Commerce, recreation, and hydropower, the Dardanelle Lock and Dam outside of Russellville, Arkansas has it all. Seen here from the overlook at Old Post Park, a barge navigates the lock as it works its way down river.

MKARNS

The McClellan–Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System (MKARNS) originates at the Tulsa Port of Catoosa and runs southeast through Oklahoma and Arkansas to the Mississippi River. The system is 445 miles long and was officially opened on June 5, 1971.

The MKARNS averages 12 million tons of commodities shipments annually. Based on prices obtained from Institute for Water Resources and the National Agricultural Statistics Service/USDA, the value of these commodities averages from $2 to $3 billion per year.