C.C.C. Water Tower

For Arkansans, our state parks are not just places of natural beauty, but also repositories of rich history. Among the most iconic and historically significant sites is Petit Jean State Park, Arkansas's first state park. Within its breathtaking landscapes, visitors can discover numerous structures that tell a compelling story of resilience and ingenuity – chief among them, the C.C.C. Water Tower. This isn't a campground in the traditional sense, but rather a vital historical landmark located within a renowned state park that *does* offer extensive camping facilities. It stands as a unique rock structure, a testament to the Civilian Conservation Corps (C.C.C.) and their profound impact on Arkansas's infrastructure during the Great Depression.

The C.C.C. Water Tower, with its distinctive stone masonry, once played a crucial role in the park's early development, holding a water tank that supplied drinking water to the historic Mather Lodge and surrounding cabins. It’s a remarkable piece of "parkitecture" that blends seamlessly with the natural environment, inviting visitors to ponder the incredible efforts of the men who built it. For those exploring Petit Jean State Park, a visit to this unique structure offers a tangible connection to Arkansas's past, providing a deeper appreciation for the park's enduring legacy. Let's delve into the details of this historic landmark and the exceptional park it calls home.

The C.C.C. Water Tower is prominently located within Petit Jean State Park, specifically at 1063 AR-154, Morrilton, AR 72110, USA. Petit Jean State Park itself is situated atop Petit Jean Mountain, offering panoramic views of the Arkansas River Valley and the Ouachita Mountains. The mountain is easily accessible via scenic highways from various parts of Arkansas, making it a popular destination for locals.

Once inside Petit Jean State Park, the C.C.C. Water Tower is relatively easy to locate. It is often described as being on the way to Mather Lodge, one of the park's central hubs. The park features well-maintained paved roads, allowing for comfortable driving and parking. Visitors can often pull right up to the tower or park nearby and take a short walk to admire its unique architecture. Its integration into the park's main loop and proximity to other key attractions like Mather Lodge, the CCC Overlook, and various trailheads, ensures that it's a highly accessible and integral part of any Petit Jean experience. The address provided, 1063 AR-154, is the general address for a section of the park where this landmark resides, making it simple for GPS navigation.

While the C.C.C. Water Tower itself is a historical structure and not a service provider, its location within Petit Jean State Park means visitors have access to the park's extensive array of amenities and services.

• Camping Facilities: Petit Jean State Park offers a variety of camping options, including 125 campsites (35 Class AAA with 50-amp electric, water, and sewer hookups; 90 Class B with 30-amp electric and water hookups), four different campground areas each with its own bathhouse, and dedicated tent/hammock camping sites. All sites are reservable.
• Cabins and Lodge Rooms: For those preferring more comfort, the park features 33 cabins (21 with kitchens), many of which are historic CCC-built rustic-style structures. Mather Lodge, also a CCC-built landmark, offers basic rooms, a restaurant, a gift shop, and a pool.
• Restrooms and Showers: Throughout the park, particularly in the campground areas and near popular attractions, clean and well-maintained bathhouses with flush toilets and hot showers are available.
• Visitor Information Center: A comprehensive Visitor Information Center provides maps, brochures, historical exhibits, and park staff to answer questions about trails, facilities, and programs.
• Hiking and Biking Trails: The park boasts over 20 miles of interconnecting trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging hikes, including the iconic Cedar Falls Trail and the CCC Hike & Bike Trail.
• Lake Access: Lake Bailey, a 100-acre lake formed by a CCC-built dam, offers opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and pedal boating. A boathouse provides rentals and supplies during summer months.
• Picnic Areas: Numerous picnic sites with tables and grills are scattered throughout the park, ideal for day use.
• Playgrounds: Designated playground areas are available for children.
• Gift Shop and Restaurant: Located within Mather Lodge, offering conveniences for visitors.
• Wi-Fi and Cell Service: While varying by location, some areas within the park, including parts of the campground and Mather Lodge, offer Wi-Fi and good cell service.

• Historic C.C.C. Architecture: The C.C.C. Water Tower is a prime example of the rustic stone masonry and architectural style employed by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the 1930s. It represents a significant piece of Arkansas's Depression-era history and public works.
• Unique Design: Its unique rock structure, which once held a water tank to supply the lodge and cabins, is visually striking and a testament to the Corps' engineering capabilities with natural materials. Visitors can often look inside to see original support beams.
• Integral Part of Petit Jean State Park: The tower is deeply woven into the fabric of Petit Jean State Park, reflecting the park's origins as Arkansas's first state park and the enduring legacy of the C.C.C.
• Educational Value: It serves as an outdoor museum, offering a tangible connection to a pivotal period in American history and the immense contributions of the C.C.C. in developing our national and state parks. Information about the CCC's work is often available at the Visitor Center.
• Scenic Views: Located within Petit Jean State Park, visitors to the water tower are surrounded by the park's legendary natural beauty, including magnificent overlooks, rock formations like Bear Cave, and seasonal waterfalls like Cedar Falls.
• Starting Point for Exploration: The area around the water tower is often a hub for exploring other park features, including proximity to Mather Lodge, the CCC Hike & Bike Trail, and the Pioneer Cabin.
• Photographic Opportunity: Its distinctive appearance and historical significance make the C.C.C. Water Tower a popular subject for photographers.

Since the C.C.C. Water Tower is a landmark within Petit Jean State Park, the contact information for the park itself is the most relevant.

Park Address: 1285 Petit Jean Mountain Rd., Morrilton, AR 72110, USA (This is the primary address for the State Park, providing access to all its features including the Water Tower.)

General Park Phone: (501) 727-5441

While the provided address for the C.C.C. Water Tower (1063 AR-154) is accurate for its immediate vicinity, using the main park address or contacting the park directly is recommended for planning a visit or for any inquiries regarding the tower, its history, or park facilities.

Email: petitjean@arkansas.com

Website: www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/petit-jean-state-park

For specific information on camping availability, reservations, or details about events and programs within the park, it is best to visit the Arkansas State Parks website or call the park's main office.

For Arkansans, the C.C.C. Water Tower at Petit Jean State Park represents a deep connection to our state's natural heritage and the inspiring history of the Civilian Conservation Corps. This landmark, while not a campground itself, serves as a focal point within one of Arkansas's most cherished and historically rich state parks, making the entire area exceptionally suitable for local exploration and enjoyment.

Locals appreciate Petit Jean for its comprehensive offering: from rugged hiking trails that challenge the experienced adventurer to accessible paths for leisurely strolls, stunning overlooks that provide panoramic views, and a beautiful waterfall (Cedar Falls) that captivates all who visit. The park's diverse camping options, ranging from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV spots and cozy cabins, cater to every preference, ensuring a comfortable stay for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.

The C.C.C. Water Tower reminds us of the dedicated work that went into preserving and developing these natural treasures for public enjoyment, a legacy that continues to benefit Arkansans today. It’s a place where history comes alive amidst the natural beauty, offering not just recreation but also education. Whether you're coming to hike, fish in Lake Bailey, stay in a rustic cabin, or simply marvel at the ingenuity of the past, Petit Jean State Park, with its iconic C.C.C. Water Tower, provides an enriching and unforgettable outdoor experience right in our own backyard. It's a testament to the enduring appeal of the Natural State.

C.C.C. Water Tower

1063 AR-154, Morrilton, AR 72110, USA