Driving Directions

The following directions will get you to the Arkansas Welcome Center in Helena (870-338-7602), which is open 8:00am to 4:00pm, 7 days a week and provides free coffee to all visitors!

From Memphis, TN

Take I-55/I-69 South toward Jackson, MS. Take exit #238 to merge onto to I-69 South toward Tunica. Continue 11.5 miles until the interstate ends and becomes MS-304 W. Drive 2.8 miles until you reach a traffic light. Turn LEFT onto Highway 61 South. Drive 34.5 miles and turn RIGHT at a traffic light onto US-49 North. Drive 10 miles and cross the Helena Bridge into Arkansas. At T-intersection, turn LEFT onto US-49 Bypass and proceed about one mile. The Welcome Center will be on the right-hand sign and will be clearly marked.

From Little Rock, AR

Take I-40 East for about 62 miles. Take exit #216/Brinkley/Cotton Plant. At end of ramp, turn RIGHT onto US-49 South. After you pass through the town of Brinkley, turn LEFT to remain on US-49 South. Drive about 43 miles and then bear RIGHT at a traffic light to remain on US-49 bypass (going straight will be US-49 business). Drive about 4.5 miles until you see the Welcome Center on the other side of the highway to your left. At your next opportunity, make a U-turn. The Welcome Center will then be on your right.

From Jackson, MS

Take I-55 North for about 145 miles. Take exit #243B/Batesville onto MS-6 (US-278W). Proceed on US-278 W for about 36 miles. Bear right onto US-49/US-61 North. Proceed 15 miles and turn LEFT at a traffic light onto US-49 North. Drive 10 miles and cross the Helena Bridge into Arkansas. At T-intersection, turn LEFT onto US-49 Bypass and proceed about one mile. The Welcome Center will be on the right-hand sign and will be clearly marked.

From Tunica, MS

Proceed South on Highway 61 for about 18.5 miles. Turn RIGHT at a traffic light onto US-49 North. Drive 10 miles and cross the Helena Bridge into Arkansas. At T-intersection, turn LEFT onto US-49 Bypass and proceed about one mile. The Welcome Center will be on the right-hand sign and will be clearly marked.

From St. Louis, MO

Take I-55 South toward Memphis for about 280 miles to Memphis. Follow directions from Memphis.

From Nashville, TN

Take I-40 West toward Memphis for about 198 miles. Take exit #10A onto I-240W. Drive 14 miles and take Exit #25A onto I-55/I-69 South. Follow directions from Memphis.