What's New for 2025 in the Arkansas Delta
Upper Delta
Sultana Disaster Museum
On the early morning of April 27, 1865, the Sultana exploded on the Mississippi River near Memphis, killing nearly 1,200 of the passengers onboard. Many were former Union soldiers, on their way home from Confederate prison camps following the end of the Civil War. The boat sank near Marion and became, and remains, America’s greatest maritime disaster. A small, interim Sultana Disaster Museum opened in Marion in 2015. Soon after, fundraising efforts began to build a state-of-the-art museum to tell the story of the historic steamboat. The newly renovated historic building will house a 7,000-square-foot exhibition gallery, an auditorium, a theater, a gift shop, and a temporary exhibit gallery. Portions of the building will open in fall 2025, while the exhibition gallery will open in late April 2026.
The Station Powered by First National Bank
Paragould’s historic 1923 power plant has been restored and will open in early 2025. Now known as The Station Powered by First National Bank, the multi-use event facility will feature auditorium/theater-style seating for over 700 people, as well as an outdoor area that includes an amphitheater with lawn seating, allowing the venue to host festivals and a variety of entertainment and community events. The StationPowered by First National Bank is located in Power Plant Park in downtown Paragould.
Lower Delta
Delta Heritage Trail completion
The Delta Heritage Trail is an 84.5-mile, multi-use path that will soon connect Lexa to Arkansas City along Arkansas’ eastern border. Slated for completion by late 2025, this scenic trail offers an immersive experience of the state’s Delta region. From the shaded canopy of native hardwoods to the vast open skies alongside agricultural fields, guests can enjoy the diverse, robust beauty of the Arkansas Delta. Upon completion, the Delta Heritage Trail will be one of the longest dedicated pedestrian and bicycle routes in Arkansas. Visit www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/delta-heritage-trail-state-park for more information.
E-bike rentals and guided tours at Helena Adventure Company
The Helena Adventure Company in Helena-West Helena now offers e-bike rentals and guided tours, allowing visitors to explore Historic Helena and the St. Francis National Forest. Detailed route maps of the area are provided along with an optional guide service. Learn more at www.HelenaAdventureCompany.com.
Lakewoods Trails in Monticello
Lakewoods Trails is a multi-use trail system in Monticello, adjacent to the 1,500-acre Lake Monticello, and featuring seven miles of machine-built trails, a skills park and a pump track. Phase 2 is expected to begin in 2025 and will include multi-use, mountain bike-optimized trails, a disc golf course, and camping areas. The Lakewood Trails is located in Harold D. West Park, which offers a fishing pier, a playground and pavilions. facebook.com/lakewoodstrailsmonticello