Join us as we cruise the heart of central Arkansas for about eight relaxing miles along Arkansas Highway 113, connecting the town of Morrilton to the quiet community of Blackwell. This stretch of highway gives us a fine sampling of small-town Arkansas charm, peaceful farmland, and a dash of hidden history for good measure.
Our journey begins right in downtown Morrilton, a hub that has seen travelers come and go for over a century. We hop onto Highway 113 from U.S. Highway 64, one of the region’s main east-west arteries. Almost immediately, we make a quick jog south before bending right onto Church Street to stay aligned with Highway 113. This maneuver takes us past a few classic local spots, including the Cherokee Road turnoff and the Conway County Detention Center — landmarks that remind us we’re still well within the city’s limits.
Leaving Morrilton behind, the landscape opens up quickly. Within moments, city blocks give way to wide-open spaces and the gentle green fields that define this corner of Arkansas. As we roll on, we approach Point Remove Creek, a waterway with more to it than you’d expect at first glance. Just before the new bridge, you’ll spot a short side road leading to the original alignment of Highway 113 — complete with an old-school truss bridge that’s still hanging on, a living relic of the early highway era. If you’re the type to explore on foot, it’s worth pulling over to see this piece of Arkansas infrastructure history up close, though be mindful of local traffic and weather conditions if you do.
Crossing the creek on the modern bridge, we swing northwest and enjoy a gentle drive hugging the north bank. It’s here that the surrounding scenery really shines. Fertile farmland stretches out on both sides, dotted with rows of crops, pasture fences, and the occasional farmhouse or barn peeking through clusters of trees. In spring and summer, you’ll see a patchwork of green fields, while autumn brings warm, earthy tones and the smell of fresh-cut hay.
About halfway through this leg, the highway makes another slight bend to the north, setting us on a beeline to Blackwell. Despite being so close to Interstate 40 and U.S. 64, this stretch feels far removed from the busy rush of through traffic. Instead, the ride invites you to settle in, crack the windows, and let the breeze carry the scent of the Arkansas River Valley farmland. Occasionally, you might spot deer grazing near the tree lines or a hawk circling lazily overhead.
As we enter Blackwell, the landscape shifts again — from sprawling fields to a scattering of houses and neat yards, giving us a glimpse of daily life in this tucked-away community. We cross over a railroad line, another testament to the area’s long ties to regional trade and travel, before coming full circle at U.S. Highway 64 once again. At this intersection, Arkansas Highway 113 ends its northern run, and we wrap up our drive by turning westbound onto the familiar corridor that threads many of these towns together.
This short but rewarding drive is a perfect detour for anyone craving a slice of authentic rural Arkansas, a peek at a historic truss bridge, and an easy route that rarely sees heavy traffic. Whether you’re a local revisiting familiar roads or a traveler exploring off the beaten path, Highway 113 delivers a laid-back ride through farm country with a sprinkle of hidden stories along the way.
NOTE: As of September, 2024, this route is no longer Arkansas Highway 113, but rather a collection of city and county roads.
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