Park A Day: Lower White River State Park Museum

This small state park is actually one I traveled to on my way to another state park. I saw a sign on the highway and about 50 miles later, I found the small log cabin and museum in the town of Des Arc, Arkansas.

The Lower White River Museum was opened in 1979, but it was then known as the Prairie County Museum. The museum was redesigned and re-opened on June 25, 2004 with new exhibits that were more interactive and modern. The name was changed on August 11, 2005 to reflect the museum's focus on the importance of the White River.

The White River was a very important river at one time and many goods were transported in and out of the territory on it. The museum has some nice exhibits, but honestly, unless you're deeply interested in Arkansas History, I wouldn't recommend it. It's probably not a great museum to bring kids to. The museum depicts the White River during frontier days focusing on agriculture, the Civil War, pearling and button-making, timber, education, fishing and hunting, medicine and riverboats. They also have a research room with cemetery records, tax exemptions receipts and other items. This area is great for genealogical research. Some of the exhibits, including a giant Arkansas map, are interactive. The 1800s replica cabin is next door and can be toured.

Admission is $3.25 for adults and $2 for children ages 6-12.

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