Park passport but also your Arkansas Historic Preservation Program passport at the Welcome Center.

Mammoth Spring National Fish Hatchery

Established in 1903, Mammoth Spring NFS is one of the oldest National Fish Hatcheries in the country. They raise aquatic species for both conservation and recreation purposes. The Mammoth Spring National Fish Hatchery was built in this location due to the availability of the cool flowing water from Mammoth Spring. The hatchery offers an Aquatic Conservation Center and Aquarium for visitors to enjoy. Regular outreach events are offered for educational purposes.

The Spring River

If you are an outdoorsy person, then you will love Spring River! Since the river is fed by Mammoth Spring, it is a popular destination year-round due to its dependability. You can float, canoe, and/or kayak on the cold river that attracts people every year to camp, fish, swim, and play. There are several campgrounds and outfitters on the river that provide put-in/out service and transportation back to your vehicle. Stay the weekend and camp on the campgrounds, make new friends, party or keep your trip family friendly. In the right places, the river can offer swimming. But get proper guidance and information before getting out on the water, because Spring River has strong currents and can cause serious accidents if not careful.

Walnut Valley Farms

Walnut Valley Farms provides a unique farm experience to everyone who visits. They are a small family farm that specializes in pastured lamb. The family revitalized a 100-year-old farm that now hosts Spring Lamb Days and Christmas on the Farm, where you can hold baby lambs, get your picture taken with them, and shop local vendors. The farm is also available as a venue for events. Be sure to contact them if you want to learn more about sheep farming!

Jim Hinkle/Spring River State Fish Hatchery

The Jim Hinkle State Fish Hatchery produces more than 1 million rainbow trout every year. The trout are distributed in the Spring River, Blanchard Spring, Bull Shoals and Greers Ferry tailwaters, South Arkansas trout waters, and the Family and Community Fishing Program’s seasonal trout ponds. They are open for tours and host a kids fishing derby every year.

Have you ever visited Mammoth Spring or camped on the Spring River? Tell us about your trip!

Potts Inn Museum in Pottsville, Arkansas

Potts Inn Museum: Best Preserved Antebellum Stagecoach Station

June 10, 2024

Potts Inn Museum is known for being one of the Butterfield-Overland mail route’s best-preserved stagecoach stations between Fort Smith and Memphis. Built in the 1850s, it is a perfect example of antebellum architecture.

Potts Inn

The story of the Inn began with a young bachelor named Kirkbride Potts. Traveling from his home in Pennsylvania with two families of slaves, he settled south of the Arkansas River. After meeting, falling in love, and marrying Pamelia Logan, they moved to Pope County. The Potts started with a two-story log cabin that served as a family home and business location. With their 11 children and all the travelers stopping at the home, the Potts needed a new home that would better serve their family and business.

To earn the money needed to build a new home, Mr. Potts tried mining for gold during the Gold Rush in the 1840s. His first visit to California proved useless mining, but profitable to sell beef to the miners. Initial construction of their new home began in 1850 and took 8 years to complete.

John Butterfield started the Butterfield Stagecoach Line when the government needed a standard way to transport mail from coast to coast. The line served both the public and mail system. Potts Station was the only stop in Arkansas, which caused the construction of extra barns on the property for the stagecoaches, their horses, and equipment. The Butterfield-Overland mail route was so important to the country that it is registered as a National Historic Trail.

Over the course of the family’s history, the Potts house served many purposes, such as a post office, inn, tavern, and many other businesses. It played a role in the Civil War and is vital to our mail, as it was part of the Butterfield-Overland mail route. Several books have been written showcasing how important Potts Inn has been to our country. The town of Pottsville was even named after the Potts family.

Potts Inn Museum

Potts Inn housed the original family until 1970 when it was sold to Pope County and became a museum. Original log cabins were later moved to this location to house personal collections. The bank and pharmacy buildings were added to the museum, as well. The Pope County Historical Foundation now manages the property and does an excellent job.

A part of the Museum is the Citizens Bank Building and the Teeter Medical Collection (my favorite). These locations are typically only open during Butterfield Day. Both structures are located across the street from Potts Inn.

Some of the original windowpanes are still in place and the molds used to make the chimney’s bricks are preserved. The Inn houses original furniture and household items, as well as period furnishings and furniture donations. As a result, the Inn is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Butterfield Day

Every year, Potts Inn Museum in Pottsville is host to Butterfield Day. A celebration of being a stop on the Butterfield-Overland mail route, this day is filled with excitement, interesting collections, more museums, Civil War reenactors, antique car show, and so many more fun things to do! On any other day, Potts Inn is a museum with original and period furnishings.

Upon hearing about Butterfield Day and all the things they planned for the event, my mom, dog, and me organized a road trip to experience it for ourselves. Our itinerary for the day included Potts Inn in the morning and a state park afterward. And we might have stayed at Potts Inn too long because it was such a good event!

Our time at the event started with a browse through and lovely conversations with the vendors set up on the property. We then took a walk around the property and admired the antique cars in the show. Making our way in and out of the log structures was a unique experience. Each cabin showcased a different collection of unique items. We saw the trends of attire since 1870, hat collection, Indian artifacts, and a doll collection of all the First Lady’s dressed in a replica of their inaugural gowns (my mom’s favorite). A one room pioneer log cabin and barn were also open for tours.

The event hosted a regularly scheduled Civil War Reenactment that included information on rifles used during that period and canon shootings. Scattered throughout the property were more reenactors that were quite lovely. Stationed inside the Potts Inn, they gave information on the Potts family and their home.

The entire experience was well worth the drive to Pottsville! Potts Inn Museum is a must visit for anyone interested in history. Butterfield Day is the best time to visit, though. As their annual celebration day, admission is free, both the Citizens Bank Building and Teeter Medical Collection are open, tours are given on the property, Civil War reenactments occur all day, vendors of all sorts are set up, and an antique car show takes place. For more information on Potts Inn Museum, please visit their website.

Exploring Cave City As A Family

June 7, 2024

World famous for their watermelons, Cave City is a very unique town filled with friendly people and lots of fun. The town is located along Hwy 167 and gets a lot of traffic coming and going from Missouri. Despite being on a main highway that runs through the state, Cave City retains its small town charm. People who are constantly on the move will easily miss the charming aspects if they do not slow down and take the time to enjoy themselves.

History of Cave City

Cave City was established around 1890 when brothers John William Laman and James Andrew Laman moved to the area. Upon moving to the area, both were determined to create a new town. After building their homes and a few businesses, they encouraged other merchants to relocate to their town. The brothers began platting the land and donated parcels of land for churches and a school. Many families moved to the area in 1891 when their first school opened. In 1892, the nearest post office was physically moved to the town. Since then, the city has grown into one of the most famous small towns in Arkansas.

Known for having the sweetest melons in the state (although everyone says the “world”), Cave City is a town of less than 2,000 people. It was named after a large cave underneath part of the town. Before the township of Cave City, the cave was owned by the Horn family and known as Horn’s Cave. It was later purchased by Dr. G.T. Laman. In the 1930s, Hubert Carpenter purchased the cave and worked with C.P. Matlock to develop the grounds above it and add cabins, creating Cave Courts. Carpenter created a museum with the Indian relics he retrieved from the cave, which is maintained in the entrance hall. Cave Courts (aka Crystal River Cave Camp) is known as the oldest motor court in Arkansas.

The cave was not the only thing that attracted people to visit the town. Cave City has a long history of hosting revivals. These events were known as “meetings.” Whether it was a union meeting, tent meeting, or other meeting, it was where at least two churches would come together to have a revival at the same time and place. One of the town’s most notable revival was the holiness camp meeting that was held by the Nazarene Church every year.

This little town now offers a locally owned grocery store, shopping, dining, and attractions. What more could people need? How about a cave, the world’s sweetest watermelons, and a local ministerial alliance that hosts a revival every year?

Hometown Cooking

Cave City does not disappoint in having little restaurants that offer home cooked meals. Buttercup’s Kitchen makes every customer feel like they are walking into their family dinner. Bailey’s Family Restaurant relocated from Melbourne and offers a more modern dining option for the family without sacrificing a friendly welcome and warm atmosphere. Also, no trip to or through the town is complete without stopping by The Ozark Kitchen for homemade fried pies by the sweetest Mennonite twins!

Recreation

Cave City’s charm is not limited by the amount of recreational activities. Their city park offers a fishing pond, amphitheater for both small and large events, playgrounds, basketball and tennis court, horseshoe pit, walking trail, pavilions, and plenty of land to run and play! In town, there is a 90,000 gallon pool and splash pad that the town has offered since 1972. Just in front of their Welcome sign is the newest addition – a Veteran Memorial Park.

The city is currently working on a pocket park and green acres area, which will give the family more places to play, picnic, and host events.

Crystal River Cave

Crystal River Cave is named after Crystal River, the underground river that is located in the multi-room cave of which the beginning and ending has never been determined. During Cave City’s beginnings, the school’s drinking water was supplied by the cave. Many families even used it as a “town refrigerator,” storing their dairy and produce in the cave to keep them from spoiling.

Only open during the non-rainy season (~ fall months), Crystal River Cave offers limited tours due to it being managed only by the family. An older couple own the cave and require assistance during peak season. When they have enough assistance, the cave is open for special events like the Watermelon Festival. Keep a watch on their Facebook for tour information and be sure to call them for tour dates.

Antique Shopping

Whether you’re passing through or visiting for a while, don’t forget to stop by Red Door Antiques. This little store is located in an old garden nursery and is host to a cat that likes to lounge on a blanket on the couch after greeting you at the door. You’ll find antiques, new items, handmade items, clothes, and more inside this flea market.

Cave City Watermelon Festival

Every year, the town of Cave City celebrates their watermelon growers by having a Watermelon Festival. This three-day event is held at the end of watermelon season in July. No matter how hot it is outside or if it’s raining, people from all over the country come to town to enjoy the festivities and load their vehicle down with the world’s sweetest melons. This free festival hosts watermelon games, watermelon tasting, vendors, food trucks, concerts and more. You can find all the information on their website.

Even in its beginnings, Cave City has been known for their summer event. The earliest reference to their Fourth of July Picnic is in a Sharp County Record newspaper article that dates the picnic tradition starting in 1893. While the picnic brought large crowds from all over the country, it was not until 1980 that the tradition changed to the annual Watermelon Festival. Every year, the festival grows, adding more vendors, events, and attractions. People from all over the world are said to enjoy the festival. Since 1938, a Melon Grower’s Association has been organized for Independence and Sharp counties. So, watermelons have been a part of Cave City almost since the town’s establishment!

If you find yourself passing through Cave City, do not forget to stop to enjoy some of these charming aspects. You just might find yourself in the same position as people from other states – fall in love and move!

Our goal is to be the best version of Cave City that we can be, and everything we do is focused on that.

– Jonas Anderson, Mayor

What do you love most about this charming town?

Life-size replica of a Boeing B-17F Flying Fortress that crashed during WWII at Sheridan, Arkansas

Actual Crash Site of A Boeing B-17F Flying Fortress

May 31, 2024

If you are ever in the Little Rock/Sheridan area, the B-17 Memorial Park is a great roadside veteran memorial worth visiting! Located in the middle of what seems like nowhere is the most pristine and memorial site. Since my mom and I enjoy visiting veteran and memorial parks, we have certainly visited a plethora all over the country in our travels. Yet, we were extremely impressed with how well-constructed and well maintained this park was, especially since its location being so far off the main highway.

Located about five miles north of Sheridan, B-17 Memorial Park is the work of a very determined group of individuals that wanted to preserve a moment in history. The park is unique from other veteran memorials as it is the actual crash site of the Boeing B-17F Flying Fortress in 1943. Thus, why it is located in the middle of a field and back off the road a couple miles.

The story behind the crash is nothing fancy, but certainly warranted quite the investigation. Apparently, the B-17 bomber was based in Smoky Hill Airfield in Salina, Kansas. It was set to depart from Kansas, head to Morrison Field in West Palm Beach, Florida, and then make its way to Europe to help fight in World War II. The bomber departed Kansas on March 12, 1943, and headed toward Florida. While enroute to Florida, the nine airmen aboard experienced the bomber violently vibrating. When the crew encountered a thunderstorm, the pilot was forced to decide to turn back around toward Kansas or make an emergency landing in Little Rock, Arkansas. When their flight path was changed toward Little Rock, one of the bomber’s engines caught fire and explored in mid-air. As a result, the crew lost their lives and the remaining pieces of the bomber crashed in a wooded area at the park’s location. It took less than three hours of total flight time for this unfortunate ending.

Apparently, a military investigation found service records on the bomber that reported this particular B-17 had significant mechanical problems. Two engines had been replaced a couple weeks earlier and two other engines were scheduled to be replaced. Such problems were known to cause failure and a high possibility of crashing, which resulted in it being condemned for flight to Florida by the United States Army.

Yet, the base was eager to catch up with the previously deployed squadron that had left for combat in the war. So, the fateful decision was made to have nine airmen fly it to Florida for repairs, even with the current mechanical problems. Afterward, they were to fly to Europe and reunite with the rest of their squadron. Unfortunately, this decision resulted in a loss of a bomber and nine men, some of which had a family waiting for them at home. While another B-17 could be sent across the ocean, a person’s life can never be replaced.

The military investigation placed a lot of blame for the crash on the pilot and the thunderstorm. It is still unknown, and probably hard to determine, if the crew knew about the condemnation of the bomber or not. However, family members of some of the airmen did report that conversations weeks before the flight expressed concerns and fears that mechanical problems would result in their deaths.

A year later, a stone memorial marker was erected on March 10, 1944, at the crash site in memory of the nine airmen aboard the B-17 bomber. Over time, the marker had been forgotten about and nature had started to cover up the marker. With the forgotten and lost marker, memory of the crash had even become forgotten.

Forty years later, Jerry Jackson and his father stumbled upon the marker while walking in the woods. Jerry was so moved by the memorial and its historical significance that he made it a part of his Eagle Scout project to restore the marker. He was still working with the Grant County Museum to restore the memorial and crash site when he died in a car accident in 1986 at the age of sixteen. The project that he started was continued by the American Legion in collaboration with other volunteers and sponsors.

On October 12, 2015, the B-17 Veterans Memorial Park was opened. It was constructed to honor the crew of the Boeing B-17F Flying Fortress, but the county wanted to honor all local military personnel that died in war. So, the memorial also honors Civil War veterans killed at the Battle of Jenkins Ferry, and those killed in action in World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and American veterans of the past and present.

WWII B-17 Crash Site at B-17 Memorial Park in Sheridan, Arkansas

Very well designed, constructed, and maintained, this park seems to be out of place in the middle of a field. Upon entering the park, you are greeted with the original memorial marker. Attached to the other side of it is a plaque that honors Jerry Jackson for his passion, determination, and dedication to restore the area in memory of those who lost their lives in war. In the center of the park is a life-size replica of a B-17 bomber that is quite fascinating. “Dummy” personnel were placed inside to give a better representation of its use and make it more life-like. Around the bomber is a very lovely short walking trail with informational plaques and an audio tour that is available to learn more information on the crash and the airmen. You can listen online at Sheridan B17 Memorial Park – Sheridan B17 Memorial Park (stqry.app).

At the back of the park is a black granite wall containing the names and information of the airmen in the crash. Dedications and speeches are held here in honor and respect of our military personnel, as well as other events. American and military flags line the bomber fencing and surround the memorial park, showcasing an ambience for honoring our military. Off to the rear side of the park is a pavilion with a little picnic area, which is the perfect place to celebrate a veteran’s birthday or special event.

The B-17 Memorial Park is quite an experience. It is both family friendly and pet friendly – please just clean up after yourselves and your animals. The American Legion, Daughters of the American Revolution, and all the other collaborators and sponsors certainly did a fantastic job at erecting a worthy memorial to the nine airmen and all our fallen soldiers.

The Boeing B-17F Flying Fortress crew:

Second Lieutenant George Davis (pilot)

Second Lieutenant Robert Turchette (co-pilot)

Second Lieutenant Leo E. Dolan (navigator)

Second Lieutenant Phillip Niewolak (bombardier)

Technical Sergeant Dewitt Tyler (engineer)

Technical Sergeant Peter Ivanovich (radio operator)

Staff Sergeant Arthur Potter (waist gunner)

Staff Sergeant David Secorski (ball turret gunner)

Staff Sergeant Kenneth Cain (tail gunner)

What was your impression of the memorial when you visited?