Helena, AR

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Arkansas Parks and Tourism
Photo provided by Arkansas Parks and Tourism
Photo provided by Arkansas Parks and Tourism
Photo provided by Arkansas Parks and Tourism

Delve into American Civil War history, experience Delta blues and embark on biking and canoeing adventures in this city set on the Mississippi River.

From superb outdoor adventures to Confederate history and blues festivals, Helena is the perfect place for a daytrip or weekend getaway. Helena, officially Helena-West Helena, is nestled between the western bank of the Mississippi River and the hilly Crowley’s Ridge. Its rugged countryside sits in stark contrast to the sprawling wetlands characteristic of Arkansas and Mississippi.

Founded in 1833, Helena played an important role during the American Civil War and was the site of the 1863 Battle of Helena. Today, some 25 interpretive sites retrace the events of the Civil War. Find a re-created plantation house and refugee dwelling at Freedom Park and look for a replica cannon at Court Square Park. Walk on the ramparts of New Fort Curtis and take a poignant stroll through Confederate Cemetery.

See more war-related artifacts in addition to Native American tools at the Helena Museum of Phillips County. Exhibits at the Delta Cultural Center Depot Museum showcase the city’s cultural offerings, with a focus on its musical heritage.

Spend some time admiring downtown Helena’s historic buildings. Among these are the Victorian-style Pillow Thompson House, the Edwardian Inn and Estevan Hall. Look for bullet holes in the walls of Moore-Hornor Home, which was used as a hospital after the Battle of Helena.

The city’s riverside setting makes it an excellent destination for outdoor activities. Relax on the grassy lawns of Helena River Park, wander along Levee Walk and join fishing and canoeing trips on the river. Hike, swim and spot wildlife at Buck Island. Head north of the city to find St. Francis National Forest, a large woodland area popular with bikers, campers and picnickers, which merges with Mississippi River State Park.

Delta blues thrives in Helena and the town’s festivals celebrate the musical genre with pride. Artists such as B.B. King and Buddy Guy have headlined October’s King Biscuit Blues Festival. Other festivals include April’s Jazz on the Levee and May’s Arkansas Delta Family Gospel Festival.

Helena is less than a 2-hour drive from Mississippi International Airport. A fun way to reach Helena is via The American Queen, a Mississippi River steamboat that stops in the city in the summer months.

Quality Inn
Quality Inn
2.5 out of 5
818 South State Street, Clarksdale, MS
The price is ¥12,927 per night from Aug 7 to Aug 8
¥12,927
¥14,090 total
Aug 7 - Aug 8
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Clarksdale. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
7.2/10 Good! (682 reviews)
"Great stay clean room i didn't want service because it was only me only thing i asked to do was bring me fresh towels and they put them in my room."

Reviewed on Jul 7, 2025

Quality Inn
Hampton Inn Clarksdale
Hampton Inn Clarksdale
2.5 out of 5
15000 New Africa Rd, Clarksdale, MS
The price is ¥17,277 per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
¥17,277
¥18,831 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Clarksdale. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (293 reviews)
8 out of 10
"Overall the stay was good just had to give those stars because of the inconvenience we were on the 3rd floor only one elevator working and it seems like it was about to break down the only ice machine that was working was one the 1st floor so you do the math but I still had a great 50th birthday ..."

Reviewed on Jul 7, 2025

Hampton Inn Clarksdale
Isle Casino Hotel Lula
Isle Casino Hotel Lula
2.5 out of 5
777 Isle of Capri Parkway, Lula, MS
The price is ¥9,079 per night from Jul 23 to Jul 24
¥9,079
¥9,895 total
Jul 23 - Jul 24
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Lula. Enjoy free parking, an outdoor pool, and a casino. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions Freedom ...
6.2/10 (999 reviews)
"The room was nice and clean and I'm very picky."

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025

Isle Casino Hotel Lula
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Sunflower Penthouse on the River in Clarksdale
The Sunflower Penthouse on the River in Clarksdale
Clarksdale
Stay at this vacation home in Clarksdale. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions The Crossroads and Red's Lounge are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (16 reviews)
Sunflower in the Delta
"Beautiful place close to town but a relaxing escape on the river. Libby the host was very nice and receptive. My only complaint was a full size trash can overflowing with trash."

Reviewed on Jun 22, 2025

The Sunflower Penthouse on the River in Clarksdale
Get to BLUES-in' at Rusty's Roost, adjacent to downtown Clarksdale, MS
Get to BLUES-in' at Rusty's Roost, adjacent to downtown Clarksdale, MS
Clarksdale
Stay at this vacation home in Clarksdale. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Rock N' Roll & Blues Heritage Museum and Carnegie ...
10/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
Beautiful Home
"Jess the manager was great. Very quick to respond and help. The house was very clean and smelled amazing. We will be back!"

Reviewed on Jul 7, 2025

Get to BLUES-in' at Rusty's Roost, adjacent to downtown Clarksdale, MS
Charming 1-bedroom house in fabulous Clarksdale with WiFi
Charming 1-bedroom house in fabulous Clarksdale with WiFi
Clarksdale
Stay at this vacation home in Clarksdale. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions The Crossroads and Red's Lounge are located ...
Charming 1-bedroom house in fabulous Clarksdale with WiFi
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Helena

3.3
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
1
5 - Excellent 25%
4 - Good
0
4 - Good 0%
3 - Okay
2
3 - Okay 50%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 25%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Helena is clearly trying to re-invent itself. Still on pretty hard times. Main Street is being rejuvenated. Delta Cultural Center - very interesting and well done. Edwardian Inn was excellent. Food at Southbound Tavern on Cherry Street is great.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Helena is a quiet, little town with a lot of blues history. I would like to go back and visit again.

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