Jefferson County

With so much to see and do, there’s something for everyone

WELCOME TO JEFFERSON COUNTY, a culminationof our rich, historic past and the many opportunities that lie ahead for residentsof Southeast Arkansas. One of the largest cities in the state, Pine Bluff continues to nurture a growing industrial community

while preserving the small town qualities

that make Southern living so rewarding.

Pine Bluff’s past is depicted in a variety

of museums and historic homes, as well

as the exceptional collection of murals

located throughout downtown Pine Bluff.

At the same time, preparing for the future is an exciting venture, thanks to the educational opportunities at Southeast Arkansas College and University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.

Contemporary theatre productions, visual arts and science exhibits delight visitors at The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas.

Enjoy numerous events that take place each year at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. Then add a selection of restaurants and shopping opportunities, an 18-hole public golf course and outdoor activities such as boating, fishing and camping, and you have a community that truly offers something for everyone.

In addition to our museums and historical landmarks,

be sure to visit some of our other fascinating attractions.

Recreational opportunities abound in Jefferson County. Numerous parks developed by the State or the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are located within close proximity to Pine Bluff. Most of the parks offer hiking and nature trails, and camping facilities.

Motor boating and water skiing are popular recreations on the Arkansas River and Lake Langhofer. Excellent fishing spots can be found in these waters, and in Lake Saracen. Additonal points of access to the river can be found at Shepard Island Park, northeast of the city, Ste. Marie Park, adjacent to the Port of Pine Bluff, and Regional Park.

The 135-acre Martin Luther King Jr. Park has two softball fields, two lakes, several playground areas with equipment and picnic tables. The park's two lakes are home to ducks and geese, and are stocked with bass, bream and catfish. Fishing is open to children 12-years old and younger, and to senior citizens. Golfers will also enjoy the 9-hole public course.

The Pine Bluff Parks and Recreation Department provides year-round recreational opportunities for citizens of all ages. Four city parks offer well-equipped facilities and instruction in a host of activities. The 1,100-acre Regional Park is continually under development, currently offering picnic grounds, a children's play cluster, RV campsites, boat launching ramps, a public beach, and a "landing strip" for radio-controlled airplanes.

Regional Park also attracts sports enthusiasts with a four-field lighted softball complex and an 18-hole championship golf course with driving range, complete with fully stocked pro shop and restaurant.

At Pine Bluff's Central Park, Bloom Tennis Center offers public tennis courts.

Several state parks are within easy driving distance of Pine Bluff, offering campsites, cabins, hiking trails, nature programs and a wide range of outdoor activities.

Pine Bluff's 2,000-acre Lake Langhofer, connecting with the Arkansas River, is a favorite for boating and water skiing. Dozens of other Arkansas lakes are located within easy driving range of the city. Fishing tournaments are very popular in Pine Bluff. The Arkansas River has been the site of the BASS Masters Tournament. Each year, more than 1,800 anglers compete in the Arkansas Big Bass Bonanza with prize money totalling $100,000.

Pine Bluff is rich in baseball history. Taylor Memorial Field has hosted many amateur tournaments each summer, such as the Babe Ruth World Series and the NAABT All Star Tournament.

The region abounds with opportunities to hunt deer, duck, squirrel, turkey, quail and other game. Bayou Meto, a 36,000-acre wildlife management area, is located 15 miles east of the city. Stuttgart, known nationally as the "Duck Hunting Capital of the World," is only 36 miles away.

One of the city’s newest public-use facilities allows visitors to enjoy many forms of water-related sports without concern about the weather. The 36,000-square-foot, climate-controlled facility features an eight-lane competition pool, leisure pool with two-story waterslide, water cannon, volleyball, water basketball, play structure and party rooms. Offered activities include swim lessons, competitive swim team, water aerobics, aqua bike swim classes, lap swimming, water therapy and aqua Zumba®.

400 East 11th Avenue • 870.850.7620 • Visit Website

Pine Bluff Aquatic Center

Opened in 2020, this boldly striking building is home to the main branch of the Pine Bluff Jefferson County Library System. Not surprisingly, the library offers printed books and ebooks, with reading areas for age groups. Additionally, the facility provides a creative space for children, plus a pair of state-of-the-art recording studios with video editing capabilities for public use. Also available is a fully equipped teaching kitchen where the public and learn to cook. Hours are Mon.-Thu. 9AM-6PM • Fri. 9AM-4:30PM • Sat. 9AM-2PM • Sun. Closed

600 South Main Street • 870.534.4802 • Visit Website

Pine Bluff Jefferson County Library - Main Branch

This prestigious basketball tournament was founded in 1982, to showcase the prowess and sportsmanship of the country’s best high school basketball players, attracting top-ranked teams from across the United States. After a nearly two-decade hiatus, the venerable tournament has returned to its home in the Pine Bluff Convention Center arena, which has already undergone major renovations to accommodate the teams and spectators, with more upgrades in the pipeline. The tournament takes place during the weekend between Christmas and the New Year.

Pine Bluff Convention Center • 1 Convention Center Plaza • 870.536.7600 

King Cotton Holiday Classic

The 200,000-sq.-ft. facility boasts an 80,000-sq.-ft. gaming floor with 2,000 slot machines, 35 table games, a poker room, and a variety of food and beverage options, including Quapaw Kitchens, which offers cuisines from Cajun to Asian; Legends Sports Bar, home to Saracen’s Sportsbook, with a 225-ft. video wall, live entertainment stage and a fully operational in-house brewery; and The Post dining court and Crossroads Bar. Upon completion, the property will include a 300-room luxury hotel with a spa, conference center, museum and cultural center.

Open 7 days/week, limited dining hours • 1 Saracen Resort Drive • 870.686.9001 • Visit Website

Saracen Casino Resort

The Pine Bluff Municipal Airport/Grider Field Airport is a general aviation facility located just south of Pine Bluff on US Highway 65 near US Highway 425. Originally leased to the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II for its Pine Bluff School of Aviation, over 10,000 flyers were trained. Today, visitors can see restored aircraft hangars, barracks, memorabilia and WW II aircraft. Tours by appointment only. Admission is free. The in-terminal restaurant is a lunchtime favorite with locals, open Monday-Friday, 11AM-2PM. Come early; daily specials sell fast!

Mon.-Fri. 7AM-7PM • Sat.-Sun. 8AM-7PM • 709 Hangar Row • 870.534.4131 • Visit Website

Pine Bluff Regional Airport-Grider Field