State Parks and National Parks

Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1957, preserves an area along a bend in the Arkansas River that was cut off when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers straightened the river in 1954 for flood control.

Today, the refuge covers more than 7,000 acres of agricultural fields, bottomland forest, and open water.

The refuge's main mission is to provide a winter home for some of the millions of ducks and geese that use the Mississippi Flyway each year.

During spring and fall migrations, about 14 species of ducks and four kinds of geese stop by the refuge for a short visit. During the winter, the refuge hosts up to 100,000 ducks and geese. Bald eagles are also common from December through February.

During spring, thousands of neotropical migratory songbirds use the refuge as a rest area on their journey from Central and South America.

Many species of vireos, warblers, buntings, and orioles inhabit the woodlands during this time. Most stay for a short time to rest, but others use the refuge as a nesting area.

Herons, egrets, and other wading birds feed in shallow pools. Alligators stay close to the small lakes and willow sloughs feeding on fish and unlucky wading birds.

Barn owls use nest boxes under the refuge equipment shed and their nests can be seen in thick willow stands along the old river channel. Other commonly seen wildlife species include raccoon, bobcats, deer, turkey, egrets and gulls.

The refuge is located about five miles southeast of Dardanelle. From Dardanelle, take State Hwy. 7 South to State Hwy. 155 East and travel about four miles to the refuge entrance. Once you enter the refuge, the office/visitor area is about one-half mile down the road on the right.

Photo credits in order: Photo by Mike Boylan, courtesy of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.