Lower White River Museum State Park is located at 2009 Main Street in Des Arc. 

The state park stands out for many reasons, including its status as the smallest state park in Arkansas. “It’s very close in size to Herman Davis State Park, but Lower White River Museum State Park is actually smaller,” said Monica Fuller, park superintendent at Plantation Agriculture Museum and Lower White River Museum State Park. “Many guests don’t expect the park to be as small as it is, but the most misunderstood aspect is probably its location. Lower White River Museum State Park focuses on the White River but is located about two miles from the river, next to a log cabin owned by the county. Guests are encouraged to view the river and several historic building by driving through downtown Des Arc to Tom Roe Memorial River Front Park.”

The small museum spotlights the lower White River and exhibits span a range of topics from agriculture to pearling to riverboats and more. Many interesting tidbits can be found care of the displays there. For instance, the White River is home to freshwater mussels, which were once harvested for their pearls and shells. Button factories were also located along the river at one point. 

“Lower White River Museum State Park has exhibits on the freshwater mussel industry, which is new information for many guests, but my favorite artifact is a map of the river towards the back of the museum,” said Fuller. “The map is around four feet tall, hand-drawn, and over 100 years old. It was created by a local, now-defunct lumber company and shows in detail why Des Arc was named after the many bends in the river. I think the most fascinating part is comparing it to a modern map of the river; you can see just how much the river has changed in past century.”

The scope of history available to learn about in the museum spans a century, and hones in on the time period from 1831 to 1931. Steamboats played an important role in the history of the state as water served as an an efficient transportation route for both goods and passengers.

“1831-1931 was really Arkansas’ Steamboat Era,” said Fuller. “When the first steamboat came up the White River in 1831, there weren’t many towns or roads in the state. The river became a highway, allowing people to move into and settle the state. Because the lower White River was navigable year-round, it was an important route for steamboats in the area. There were steamboats with regular routes, called packets, that operated on the lower White River carrying goods, mail, and people to and from the ports of Memphis, New Orleans, and St. Louis. Around Des Arc, where Lower White River Museum State Park is located, the river also provided opportunities for fishing, moving timber, and harvesting freshwater mussels. Many people had livelihoods tied to the river, and some people even lived on the river in houseboats. The river is no longer the vital transportation route it once was, but still has great fishing and recreation opportunities, including the Dale Bumper White River National Wildlife Refuge.”

For those interested in learning more about the river or local history in general, the small state park further stands out for its research offerings available to visitors. “Besides its size, Lower White River Museum State Park is unique for offering a research library for guests,” said Fuller. “The research library has books on steamboats that operated on the White River and local genealogy, as well as microfilm of several local newspapers and tax records. Des Arc’s history as a prominent river port means many people have family associations with the area and we’re happy to help research.” 

Lower White River Museum State Park has a small staff and is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. However interpretive programs are still offered so be sure to check out the Arkansas States Parks calendar of events for upcoming options.