Pine Bluff

Pine Bluff lies near the Arkansas River on the boundary of two of Arkansas' geographical regions. To the west and southwest stretch the rolling woodlands of the West Gulf Coastal Plain and to the east and southeast the terrain settles into the flat and largely agricultural expanse of the Delta.

Pine Bluff was incorporated in 1839 and the community thrived during the last part of the 19th century as a cotton center and river port, with a key factor in the early growth being the arrival of steamboats on the Arkansas River. Pine Bluff is located along several historic trails, including four approaches involved in the October 1863 Attack on Pine Bluff and the water route of the Trail of Tears. These passages, along with other historically significant routes, are now part of the Arkansas Heritage Trails system.

Outdoor enthusiasts find plenty of opportunities in the area to explore nature. Lake Saracen lies immediately north of downtown and offers fishing and birding for egrets, herons and waterfowl. Bayou Bartholomew, the longest bayou in the world, begins its journey northwest of Pine Bluff. The bayou flows over 350 miles before joining the Ouachita River in Louisiana. Over 100 species of fish have been documented in Bayou Bartholomew, making it the second most diverse stream in North America.

Pine Bluff’s heritage in music and Civil Rights is explored in-depth on the city’s latest website, ExplorePineBluff.com. The comprehensive site allows visitors to virtually learn more about topics like the Freedom and Blues Experience, the Delta Civil Rights Legacy Trail, the Delta Cinema World and more. Music lovers won’t want to miss the Delta Music Heritage video library. There’s also the Delta Family Adventure Trail, featuring activities for the whole family that blend fun and education – and nearly all of them are free! Speaking of free, don’t miss the Arkansas Entertainer’s Hall of Fame. Located within the Pine Bluff Convention Center, the Hall exists to honor individuals with Arkansas connections who have made significant contributions to the entertainment arts. Inductees include Arkansans such as Johnny Cash, Levon Helm, Al Green, Glen Campbell, Charlie Rich, Louis Jordan, Conway Twitty, William Warfield, John Grisham, Ronnie Dunn, William Grant Still, Lawrence Hamilton, John Weston, Ronnie Hawkins, Tess Harper, Sonny Boy Williamson II, Albert King, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, and Michael Utley. Visit www.ArkansasEntertainersHallofFame.com to learn more.