Explore Pine Bluff

One of the great things about many of the amazing activities in Arkansas is that they’re free! Take the family on an excursion without breaking the bank…that’s a good thing!

In the Lower Delta of Arkansas, Pine Bluff is a wonderful example of a place to visit that offers great opportunities to see and learn without any admission price. It’s also an awesome place to visit to learn more about the history and culture of The Natural State!

​​

A must-see in Pine Bluff is the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame, where a life-size animatronic statue of native son Johnny Cash welcomes you. Exhibits feature costumes, memorabilia and instruments from Arkansans who became known throughout the world, including John Grisham, Ronnie Dunn, Charlie Rich, Levon Helm, K.T. Oslin, Conway Twitty and many others. And you'll probably be surprised at some of the great entertainers that actually came from Arkansas. You’ll find information on the hall of fame at the Pine Bluff Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The Arkansas Railroad Museum is one of the treasures of the Arkansas Delta. One of the museum’s prized possessions is Engine 819. It was the last of the 4-8-4 steam engines built in Pine Bluff in 1942. It cost a staggering $143,607 to build, which is equivalent to about $2 million dollars today.

​

You’ll also find a 1909 Baldwin 336, along with several rare diesel locomotives, a steam wrecker train, cabooses, a snow plow, and a variety of different train cars. The museum houses a wealth of railroad equipment and memorabilia and also has a museum store. Believe me, you don’t have to be a train enthusiast to enjoy this museum. 

The Arts and Science Center, founded in 1968, is a member of the Arkansas Discovery Network and is accredited by the American Association of Museums. offers fun, exciting and educational exhibits throughout the year. The ASC presents programming in the visual arts, performing arts, and the sciences through exhibits, performances, classes, and local partnerships. It literally offers something for everyone. 

The Delta Rivers Nature Center features a 22,000-gallon oxbow lake aquarium filled with native fish…that’s worth the trip right there! But there’s so much more! You’ll find exhibits explaining the natural history of the Arkansas Delta, live critters (turtles, gators and snakes…OH, MY!), and a movie that takes you on a “fly-over” of the Arkansas Delta.

​

Even if you’re a life-long resident of the Arkansas Delta (as I am), I guarantee you’ll learn something new.

And speaking of nature, just a few miles outside of Pine Bluff is Bayou Bartholomew, the longest bayou in the world. The bayou flows over 350 miles before joining the Ouachita River in Louisiana. Bayou Bartholomew is known for excellent bream and crappie fishing. Many consider it one of the most underrated spots for catfishing in The Natural State. More than 100 species of fish have been documented in Bayou Bartholomew, making it the second most diverse stream in North America. So if you’re in the mood for some fishing, Bayou Bartholomew is a great spot.