West Memphis, population 30,000, is located on the west bank of the Mississippi River across from Memphis, Tennessee. The town has several city parks as well as nearby recreation areas which allow for a variety of outdoor activities.
The Crittenden County Museum is housed in a restored train depot and features exhibits on cotton farming, broom-making, early churches, schools and medicine, as well as art exhibits.
The art displays at the Crittenden County Museum in Earle feature the nationally known artist, Carroll Cloar. Cloar's paintings highlight the Arkansas Delta. Other items on display include paintings, sculpture, wood carvings, and pottery.
The Lee County Museum in Marianna displays a variety of historical artifacts and information pertaining to pioneer life, the Civil War and World War II. Exhibits include a general store, cotton farming display, as well as a parlor and kitchen.
Parkin Archeological State Park was occupied between 1000 - 1550 AD and is thought to be the native village of Casqui, visited by Hernando de Soto in the summer of 1541. A large platform mound still remains on the river bank. Parkin can also help us understand the history and prehistory of northeast Arkansas.
Hours:
April 1 to October 31: 8am-5pm; Sun:1pm-5pm
November 1 to March 31: 8am-5pm; Sun:1pm-5pm; Closed: Mon
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November ), Christmas Eve - Christian (December 24), Christmas - Christian (December 25)
The Hampson State Museum displays artifacts found at a nearby archeological site along the Mississippi River. The site was occupied by American Indians from approximately 1350 to 1700. Collections on display in the Hampson State Museum are from the Nodena site, a 15-ac palisaded farming village.
Hours:
8am-5pm; Sun:1pm-5pm; Closed: Mon
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November ), Christmas Eve - Christian (December 24), Christmas - Christian (December 25)