Arkansas' Waterways Display
Splendor All Year Long

Arkansas enjoys one of the largest systems of navigable waterways in the nation with 1000 miles along five rivers, perfect for cruising on your Maxum. In fact, the state boasts that every county is within 65 miles of navigable waterway. Five main rivers in Arkansas include the Arkansas River, the White River, the Mississippi River, the Ouachita and the Red River. Many lakes throughout the state converge on the rivers, providing abundant marina and water activities for boaters.
^{For the sake of space, this article will discuss the major river system of the Arkansas River.}



Arkansas River
The Arkansas River is born by the melting snow and rain high above the Rocky Mountains near the town of Leadville, Colorado. From there it journeys through the plains of eastern Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma and into Arkansas where it finally joins the mighty Mississippi. This makes the Arkansas River one of the longest rivers in the United States, 313 miles of which are located in Arkansas.

The Arkansas River is part of the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System (MKARNS). In 1946, Congress authorized MKARNS to make the Arkansas and its neighboring rivers produce hydroelectric power. Additionally, Congress was seeking to improve flood control as well as enhance recreational and navigational features of the rivers. Completed in 1968 with 17 locks and dams, the Arkansas River is one of the most recent additions to the inland navigable waterway systems. Though enjoyed recreationally, the MKARNS is also a working commercial waterway, opening import and export transportation to and from the Gulf of Mexico. Since its opening, private investors have poured an estimated $3 billion into the system. The lower Arkansas is a 300-hundred foot wide channel with some of its reservoirs being several miles across at their widest points.

The waterway flows through or is adjacent to the cities of Fort Smith, Little Rock and Pine Bluff, where public ports are located. However, the best bet for overnight docking can be found on the lakes of the Arkansas. The dams¿ reservoirs offer many marinas catering to the transient boater, while boating services are available in the towns dotting the river. Additionally, the state maintains several public park facilities, which open an infinite number of sites for overnight mooring in isolated areas, while large sandy beaches in the parks give many opportunities for fun and enjoyment.

Fort Smith, Arkansas
Fort Smith, where "Old West" meets "Old South", uniquely blends the wild and wooly with genteel charm. All ages will enjoy its distinctive past through restorations, attractions, museums, and festivals of the city. Its citizenry of 80,000 have given Fort Smith a reputation for accommodating visitors with southern hospitality. You'll want to explore the local museums, antique shops, architectural restorations, outdoor attractions, and other varied activities. This destination is well worth your while.



Little Rock, Arkansas
Little Rock, Arkansas' capital, boasts exciting city life with many vibrant downtown amenities. Excellent restaurants and shopping abound as well as one-of-a-kind attractions like the new William J. Clinton Presidential Center & Park and Riverfront Park. Riverfront Park is a 17-acre complex of walkways, terraces and plazas located along the Arkansas River that runs through Little Rock. It is an attraction not to be missed. However, Little Rock does not offer tie-ups for the cruiser, though you can moor just offshore and take a dinghy in. The closest marinas are located just a few miles upstream of the city itself.

Pine Bluff, Arkansas
Entertaining one of the busiest ports on the Arkansas River is the city of Pine Bluff. This quaint city offers a good mix of history, outdoor recreation, attractions and a variety of restaurants. It is a favorite destination for boaters in south Arkansas, because it is nestled among the beautiful pines (hence its name Pine Bluff).

The diversity of the Pine Bluff area is reflected in its lakes and rivers. Arkansas has no closed season on sports fishing, and the Arkansas River at Pine Bluff and Lake Langhofer offer some of the states' best boating and fishing year round. Amenities include park access to Lake Langhofer and the Arkansas River with six boat launching ramps and a boat dock.

From the Arkansas River, the experienced cruiser can travel down the Mississippi southward to New Orleans or travel northward toward Minnesota, the "Land of 10,000 Lakes," or travel any of the other five rivers of Arkansas. It's a destination filled with spectacular vistas and exciting activities for the Maxum cruiser.




Additional Information

For river recreation through or near Arkansas's two national forests--the Ouachita National Forest and the Ozark St. Francis National Park:
Information and Education Division
Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
2 Natural Resources Drive
Little Rock, Arkansas 72205

Arkansas Vacation Kit:
Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism
I Capitol Mall
Little Rock, Arkansas 72201
(501) 682-1191

River Activities:
Arkansas Natural and Scenic Rivers Commission
c/o Department of Arkansas Heritage
Heritage Center East, Suite 200
225 East Markham
Little Rock, Arkansas 72201

Tourism Information
Arkansas Guest Guide
122 East Second Street
Little Rock, AR 72201
(501)372-1443 or (888)322-6397


Fort Smith Convention & Visitors' Bureau
2 North B
Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901
1-800-637-1477
(479) 783-8888
Fax: (479) 784-2421
E-Mail: tourism@fortsmith.org
http://www.fortsmith.org/

Little Rock Convention & Visitors' Bureau
Markham and Broadway
Little Rock, AR 72201
PO Box 3232
Little Rock, AR 72203
(501) 376-4781
1-800-844-4781
http://www.littlerock.com/

Pine Bluff Convention & Visitors' Bureau
Pine Bluff Convention Center
One Convention Center Plaza
Pine Bluff, Arkansas 71601
(870) 536-7600
1-800-536-7660
E-mail: pbinfo@pinebluff.com
http://www.pinebluffonline.com/

Marinas
Goose Harbor Marina on the Arkansas River
(Fort Smith River Valley)
300 South First St.
P.O. Box 1730
Van Buren, AR 72957
Tel: 479-474-9898
lizperry@gooseharbor.biz
www.gooseharbor.biz

River Valley Marina
(up to 40 ft. boats)
1.5 mi. on the Maumell River
6601 River Valley Marina Rd.
Little Rock, AR 72223
(501) 868-5869

Little Rock Yacht Club
3 Yacht Club Rd
Little Rock, AR 72223
(501) 868-4401

Island Harbor Marina
(Pine Bluff area)
1700 Island Harbor Marina Rd.
White Hall, AR 71602
(870) 536-3288
www.islandharbormarina.com