Arkansas Highway 28 – Plainview to Rover

Travel with us as we drive 6 miles west along Arkansas Highway 28 from Plainview to Rover — a short but memorable segment that blends Arkansas heritage with rural charm. We kick off our journey in the small but historically rich town of Plainview, turning west onto AR-28 at the intersection where Arkansas Highway 60 ends. From the very start, we’re driving a piece of history — this stretch of AR-28 is designated as part of the Arkansas Heritage Trails System and commemorated as a leg of the Civil War Trail.

Almost immediately, we pass through what remains of Plainview’s modest business district. Just off the main drag, visitors can spot a group of preserved or reconstructed turn-of-the-century storefronts that lend the town a frontier-era charm. A few local businesses, including the nearby Junction Cafe, serve as reminders that while small, this community is still very much alive. A gentle S-curve just past the café marks our departure from town, and with it, a shift from sidewalks and storefronts to fence lines and farm fields.

Heading west out of Plainview, AR-28 settles into a quiet rhythm as it meanders through the Arkansas countryside. For about two miles, the road travels straight through farmland and open grassland dotted with patches of pine and oak — typical of this part of Yell County. Then the highway bends southwest, offering brief glimpses of the surrounding low hills and the edge of the Ouachita National Forest, which isn’t far off to the south. Despite its short length, this route captures the tranquil pace of western Arkansas perfectly — no stoplights, just open road and a scattering of homesteads and outbuildings along the way.

Roughly four miles in, the route shifts due west once again as we near Rover, a small community that often serves more as a crossroads than a destination. Our journey ends at the intersection with Arkansas Highway 27, just north of Rover proper. From here, you can continue north on AR-27 toward Danville and the heart of the Ouachitas, or head south to reach Mt. Ida.

While short, this section of Highway 28 is part of a broader corridor with rich historical roots and understated scenic value. Whether you’re retracing Civil War troop movements, heading for a day on the lake, or just exploring the backroads of Arkansas, this stretch between Plainview and Rover offers a peaceful, authentic experience worth the drive.