Day Trip: Petit Jean, Mount Magazine, Mount Nebo and More
September 1, 2025
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On August 13, at 7:40 a.m., Theresa and I pointed our Taos southeast and set out on another Arkansas day trip. The weather was still blistering hot, as you might expect this time of year. But the Delta offered plenty of scenery, history and good food to keep us going.
Cane Creek State Park
Our first stop was Cane Creek State Park, a quiet gem near Star City where the woods meet the waters of Cane Creek Lake. The park is known for its hiking, biking and fishing, and even on a weekday morning, it had a peaceful feel that makes it worth a return trip when we’ve got more time to explore. I’d really like to spend a full day on the water fishing here.
Selma Methodist Church
On the way toward Lake Village, we pulled over at the old Selma Methodist Church on Highway 293 in rural Drew County. This white-frame building, dating back to 1874, is a striking sight in the middle of farm country. It was added to the National Register of Historic places in 1972. No one was there but the front door was open, allowing us a view of the simple but beauitful interior. We grabbed a few photos before rolling on.
Lake Chicot State Park
Next up was Lake Chicot State Park, set along the largest oxbow lake in North America. With its massive water views and cypress trees dotting the shoreline, it’s one of those places where you immediately want to launch a boat or drop a fishing line. It’s also a perfect spot for bird watching with herons and egrets frequenting the shallows.
Lunch at Pickens Country Store and Restaurant
By midday our stomachs were reminding us it was time to eat, and we already knew where we were headed: Pickens Country Store and Restaurant just north of Dumas. This place is classic Delta—unpretentious, homey and serving up food that tastes like it came straight from grandma’s kitchen.
Theresa went with the country fried steak, rice and gravy, cornbread and a fresh cucumber salad. I ordered baked chicken, turnip greens, fried potatoes and cornbread. Both plates were hearty, hot and downright delicious. If you’re anywhere near Pickens around lunch, this place is a must.
Arkansas Post Museum State Park
After lunch, we turned north toward Arkansas Post Museum State Park near Gillett. This small but fascinating museum tells the story of the state’s first European settlement and trading post, with exhibits ranging from pioneer life to Native American history. It’s well worth a stop if you enjoy learning about Arkansas’ early days.
Trip Recap
By the time we pointed the truck back toward Alexander, we’d stitched together a full day of Delta history, scenery and food. We made it home at 4:28 p.m., tired but grateful for another adventure on the backroads of Arkansas.
Total miles driven: 333
Time on the road: 8 hours, 48 minutes
Keith “Catfish” Sutton of Alexander, Arkansas, is one of the country’s best-known outdoor
journalists. His stories and photographs about fishing, hunting, wildlife and conservation have
been read by millions in hundreds of books, magazines, newspapers and websites. He and his
wife Theresa own C&C Outdoor Productions Inc., an Arkansas-based writing, photography,
lecturing and editorial service.
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