24 Best & Fun Things to Do in Russellville (AR)

Russellville is the largest city in Pope County, Arkansas, United States, bordering the Arkansas River and Lake Dardanelle. It is also the county’s seat.

The city was incorporated on June 7, 1870. The estimated population of Russellville in 2021 was 29,338. 

There are quite some fun things to do in Russellville, AR, and some cool places to visit too. Russellville is home to the only Arkansas Nuclear Power plant And Arkansas Tech University. Russellville also houses the Pope County Fairgrounds, which is used in hosting many events such as conventions, fairs, and horseracing. 

Russellville is famous for its historic downtown area, arts scene, and local music. It also holds various sports events and fishing competitions.

For tourists who love spending time on the water or near the sea, the city has lots of water venues such as whitewater streams, wetlands, mountains, creeks, rivers, lakes, and waterfalls. 

People from neighboring towns visit the city frequently for work and recreational activities. 

Are you planning a vacation to Russellville? Here are the top things to do in Russellville, AR.

Things to Do in Russellville, AR

1. Lake Dardanelle State Park

Lake Dardanelle State Park
Credits: Kate Skar / Shutterstock
Lake Dardanelle State Park

Among the best places to visit in Russellville, AR, is Lake Dardanelle State Park

Lake Dardanelle State Park is situated on State Park Drive. It is a 34,300-acre reservoir on the Arkansas River that flows through Darndelle and Russellville. 

The Lake’s Russellville area features five aquariums in the visitor center, trails, a fishing pier, and a Sport Fishing Weigh-in Pavilion. 

Lake Dardanelle is among the Trails of Tears National Historic Sites. Hundreds of trails traveling through nine states bore witness to the forceful removal of the Cherokees from their birth home.

Go to the Visitor Center and learn how they were removed through the showcased exhibits and admire the view of the river. 

By walking on the trails of this Park, you will be able to picture the Cherokees that were removed in large numbers and forced to walk these routes. 

Address: 100 State Park Drive, Russellville, AR 72802, United States

2. The Old Bank Sports Grill

The Old Bank Sports Grill
Credits: The Old Bank Sports Grill / Facebook
The Old Bank Sports Grill

This sports grill is situated on West Main Street in Downtown Russellville 

After the fire incident in 1906 that affected the Bank of Russellville, all that was left was a vault. 

The bank building was renovated and made into a sports bar to satisfy the people’s desire for sports and food. 

You don’t have to worry about missing a game when you visit this destination because the bar is filled with over 80 televisions. 

A few of the dishes on their menu have been linked to things regarding sport, such as the Razorback Burger and the Stanley Cup Burger coined after the Arkansas Razorbacks. 

The bar also features karaoke nights and live bands in case you are not a big fan of sports. Nevertheless, the environment of this bar portrays good vibes for everyone. 

Address: 218 W Main Street, Russellville, AR 72801, United States

3. Stoby’s Restaurant

Stoby’s Restaurant
Credits: Stoby’s Russellville / Facebook
Stoby’s Restaurant

Stoby’s Restaurant, situated on West Parkway Drive, has offered comfort food since 1980. 

Stoby’s Restaurant was initially opened in Conway with the owner, David Stobaugh, sharing a rented space with Mr.Smith’s Pie shop. 

When the owner of the pie shop, Mrs. Florence Smith, made the decision to change her directions, the owner of Stoby’s Restaurant purchased her equipment. 

She later joined David’s team and has been given credit for the peanut Butter Pie, Italian crème cake, and strawberry cake recipes. 

This restaurant opened in Russellville in 1984, and the restaurant was made to look like a train car. 

The most popular item on their food menu is the cheese dip made up of unadulterated cheese. The cheese has two types, which are spicy white and original yellow. 

Visit Stoby’s Restaurant and begin your day with a cheerful breakfast. Try their sausage accompanied with biscuits or sandwiches served in whichever bread you like. 

Address: 405 W Parkway Dr, Russellville, AR 72801, United States

4. Washburn Park

Washburn Park
Credits: Mike Goad / Flickr
Washburn Park

Among the best things to do in Russellville, AR, is to visit Washburn Park and admire the view while having fun. 

Washburn Park is situated at Lake Front Drive, a little down the highway. 

This Park was christened after Reverend Cephas Washburn, who was an educator and a Christian missionary 

Washburn Park features a lighted Pavilion, playground, picnic tables on the hillside, and a grilling area. 

At this Park, you can view lake Dardanelle and climb the cliff to look at the rock formation 

If you are interested in looking at the Lake, Ouita Boat Launch from across the Park will take you there. 

Address: 72801, 1185 Lake Front Dr, Russellville, AR 72802, United States

5. Mount Nebo State Park

Mount Nebo State Park
Credits: Nngowen [CC BY-SA 4.0], Wikimedia Commons
Mount Nebo State Park
This destination sits above the 1,350- foot- tall Mount Nebo. It is located 16 minutes from the town of Dardanelle. 

Mount Nebo offers a beautiful view of the Arkansas River, Lake Dardanelle, and the mountains. 

If you want another view to speed up your adrenaline, you can try hang gliding and flying above the Arkansas River and Petit Jean River Valley. 

Mount Nebo has launch sites at the east end of the mountain and a place behind the Visitor Center. 

Before you can fly, it is a condition that you register at the Visitor Center and show your pilot license. 

Aside from flying, the Park offers activities such as the 14-mile trails for mountain biking and hiking. 

There are 15 cabins at Mount Nebo, and 12 of them are situated along the bulk, creating an opportunity for you to admire the stunning views of the river valley. 

Address: 16728 State Hwy 155, Dardanelle, AR 72834, United States

6. Bona Dea Trails & Sanctuary

Bona Dea Trails & Sanctuary
Credits: Mike Goad / Flickr
Bona Dea Trails & Sanctuary

“Bona Dea” in Latin means “Good Goddess,” and it definitely looks like a destination touched by a goddess. 

Bona Dea Trail & Sanctuary is situated on Lake Front Drive. This 186-acre trail features wetlands and a lowland forest which is in turn filled with water oaks and wildflowers that are home to various wildlife. 

Bona Dea Trail has different sections, such as the one-mile Rabbit Run, the 1.5-mile prairie creek, the 2.6-mile Walden Way, and the 3.5- mile serendipity Trail. 

You can watch and observe turtles and see birds hunt for food in prairie creek. 

The trail has tremendous paved paths suitable for running and biking and a course filled with 18 exercise stations. 

So while you are admiring the stunning views of Bona Dea Trails & Sanctuary, you can also keep fit. 

Address: Scenic 7 Byway, Russellville, AR 72801, United States

7. The Arkansas River Visitor Center

The Arkansas River Visitor Center was designed to teach visitors and locals about the Arkansas River, its culture and history, and its change into the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System. 

The Arkansas River Visitor Center is situated on Lock and Dam Road, just three miles West of Highway 7. It was dedicated on August 20, 1985 

The Arkansas River Visitor Center uses interactive displays and exhibits to describe life on the Arkansas River; its recreation, fish and wildlife, flood control, hydropower, and dependable navigation system. 

All through the year, local schools take students to this visitor center to educate them on the history and transformation of the River. 

The people that work here are civil and very knowledgeable so feel to ask any questions when you visit. Visiting this Center is one of the top things to do in Russellville, AR.

Address: 1799 Lock and Dam Rd, Russellville, AR 72802, United States

8. Missouri-Pacific Depot

Missouri-Pacific Depot
Credits: Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr
Missouri-Pacific Depot

The Missouri- Pacific Depot, also known as the Russellville Station, is a single-storied building constructed with red bricks and stucco located on West C Street. 

Missouri- Pacific Depot was constructed in 1961 in addition to the Missouri- Pacific Railroad. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

The front of the Missouri-Pacific Depot has a statue of a man holding a pocket watch and beckoning passengers to get on the train, suitably called Mr. Conductor. 

The building has been renovated and is filled with mementos from when the depot was still in use. 

Additionally, the Missouri-Pacific Depot can be rented to hold public and private occasions. 

Address: 320 W C St, Russellville, AR 72801, United States

9. Arkansas River Valley Arts Center

Arkansas River Valley Arts Center
Credits: guruXOX / Shutterstock

The Arkansas River Valley Art Center is a voluntary art organization in the local community of Russellville. 

The Arkansas River Valley Art Center aims to create opportunities for participation, enjoyment, appreciation, and education for the community members about the different types of art. 

Each month, the Arkansas River Valley Art Center displays new art exhibits. 

The Center holds art classes and workshops for kids and adults throughout the year.

Arkansas River Valley Art Center has a theater and art gallery. 

Address: 1001 E B St, Russellville, AR 72801, United States

10. Fat Daddy’s Bar-B-Que

Fat Daddy's Bar-B-Que
Credits: Fat Daddy’s Bar-B-Que / Facebook
Fat Daddy’s Bar-B-Que

Like most businesses, the Fat Daddy’s Bar-B-Que restaurant started as an idea. 

The first location of this restaurant was London, Arkansas. The Fat Daddy’s Bar-B-Que restaurant in Russellville was established in an old building located in the downtown area of the city in 2010. 

The main items of the barbecue were moved to the new site, and new ones were also added. 

The Fat Daddy’s Bar- B- Que has various creative designs and an industrial interior. 

Some menu choices include salads, burritos, and mouthwatering steaks. 

Address: 104 N Denver Ave, Russellville, AR 72801, United States

11. Pope County Farmers Market

Pope County Farmers Market
Credits: Denis Tabler / Shutterstock

Buy fresh produce at Pope Country Farmers Market. The Pope County Farmers Market is situated at the Downtown Russellville Depot. It is a place where small local farmers go to sell their wares. 

Most of the products sold here are local produce from farms within the city. 

You can buy fresh meets, local honey, baked goods, and various homemade produce that can serve as a momento. 

Pope County Farmers Market features other products like homegrown peas, green turnips, potatoes, cucumber, cabbage, and squash. 

Encourage the local farmers by shopping for produce at the Pope Country Farmers Market. 

Address: 2200 W Main St, Russellville, AR 72801, United States

12. Retro Roasts

Retro Roasts
Credits: portumen / Shutterstock

Fancy a cup or two of coffee? If yes, head over to Retro Roasts

Retro Roasts is a coffee shop situated on North Commerce Avenue. The coffee shop was established by Emily young and had another branch on West Main Street. 

Emily young and her spouse Nikkila have a partnership with Café Imports, which is responsible for providing the green beans they need to make their coffee roasts. 

Retro Roasts purchases pure and organic beans from some countries across the globe, such as Guatemala and Columbia. 

When you visit the café, sample their White Mocha Latte and an apple scone for a delicious afternoon snack. 

Additionally, they have whole beans for sale, and these beans have been put in a vintage-inspired tin can and are suitable for home brewing. 

Their menus include Dark Roasts, Light Roasts, Medium Roasts, Decaf, Breakfast Blend, and Blondie Roasts. 

Address: 108 N Commerce Ave, Russellville, AR 72801, United States

13. Brown’s Catfish

Brown's Catfish
Credits: Brown’s Catfish / Facebook
Brown’s Catfish

If you like catfish, one of the best places to visit in Russellville, AR, is Brown’s Catfish. 

This restaurant is a family-owned and operated venture in Russellville, AR, that specializes in fish, as the name suggests. 

Although this seafood restaurant offers other kinds of cuisines, what draws many people to this seafood joint is the fried catfish served here. 

For more than twenty years, the restaurant has been offering catfish to locals and tourists in the city

Aside from the catfish, the selection of meals at this family-friendly restaurant is impressive too. 

Additionally, Brown’s Catfish has been voted “Best of the Best Seafood restaurant.” 

Address: 1804 E Main Street, Russellville, AR 72801, United States

14. Dog Ear Books

Dog Ear Books
Credits: Jure Divich / Shutterstock

If you feel like spending a relaxing afternoon reading a book, you can purchase one at Dog Ear Books

Dog Ear Books is a family-owned bookshop located in Downtown Russellville. It is home to a large selection of new and old books for everyone and age. 

Since half of the store has lots of children’s books, you can bring them here, and they will love them. 

Dog Ear Books has mangas, anime books, stuffed animals, shirts, candles, and bobbleheads. 

There are also cards, box games, and board games for your loved ones. 

On some occasions, Dog Ear Books holds open mic nights, book club events, and book readings. 

The shop also has a small section where you can sit and read the purchased book while sipping coffee from the next-door café. 

So if you are a book lover, this is definitely one of the fun things to do in Russellville, AR.

Address: 110 N Commerce Ave, Russellville, AR 72801, United States

15. Old Post Road Recreation Area & Campground

Old Post Road Recreation Area & Campground
Credits: Taweesak Jaroensin / Shutterstock

If you love nature and camping, one of the best things to do in Russellville, AR, is to go to Old Post Road Recreational Area & Campground. 

The Old Post Road Recreation Area & Campground is a top-notch destination that lies along the Arkansas River and Lake Dardanelle. 

The campground features flush toilets, showers, visitor security, level sites with electricity, water, and a dump station for trailers. 

The campground comprises a boat launch, forty campsites, basketball courts, eight picnic shelters, trails for mountain biking, a playground, a softball field, a soccer field, and a course for disc golf. 

The Old Post Road Recreation, situated between the Ozark and the Ouachita National Forest, is an excellent destination for people who love nature. 

Address: 1469 Lock and Dam Rd, Russellville, AR 72802, United States

Want to spend more time in Arkansas?, check out our list of things to do in Mountain Home and things to do in Rogers for a memorable vacation.

16. Potts Inn Museum

Potts Inn Museum
Credits: Valis55 [CC BY-SA 3.0], Wikimedia Commons
Potts Inn Museum
Potts Inn Museum was built by Kirkbride Potts In 1858. This Museum is located at Pottsville, 10 minutes from Russellville. 

The stagecoach was useful to the Butterfield Overland Mail Route and was made with the use of antebellum architecture.

The Potts Family resided here until Pope Count Historical Foundation purchased it in the 1970s. 

This two-storied renovated building features period accessories that remind you of the mid-19th century. 

The campground has five log structures: one is filled with exhibits of old clothing and hats, and the other displays a doll collection of lookalike gowns of the First Ladies in Arkansas and Indian artifacts. 

Potts Inn Museum has old farm equipment showcased in the barn, and Boyce Sinclair donated these pieces of equipment. 

Also, the fifth log building in the cabin was donated by the piney Page Estate. 

Address: E Ash St, Pottsville, AR 72858, United States

17. Feltner’s Whatta-Burger

Feltner's Whatta-Burger
Credits: Feltner’s Whatta-Burger / Facebook
Feltner’s Whatta-Burger

Feltner’s Whatta-Burger is a restaurant that offers tasty milkshakes and homemade burgers. 

The diner was established in 1967 by Bob Feltner. Initially, the restaurant was a takeout place, but it has evolved to make room for visitors who wants to eat in. 

Whatta-Burger’s is located in North Arkansas. This vintage-style diner will send your mind back to the 17th century. 

This family-owned diner has been continuously serving well-loved food such as the Whatta-Burger and the handmade Strawberry Milkshakes.

This restaurant is also known for serving heaps of fried pies and fries. Visit Feltner’s Whatta-Burger and try some of its best burgers 

Address: 1410 N Arkansas Ave, Russellville, AR 72801, United States

18. Russellville Country Club

Russellville Country Club
Credits: Thaninee Chuensomchit / Shutterstock

Russellville Country Club was established in 1962. It is an excellent choice if you want a place to participate in recreational and weekend activities. 

Russellville Country Club offers stunning views, quality services, hospitality, golf and tennis courts, and elegant cuisines. 

Golf lovers can enjoy the 18-hole championship-styled got course with Bent-Grass and Tyee grass. 

If you love tennis, you can use the well-maintained facilities and play a round or two with the coaches or buddies. 

After playing the sports, make sure you stop by the Sports Lounge to eat some tasty meal or drop by the bar for a nice and cool drink after all that sweating. 

Address: 186 Country Club Rd, Dover, AR 72837, United States

19. Hourglass Escape Rooms

Hourglass Escape Rooms
Credits: Reddogs / Shutterstock

If you have never visited an escape room, now is an opportunity to visit one during your vacation in Russellville. 

Escape rooms are famous and popular for a reason. The rush of adrenaline and live action that these rooms offer will test your teamwork, brains, and quickness as you fight against time to solve puzzles, crack codes and break free from your room within a designated time limit. 

Hourglass Escape Rooms features several rooms with different themes and different stages of difficulty and aims. 

Some examples of rooms and their themes include; in Mob Boss, you have to find who the snitch is; in Alien, you have to break free from an alien aircraft before your kidnappers discover your plan, and you have to find evidence of Big Foot in another room. 

Some other rooms featured at this facility include The Bomb and Camelot. 

All the rooms are okay for players between the age of two and eight and perfect for players between five and above. Engaging in this escape room game is one of the fun things to do in Russellville, AR

Address: 2606 W Main St, Russellville, AR 72801, United States

20. Big Piney Creek

Big Piney Creek
Credits: Rock and Wasp / Shutterstock

This destination is a 67- mile-long river situated 17 minutes from Russellville at the Ozark National Forest. 

Big Piney Creek is popular among people who love white water rafting since the water current are suitable for canoeing activities. 

Since Big Piney Creek is regarded as a sport fishing river, you can spot smallmouth bass and spotted bass. 

The hillside of Big Piney is packed with hardwood and pine forest that serves as a hike for black bears, deers, and wild turkeys. 

If you are looking for an adrenaline-pumping activity, go to Big Pine Creek and canoe on its river. 

Address: Big Piney Creek, Arkansas 72847, USA

21. The Center for the Arts

Center for the Arts
Credits: WinWin artlab / Shutterstock

Are you indecisive about what to do in Russellville, AR? Why not attend an art performance at the Center for the Arts

One of the main features of the Center’s performance hall is its seating capacity of 1,875 people. 

The performance hall was created mainly to promote music, orchestra, dance, and Broadway. 

Additionally, the Center for the Arts has an elegant lobby with a glass facade that offers a clear view of the outside and inside parts of the building. 

The lobby offers a space that can be used for gallery showings, meetings, and receptions. 

The BlackBox theater holds fewer musical and theatrical performances, receptions, and meetings. 

During summer, the Center offers camp and art programs. 

Address: 2209 S Knoxville Ave, Russellville, AR 72802, United States

22. Post Winery

Post Winery
Credits: Africa Studio / Shutterstock

A visit to Post Winery is a fantastic activity, even though it is located 45 minutes from town. 

Post-Winery is located in a neighboring town called Altus. Altus consists of wineries and vineyards, and Post Winery is among the most famous and well-known wineries in Arkansas Wine Country. 

This large winery offers vineyard tours and wine tasting. You can visit the Trellis Room, which serves as a wine-tasting venue and a restaurant, and you can select wine in their retail store. 

Make sure you try out the Blue Parachute, their most popular wine selection. But, regardless of your choice, you will undoubtedly enjoy visiting Post Winery. 

Address: 1700 St Marys Mountain Rd, Altus, AR 72821, United States

23. Old South Restaurant

Old South Restaurant
Credits: Old South Restaurant / Facebook
Old South Restaurant

This restaurant offers tasty southern cuisine throughout the day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

The Old South Restaurant was first established in 1947, and ever since, locals and visitors have been visiting for a plate of southern food. 

Additionally, the restaurant is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

Many of the items in Old South Restaurant are same as those on the original menu when it opened more than fifty years ago. 

These items include the restaurant’s popular cream soups and salad dressings. 

Address: 1330 E Main Street, Russellville, AR 72801, United States

24. The Garage Arcade

Garage Arcade
Credits: Virrage Images / Shutterstock

If you like arcade games and other types of entertainment, such as pinball machines, take a trip to the Garage Arcade situation downtown close to Main Street. 

The Garage Arcade features many old-schooled video games from around Russellville. These games range from Tekken 2 to Mortal Kombart. 

These games will send you down memory lane. The Garage Arcade also has party rooms for large get-togethers or events. 

Additionally, Garage Arcade has a small café area perfect for an afternoon break with several caffeinated beverages and food. 

Address: 312 W 2nd St, Russellville, AR 72801, United States

Also check out our list of things to do in Mountain View,  things to do in Jonesboro, and things to do in Little Rock,  for a fun vacation in Arkansas.

Plan a Visit to Russellville

For those looking for what to do in Russellville, AR, there is a plethora of activities for individuals, families, friends, and couples on vacation in this city.

Tourists can enjoy outdoor recreational activities such as hiking and climbing trails, fishing, golfing, biking, hand gliding, and kayaking. 

The city has many dining establishments, entertainment centers, shopping options, museums, and more. Have fun!