Clarksville Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Clarksville with our comprehensive guide featuring top attractions, activities, accommodations, and travel tips to make your trip memorable.


Introduction to Clarksville

Located in River Valley, in Arkansas, in the South region of the United States of America, Clarksville is a small but charming city known for its rich history, stunning natural beauty, and outdoor recreation opportunities. With a population of just over 9,000 people, Clarksville is a great destination for travelers who want to experience authentic Southern culture and explore the great outdoors. In this travel guide, we will provide you with all the information you need to plan your trip to Clarksville.

List of Places to Visit in Clarksville

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Clarksville is home to several museums and historical sites that offer a glimpse into the city’s past. Here are some must-visit cultural attractions:

  • Johnson County Historical Society Heritage Center and Museum: This museum features exhibits on the history of Johnson County and the surrounding area. The museum is housed in the historic Ozark Bank building, which dates back to 1909.

  • Site of the Old Clarksville High School: This historic site is where the first high school in Clarksville was built in 1893. Although the original building is no longer standing, visitors can still see the remains of the old foundation and steps.

  • Phillips Ferry Site: This historic site is where the Arkansas River was first crossed by European explorers in 1808. The site features a historic marker and a scenic overlook of the river.

Natural Attractions of Clarksville: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Clarksville is surrounded by natural beauty, making it a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Here are some of the best natural attractions to visit in Clarksville:

  • Ozark National Forest: This national forest covers over 1.2 million acres and features stunning mountain scenery, hiking trails, and scenic drives.

  • Spadra Creek Nature Trail: This easy 1.75-mile trail follows Spadra Creek through a wooded area and is home to several species of birds and wildlife.

  • Lamar Lake: This scenic lake is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and hiking. The lake is surrounded by beautiful forests and is home to a variety of wildlife including deer, turkey, and bald eagles.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Clarksville

Clarksville is home to some beautiful hiking and biking trails that are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Here are some of the best routes to explore:

  • Ozone Trail: This 9-mile trail in the Ozark National Forest offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

  • Big Piney Trail: This 17-mile trail in the Ozark National Forest is a favorite of hikers and bikers. The trail features scenic overlooks and beautiful streams.

  • Arkansas River Trail: This 34-mile trail follows the Arkansas River and offers stunning views of the river and surrounding mountains.

Best Things to Do in Clarksville: Activities and Tours

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an adrenaline-pumping adventure, Clarksville has something to offer. Here are some of the best activities and tours to check out:

  • Zip-lining: Take a thrilling zip-line tour of the Ozark Mountains and see the stunning scenery from a unique perspective.

  • Fishing: With numerous lakes, rivers, and streams, Clarksville is a great destination for fishing enthusiasts. Some popular spots include Lake Dardanelle and Big Piney Creek.

  • Food Tours: Take a guided tour of Clarksville’s culinary scene and sample some of the city’s best dishes.

Week-Long Itinerary for Clarksville

If you’re planning a week-long trip to Clarksville, here’s an itinerary that will help you make the most of your time:

  • Day 1: Explore the Johnson County Historical Society Heritage Center and Museum and the Site of the Old Clarksville High School.

  • Day 2: Hike the Ozone Trail in the Ozark National Forest.

  • Day 3: Take a zip-lining tour of the Ozark Mountains.

  • Day 4: Visit Lamar Lake and go fishing.

  • Day 5: Explore the Spadra Creek Nature Trail.

  • Day 6: Take a guided food tour of Clarksville.

  • Day 7: Visit the Phillips Ferry Site and the Arkansas River Trail.

Food and Drink Scene of Clarksville

Must-Try Dishes

Clarksville is known for its Southern cuisine, and there are several dishes that you must try while you’re in town. Here are some of the best dishes to try:

  • Fried catfish: This classic Southern dish is a staple in Clarksville. Most restaurants serve it with hushpuppies, coleslaw, and French fries.

  • BBQ: Clarksville is known for its BBQ, and there are several restaurants in town that serve up delicious smoked meats, including pulled pork, brisket, and ribs.

  • Pecan pie: This Southern classic is a must-try dessert in Clarksville. Most restaurants serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Local Beverages

In addition to its delicious food, Clarksville is home to several local beverages that you must try. Here are some of the best drinks to sample:

  • Moonshine: This distilled spirit is a Southern favorite, and there are several moonshine distilleries in the area that offer tastings and tours.

  • Craft beer: Clarksville is home to several craft breweries that serve up delicious beers, including pale ales, stouts, and lagers.

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

Clarksville has several accommodation options that will suit any budget. Here are some of the best places to stay:

  • Holiday Inn Express: This hotel is located just off of I-40 and offers comfortable rooms and amenities like a fitness center and free breakfast.

  • Best Western Sherwood Inn: This hotel is located near downtown Clarksville and offers spacious rooms and a pool.

  • Sassafras Inn Bed and Breakfast: This charming bed and breakfast is located just outside of Clarksville and features beautiful gardens, homemade breakfast, and cozy rooms.

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

If you want to bring home a piece of Clarksville, there are several local products and souvenirs that you can purchase. Here are some of the best things to buy in Clarksville:

  • Local art: Clarksville is home to several talented artists, and there are several art galleries in town where you can purchase original artwork.

  • Moonshine: Several local distilleries offer bottles of moonshine that you can take home as a souvenir.

  • Souvenirs: Visit the Clarksville Visitor Center and pick up a t-shirt, mug, or other souvenir to commemorate your trip.

Local Culture and Customs of Clarksville

Clarksville is known for its friendly locals and laid-back Southern culture. Here are some tips for experiencing the local culture and customs:

  • Be polite: Southern hospitality is a real thing, and locals in Clarksville are known for being friendly and welcoming. Always say “please” and “thank you” and be respectful to everyone you meet.

  • Try the local cuisine: Southern food is a big part of Clarksville’s culture, so be sure to try as much of it as possible.

  • Take your time: Clarksville is a small town, and locals move at a slower pace than they do in larger cities. Take your time and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere.

Best Time to Visit Clarksville

The best time to visit Clarksville is during the fall when the leaves are changing colors and the weather is mild. However, the city is beautiful year-round, and there are plenty of activities to enjoy no matter when you visit.

Do’s and Don’ts of Clarksville

Do:

  • Do try the local cuisine, especially the BBQ and fried catfish.

  • Do explore the natural beauty of the area by hiking or biking the many trails in the Ozark National Forest.

  • Do take your time and enjoy the Southern hospitality of the locals.

Don’t:

  • Don’t be rude or disrespectful to anyone you meet.

  • Don’t litter or damage the natural environment.

  • Don’t overlook the city’s cultural attractions, like museums and historic sites.

Safety and Health

Safety in Clarksville

Clarksville is a safe destination for travelers. However, it’s always a good idea to take commonsense safety precautions, like locking your car and not leaving valuables unattended.

Health in Clarksville

There are several medical facilities in Clarksville, including hospitals and clinics, so you don’t have to worry about your health while you’re in town. However, it’s always a good idea to bring any necessary medications with you and to have travel insurance just in case.

Getting to Clarksville: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Clarksville

The closest airport to Clarksville is the Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport, which is about 75 miles away. Another option is the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport in Little Rock, which is about 100 miles away.

Bus Stations Near Clarksville

Greyhound offers bus service to several nearby cities, including Russellville, which is about 20 miles from Clarksville.

Other Options

If you’re driving, Clarksville is easily accessible from I-40. The city is about a two-hour drive from Little Rock and a three-hour drive from Tulsa, Oklahoma.

How to Get Around in Clarksville

The best way to get around Clarksville is by car. However, the city is small enough that you could also get around by bike or on foot if you prefer.

Where to Go Next from Clarksville: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you’re looking to explore more of Arkansas, here are some nearby destinations and excursions to check out:

  • Ozark National Forest: This massive national forest covers much of central Arkansas and is a great destination for hiking, camping, and scenic drives.

  • Hot Springs: This charming town is known for its natural hot springs, and visitors can soak in the healing waters at several spas and bathhouses.

  • Eureka Springs: This picturesque town in the Ozark Mountains is known for its Victorian architecture, quaint shops, and charming bed and breakfasts.

Conclusion

Clarksville, Arkansas, is a charming destination that offers a little bit of everything – from outdoor adventures and stunning natural scenery to delicious food and Southern hospitality. We hope this comprehensive travel guide has helped you plan your trip to Clarksville and that you have a wonderful time exploring all that this lovely city has to offer.

Highway 103 in Clarksville Highway 103 in Clarksville