March 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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Have you ever been to the highest point in Arkansas? Hike to the highpoint on March 1, 12, 23, or 30 with a park interpreter at Mount Magazine State Park near Paris. Mount Magazine is the highest peak at 2,753 feet above mean sea level. Meet in front of the lodge waterfall for this easy, one-mile guided walk on the Signal Hill trail. This is one of several free programs the park offers. Visit www.MountMagazineStatePark.com or call 479-963-8502 for more information.

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The annual German Shorthaired Pointer Association National Field Trials are set for March 1-11 in Booneville. At this annual event German Shorthair Pointers compete to be selected grand champion. The contest takes place at the Blue Mountain Wildlife Demonstration Area. Visit www.booneville.com or call 479-969-8552 for more information.

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"Rolling in the Dough" is the theme for the March 5 and 12 Saturday Chef's Series at Winthrop Rockefeller Institute on Petit Jean Mountain near Morrilton. In this class, participants explore the basics of bread making with Chef Sonia Schaefer of Boulevard Bread Company. She will teach the steps of making bread, the role of each ingredient, and the processes to make some common types of bread. Visit www.uawri.org/educational-programs/culinary-arts/saturday-chefs-series or call 501-727-5435 for details or reservations.

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By learning basic knot tying skills, you can set up your campsite quickly and efficiently. Lake Dardanelle State Park in Russellville offers “All Tied Up” on March 5. Meet a park interpreter at the amphitheater to learn how to tie a few basic knots that will come in handy on any outdoor adventure. This is one of several free programs offered by the park. Call 479-967-5516 for more information.

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The 12th annual Spring Fling Hang-Glider Fly-In is March 5-6 at Mount Nebo State Park in Dardanelle. Join the Central Arkansas Mountain Pilots at Sunrise Point to watch and learn as they hang glide throughout the weekend. Due to the sport’s high dependence on weather and wind, no times will be announced for the flying; however, conditions permitting, the pilots fly throughout Saturday and Sunday beginning in the afternoon. Visit www.arkansasstateparks.com/mountnebo/ or call 479-229-3655 for more information.

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Mount Magazine State Park offers an Arkansas Wine Country Tour on March 7, 14, 21, and 28. In the 1800s, Swiss and Italian settlers instantly recognized that the Arkansas River Valley was perfect for growing grapes and producing award-winning wines. Join park staff for a guided tour into Arkansas wine country. Travel by van to Altus, Weiderkehr Village, and Paris to visit local wine cellars and sample a variety of wines. Enjoy lunch on your own in one of the local restaurants. Space is limited. Admission is $15. Register at the front desk or by calling 479-963-8502. Visit www.MountMagazineStatePark.com for more information about the park.

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Archeology Day at Petit Jean Mountain near Morrilton is set for March 12 at Petit Jean State Park. March is Archeology Month in Arkansas, and you are invited to spend a day discovering some of the archeological treasures of Petit Jean Mountain, including the genuine Native American pictographs of Rock House Cave. Contact the park at 501-727-5441 for a detailed program schedule. Admission is free. Visit www.petitjeanstatepark.com for more information about the park and other park programs.

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Explore the wonders of Lake Dardanelle and the Arkansas River aboard the new Lake Dardanelle State Park tour boat during a March 12 and 23 lake cruise. Enjoy abundant wildlife, amazing history, and astounding views of the river valley throughout this one-hour cruise. There is no fee for the tour, but space is limited and available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Begin boarding 15 minutes before the tour at the boat dock near the south boat ramp. Admission is free. The program takes place weather permitting. Call 479-967-5516 for more information.

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Enjoy the Sunset Tour on March 13 at Mount Magazine State Park near Paris. Experience the park’s twilight hours during this guided van tour. Weather permitting, participants will see a marvelous mountain sunset. Space is limited. Sign up at the lodge front desk or call 479-963-8502. Admission is free. Visit www.MountMagazineStatePark.com for more information about the park.

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As the Arkansas River journeys through Lake Dardanelle, it continually shapes the land and creates numerous opportunities for people to enjoy from fishing to kayaking. Take a Kayak Tour on March 17 and 22 with staff from Lake Dardanelle State Park in Russellville. With the warming weather, park interpreters will point out what’s emerging on the banks of the lake as you paddle kayaks through shoreline seldom seen on this beautiful 34,000-acre reservoir.

The cost is $12 for adults; $6 for kids ages 6-12; and free for kids 6 and under riding tandem with an adult. Sign up at the visitor center or by calling 479-967-5516 at least one day in advance. Specify when you sign up if you want a tandem (two person) or solo kayak. Meet at the front desk in the visitor center.

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Warmer temperatures signal the emergence of spring butterflies like Falcate Orangetips, Goatweed Leafwings, and Mourning Cloaks. Attend the Spring Butterflies program on March 19 at Mount Magazine State Park to get ideas for your butterfly garden. The class is led by Lori Spencer, author of "Arkansas Butterflies and Moths." Visit www.MountMagazineStatePark.com or call 479-963-8502.

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The Arkansas River Valley Lawn and Garden Show takes place March 25-27 at the Fort Smith Convention Center. The show includes informative seminars and programs, numerous vendors, and garden displays by local nurseries. Many local quilters, artists and photographers will also display their works. Admission is $5 for this annual event hosted by the River Valley Master Gardeners. Call 479-883-0623 for more information.