Russellville, overlooking 34,000-acre Lake Dardanelle and the Arkansas River, is a key city along Scenic Highway 7. Established in the 1840s, the town became the Pope County seat of justice in 1872. Interstate 40 skirts Russellville to the north. Lake Dardanelle is renowned for its bass fishing and a state park has two locations providing everything needed for an enjoyable outing. Also, the Arkansas River Visitors Center offers interpretive exhibits about the river's navigation system. Mount Nebo State Park, 10 miles southwest, is a Civilian Conservation Corps-built recreational facility with spectacular views of the River Valley. Arkansas Tech University provides cultural and sporting events throughout the year.