2012 Tourism and Newcomers Guide to the Arkansas River Valley
Johnson County
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elcome to Johnson County, God’s little piece of heaven on earth! This area has something to challenge and meet the interests of everyone. For outdoorsmen, Johnson County has some of the finest and most diverse scenic beauty and recreational facilities in the state. Recreational opportunities abound for hunting, fishing, canoeing, hiking and camping. Educational facilities range from public school kindergarten to the University of the Ozarks, a fouryear, liberal arts college. Area industry is just as diverse. Industrial pursuits range from Tyson’s chicken legs to Sara Lee’s Leggs panty hose. Life is good in Johnson County! — Mike Jacobs Johnson County Judge
From lakes to galleries, Johnson County has it all F
rom mountain views that lend themselves to spectacular sunsets to clean and clear lakes, streams and rivers, Johnson County has many sights for nature lovers to take in and enjoy. The scenic combination of Johnson County offers an ideal setting for all types of recreational activities, including those at the county’s city parks, softball complex, baseball fields, soccer fields, swimming pool, riverfront pavilions, hiking trails and family fishing pond. For more involved outdoor excursions, the county has numerous opportunities, including Haw Creek Falls; Horsehead Lake, a 98-acre mountain lake with 10 family camping units that Johnson County Judge Mike Jacobs calls the “best kept secret” in the state; Horsehead Hiking Trail; and the Wolfpen Recreation Area adjacent to the Mulberry River with canoe ramp access to the river. Also known for its annual Peach Festival, which takes place in mid-July, Johnson County is perfectly suited for orchards, berry farms and other agricultural pursuits. With a population of 25,540 in 2010, Johnson County has three main municipalities: Clarksville, the county seat, Lamar and Knoxville. Johnson County is also home to the University of the Ozarks
in Clarksville, a private, Presbyterian-affiliated, four-year liberal arts university located at 415 N. College Ave. The university houses the Stephens Gallery, providing its guests a showplace for their creations. The 1,500 square feet of the gallery provide ample wall and floor space in which to exhibit works in a variety of artistic mediums and styles, while the arched windows to the east flood the display area with a soft, pleasing light. Two permanent collections donated to the university are on display in the gallery, the Pfeffer Collection and the Arch H. Gould Collection. The county is also home to three school districts, Clarksville, Lamar and Johnson County Westside. The Jasper district also has a presence. Johnson County was formed from a portion of neighboring Pope County on Nov. 16, 1833, and was named Johnson honoring the first territorial judge of Arkansas, Benjamin Johnson. The county is home to several historic places of note, including the County Courthouse, the Missouri-Pacific Depot and several historic homes. Whether a visitor’s interests are in the outdoors, history or art, Johnson County offers plenty to make a trip worthwhile.