Lake Village, Arkansas

Lake Chicot, located in far southeast Arkansas, is the largest natural oxbow lake in the nation. Apparently the lake formed in 1350 when the Mississippi River changed its route, leaving a thin horseshoe shaped lake that was part of the old river route. Today I paid a visit to Lake Village, located on the western banks of Lake Chicot.

Now this town has sentimental value to me. My first encounter with Lake Village was when I came through on my bike across America trip in 2008. Two and a half years later, it was so nice to see the wooded scenery in southern Arkansas on Highway 82 all over again - leading east toward the Arkansas Delta, Lake Village and beyond the Mississippi River.

Fishing, boating, water skiing and camping are some of the popular outdoor activities on Lake Chicot. Regretfully I did not have time to visit Lake Chicot State Park, located north of Lake Village. From what I read, anglers consider Lake Chicot as a place for good fishing for bluegills, channel catfish, largemouth bass and red ear sunfish.

Lake Chicot reaches the eastern edge of Lake Village's town center.

In the meantime, I walked on a pier. Lake Chicot seemed calm with small and steady waves against the banks. I know it's only a lake, but it's a large one, and it felt like I could be swept away into feeling like I was at the beach. :)

As we walked out, I captured this shot of Main Street in Lake Village.

... But don't let the outside scare you, this is a popular place for locals to enjoy tamales, burgers, hot lunch entrees, homemade pies and what is known as "soul food." I enjoyed a plate tamales, white rice and some of the best sweet potatoes I have ever had.

Rhoda's Famous Hot Tamales was made "famous" by a story done by NPR.

Kellee was a great host for 90 minutes before needing to go to work. Our final visit was to the Arkansas State Visitor Center on Highway 82. Adjacent is a photo from yet another pier over the lake.

When I entered the visitor center, the front desk host was so friendly and asked where I was heading in Arkansas. Well, I was sad to tell her that I had been in Arkansas for six days, mainly spending my time in northwest Arkansas to hike and attend the Razorbacks game vs. Ole Miss. Within the hour, I would cross the leave Arkansas by crossing the Mississippi River to spend two days in Mississippi and Memphis.

Lake Village truly impressed me today. The Lake Village Chamber of Commerce literature calls Lake Chicot and its town one of the "best kept secrets" of the Delta. No question, I agree.

-Article by Steve Garufi
Twitter: @SteveGarufi