Traveling the Arkansas River Valley never gets old, and the 46-mile stretch of U.S. Highway 64 from Conway to Russellville proves just how scenic and functional an older U.S. route can still be. This route runs parallel to Interstate 40 but offers a far more interesting drive with glimpses of historic towns, farmland vistas, and a few hidden gems along the way.
We begin in Conway, a growing city that’s home to several colleges, including Hendrix College, which sits right along Harkrider Street—the name U.S. 64 carries through much of the city. Heading north and then northwest through the city, the highway skirts residential and collegiate areas before intersecting Skyline Avenue and then Donaghey Avenue. At the junction with Arkansas Highway 25, the route turns west and quickly transitions out of the urban landscape into a more rural setting.
Our first major stop is Menifee, a small town that’s easily bypassed on the interstate but adds character to this drive. Just after the I-40 interchange, we continue west and head into Plumerville. Here, U.S. 64 serves as the main street, intersecting AR-92 midtown. Plumerville, like many small Arkansas towns, features a few historic buildings and that slower-paced atmosphere that’s easy to appreciate from behind the wheel.
Moving west, we enter Morrilton, one of the larger towns on this route. This portion of U.S. 64 sees more traffic, with several state highway intersections, including AR-9, providing connectivity north and south. Morrilton is a great place to stretch your legs, grab a bite, or take a detour to the nearby Petit Jean State Park if time allows. Leaving town, the road narrows back to a two-lane highway and heads into wide-open farmland—a signature stretch of the Arkansas River Valley.
Next up is Blackwell, a quiet community where U.S. 64 intersects AR-113. From there, the road maintains a northwesterly course through agricultural lands that change with the seasons—sometimes lush with crops, sometimes bare but always scenic. As we approach Atkins, a town known for its pickles and annual pickle festival, U.S. 64 intersects AR-105. The town may be small, but it adds a bit of quirky charm to the drive.
Continuing west, we pass through Pottsville where the route intersects both AR-363 and AR-247, the latter being a partial Russellville bypass. Russellville itself is a key regional hub and home to Arkansas Tech University. As we enter town on Main Street, the environment shifts to light industrial followed by commercial development. A turn west at the intersection with AR-331 brings us through the heart of town. The route ends at Scenic Arkansas Highway 7, a crossroads where drivers can either continue their journey north through the Ozarks or south toward Hot Springs.
If you’re not in a rush, this segment of U.S. 64 provides a rich alternative to I-40. It passes through towns that still hold onto their historic roots, and offers easy detours to state parks, lakes, and classic Arkansas scenery. Whether you’re driving it for the views or just looking for a quieter way to get across the state, U.S. Route 64 delivers.
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