What's Inside
A Land Shaped by Rivers
Appreciate this colorful tile mosaic of the Delta and its rivers. The Arkansas Delta is a land made by the constant change in its rivers. This constant state of change creates a unique cast of characters to inhabit its plains - from katydids, cicadas, tree frogs and goat suckers to skunks, rabbits, opossum, bats and deer. Even bobcats, bears, minks, weasels, shrews and alligators. Not to mention the bass, paddlefish, gar and sturgeon swimming in her waters.
Delta Rivers Airways (3 minute movie)
Hop in our crop-duster and experience the Arkansas Delta from the sky. The Delta is a landscape of meandering rivers on a vast alluvial plain. Most of the natural bottomland forests have been converted into rice, soybeans, cotton, and catfish culture.
The Worthless Swamp
You will learn the value of the wetlands and the wildlife on it. The wetlands provide a natural flood control, a nursery for fish and shellfish, an area to purify, and filter groundwater, food and habitat for numerous species of wildlife, and also provide recreational opportunities such as boating, duck hunting, and fishing.
Changes to the River
In this exhibit you will see how the Arkansas River flowed more than 150 years ago and how the 1927 flood almost washed Pine Bluff away.
River Rat House Boat Theater (10-minute movie)
Discover the experiences the first explorers had to go through in the wilderness of Arkansas. Learn how human settlements adapted for the last four and a half centuries in the deepest swampy areas of our state.
Aquariums
Oxbow aquarium: Meet the fishes and other aquatic animals that can tolerate the murky, slow current, and low oxygen levels that are found in oxbows.
Delta Rivers aquarium: This aquarium represents the Arkansas River with a variety of habitats, some with sandy bottoms and fast-flowing current areas, and other locations that are slow-moving with muddy bottoms.
Store
When you finish your expedition, pick up an educational and fun souvenir at the center’s gift shop, stocked with great books, toys, caps, shirts and much more.
Grounds and Trails
The Governor Mike Huckabee Delta Rivers Nature Center is located in 130 acres of a bottomland forest, surrounded by the Black Dog Bayou and the Lake Langhofer. The nature center offers more than two miles of trails through the forest, making them well worth the chance to see geese, ducks, snakes, rabbits or even deer quietly grazing. Keep your eyes and ears open for signs of wildlife and don’t forget your binoculars and camera!
Trail Rules
- No bicycles, skates or skateboards allowed on the trail.
- No pets allowed on the trail.
- Please do not pick plants or flowers.
- Please do not litter.
Discovery Loop, 0.5 miles
This is the main trail that is paved and easy access. You will start this trail walking through the wildflower prairie. This open area hosts a lot of native wildflowers and grasses and represents what is known as the Grand Prairie of Arkansas. Tallgrass prairies thrived in the Delta before land was cleared for rice production in the early 20th century. You will be able to see flowers blooming from early spring to late summer, and many insects and birds feeding from these plants.
Shortly after the wildflower prairie you will enter to a bottomland hardwood forest. This type of forest is found along the edge of the Mississippi River Delta, and is subject to frequent flooding. You will be able to spot a tall cottonwood tree among the oaks, sycamores, and sweetgum trees. You also can appreciate the wetland areas formed by the bayou and lakes.
Whitetail Trail, 0.25 miles
This loop is paved. You will explore more of the bottomland hardwood forest along of the Black Dog Lake. Look for the robins and other song birds grazing the floor of the forest.
Armadillo Trail, 0.25 miles
This is a short primitive trail is not paved. This trail will take you through the amazing bottomland forest
Blue Heron Trail, 0.75 mile
This is a primitive trail and is not paved. For the enthusiastic explores, you will discover the home of many wildlife. Keep your eyes and ears open, you never know what you will encounter.