Antoine ArkansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Antoine, Arkansas.
1. Crater of Diamonds State Park
DIG FOR REAL DIAMONDS
Crater of Diamonds State Park offers visitors the unique opportunity to search for real diamonds in their original volcanic source. Visitors can dig in a 37-acre field, keep what they find, and have their discoveries authenticated at the park's Diamond Discovery Center. The park also features walking trails, picnic sites, and a water play area called the Diamond Springs Water Park.
2. Hawkins General Store
HISTORIC COUNTRY STORE
Hawkins General Store is a charming country store that serves as both a historical landmark and functioning shop in Antoine. The store offers visitors a glimpse into rural Arkansas life with its selection of local goods, snacks, and souvenirs. It functions as a community gathering spot where locals and tourists alike can experience authentic small-town Arkansas atmosphere.
3. Dino Dig
PREHISTORIC FOSSIL EXPERIENCE
Dino Dig provides an exciting hands-on paleontological experience for visitors of all ages near Antoine. Participants can unearth and identify fossils in a controlled environment designed to simulate an actual dig site. The attraction combines education and entertainment, making prehistoric science accessible and engaging for families.
4. Nevada County Depot and Museum
RAILROAD HISTORY PRESERVED
Nevada County Depot and Museum preserves the rich railroad history of southwest Arkansas in a restored train depot. The museum houses artifacts, photographs, and exhibits that tell the story of how railroads shaped the development of the region. Visitors can explore original railroad equipment and learn about the importance of train transportation to small Arkansas towns like Antoine.
5. Ka Do Ha Indian Village
NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE
Ka Do Ha Indian Village offers visitors insight into the Native American cultures that once thrived in the region around Antoine. The attraction features archaeological exhibits, artifact displays, and educational programs about indigenous history in Arkansas. Visitors can learn about Native American crafts, tools, and lifeways through interactive experiences and guided tours.
6. Antoine River
SCENIC WATERWAY ADVENTURE
The Antoine River flows through the heart of the town that bears its name, offering excellent opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. Named for a French trapper who was found deceased along its banks in the early 19th century, the river has historical significance to the town's founding. The picturesque waterway provides a peaceful natural setting for outdoor recreation throughout the year.
7. Antoine Town Cemetery
HISTORIC FINAL RESTING PLACE
Antoine Town Cemetery serves as the final resting place for generations of local residents, including the grave of the French trapper for whom the town was named. The historic cemetery dates back to the early 19th century when Antoine was first established as a stopping point on the old Southwest Trail to Texas. Visitors interested in local history and genealogy can explore the weathered headstones that tell the story of the area's earliest European settlers.
8. Garvan Woodland Gardens
BOTANICAL PARADISE RETREAT
Garvan Woodland Gardens is a stunning 210-acre botanical garden operated by the University of Arkansas, located within driving distance from Antoine. The gardens feature breathtaking seasonal displays, architectural structures including the iconic Anthony Chapel, and themed gardens showcasing the natural beauty of the Ouachita Mountains. Visitors can explore well-maintained walking paths that wind through diverse plant collections, waterfalls, and scenic vistas throughout the property.
9. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
WORLD-CLASS ART COLLECTION
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art houses a remarkable collection of American masterpieces in a stunning architectural setting nestled within the Ozark forest. The museum's permanent collection spans five centuries of American art, featuring works by renowned artists from colonial times to contemporary creators. Visitors can enjoy not only the impressive art collections but also explore outdoor sculptures, walking trails, and a Frank Lloyd Wright house on the museum grounds.
10. Thorncrown Chapel
ARCHITECTURAL FOREST MASTERPIECE
Thorncrown Chapel is an architectural marvel designed by E. Fay Jones, an apprentice of Frank Lloyd Wright, standing as a non-denominational sacred space for meditation and reflection. The stunning glass and wood structure rises 48 feet tall with over 425 windows, creating an ethereal experience as sunlight filters through the surrounding Ozark forest. This award-winning chapel has earned a place on the National Register of Historic Places and attracts visitors from around the world who seek its serene beauty.
11. Fordyce Bathhouse
HISTORIC THERMAL SPRINGS CENTER
Fordyce Bathhouse stands as the grandest bathhouse along Historic Bathhouse Row in Hot Springs National Park, now serving as the park's visitor center. Visitors can take self-guided tours through the meticulously preserved facility featuring marble halls, stained glass ceilings, and historic bathing equipment that showcases the golden age of therapeutic bathing. The bathhouse offers a fascinating glimpse into the medicinal use of thermal waters and the luxury spa culture that made Hot Springs a premier health destination in the early 20th century.
12. Christ of the Ozarks
MONUMENTAL SACRED STATUE
Christ of the Ozarks is a massive white mortar statue standing over 65 feet tall atop Magnetic Mountain near Eureka Springs. Created in the 1960s by political organizer Gerald L.K. Smith, the iconic figure has become one of Arkansas's most recognizable landmarks, visible for miles against the backdrop of the Ozark Mountains. The statue is part of the larger Great Passion Play complex, which offers additional religious-themed attractions and performances for visitors.
13. Hot Springs National Park
AMERICA'S FIRST RESORT
Hot Springs National Park protects and preserves 47 natural thermal springs that have drawn visitors seeking healing waters for centuries. The park encompasses the historic Bathhouse Row, beautiful mountain trails, and facilities where visitors can still experience the therapeutic thermal waters. As America's oldest federal reserve, established in 1832 (before Yellowstone), it uniquely combines natural and cultural resources in an urban setting dubbed "The American Spa."
14. DeGray Lake Resort State Park
LAKESIDE RECREATION PARADISE
DeGray Lake Resort State Park offers a complete vacation destination built around a 13,800-acre clear water lake near Antoine. The park features Arkansas's only resort state park lodge, championship golf course, full-service marina, and extensive recreational facilities including miles of hiking and biking trails. Visitors can enjoy water sports, fishing, birding, and camping in this scenic Ouachita Mountains setting, making it perfect for both adventure seekers and those looking for relaxation.
15. Old Washington Historic State Park
LIVING CIVIL WAR HISTORY
Old Washington Historic State Park preserves the 19th-century town that served as Arkansas's Confederate capital during the Civil War. Visitors can tour more than 30 carefully restored historic structures including courthouses, taverns, blacksmith shops, and period homes that showcase pioneer and Civil War era life. The park offers living history demonstrations, educational programs, and special events that bring to life this important chapter in Arkansas history.