Blytheville Sportsplex
(870)763-3602 • www.cityofblytheville.com
The Blytheville Sportsplex, located at the Thunder Bayou Recreation Area, is a multi-purpose recreational facility for locals and visitors to enjoy year-round. The Sportsplex consists of ten baseball and softball fields, concession stand, four soccer fields, two large fishing ponds, two pavilions and a walking trail that winds around the entire 50-acre site. This facility is home to many baseball and softball tournaments that attract out of town families into the area regularly. This complex is the hub of recreational activity for the Blytheville community.
Walker Park
(870)763-3602 • www.cityofblytheville.com
The City of Blytheville offers four traditional parks to its residents and visitors. Walker Park is the city’s most-visited park and includes many amenities to enjoy. It comprises a public swimming pool, fishing pond, several picnic areas, six tennis courts, three playground areas, three pavilions, gazebo and a walking path. The park is also home to the Mississippi County Fairgrounds, which regularly brings in events. Whether it’s fishing, walking, swimming or taking in the view, Walker Park has so much to offer to its residents.
Big Lake Wildlife Refuge
(870) 564-2429 • www.fws.gov/biglake
Located just 15 miles west of Blytheville, Big Lake National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1915 to provide a habitat and protection for migrating and wintering birds. It is an important link in the Mississippi migration corridor and has been expanded over the years to include protection for endangered species. More than 225 species of birds, including bald eagles, have been identified within the refuge boundaries. Other wildlife in the area includes otters, beavers, raccoons, wild turkeys, white-tailed deer and bobcats. Mallard Lake is a 300-acre lake within the refuge that is maintained by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Created in 1967, it is a popular fishing spot and boasts the state record for largemouth bass. The visitor’s center is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Outdoor Activites
Outdoor enthusiasts find plenty of activities in the Delta. Hunting, fishing and golf are popular outdoor pursuits along with neighborhood barbecues, fish fries and ice cream socials.
Blytheville Country Club
Avid golfers have two beautiful courses to choose from in Blytheville. The Blytheville Country Club is a membership facility and hosts two big tournaments, the Calcutta and King Cotton, which bring in golfers from all over the region to enjoy the 18-hole course, clubhouse and pro shop. Open since 2002, Thunder Bayou Golf Links offers residents and visitors a chance to play an 18-hole, par 72 course spanning 7,262 yards. The Clark and Associates-designed course features hybrid Bermuda fairways and links style topography. The course hosts a variety of events and tournaments throughout the year and is a member of the Natural State Golf Trail. For more information, visit thunderbaygolflinks.com.
Thunder Bayou Golf Links
(870)532-2621 • www.thunderbayougolf.com
Thunder Bayou Golf Links has been ranked one of the best public courses in Arkansas. This municipally-owned course features five sets of tees, with yardages ranging from 4,800 to 7,200. Generous rolling fairways are framed by ample strategically placed bunkers. The vast native areas provide for masses of wildlife including bobwhite quail. Arkansas Game and Fish Commission recently partnered with the city on becoming a natural habitat for the quail, in efforts to increase their population in the state. Enjoy a round at Thunder Bayou in Blytheville, the Gateway to the Delta.