Civil War Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest established the town in the 1860s. He camped in the area during the Civil War while the railroad line between Memphis and Little Rock was completed and even established the first commissary store. The town later became the county seat.
The town's Civil War significance continued during the Little Rock Campaign of 1863 at Davidson's Approach near Forrest City, where U.S. General John Wynn Davidson's troops moved through during the Little Rock Campaign of 1863. He moved from St. Francis, in the north-south, to Marianna and on to rendezvous with General Frederick Steele's Forces in the west at Clarendon. This trail is now part of the Arkansas Heritage Trails System.
If you're curious to learn more about Forrest City's history, and the surrounding communities of eastern Arkansas, visit the St. Francis County Museum on Front Street. You can also check out Forrest City's various historic sites, which are on the National Register of Historic Places, including Campbell House, First United Methodist, Forrest City High School, Mann House, and Stuart Springs. The area has also birthed many notable blues and jazz artists, including Little Buddy Doyle, Willie Hale, Albert King, and King Perry.
The former Memphis & Little Rock Railroad ascended from the L'Anguille River basin to the heights of Crowley's Ridge, and today the peak is home to Village Creek State Park. The beautiful landscape unfurling below makes it easy to see why Forrest City bills itself as “The Jewel of the Delta." The ridge rises 300 feet above sea level and the highland spans about 3 miles wide. While you're there, you can also hike, bike, play tennis, fish, or picnic near the woodlands, lakes, and streams. Stop into the visitor center for a schedule of guided hiking tours, educational programming, and events.
You can get to Forrest City via the Forrest City Municipal Airport or via Interstate 40, U.S. Highway 70, or Arkansas Highway 1. This eastern Arkansas town makes a great, affordable place to stay, whether you're on your way to Memphis (just 46 miles east), headed farther west, or are in town on business. No matter what brings you to town, you're sure to be delighted by historic, charming, and approachable Forrest City.
What is the best time to visit Forrest City, AR?
The best time to visit Forrest City depends on your plans. If you're looking to spend time outdoors, beware of the peak summer temperatures from late June through early August. You'll find that May through June is ideal for outdoor activities like golf or hiking. Winters can be cold, windy, and wet, but thankfully, they are short and relatively mild.
Since Forrest City generally enjoys such a mild climate, you can get outdoors and enjoy the fine weather throughout the year at area parks that include South Side Park, Forrest Hills Park, Lincoln Park, Lake Street Park, Beech Grove Park, Civic Center Park, and Stewart Springs Park. Many offer playgrounds, tennis and basketball courts, picnic pavilions, and ball fields. South Side Park also boasts a community swimming pool.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Forrest City, AR:
Averate Rates by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts displaying average price trends by star rating class in Forrest City, AR. Analyze these line graphs to calculate the best time period to stay in Forrest City for your upcoming travels.
What are the Forrest City, AR luxury hotel options?
4 Star Average Prices: $119.00
Hampton Inn Forrest City makes an ideal choice for anyone traveling on business or seeking the most upscale accommodations in the area. The well-rounded property has plenty of on-site amenities, including an outdoor pool, fitness center, a business center, and meeting space. Guests can also take advantage of the hotel's dry-cleaning and laundry services and 24-hour front desk. Guest rooms also come complete with all the standard amenities you'd expect like flat-screen televisions, complimentary internet service (both wired and wireless), free cable programming, and more.
Keep snacks and takeout in the fridge and warm it in the microwave for a quick bite for lunch and dinner. Head downstairs to dine on the complimentary buffet breakfast. If you'd rather dash out the door to a meeting, brew a cup of coffee in your room using the coffee and tea maker while you do some last-minute ironing using the ironing board. Leave the tidying to the housekeeping staff, who come by daily.
What options are in Forrest City, AR for the most affordable hotels?
3 Star Average Prices: $103.80
The Red Roof Inn Forrest City welcomes guests with clean, tidy, and cheerful guest rooms and affordable nightly rates. This hotel puts you right where you want to be in the heart of Forrest City and close to East Arkansas Community College, Forrest City Country Club, and the Gallery of Forrest City.
Each air-conditioned room comes equipped with all the necessities, like a fridge, microwave, and combination bathtub and shower, as well as helpful amenities like flat-screen televisions, cable programming, complimentary wireless internet, and coffee and tea makers. You don't even have to worry about cleaning or cooking, thanks to the daily housekeeping service and the complimentary daily continental breakfast