Altheimer ArkansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Altheimer, Arkansas.
1. The Elms
HISTORIC PLANTATION HOUSE
The Elms is a historic plantation house in Altheimer that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This English-Louisiana raised cottage-style lodge was built in 1886 and features huge pecan trees lining the drive. The property now serves as a hunting lodge and offers guided waterfowl hunts.
2. Delta Rivers Nature Center
NATURE AND WILDLIFE
Delta Rivers Nature Center offers visitors a chance to explore the natural environment of the Arkansas Delta region. The center features exhibits on local wildlife, interactive displays, and educational programs for all ages. Visitors can also enjoy hiking trails that wind through the surrounding wetlands and forests.
3. Saracen Casino Resort
GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT
Saracen Casino Resort is a premier entertainment destination located near Altheimer in Pine Bluff. The resort features a variety of gaming options including slot machines, table games, and sports betting. Visitors can also enjoy multiple dining venues and live entertainment throughout the facility.
4. Arkansas Railroad Museum
HISTORIC TRAIN COLLECTION
Arkansas Railroad Museum houses one of the most impressive collections of historic railroad equipment in the region. The centerpiece of the museum is the restored 819 Steam Locomotive, the last steam engine built in Arkansas. Visitors can explore numerous railroad artifacts, vintage rail cars, and learn about the importance of railroads to the development of the state.
5. Murals of Pine Bluff
URBAN OUTDOOR ART
The Murals of Pine Bluff project showcases colorful artwork depicting the history and culture of the region. These large-scale paintings are displayed on buildings throughout downtown, creating an outdoor gallery experience. Visitors can take a self-guided tour to view these impressive works that celebrate local heritage.
6. Crater of Diamonds State Park
DIAMOND HUNTING ADVENTURE
Crater of Diamonds State Park offers visitors the unique opportunity to search for real diamonds in their original volcanic source. This is the only diamond-producing site in the world open to the public, where finders keepers is the rule. The park also features a water park, campground, and interpretive exhibits about diamonds and geology.
7. Thorncrown Chapel
ARCHITECTURAL GLASS MARVEL
Thorncrown Chapel is an architectural masterpiece constructed primarily of glass and wood nestled in the Ozark mountains. The stunning structure features 425 windows and over 6,000 square feet of glass, creating a breathtaking sanctuary that seems to merge with the surrounding forest. This award-winning chapel has been recognized as one of the most beautiful and significant architectural works in America.
8. Fordyce Bathhouse
HISTORIC SPA LANDMARK
Fordyce Bathhouse serves as the visitor center for Hot Springs National Park and offers a glimpse into the luxury spa experience of the early 20th century. The meticulously preserved building features marble, stained glass, and historic spa equipment across its three floors. Visitors can explore the elegant facilities including treatment rooms, a gymnasium, and a music room that once catered to wealthy patrons seeking the healing waters of Hot Springs.
9. Bathhouse Row
HISTORIC SPA DISTRICT
Bathhouse Row consists of eight historic bathhouses built between 1892 and 1923 along Central Avenue in Hot Springs National Park. These elegant structures represent various architectural styles including Renaissance Revival, Spanish Colonial, and Neoclassical, showcasing the golden age of American bathing culture. Today, visitors can experience modern spa treatments, breweries, restaurants, and cultural exhibits in these beautifully preserved buildings.
10. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
WORLD-CLASS ART COLLECTION
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art houses a world-class collection of American masterworks spanning five centuries, from the Colonial era to contemporary works. The museum's stunning architecture, designed by Moshe Safdie, integrates seamlessly with the surrounding Ozark landscape and features spring-fed ponds and miles of sculpture-lined walking trails. Admission to the permanent collection is free, making exceptional art accessible to all visitors.
11. Petit Jean State Park
SCENIC NATURAL PARADISE
Petit Jean State Park is Arkansas's first state park, featuring breathtaking views, scenic hiking trails, and the spectacular 95-foot Cedar Falls. The park contains numerous CCC-built structures including rustic cabins, a lodge, and stone pavilions that highlight its rich history. Visitors can explore diverse ecosystems ranging from dramatic bluffs to hardwood forests while enjoying camping, fishing, and boating activities.
12. Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site
CIVIL RIGHTS LANDMARK
Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site commemorates the 1957 desegregation crisis when nine African American students enrolled in the previously all-white school. The site includes the still-functioning high school, a visitor center with multimedia exhibits, and ranger-led tours that explore this pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement. The impressive Gothic Revival building stands as a testament to the struggle for equal educational opportunities in America.
13. Clinton Presidential Center
PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM
The Clinton Presidential Center houses the presidential library and museum dedicated to the presidency of Bill Clinton, Arkansas's native son. The modern glass and steel structure, designed to resemble a bridge symbolizing Clinton's vision of building bridges to the 21st century, contains extensive exhibits, artifacts, and a full-scale replica of the Oval Office. The center also includes beautiful grounds along the Arkansas River, a restaurant, and special exhibition spaces hosting world-class temporary exhibits.
14. Stuttgart Duck Hunting
WORLD-FAMOUS WATERFOWL DESTINATION
Stuttgart is internationally renowned as the duck hunting capital of the world, drawing sportsmen from across the globe during hunting season. The region's flooded rice fields and abundant wetlands create ideal habitat for migrating waterfowl, particularly mallards. The city celebrates this heritage with the annual World's Championship Duck Calling Contest and Wings Over the Prairie Festival held each November.
15. Historic Downtown Pine Bluff
CULTURAL AND SHOPPING DISTRICT
Historic Downtown Pine Bluff offers visitors a chance to explore unique shops, restaurants, and cultural venues in a charming setting. The district features beautiful historic architecture, including several buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can enjoy local cuisine, browse specialty shops, and experience the rich heritage of this Arkansas Delta community.