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THE GREAT HIGHWAY 65 ROAD TRIP

THE GREAT HIGHWAY 65 ROAD TRIP

You’ve heard of Route 66…but have you traveled Highway 65?

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The Great Highway 65 Road Trip will take you through Arkansas’ lower delta to its state capitol, and past Clinton into the heart of the Ozark foothills to Branson, Missouri and beyond.

It’s the main artery leading to some of the region’s most popular destinations, including Mountain View, the Buffalo River, and Eureka Springs. This journey could take you anywhere!

Designated as part of Arkansas’ Great River Road, Hwy 65 runs From Louisiana to Minnesota with major expansion projects in the center of America’s southeastern-midwestern heartland.

The changing landscapes of the route are defined by its miles of flea markets & antique shops, the characteristic twists and turns of stunning Ozark vistas, and the fascinating quirks of richly-layered history that you’ll find at every stop.

Experience Something Unique

Countless small towns, legendary for their mountain hospitality, offer unique experiences of local flavors. The region radiates its past – Native American & pioneer history, rural farming heritage, the colorful flair of hippy art & music – it’s a jackpot for Instagram moments and favorite family photos.

But don’t rush through! Clinton is the ideal place to plan your journey, with ample accommodations, fuel, dining, shopping, recreation, and friendly assistance to begin your road trip.

CLINTON is so much more than a town in the mountains, on a river, by a lake, steeped in history, and full of exciting surprises…it’s about time you found us!

Clinton is proud of its premier location in the Ozark foothills. As you approach town from the South, the smoky-colored mountains rise out of the landscape to greet you. Look for Wayfinding signs announcing attractions across Van Buren County and guideposts to the nearby adventures that lie ahead in Fairfield Bay and Shirley (our eastern neighbors) and Searcy County (our northern neighbor).

Take it OUTSIDE!

Outdoor enthusiasts will revel in the wild beauty of the Little Red River and its tributaries and pristine Greers Ferry Lake, which rival the Buffalo River for floating and fishing. Conservation areas and growing trail systems ensure thriving wildlife and wilderness for the nature lover.

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Want to see more about our Community?

Explore the Area!

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Look for this handy Road Trip guide in Arkansas Welcome Centers, local restaurants, hotels, marinas, and shops. Get more ideas about destinations, restaurants, accommodations, and activities with TripAdvisor, Google Travel Guides, and Arkansas Tourism!

  1. Van Buren County Museum…211 3rd St, Clinton 501-745-4066

  2. Historic Downtown Square…Main St, Clinton

  3. Three Rivers Trailhead (Main Street Park)

  4. Archey Fork Park…Archey Fork Rd

  5. Arkansas Natural Bridge…1120 Natural Bridge Rd, Clinton 501-745-2357

  6. South Fork Nature Center…962 Bachelor Rd, Choctaw 501-745-6444

  7. Fairfield Bay Heritage Center & Indian Cave…331 Snead Drive, Fairfield Bay

  8. Arkansas Quilt Trails (Van Buren County)

  9. Bloomin’ in the Bay (Mother’s Day Weekend)…Fairfield Bay

  10. Rabbit Ridge Farms…484 Rabbit Ridge Road, Bee Branch 501-335-7777

  11. Wade Lucas Farms…8246 Hwy 16 E, Shirley 501-723-7272

  12. Shirley Train Bridge

  1. Choctaw Marina…3850 Hwy 330, Choctaw 501-745-2666

  2. Fairfield Bay Marina…4350 Hwy 330, 501-884-6030

  3. OZARKS Sign & Bigfoot (The Pottery Shop)…850 Hwy 65, Clinton 501-745-2060

  4. National Championship Chuckwagon Races & Bar of Store…225 South St, Clinton 501-745-8407

  5. Surf the Bay Watersports Festival (Father’s Day weekend)…Fairfield Bay Marina

  6. Kenda Drive-In Theater…Westwood Drive, Marshall 870-448-5400

  7. ArcheyFest (Last Saturday in June) Clinton | Carnival, Car Show & Fireworks

  8. TARDIS (Hwy 65)

  9. Death Star…coming soon to a highway near you!

  1. Bluffton Preserve…Watergate Rd, Clinton

  2. 100 Miles of Trails…(Fairfield Bay)

  3. Ozark Valley Organics…(Shirley)

  4. Disc Golf:
    Clinton – Archey Fork Park
    Fairfield Bay – Woodland Mead & Ed Leamon Park

  5. Gulf Mountain Wildlife Mgmt Area…(Scotland)

  6. Woolly Hollow State Park…(Greenbrier)

  7. Scare on the Square (Halloween) Downtown Clinton

  8. Rockpit Ranch…(Shirley)

  9. Clinton Chamber Chili Cookoff (October) Downtown Clinton

  10. Wild Game Cookoff (Clinton)

Featured on the Cover:

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Griggs Street Mural of old Van Buren County Courthouse

The building pictured on the cover of the 2021 guide is no longer standing – the Courthouse shown here was destroyed in a 1926 fire that damaged much of Clinton’s historic downtown. It was memorialized in one of our many beautiful murals depicting iconic images from local history.

The modern-day Courthouse, built in 1934, is on the National Register of Historic Places.

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Community FAQ’s

Relocation Guide

Local History

2021 Arkansas Travel Guide

“Only in Arkansas” Features:

Ozark Road Trip: Clinton to Omaha

Bluffton Preserve

National Championship Chuckwagon Races

Little Red River

Titan II Missiles

Fairfield Bay’s Indian Rock Cave

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