Pine Bluff, Arkansas began life a small trading post on the banks of the Arkansas River. From those humble beginnings, Pine Bluff has evolved into a thriving community full of cultural and historical attractions.
Arkansas Railroad Museum, Hwy 65B Featuring Engine 819, the last 4-8-4 Northern Type steam locomotive built in Pine Bluff’s Cotton Belt Railroad shop, restored rail cars, a full scale train depot and train memorabilia, the museum is a must see for railroad enthusiasts. The museum is open for tours Monday through Saturday from 9-3 and by appointment. Admission is free, but donations are accepted.
Grider Field, Just off Hwy 65S The U.S. Army Air Corp established the Pine Bluff School of Aviation in 1940. Over 9000 World War II pilots were trained at the school by the time in closed in October 1944.. The museum features restored aircraft hangars, World War II aircraft and war memorabilia. There is also a restaurant on the grounds. Grider Field is still a functioning airport and is a designated reliever for Little Rock National Airport.
The Band Museuem, 423 Main Street, The Band Museum is the only museum in the country dedicated to the hidtory of band instruments and the band movement. The museum is housed in a fully restored 19th century building in downtown Pine Bluff. After enjoying the exhibits, you can enjoy an ice cream soda in the fully operational 1950’s soda fountain. Museum hours are Monday through Friday 10-4 and Saturday and Sunday by appointment.
Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame, One Convention Center Plaza, The Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame features memorabilia from such diverse performers as Johnny Cash, Billy Bob Thornton, Jerry Van Dyke, John Grisham and K.T. Oslin. Guitars, drumsticks and movie props are among the exhibits. The Hall of Fame is open Monday through Saturday 10-4.
Murals on Main, Main Street, Murals depicting important events and people in Pine Bluff’s history decorate the walls of downtown businesses. Scenes include a view of Pine Bluff’s downtown circa 1888, the Movie Mural commemorating Freeman Owens, who developed sound on film technology, and the Saracen mural.
Delta Rivers Nature Center, Regional Park, The Nature Center features a 20,000 gallon aquarium loaded with Delta oxbow lake fish, educational films and exhibits about the diverse animal and plant life in the Mississippi River Delta. There is also a hummingbird and butterfly garden and a functioning beehive. Admission is free.
Southeast Arkansas Arts and Science Center, Main Street, The Arts Center features concerts, community theater productions and rotating art exhibits featuring local and nationally renowned artists. Hours vary based on exhibits. Art gallery admission is free. Theater ticket prices vary.
Pine Bluff/Jefferson County Historical Museum, 201 E. 4th Ave., Located in the historic Union Station Train Depot, the museum features permanent and rotating exhibits that detail Pine Bluff’s history from the 1830s. Of special note is a Civil War cannon ball from the Battle of Pine Bluff. It was found during the restoration of the Jefferson Country Courthouse in 1980.
Regional Park Complex, Martha Mitchell Expressway, With a four field softball complex, beaches, 53 RV hookups, batting cages, playgrounds, an 18 hole golf course and a restaurant and clubhouse, there is something for everyone at Regional Park. The park opens daily at 7am and closes at 10pm.
Old Town Theater Center, 207 West 2nd Street, The Saenger and Community Theaters are the heart of the Old Town Theater Center. The Saenger Theater hosts the annual Pine Bluff film Festival in October. The Community Theater is Arkansas’s oldest one screen movie theater.
