Discover the Little U.S. Town Known as the ‘Duck Capital of the World’

Each town in the United States is known for something. Some are known for their weather. Others are recognized for the different types of food they produce.

Some are even thought of thanks to the people that are from there. However, only one town can call itself the “Duck Capital of the World.”

Here in the United States, we proudly have a town recognized as this; there’s more to this town than meets the eye.

It’s time to dive into the town’s history that proudly claims this title, including the other thing it’s recognized for.

What Is the “Duck Capital of the World?”

Stuttgart, Arkansas is a small town about an hour east of Little Rock, and close to the Mississippi River. With a population of just under 8,500 people, this town was first settled back in the 1870s. One of the first forms of making money in this new settlement was to be a rice farmer. This business took off in Stuttgart, and profits began to flow. However, people weren’t the only ones who noticed the rice business was a solid one.

It’s widely known that ducks fly south for the winter to stay warm. One of the most common places for ducks to fly to is near the Mississippi River. The weather is warm and there are plenty of food sources. The ducks noticed the rice that was being grown in the city and made their way to Stuttgart and the surrounding area for rice. The ducks come to this area every year, and thus it became known as the true duck capital.

Is Stuttgart Known For Anything Else?

In addition to being the duck capital, Stuttgart proudly proclaims itself as the “Rice Capital of the World.” Arkansas produces more rice than any other in the United States, with Stuttgart being one of the largest. There are tons of open areas for farmers to grow and harvest rice in this area, and the climate is perfect for it. A consistent amount of rain falls each month in Stuttgart, and the temperature rarely ever gets below freezing.

Rice is one of the most commonly eaten things across the world, so it’s important to be thankful for places like Stuttgart for growing it. There’s also a big German festival every year to honor the German town the city was named after. Stuttgart is the home of author Douglas A. Blackmon and football player Oren O’Neal.

Do People Duck Hunt in Stuttgart?

Thanks to the supply, Stuttgart has become an excellent place for those who like duck hunting to visit. The town hosts the World Duck Calling Championships every Thanksgiving weekend. This event takes place during the Wings Over the Prairie Festival. It’s a great fall festival to take your kids and family to. The town understands how important duck hunting is to the local economy, so this celebration commemorates that.

There’s no individual city that lays claim to being the duck-hunting capital. The state of Arkansas as a whole has the honor of being that.

Given the fact that most of the state is remote wilderness with plenty of freshwater places for ducks to swim in, it makes sense. If you’re looking to hunt ducks in Arkansas, be sure to visit the Arkansas Gaming and Fish Commission to get the exact dates down. Hunting is a fun way to spend time with loved ones and relax, but it’s always smart to double-check the days you’re allowed to.

Are There Geese in Stuttgart Also?

Ducks aren’t the only birds to call Stuttgart home. It’s common for geese to also flock to this city and its surrounding areas. This is for the same reason that ducks come in. Geese fly south from places like North Dakota and Canada each year and settle near places like Stuttgart. This also makes Stuttgart a great place to hunt geese if you’d like.

Stuttgart is a great town in the eastern part of Arkansas. They have an amazing history and want those who duck hunt to feel at home and welcome whenever they visit.