Interstate 55 offers a straight shot through the heart of Arkansas’ eastern Delta, connecting the Memphis metro area with the agricultural plains that stretch north to the Missouri state line. This 64-mile stretch between West Memphis and Blytheville might not have dramatic scenery, but it gives travelers a classic taste of life in the Arkansas Delta—flat, fertile, and full of subtle charm. Our journey begins at the major junction with Interstate 40 in West Memphis, just across the Mississippi River from Memphis, Tennessee. From here, I-55 branches off to the northwest, pulling away from the urban congestion of West Memphis and slipping into quieter territory almost immediately.
Just minutes outside of West Memphis, we reach the small city of Marion, where I-55 intersects with U.S. Route 64. This is a good place to take a quick detour if you’re in the mood for local eats or need fuel before entering the less developed areas up ahead. As the highway continues northwest, it rolls past Clarkedale and meets Arkansas Highway 42 near the town of Turrell. At this point, the route curves northward briefly, and in Turrell, you’ll pass a key junction with Interstate 555. If you’re heading to Jonesboro, I-555 is your turnoff, but we’re sticking with I-55 as it veers northeast into the fields of Mississippi County.
From Turrell to Osceola, the landscape flattens out into a wide-open canvas of farmland and levees—this is cotton country, through and through. You’ll pass Arkansas Highway 14 before arriving in Osceola, a historic river town known for its role in Arkansas blues music and early river commerce. It’s worth noting that Osceola has a revitalized downtown area near the river with a few historic landmarks and parks, though you’ll need to exit the interstate to explore them. Back on I-55, the highway continues northeast past Arkansas Highway 140, winding through more rural territory. The route intersects with AR-158 and AR-146 as it approaches the outskirts of Blytheville, one of the larger towns in northeast Arkansas.
Upon reaching Blytheville, I-55 intersects with U.S. Route 61—another legendary north-south highway that’s played its own role in American transportation history. This portion of I-55 curves around the southeastern side of town, offering access to local amenities without running directly through the city center. Just north of Blytheville, the road straightens out again near Arkansas Highway 151 and continues for a short stretch before hitting its final Arkansas interchange with AR-150. This marks the end of this particular segment, only about a mile south of the Missouri state line. From here, I-55 presses onward toward the bootheel of Missouri and eventually into the Midwest heartland.
While this section of I-55 might not be packed with tourist attractions, it’s a vital freight and commuter corridor that ties together many of eastern Arkansas’ agricultural communities. And if you’re into Americana, blues history, or river culture, detours into Osceola or Blytheville can be surprisingly rewarding. Whether you’re just passing through or taking the scenic Delta drive on purpose, this stretch of highway tells a quiet but important story about Arkansas, the Mississippi River, and the southern Midwest.
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