Are planning an Arkansas staycation this spring break? Whether you’re planning a one day adventure or a weeklong stay, look no further than the Morrilton area.
Get outside and play!
The adventure starts with any one of the top notch hiking trails at Arkansas’s first state park, Petit Jean State Park. If you’re looking for an easy stroll, take the Rock House Cave Trail and be sure to stop on the turtle rocks for a family photo opportunity. For a more challenging hike, you can take the switchbacks of the Cedar Falls Trail down to one of central Arkansas’s favorite waterfalls, Cedar Falls. Don’t forget to stop by the brand new Petit Jean State Park Visitor Center to pick up a trail map, get information on the park’s weekend programs, and to get your Arkansas State Park Passport stamped.
Your Petit Jean Mountain adventure won’t be complete without a stop at Petit Jean Coffeehouse and the Museum of Automobiles which are both located just outside the east side park entrance.
If outdoor recreation is what you’re looking for, the Morrilton Country Club boasts a challenging eighteen hole golf course with champion bermuda greens. The private course is open to the public on weekdays and visitors can pay green fees at the club house.
Just north of Morrilton proper, you will find Lake Overcup, one of Arkansas’s crappie fishing hot spots. You can access the lake and the public fishing pier by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s Overcup Landing public access area. There are options for boat access, bait and supplies, and camping nearby as well. Other places to camp and fish include Charlie’s Hidden Harbor, Morrilton RV Park and Cherokee Park.
The University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton has an excellent walking trail with fitness stations and a nine hole disc golf course that is open to the public, just remember to bring your own equipment. Morrilton Parks and Recreation also maintains two beautiful parks in the city with accessible playground equipment and walking trails.
Experience Morrilton
There are plenty of indoor activities to be found in the Morrilton area too! As you travel on Arkansas Scenic Highway 9 from Petit Jean Mountain towards Morrilton, you will find Movie House Winery tucked away just across the Arkansas River down Sandtown Road. Head a little further into town and enjoy a pint at the brand new Point Remove Brewing Company located on Highway 64. The brewery is family friendly, including your canine kids, and you’ll find a large patio where yard games are provided and blankets are welcome.
Take a stroll around Historic Downtown Morrilton where you will find one of only two public libraries in the state of Arkansas operating in its original Carnegie building. The Conway County Library occupies this historic building and is open to the public.
While you’re exploring downtown Morrilton make sure you stop in and shop at Merle Norman and More, Clover Alley, Hometown Flea Market, and The Shoe Company. Then grab a coffee at Big Cuppa Coffee Shop, pick up a sweet treat at Bake Me a Cake, or grab lunch from D&S Southern Cafe or the Two Guys Hibachi Express Food Truck and enjoy it on a picnic table in the Broadway Pocket Park.