The Lower Mississippi River Water Trail

As such, Helena is the most logical place for a stop-over and resupply for the long distance paddler, and the best choice in the region as a one-stop push off location to base your Lower Mississippi Water Trail adventure from.  (see below for second choice Clarksdale, Mississippi, which is located 10 miles inland from the river).  Conveniences like the Post Office, Groceries, Book Store and the Library can all be found within walking distance, but be sure to hide or secure your canoe when you leave to walk into town.  If you’re traveling in a team leave someone as guard.  For Wi-Fi visit the library or the Delta Cultural Center.  If you’re staying overnight in one of the many B&Bs, or need transportation anywhere, call Quapaw Canoe Company (870) 228-2266 for assistance.  Recommended high quality overnight: Edwardian Inn.  www.edwardianinn.com  Tell them we sent you for a special paddler’s 10% discount.

 

You will want to visit the Delta Cultural Center in downtown Helena, just over the levee from the Harbor.  There are two annexes, both dedicated to the history & culture of the Delta, and both definitely worth the extra hour or two for a visit.  If you arrive mid-day, you can sit in on one of Sunshine Sonny Payne’s legendary King Biscuit Time Radio Program on AM1360, which broadcasts live from the Delta Cultural Center every day Monday-Friday from 12:15 – 12:45pm.   www.deltaculturalcenter.com

 

For all around Helena information, visit the new website www.VisitHelenaAR.com.  Helena happenings of interest to paddlers: Farmers’ Market April – October, Second Saturday April- September, Warfield Concerts September – May, King Biscuit Festival second weekend in October, Wild Hog Motorcycle and Music Festival last weekend in April, Civil War Museum, Freedom Park, the Ft. Curtis replica, and much more. The Phillips County

Visitor and Relocation Guide has everything in it you could possible want to know about Helena and the County. Go to the website to look through the Guide at wwwphillipscountychamber.org.

 

[CLICK HERE: Helena Accommodations]

 

[CLICK HERE: Helena Services]

 

Quapaw Canoe Company — Helena Outpost

Quapaw Canoe Company is located just over the levee from the River Park at 107 Perry Street with a 5,000 square foot warehouse full of canoes, kayaks and stand up paddleboards.  QCC keeps river maps, county maps and state maps, and also books, magazines and other literature of interest to the big river paddler.  Paddler’s support equipment such as paddles, life jackets, ropes, bailers, sponges, and etc.  QCC offers workshops on Big River Canoe & Kayak Safety, as well as self-rescue and canoe building.  QCC works with the local KIPP Delta Public Schools in an after-school canoeing program.  Shuttles, re-supply, storage and any other services for the paddler can be found here.  (870) 228-2266.  www.island63.com