February Events Taking Place in the Arkansas River Valley

Jill M. Rohrbach,travel writer
Arkansas Tourism

Note to the Print and Broadcast Media: In order to better serve your needs and to keep you from getting extremely long documents from the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism, we have decided to break down our Travelin’ Arkansas release into regions organized by date. This way you will be able to look only at the areas you are interested in covering. The territories covered in Travelin' Arkansas adhere to the six geographical regions found in the Arkansas Tour Guide. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions: [email protected] or 501-682-7606.

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For the best chance of seeing the American Bald Eagle, take the Lake Dardanelle State Park winter lake cruise on Feb. 1, 4, 6, 12, 13, 19, 22, 26 or 27 in Russellville.

Many other spectacular birds will be in the area for viewing, including White Pelicans, Snow Geese, and Osprey. Dress very warmly as temperatures and winds are much more severe on the lake. Also, in case of inclement weather, call one hour before tour time for possible cancellations. The eagle tour is free. Call 479-967-5516 for details.

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Head to Mount Nebo State Park in Dardanelle on Feb. 4-6for a weekend dedicated to birds. The annual event is called Migrating Through the River Valley and includes various birding programs suited for any age. The Arkansas River Valley is one of the best places in Arkansas to see winter birds. Contact the park at 479-229-3655for a detailed schedule. Admission is free.

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The Saturday Chef's Series, “Dinner Times Two," at Winthrop Rockefeller Institute on Petit Jean Mountain near Morrilton is set for Feb. 5 and 19. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, chefs from Winthrop Rockefeller Institute’s River Rock Grill will teach you how to prepare a full gourmet meal. You can take the class with your special someone, or learn the skills to prepare a meal at home for your next date night. Reservations can be made by calling 501-727-5435. Visitwww.uawri.org/educational-programs/culinary-arts/saturday-chefs-series for information on culinary offerings at the institute.

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On Feb. 11, join a park interpreter from Lake Fort Smith State Park in Mountainburg in search of a waterfall on the Ozark Highland Trail. If water conditions are right, a waterfall can be seen along this portion of the trail. Wear sturdy shoes, dress for the weather, and bring plenty of water. Participants will meet in the visitor center lobby and leave from the trailhead located at the park. There is no cost for the activity. Call 479-369-2469 for details.

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Celebrate the 100th birthday of Fort Smith native and World War II hero, General William O. Darby, founder of the Darby's Rangers, on Feb. 12 at the Fort Smith Museum of History. The birthday party will take place from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. It will include birthday cake and punch in the museum’s soda fountain. Admission is free. Visit http://www.fortsmithmuseum.com/ or call 479-783-7841 for more information.

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American Bald Eagles find the lakes of Arkansas to be suitable homes during their winter migration. To help people sight this national symbol, Lake Forth Smith State Park in Mountainburg offers a Bald Eagle Boat Tour on Feb. 12, 13 and 21. Participants should dress for the weather. Reservations are suggested and can be made at the visitor center or by calling 479-369- 2469. The cost is $10 for adults, $6 for children ages 6-12, and free for those 5 and under.

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As a prelude to Valentine's Day, enjoy a romantic weekend at Petit Jean State Park near Morrilton on Feb. 12-13. The Hikes, Hearts, & Hugs Weekend will consist of guided trail hikes and other activities geared toward couples. Contact the park at 501-727-5441 for a schedule of events.