Village Creek State Park

Village Creek State Park is located in east-central Arkansas just 40 miles west of Memphis. The historical heritage of the park is both fascinating and colorful. Pioneer settlers moved into the area during the early 1800's. In 1821, Congress authorized construction of the Old Military Road. Completed in 1829, it provided the first real access to the area for settlers. A Post Office was established by 1826 with the mail route following the Military Road. Today's park includes a portion of the land owned by William Strong, the area's first Postmaster.

The 7,000 acres comprising the park are situated entirely upon an unusual geologic formation called Crowley's Ridge. Park facilities are centered in a long, wide valley that runs through the center of the park land. This valley has been cut into the eastern side of Crowley's Ridge by the erosive action of Village Creek. Covering most of this rugged terrain is a mixed hardwood forest. The forest community in the park and on Crowley's Ridge differs distinctly from any other area of Arkansas. Several tree species commonly seen in the woods at Village Creek are uncommon to the rest of the state, such as beech, sugar maple, butternut, cucumber tree, and tuliptree or yellow poplar.

Facilities

Lodging - Nestled in the woods along a ridge near Lake Dunn are 10 modern housekeeping cabins (1, 2, and 3 bedrooms; one 2-bedroom unit is barrier-free). These cabins are fully furnished including kitchen utensils and linens, plus air conditioning and heating for year-round vacation comfort. Woodburning fireplaces, ceiling fans, screened-in porches, picnic tables, and grills make these beautiful cabins the perfect place for a weekend or weeklong "get away."

Camping - There are 104 individual Class "A" campsites situated near Lake Dunn. Each offers dual voltage electrical outlets, freeze-proof water hookups, a table and grill. Five modern bathhouses, two sanitary trailer stations, a swimming beach, playground, boat dock and launch ramp are conveniently located in or near the campgrounds.

Fishing and Boating - Village Creek contains two lakes - Lake Dunn and Lake Austell. Lake Dunn offers a bait shop and dock where fishing boats, electric motors and pedal boats can be rented. The boat rentals are available on weekends in April and May, and daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Both lakes offer swim beaches and are stocked with bass, bream, crappie and channel catfish. (Note: Both lakes are restricted to electric motors.)

Day Use Facilities - Scenic and spacious picnic areas with tables, grills, water and modern bathhouse are available in the Lake Austell Day Use Area. A playground and swimming beach with sun deck overlook the lake. There are four covered rental pavilions located in the picnic area. Call or come by the Visitor Center to reserve these popular facilities.

Visitor Center Complex - The Visitor Center houses an audiovisual theater, grocery store, gift shop and park offices. The Discovery Room is located adjacent to the Visitor Center and exhibits the geologic history and natural communities of Crowley's Ridge. An auditorium is located next to the Discovery Room for musical performances, special events and private use.

Trails - The Big Ben Nature Trail meanders one-half mile along Village Creek. The Austell Hiking Trail extends over one mile from the Visitor Center to the picnic area through lush forest and some of the park's most rugged and scenic terrain. Five more miles of trails through the park's natural areas offer nature enthusiasts the chance to view the haunts of white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and many varieties of small game and birds.

Other Facilities - Hospitals, motels, restaurants and other facilities are nearby in Wynne or Forrest City.

NOTE: Campers must register at the Visitor Center before occupying a site. All sites are assigned; limited reservations available. Pavilions must be reserved at the Visitor Center before being used (deposit required). Cabins may be reserved by contacting the Visitor Center.

Interpretive Services

Programs - A variety of natural and environmental educational programs, guided hikes and activities are offered daily throughout the summer months. Organized groups may request programs of specific interest year-round. Arrangements must be made in advance.

Special Events - A variety of special events are held throughout the year such as Spring Wildflower Walks, Fall Foliage Weekend and musical performances. Call or write the park for dates and details.

Location
Take Exit 242 off I-40 just east of Forrest City and travel 13 miles north on State Hwy. 284; or, travel 6 miles south on Hwy. 284 from Wynne.

For further information on park hours, programs, or services, contact:

Village Creek State Park
201 CR 754
Wynne, AR 72396
Telephone: (501) 238-9406
For cabin reservations ONLY call 1-800-264-2467

For information on Arkansas' other fine state parks, contact:

Arkansas State Parks
One Capitol Mall, 4A-900
Little Rock, AR 72201
Telephone: (501) 682-1191

All park services are provided on a nondiscriminatory basis. Arkansas State Parks is an Equal Opportunity Employer.