Outside Little Rock Is A Southern City With Civil War History, A Museum, And Festival Fun

The American South is known for its Civil War roots, a deeply divisive time in the nation's past, but a formative one nonetheless. While Arkansas wasn't involved in the most battles — that distinction goes to Virginia — it still had its fair share of conflicts, playing a pivotal role during the tumultuous four-year war. Sheridan, a small community just outside Little Rock, didn't officially exist at that time, but its Civil War history is still pretty unique. Dubbed the Battle of Jenkins' Ferry, the gruesome clash took place right along the banks of the Saline River in 1864 and saw Confederate forces attack Union troops as they retreated towards Little Rock.

Sheridan was named the county seat of Grant County a few years after that, before being formally incorporated in 1887. In a state that had joined the Confederacy, the town's name is something of a curiosity. Like the county, the city's namesake was a leader from the North, Union General Philip Sheridan. Tucked out in the countryside, the city of around 5,400 people sits at the junction of U.S. Highways 167 and 270. If you're flying in, it's only about a 35-minute drive from the Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT) in Little Rock.

Once you arrive, you'll find plenty of ways to connect with the local culture. You can explore Sheridan's wartime past at the Grant County Museum and the local memorial park, or visit the commemorative Jenkins Ferry Battleground State Park just outside of town. The city also hosts a variety of community events and festivals throughout the year, which is another great way to soak up all the small-town country charm.

Visitors can see a replica B-17 Flying Fortress at B-17 Memorial Park, located just a few miles north of Sheridan. The memorial honors veterans who died during both World Wars and the Battle of Jenkins' Ferry, the latter of which you can also learn about at Jenkins Ferry Battleground State Park. Situated just over 10 miles southwest of town, it's an off-the-beaten-path site, and the historic recreation area preserves the site of the 1864 battle. Interpretive exhibits explain the fighting, and there are scenic walking trails lined with trees and informational historical markers.

Head into town to visit the Grant County Museum off West Shackleford Street. This place is absolutely jam-packed with historical gems, including a slew of interesting galleries that cover the region's past. Check out the extensive collections of classic cars from antique automobiles to old World War II military vehicles, or tour the Jenkins' Ferry Civil War Gallery to learn more about the conflict. "The exhibits were well done and superbly maintained, and they covered a wide swath of area history," a visitor shared in a Tripadvisor review. "I would definitely recommend stopping by and spending a few hours at this great local treasure."

The 3-acre property also features an old-timey pioneer village centered around the museum's Heritage Square. There are more than a dozen historic buildings to see, including an old schoolhouse, an 1870s-era cabin, and a general store from bygone days, which previously housed the museum. Take in the historical sights with a scenic stroll along the elevated boardwalk, which weaves through the surrounding woods.

Arkansas was rated one of America's "Best Places To Go" in 2026, and charming spots like Sheridan are part of the reason why. Long connected to the region's timber industry, Sheridan sits in the thicket of the piney Timberlands, which stretches across the southern part of the state. Locals celebrate Sheridan's timber heritage with Timberfest, one of the highlights of the city's events calendar. The event is usually held on the first weekend of October in downtown Sheridan and typically features live music performances, arts-and-crafts booths, carnival rides, tasty eats, and even a lumberjack competition.

You can listen to more tunes at the Timberland Bluegrass Revival, an annual music festival hosted at the Grant County Fairgrounds in the spring. Bring along some lawn chairs and settle in for the lively jam sessions and snack out at the local food trucks. You can even hunker down overnight as the festival offers on-site camping options, including spots for RVs equipped with electric hookups. Just be sure to reserve the campsites in advance as they tend to book up quickly. Want to explore more of the area? Benton, a fast-growing city with a historic downtown, is only about a 30-minute drive away, and there's never a bad time to enjoy the arts, culture, and local spirit of Little Rock, the capital of the Natural State.