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Experiences|Sights & Landmarks

At Nearly One Mile Long, The Big River Crossing In Arkansas Is The Longest Pedestrian Bridge Across The Mississippi

Big River Crossing is the longest pedestrian bridge across the Mississippi River, connecting Arkansas to Tennessee and offering unique views and attractions.

Published Sep 22, 2021

Written by 

Daniella DiRienzo

There are lots of great hiking and biking paths in Arkansas, but none quite compare to the Big River Crossing. Not only does it provide a thoroughfare from Arkansas to Tennessee, but at 1 mile in length, it’s the longest pedestrian bridge across the Mighty Mississippi.

Connecting West Memphis to Memphis, Big River Crossing ties together urban, rural, and natural areas like no other!

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Big River Crossing/Facebook

Big River Crossing doesn’t just connect the two cities. It connects the city’s Main Streets, creating a "10-mile multi-modal corridor" that offers access to Delta Regional River Park and Big River Trail.

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The bridge, which was completed in 2016, is touted as the longest public pedestrian bridge across the Mississippi River, but that’s not its only distinguishing feature.

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Big River Crossing/Facebook

Big River Crossing is also the longest active rail/bicycle/pedestrian bridge in the nation. Plus, it offers visitors the unique opportunity to be in two places at once.

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grip652/TripAdvisor

Those trekking across the bridge are afforded unparalleled views of the Mighty Mississippi – but that’s not all.

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Big River Crossing/Facebook

On either side of the bridge, you’ll find great sites and attractions. In West Memphis, for example, there’s the Big River Trail and Pancho’s Mexican Restaurant.

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City of West Memphis/Google

Open daily, from 6 a.m. – 10 p.m., Big River Crossing is a great visit day or night. However, should you choose to visit after dark, you’ll be in for a treat since the bridge is illuminated after sunset.

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Don’t have the means to haul your bike to Big River Crossing? No problem!

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Big River Crossing/Facebook

Explore Bike Share, a bicycle rental service, has two stations near Big River Crossing. Learn more here.

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westmemphisar.gov

For more information on the Big River Crossing, visit the West Memphis website. And make sure to like the Big River Crossing on Facebook to stay up to date on closures and other pertinent details.

So, did you know about the Big River Crossing? Ever walked across it? If so, what’d you think of the views? Tell us!

This is just one of the amazing treks you can take in Arkansas. Click here to read about nine of the greatest hiking trails on Earth that are right here in Arkansas.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Josh C/Google

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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