Arkansas earned the moniker “The Natural State” for good reason. Arkansas is where the pace slows down and the outdoors takes center stage. Paddle quiet bayous, cast a line into legendary Delta fishing waters, or hike through towering hardwood forests that blaze with color in the fall and burst with fragrance in the spring. Wildlife lovers can spot bald eagles, deer, and migrating waterfowls. Hikers can spend a morning exploring wooded trails or watching the sun set over sparkling wetlands. In Southeast Arkansas, nature isn’t just scenery – it’s part of everyday life.
Lake Chicot in Lake Village is the largest oxbow lake in North America and the largest natural lake in Arkansas, running almost 22 miles in a C-shaped curve one mile wide and covering 5,000 acres. It was formerly the main channel of the Mississippi River until about 600 years ago when the river decided to create a shortcut to the east. Lake Chicot State Park lies on the northern shore. Fun fact … Charles Lindbergh conducted his first night flight over Lake Chicot in 1923!
Grand Lake in Wilmot is a fisherman’s paradise for bass, catfish, and panfish. The “Catfish Capital of Arkansas” is home to world renowned angler Bill Dance. The small, rural lake is located near the Louisiana border just outside of Eudora.
The Delta Heritage Trail is a rail-to-trail conversion open to hikers and bicyclists. There are 55 miles of rails-to-trails and 15 miles of paved levee. The “South End” of the trail runs from Arkansas City to Rohwer and is the southern terminus of the trail. The Rohwer Heritage Site is nearby and includes the WWII Japanese-American Relocation Center. One of its more famous residents was George Takei, best known for his role as Hikaru Sulu in “Star Trek.”
Southeast Arkansas has many opportunities for hunters, especially those hunting waterfowl. Not just a pastime, more than 100,000 hunters from around the world flock to the state’s flooded timber and rice fields. Mallards are the most common ducks in Arkansas, but there are 23 other species to be found as well as coot, Merganser, and geese. Stuttgart, known as the Duck Hunting Capital of the World, is home to Mack’s Prairie Wings. There are several hunt clubs and businesses offering guided duck hunts for amateurs and experienced hunters.
Find your place in the Natural State where natural beauty meets economic opportunity, creating a unique and welcoming environment. Southeast Arkansas’ expanding industries, affordable cost of living, and commitment to community make it an attractive destination for residents and visitors alike. With a growing focus on education, healthcare, and innovation, Southeast Arkansas continues to be an ideal place to live, work, and explore. For more information about making your move, contact a talent ambassador or explore available jobs.