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Helena, Arkansas
INCLUDED WITH YOUR VOYAGE
Helena, Arkansas HOP-ON HOP-OFF TOUR
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Remember! Your vacation, your choices. Visit as many or few of the included attractions in Helena listed below at no cost. Wherever you go, you're sure to witness the real-time revitalization of this historic river town.
THE HELENA MUSEUM
In 1929, a new museum was completed to showcase a collection of donated historic artifacts. The Helena Museum has the distinction of being the oldest purpose-built museum in the state of Arkansas and features an impressive collection of memorabilia and artifacts.
PILLOW-THOMPSON HOUSE
Built in 1896 by Jerome B. Pillow, the historic Pillow-Thompson House has been beautifully restored to offer visitors a look at one of the finest examples of Queen Anne architecture in the South.
FORT CURTIS
The original Fort Curtis was built soon after Union forces occupied Helena in 1862 and served in the Union defense during the Battle of Helena in July, 1863. This replica, named after the Union General in command Samuel R. Curtis, allows visitors to experience an earthen fort, including the massive 24-pounder guns. Exhibit panels and costumed interpreters portray the story of the original fort, its unique construction and role the fort played in Civil War era Helena.
ST. MARY’S CATHOLIC CHURCH
Built between 1934-1935, St. Mary’s Catholic Church is considered one of the finest examples of an early Christian church west of the Mississippi River. It was designed by three famous artists, Charles Eames, Charles Quest and Emil Frei. Admire the unique features, which all contribute to a genuine medieval atmosphere.
DELTA CULTURAL CENTER DEPOT
The Depot features the exhibit “A Heritage of Determination” which depicts the history of the Delta from its earliest inhabitants through settlement and subsequent Mississippi River floods. Upstairs there is an exhibit called “Civil War in the Delta” which explains the Battle of Helena.
DELTA CULTURAL CENTER
Home to “King Biscuit Time,” the longest running Blues radio broadcast in the world, the Delta Cultural Center tells the story of Helena, its people and what makes the Arkansas Delta region unique.
Helena Premium Experience MISSISSIPPI DELTA GOSPEL AND THE BIRTHPLACE OF THE BLUES
HIGHLIGHTS
SET OFF ON THE BLUES TRAIL
Embark on a journey along the Blues Trail in the place where it all began. Feel the local passion for the blues as you pass the rustic buildings and sidewalks that ooze the gritty feeling evoked by the regional music.
LISTEN TO AN INSPIRING GOSPEL CHOIR PERFORMANCE
Funnel into the warm and cozy Greater First Baptist Church. Take your seat in the rustic, wooden pews, and listen as Reverend Hughes welcomes us to the heart of the Delta, where gospel was born. Renditions of the “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” “Amazing Grace” and “Swing Low Sweet Chariot” will have you swaying back and forth and clapping along.
EXPLORE THE DELTA BLUES MUSEUM
Experience the blues in its pure and raw excellence at the Delta Blues Museum, where exhibits captivate the history and heritage of the Blues made by legends such as Sam Cooke, Muddy Waters and Tennessee Williams.
SOAK IN THE BLUES AT THE ICONIC GROUND ZERO BLUES CLUB
After touring the Delta Blues Museum take just a short walk across the street to the Ground Zero Blues Club. Grab a chair and belly up to the table as a sampling of traditionally Southern snacks are offered for your enjoyment while you enjoy an exclusive live musical performance by a local Blues legend.
HALF-DAY $129