Alma, Arkansas
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Alma is a town located in Crawford County in western Arkansas. It is about 13 miles from the Oklahoma border along the I-40 corridor. As of the 2000 census, the town had a total population of 4,160.
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Geography
ARMap-doton-Alma.png
Location of Alma, Arkansas
Alma is located at 35°29'17" North, 94°13'15" West (35.488013, -94.220796)Template:GR. Alma has no airport; and the train station, which is in a state of dilapidation, does not accommodate passengers.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 12.9 km² (5.0 mi²). 12.5 km² (4.8 mi²) of it is land and 0.5 km² (0.2 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 3.61% water.
This water exists mostly in the form of Lake Alma, which is perched above the town on the northeast where a tall earthen dam blocks Little Frog Bayou. Lake Alma is the reservoir that supplies the town's tap water. There are many other manmade ponds in the area, along the many streams that cut through the rolling hills.
Alma sits along the border between the Boston Mountains and the Arkansas River Valley, so while most of the city lies on flat land, immediately to the north is scenic hill country.
The Spinach Capital of the World
The city of Alma claims to be "the spinach capital of the world." This designation was adopted because Alma surrounds the spinach plant of the Allen Canning Company. The city has several landmarks and events to commemorate its connection with the green, leafy vegetable:
- A statue of Popeye stands in the downtown area.
- The city's water towers, which stand prominently above Lake Alma, have been painted green, and one of them displays a Popeye Brand spinach can label. The towers are known as the "largest cans of spinach in the world." (Those who do not like spinach may note with satisfaction that the quality of Alma's water is generally regarded to be poor.)
- The city also hosts a Spinach Festival each April. Popeye himself has been known to make an appearance at this event.
Attractions
Just south of Lake Alma, before the base of the earthen dam, lies the city's water park with several pools and slides. The water park is a major feature that attracts people from all over the surrounding area.
The Alma Performing Arts Center is a state-of-the-art auditorium, which hosts many shows throughout the year.
Because of Alma's location at the intersection of interstate 40 and U.S. Highway 71, for many years Alma was known to Razorback fans as the place to turn north on the way to Fayetteville from many locations around the state. This role has been supplanted by the completion of interstate 540 one mile to the west. Nevertheless, Alma is served by several welcome establishments to comfort the weary traveler, such as the Cracker Barrel and Braums. For shopping beyond basic groceries, Alma residents generally visit nearby Van Buren or Fort Smith.
About six miles south of Alma, Clear Creek Park provides picnic areas, camp grounds, and boat access to the Arkansas River at Ozark Lake.
External links
- The Alma Performing Arts Center (http://www.almapac.org/)