Interstate 49: Alma to Fayetteville – Arkansas [Revisited]

Merging onto Interstate 49 at its junction with Interstate 40 in Alma, we kick off one of the most scenic drives in the Natural State. This northern stretch of I-49, previously known as Interstate 540, has long served as a critical link between the Arkansas River Valley and the booming Northwest Arkansas metro area. But it’s not just a fast way to get from Point A to Point B – this route is a showcase for Arkansas’s rugged beauty, especially as we carve through the Boston Mountains and catch glimpses of rural towns that seem frozen in time.

From Alma, we quickly find ourselves ascending into the forested hills, running parallel to the legendary U.S. Highway 71. Our first highlight is the small town of Mountainburg, famous for its roadside dinosaur statues and the adjacent Lake Fort Smith State Park. If you’re up for a quick detour, the park offers hiking trails, a marina, and some stellar lake views – perfect for stretching your legs before tackling the mountains. Just north of Mountainburg, the highway starts to climb more aggressively, snaking its way toward the well-known Artist Point. Here, a scenic overlook and quirky country store give us an excuse to pull off and take in panoramic views of the Boston Mountain range. This is classic Ozark country – dense woods, rolling ridges, and winding streams below.

Not long after, we reach one of the engineering marvels of Arkansas: the Bobby Hopper Tunnel. Named after a longtime Arkansas Highway Commissioner, the tunnel bores straight through a mountain – a rarity in the state and a genuine highlight for any road enthusiast. As we emerge on the north side, Winslow lies nearby, and the drive starts to descend out of the mountains. The southern edge of the rapidly expanding Northwest Arkansas region comes into view as we pass through West Fork and then Greenland. These communities mark the transition from wild Ozark terrain to the urban sprawl of Fayetteville. Passing Wilson Street, we enter the heart of Razorback country, finally ending our northbound journey at the busy interchange with Arkansas Highway 265, better known locally as Razorback Road.

It’s worth noting that Interstate 49 in Arkansas is a bit of a patchwork. The stretch from Alma to Fayetteville, as seen in this drive, stands apart from I-49’s disconnected southern segments near Texarkana and Fort Smith, each with its own unique mile markers and history. The road here was once signed as I-540 before it was renumbered, and today serves as a vital connector for both commuters and travelers alike. If you’re passing through, take the time to enjoy the blend of mountain vistas, quirky roadside stops, and the unmistakable energy of Northwest Arkansas.