Arkansas, Russellville serves as both the county seat and the central city.

The city has a little less than 30,000 population and is situated in the state’s northwest.

The Cherokee Indians lived on a large portion of the land before it was established in the early 1830s. It eventually became a portion of the Cherokee reservation, where Native Americans from Arkansas and Missouri were compelled to live.

Outdoor activities are a big part of recreation in the area; Lake Dardanelle, which is close by, is the giant magnet for tourists in the area.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Russellville, Arkansas

Things to Do in Russellville, AR

1. Mount Nebo

A major stunning natural landmark in Russellville is Mount Nebo. Whitetail deer can frequently be spotted grazing close to the playground on the park grounds. Visit in the early morning or late afternoon to see these beautiful critters.

The park provides unhindered views of the surrounding area that you won’t find anywhere else because of its mountain location. You can rent cabins and campsites if you want to spend a night or two being close to nature.

For information on individual activities, operating times, and costs, check in at the tourist center or look it up online.

2. Russellville Aquatic Center

The city of Russellville has constructed an aquatic center for its residents and visitors, similar to many other cities and towns around the nation.

Aquatic facilities offer a variety of activities, from swimming and playing on slides to splashing around in wave pools and splash pads for people of all ages and fitness levels.

The Russellville Aquatic Center does not include a wave pool, but it does have excellent swimming facilities that anyone may use.

The aquatic facility provides educational and instructional courses throughout the year and its physical facilities. Visitor short-term passes are offered.

3. Potts Inn Museum

A local couple in the 1850s created the Potts Inn Museum, and it wasn’t until recently that it was transformed into a museum.

It was a relatively wealthy and attractive home by the standards of the mid-19th century. It has been meticulously maintained over the years to virtually pristine form and provides visitors with an intriguing window into family life about 150 years ago.

The house served as an inn where weary travelers could enjoy a decent meal and a clean bed. It was situated along an old stagecoach route.

It is conveniently situated adjacent Pottsville, Arkansas, on 2nd Street.

4. Russellville Center For Arts

The Center for the Arts is a well-known community venue that hosts live music, dance, pageants, drama, and other performances. It is situated on the campus of Russellville High School. It boasts an auditorium with around 2,000 seats.

It’s a superb venue with excellent acoustics, dressing rooms, and an orchestra pit for a bit of a place like Russellville.

The center frequently hosts local and regional talent and nationally recognized acts.

It’s an excellent local resource. Checking their website frequently is a superb method to stay current with their offer.

5. Arkansas River And Lake Dardanelle

Many of the recreational activities in the Russellville region are provided by the Arkansas River and Lake Dardanelle. One of the most convenient locations to experience these natural beauties is the neighboring Old Post Road Ration Area and Campground.

There are many campsites at the park, all of which provide showers, lavatories, and water and electrical hookups for RV travelers.

There are many paths accessible to walkers, hikers, and bikers, as well as basketball and tennis courts, a playground, and a disc golf course, among other attractions, at the campground.

For details about opening hours and registration, visit their website.

6. Fat Daddy’s Bar-B-Que

The southeastern part of the country is known as “BBQ country,” Arkansas is home to its distinctive brand of delightful dishes.

In 2006, Russellville’s Fat Daddy’s Bar-B-Que established its first location in the neighboring town of London, Arkansas. Since then, they have grown as word has gotten out that they serve delicious food in a welcoming environment for affordable costs.

Naturally, the restaurant’s numerous BBQ selections are its highlights, but if you’re in the mood for something different, they also have burritos, burgers, and salads.

They are situated on North Denver Street, not far from Russellville’s center.

7. Piney Bay Recreation Area

Another well-liked location near Lake Dardanelle is Piney Bay R, Recreation Area.

Boaters, anglers, and swimmers have easy access to the recreation area despite the lake’s surroundings being primarily hilly and forested. Here, you’ll discover restrooms, camping spots, and a playground for kids.

It’s a beautiful spot to spend an afternoon outdoors with the family. If you go to the park during one of the park’s scheduled events in its arena throughout the summer, you might catch some live entertainment.

8. Lake Dardanelle State Park

The most popular place for outdoor enjoyment in the Russellville area is Lake Dardanelle State Park. A variety of activities are offered, so there is something for everyone.

It’s a good idea to visit the visitor center before exploring the area because you’ll get a thorough rundown of all there is to offer and an understanding of how the park is organized.

Maps, interactive displays, and some fantastic tanks featuring some of the fish presents in the lake’s waters are all included in the tourist center.

One of the lake’s main attractions is fishing, but whether you live nearby or are simply visiting, you must have a license.

9. Ozark-St Francis National Forest

Arkansas truly lives up to its nickname, The Natural State, with its vast open spaces, breathtaking mountains, and largely unexplored expanses of woodland.

Numerous campsites in the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest has access to contemporary restrooms and even hot showers, which is uncommon in the world of camping.

The hookups for water and electricity are also great for RV enthusiasts. You can engage in various outdoor-related activities depending on the time of year you visit.

Before leaving, search online for relevant information.

10. Arkansas Tech University

The campus of Arkansas Tech University is where the museum is situated in Russellville on North El Paso Road. It is a fantastic location to visit when you are around.

College campuses are typically full of stunning structures, green spaces, and walking paths. They also frequently host various exciting events, many of which are free.

Tens of thousands of historical and scientific artifacts make up the numerous permanent collections of the Arkansas Tech Museum.

The campus museum is open to visitors free of charge, and the university just celebrated its 100th birthday.

11. The Missouri Pacific Railroad

The railroads were crucial to the growth of the region around Russellville.

Since Arkansas is a significant mining and agricultural state, cotton and lumber made up most of the cargo that trains hauled out.

Built in 1916, the Missouri-Pacific Railroad Depot in Russellville served as a staging facility for freight cars headed for all parts of the emerging nation.

Since 2004, the depot structures have housed a tourist center and train museum. There is no better location in the state to gain a unique understanding of how the railroads assisted the area’s development.

12. Museum Of Automobiles

One of the odd and exciting things to do while in the area is the Museum of Automobiles in nearby Morrilton, which shouldn’t be missed.

Even if you aren’t a fan of automobiles, a visit to the museum is noteworthy due to its picturesque setting on Petit Jean Mountain and intriguing past.

The building was first constructed in the 1960s by a wealthy Rockefeller who wanted a top-notch facility to hold his extensive collection of rare automobiles, which included over 30 vehicles.

The museum also showcases certain firearms, musical instruments, vintage registration plates, and automobiles.

13. Bona Dea Trails And Sanctuary

The Bona Dea Trails and Sanctuary is a perfect place to do that if you want to take a break from the more popular tourist destinations and replenish your batteries.

You’ll discover one or two ideal trails regardless of your age or degree of physical fitness. The trails are excellent throughout the year, but fall is their most stunning season.

Numerous rumors exist that an alligator or two live in the park’s pond; therefore, you should always be cautious when walking.

14. Petit Jean State Park

One of the area’s top attractions is Petit Jean State Park, southeast of Russellville, and one of Arkansas’s most picturesque and unspoiled parks.

The park draws hikers, mountain bikers, and birdwatchers with more than 21 kilometers of paths. You’ll feel as though you’re a million miles away from civilization, given that it is only 45 minutes from the metropolis.

This was the first state park in Arkansas and featured rivers and streams, waterfalls, lakes, and mountains, in addition to many attractive forested regions.

Before entering the park, consider stopping at the visitor center to acquire your bearings.

15. The Subiaco Abbey

The Subiaco Abbey was founded in the 1870s and served as a Benedictine monastery for much of its existence. Today, however, it serves as a Catholic Benedictine prep school for boys.

The school’s grounds are open for visits and tours, and because they are so remote, you can take some interesting pictures.

Many of the school’s buildings have excellent architecture, and the grounds are well-kept. Since it’s a functioning school, you should check their website to ascertain the best times to go.

Southwest of Russellville, on Arkansas Highway 22, is where you’ll find the school.

16. Escape Room Adventure

Now is the perfect opportunity to attempt an escape room if you’ve never heard of them. The popularity of escape rooms around the country has good reason.

Your wits, teamwork, and speed will be tested as you race against time to break codes, solve riddles, and escape your room before time runs out in this heart-pounding live-action entertainment.

Hourglass Escape Rooms’ escape rooms come in various themes, with differing degrees of difficulty and objectives.

Find out who the informant is in The Mob Boss, flee an alien craft before your captors discover your strategy in Alien, or discover evidence of BigFoot in the eponymous chamber.

The Bomb and Camelot are some of Hourglass’ other rooms. Players five years old and older can enjoy each area, which is perfect for groups of two to eight players.

Location: 2606 West Main Street, Russellville, Arizona 72801

17. Russellville Country Club

The Russellville Country Club, established in 1926, is a terrific location for leisure and weekend activities because of its breathtaking views, first-rate service, sumptuous fare, and excellent golf and tennis.

The club’s 18-hole championship-style course is made up of Tyee grass, and Bent Grass is perfect for serious golfers. Tennis fans can work out with friends or welcome coaches while enjoying well-maintained facilities.

If you’ve spent the day on the courts or the range, stop by the Sports Lounge for a delicious dinner, or if you’ve had a terrific day of sports, stop by the bar for a relaxing drink.

Location: 186 Country Club Plaza, Russellville, Arizona 72801

18. Brown’s Catfish

As you may guess from the name, Brown’s Catfish is a family-run restaurant in Russellville, Arkansas specializing in catfish.

This fantastic seafood eatery with a Southern flair has a buffet, but its fried catfish is unquestionably the highlight and the main attraction.

The restaurant has been serving catfish with all the fixings in the Arkansas River Valley for more than 20 years.

In addition to its legendary catfish, the family-friendly Brown’s Catfish offers a wide variety of meals. The establishment has won the “Best of the Best” seafood restaurant in the neighborhood.

Location:1804 E Main St, Russellville, AR 72802

Conclusion

In Russellville, there’s plenty of fun for all ages; you’d have a great time in this awesome city.

Use this article as a tour guide for you to explore the city’s finest attractions and activities.