Arkansas

explore like never before

Get Custom Travel guides packed with local tips
Experiences|Sights & Landmarks

The One Place In Arkansas That Must Be Seen To Be Believed

Natural Bridge in Alum Cove Recreation Area is a stunning geological feature in Arkansas that offers a moderately difficult hike.

Published Feb 13, 2017

Written by 

J.B. VanDyke

The Natural State is a place of natural wonders, and a surprising number of those wonders are exceptional works of time and the elements—stunning geological features that have to be seen to be believed. One such wonder is Natural Bridge located in the Alum Cove Recreation Area. This bridge really is something that needs to be experienced, and the hike to view it is only a little over a mile long. It will take you about three quarters of an hour to complete your journey and the hike is rated as moderately difficult.

You can get directions here.

The Alum Cove Natural Bridge spans 130 feet long and is 20 feet wide.

alt
Flickr/Jonathan Ball

Early settlers reportedly used the natural bridge to move supplies and livestock.

advertisement
alt
Flickr/Jonathan Ball

A railing was added to the top of the bridge, just in case you needed a little extra security when you hike across it.

alt
Flickr/Brian Manning

That’s right, you can hike across it, underneath it, and around it at Alum Cove Recreation Area.

alt
Flickr/Granger Meador

You’ll also find other unique formations at Alum Cove Recreation Area, like these small caves.

alt
Flickr/Granger Meador

But the real draw is the extraordinary Natural Bridge, which was carved from the elements out of solid stone.

advertisement
alt
Flickr/Granger Meador

For a list of natural wonders so cool they look man made, click here. To find more easy hikes in Arkansas, hike your way through this list.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

Experiences|Sights & Landmarks

The Incredible Church In Arkansas That Has Been Left In Ruins

Published Mar 28, 2024

Written by 

Melanie Johnson

If you've driven through Helena at the corner of York and Columbia Street, chances are you've seen the Centennial Baptist Church. This gorgeous church was once a prominent place for community members to gather and worship. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, this church is now in ruins. However, the legacy of this abandoned church in Arkansas still lives on. Here at OIYS, we love to cover historical places and tell the stories of Arkansas' rich history.

advertisement

Built in 1905, the Centennial Baptist Church is a gorgeous Gothic-style Revival that reflects architectural excellence. The brainchild of Henry James Price, a church parishioner, it's the only building in Arkansas designed by an African American architect.

Historic brick church with arched windows and a tall steeple, set against a clear blue sky.
Brandonrush, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Starting in 1879, with the leadership of renowned Pastor Elias Camp Morris, this historical church became a prominent place for the community to worship. As pastor, Morris grew the congregation to more than 1,000 members and remained pastor until his death in 1922.

Sign for Centennial Baptist Church, detailing its history and significance in the African American community.
Dave Wilson/Google

Eventually, it became the headquarters for the National Baptist Convention, USA, which was an organization established by Morris.

The church was eventually abandoned in 2003, and in 2020, tornados passed through the area and as you can see, a big chunk of the church suffered significant damages. Of course, this didn't help with chances of restoration.

A damaged church with a collapsed roof, surrounded by greenery and a street, with a police car nearby.
Courtvonderhaas, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

While efforts were being made to preserve the structure, the storm was a major setback. No repairs have been done since, so the church still sits with the gaping hole and left in ruins.

A historic church in disrepair, with a nearby informational sign, set against a cloudy sky and empty street.
Dave Wilson/Google

It's sad to see this legendary church in the state that it's in. Thankfully, due to its significance, it was placed on the National Historical Places in 1987 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 2003.

A dilapidated church with a collapsed roof, surrounded by a fence, on a rainy street.
Dave Wilson/Google

Over the years, nature has reclaimed the space. But I find something quite beautiful seeing this Gothic building adorned with the growing vines.

advertisement
Abandoned brick building with ivy-covered towers and a partially collapsed roof under a blue sky with clouds.
Joe Spake/Google

The next time you find yourself driving through Helena, be sure to stop by this abandoned church and think about its rich history and the incredible legacy it has left behind.

Abandoned building covered in ivy, with a damaged roof, surrounded by overgrown grass and a chain-link fence.
Google Maps

Did you know about this abandoned church in Arkansas? If so, share with us what you know. Learn more about Centennial Baptist Church by visiting the Preserve Arkansas website.

Love to explore abandoned places? Here's a road trip featuring some more abandoned places in Arkansas.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/arkansas/abandoned-ar-road-trip/

Or check out this website with some historical places in Arkansas that are worth visiting.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

Experiences|Sights & Landmarks

Crossing This 150-Year-Old Bridge In Arkansas Is Like Walking Through History

Published Feb 1, 2024

Written by 

Melanie Johnson

As the oldest remaining iron bowstring truss bridge in Arkansas, you can only imagine the amount of history tied to the Springfield-Des Arc Bridge. Built in 1874 to link Springfield to the steamboat hub of Des Arc, this 150-year-old relic has stood the test of time. And after flooding, fires, vandalism, and more, this bridge has lived on to tell its story. Let’s head to Beaverfork Park Lake in Conway to stroll across this historic bridge in Arkansas.

advertisement

From a distance, this well constructed arch bridge sitting over Lake Beaverfork looks pretty normal. But what you may not know is that this bridge is the oldest of its kind in Arkansas.

Aerial view of a serene lake with a bridge, surrounded by lush greenery and lily pads.
Johnny Hooper, GRI/Google

Originally built in 1874 over Cadron Creek in Faulkner-Conway County, the Springfield-Des Arc Bridge has experienced a lot throughout its 150+year history.

A black and white photo of a bridge over a calm river, surrounded by lush trees and greenery.
Taft, Louise T.Related names:King, ZenasKing Bridge Manufactory and Iron WorksPreston, George B, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The bridge was constructed to connect Springfield to the steamboat port on the White River. So, of course, it became a popular route for folks traveling in the area.

However, from the time it was constructed until 1982, the bridge was damaged by extreme flooding. Attempts were made to save the bridge, and it was even added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.

An old, abandoned arch bridge surrounded by lush green trees and overgrown vegetation.
Valis55, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Shortly after restoration efforts were made in 1991, the bridge began to decay and was eventually vandalized with graffiti and fires. Luckily, in 2011, Faulkner County Historical Society and Workin' Bridges of Grinnell Iowa coordinated efforts for a final rescue of this significant bridge.

An old, rusty bridge spans a calm river, with sunlight filtering through trees, creating a serene atmosphere.
Josh C/Google

It was restored and relocated to Beaverfork Lake Park in Conway, where it is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.

Aerial view of a serene lake with a boat ramp, grassy areas, and wooded surroundings on a sunny day.
Conway, Arkansas, City of Colleges/Facebook

Today, fully renovated and used only for pedestrian traffic, this historic bridge has a lot of life left in it. And if you ask us, it's worth a visit.

advertisement
A rusted metal bridge arches over a calm lake, surrounded by green trees and a clear blue sky.
Teresa Gorecke/Google

So, plan a day trip to Beaverfork Lake Park, where you can enjoy kayaking, fishing, swimming, and more. And while you're there, stroll across this timeless relic and read about its tumultuous but fascinating history.

Two people in a kayak on a calm lake, with a sandy beach and greenery in the background.
Tammie Hunn/Google

The Springfield-Des Arc Bridge is truly one of Arkansas’ treasured gems.

So, what do you think about this historic bridge in Arkansas? Have you had a chance to stroll across this 150-year-old relic? If so, tell us about it in the comments below.

And if you plan a trip to see the bridge, we found a great hotel in Conway that's less than 10 minutes away from the park.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Get the latest updates and news

All Stories

Nature
Caves & Rock Formations

The Completely Free Natural Attraction Hiding in a Wyoming Park Is a Must-Visit

by Megan McDonald
on Nov 14
alt
Nature
Beaches, Lakes & Rivers

This Natural Wonder in Idaho Is the Definition of a Hidden Gem

by Courtnie Erickson
on Nov 14
alt
Food
Breweries & Wineries

The Best Apple Cider in Alaska Comes From This Award-Winning Hard Cidery

by Jennifer
on Nov 14
alt
Trip Ideas
Road Trips

The Scenic Road Trip That Leads to 5 of Oregon’s Most Charming Small Towns

by Natasha Kayes
on Nov 14
alt
Nature
Hiking

The Iconic Trail in Tennessee Everyone Should Hike Once in Their Lifetime

by Chris Dodge
on Nov 14
The bright green grass on top of Roan Mountain overlooks layers of mountains in the distance.