Dumas Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay and eat in Dumas, Arkansas. Plan your perfect trip with this comprehensive guide.


The Ultimate Travel Guide to Dumas, Arkansas

Nestled in Delta, Arkansas, Dumas is a charming city that offers visitors a range of diverse attractions, rich history, and natural beauty. This guide will help you plan your perfect trip to Dumas by providing all the information you need about the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay and eat.

List of Places to Visit in Dumas

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Desha County Museum: A two-story museum that showcases the history of Desha County and its people. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring Native American artifacts, early pioneers, and even a replica general store.
  • WWII Japanese American Internment Museum: A unique museum that features stories and artifacts from the internment of Japanese-Americans during WWII. It’s the only museum in the country that focuses on this topic.
  • Reed-Osborn House: An 1858 Greek Revival-style home with beautiful architecture and antique furniture. Visitors can take guided tours of the house to learn about the history of the area.

Natural Attractions of Dumas: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Arkansas Post National Memorial: An important site in Arkansas’ history that offers beautiful views of the Arkansas River. Visitors can explore the site where early European explorers and American settlers once lived.
  • Millwood Lake: A large lake that offers excellent fishing and boating opportunities. Visitors can also enjoy the scenic views and wildlife watching.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Dumas

  • Arkansas River Trail: This trail offers stunning views of the Arkansas River and is perfect for both hiking and biking.
  • Bayou Bartholomew Trail: A scenic trail that follows the Bayou Bartholomew, famous for being the longest bayou in the world. Visitors can see unique wildlife and plant life along the trail.

Best Things to Do in Dumas: Activities and Tours

  • Delta Rivers Nature Center: A state-of-the-art nature center that features exhibits, trails, and educational programs about the natural world. Visitors can learn about birds, fish, reptiles, and more.
  • Dumas Country Club: The perfect spot for golf enthusiasts, this club boasts a beautiful course with scenic views.
  • Arkansas Post Museum State Park: The site of the first European settlement in Arkansas, this park offers fascinating history and scenic views.

Week-Long Itinerary for Dumas

Day Activity
1 Visit the Desha County Museum and take a guided tour of the Reed-Osborn House
2 Go fishing or boating on Millwood Lake
3 Explore the Arkansas Post National Memorial and the WWII Japanese American Internment Museum
4 Hike or bike the Bayou Bartholomew Trail
5 Tee off at the Dumas Country Club
6 Visit the Delta Rivers Nature Center and learn about the natural world
7 Spend the day at Arkansas Post Museum State Park

Food and Drink Scene of Dumas

Must-Try Dishes

  • Fried Catfish: A staple in Delta, crispy catfish is served with fries and coleslaw at many local restaurants.
  • Barbecue: Slow-cooked meat with tangy sauce is a southern food tradition. Try it at The Whole Hog Café in Dumas.
  • Sweet Potato Pie: A popular local dessert that’s creamy, sweet, and delicious.

Local Beverages

  • Sweet Tea: A southern classic, sweet tea is a refreshing, sweetened black tea that’s perfect for hot summer days.
  • Delta Craft Beer: Try local brews from Razorback Brewery in Dumas. They have a range of delicious beers that you can sample at their taproom.

Where to Stay in Dumas: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Holiday Inn Express & Suites Dumas: This hotel offers comfortable rooms, a fitness center, and a pool.
  • Dumas Inn: A budget-friendly option that offers clean rooms and friendly service.
  • Lamb’s Inn: A cozy guesthouse with a homey feel.

What to Buy in Dumas: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Local crafts: Delta is known for its arts and crafts culture, and visitors can find unique handmade items at local shops.
  • Barbecue Sauce: Take home a bottle of tangy, sweet sauce from The Whole Hog Café.
  • Souvenirs from the Desha County Museum: Pick up a mug or a t-shirt to remember your visit to the museum.

Local Culture and Customs of Dumas

Delta is a friendly and welcoming community, with a rich history and culture. Visitors should take the time to learn about the area’s history and traditions, including the importance of agriculture in the region.

Best Time to Visit Dumas

The best time to visit Dumas is in the spring or fall when the weather is mild, and the scenery is beautiful. Summers can be hot and humid, so visitors should plan accordingly.

Do’s and Don’ts of Dumas

Do:

  • Explore local museums and historical sites to learn about the area’s rich history and culture.
  • Try local cuisine, including fried catfish, barbecue, and sweet potato pie.
  • Take advantage of the beautiful outdoor opportunities, like fishing, boating, and hiking.

Don’t:

  • Forget to pack comfortable shoes for hiking and exploring.
  • Underestimate the heat in the summer months. Plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon and bring plenty of water.
  • Be rude or disrespectful to the friendly locals.

Safety and Health

Safety in Dumas

Dumas is generally a safe and friendly community. Visitors should take standard safety precautions, like locking car doors and not leaving valuables visible.

Health in Dumas

Visitors should take standard precautions to stay healthy, including drinking plenty of water, wearing sunscreen, and using insect repellent to protect against mosquito-borne illnesses like West Nile Virus.

Getting to Dumas: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Dumas

The closest airport to Dumas is the Memphis International Airport, which is approximately 90 miles away.

Bus Stations Near Dumas

Greyhound offers bus service to nearby Pine Bluff, which is approximately 50 miles from Dumas.

Other Options

Driving is the easiest way to get to Dumas, and visitors can take I-40 or I-55 to reach the city.

How to Get Around in Dumas

The best way to get around Dumas is by car. Visitors can rent a car from Memphis International Airport or Pine Bluff and explore the city and surrounding areas.

Where to Go Next from Dumas: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Little Rock: The capital city of Arkansas is just over an hour’s drive from Dumas and offers a range of cultural and historical attractions.
  • Hot Springs: Known for its natural hot springs, Hot Springs, Arkansas is just over two hours’ drive from Dumas and offers a range of outdoor activities and cultural attractions.

Conclusion

Dumas, Arkansas, is a charming city that offers visitors a range of diverse attractions, rich history, and natural beauty. With this comprehensive guide, you can plan your perfect trip to Dumas and enjoy all that this southern gem has to offer.

Downtown Dumas Downtown Dumas