Aubrey ArkansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Aubrey, Arkansas.
1. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
WORLD-CLASS ART COLLECTION
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is nestled in the Ozark forest, featuring natural material art and outdoor sculptures. The museum offers free access to its main collection and includes a Frank Lloyd Wright house on its grounds. Visitors can also enjoy tranquil trails surrounding this architectural masterpiece.
2. Garvan Woodland Gardens
BOTANICAL GARDEN PARADISE
Garvan Woodland Gardens is a stunning 210-acre botanical garden of the University of Arkansas. The gardens are open to the public from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily with admission payments accepted by credit card or exact cash only. This natural oasis offers visitors a chance to experience the beauty of Arkansas' plant life in a carefully curated setting.
3. Thorncrown Chapel
AWARD-WINNING ARCHITECTURAL MARVEL
Thorncrown Chapel is a renowned religious site that won a prestigious architecture award in 1980. The chapel's design harmoniously blends with its natural surroundings, creating a spiritual space that attracts visitors from around the world. Its glass walls allow visitors to feel immersed in the surrounding woodland while experiencing the serenity of this sacred space.
4. Fordyce Bathhouse
HISTORIC THERMAL SPRINGS
Fordyce Bathhouse serves as a visitor center offering self-guided tours through well-preserved exhibits that reveal the heritage of thermal water use. The facility showcases the medicinal role of hot springs in national parks with knowledgeable rangers available to enhance the experience. Visitors can also watch an informative movie about the history and get their National Park passport stamped.
5. Louisiana Purchase State Park
HISTORIC LANDMARK SITE
Louisiana Purchase State Park preserves a significant historical landmark where the initial point of the Louisiana Purchase survey began. The park features a boardwalk that leads visitors through a headwater swamp to the monument marking this historic surveying point. Visitors can learn about this pivotal moment in American history while experiencing the unique ecosystem of an Arkansas swamp.
6. Mississippi River State Park
RIVERSIDE NATURAL BEAUTY
Mississippi River State Park offers visitors spectacular views of America's most famous river along with recreational opportunities in a natural setting. The park features camping facilities, hiking trails, and access points for fishing and boating activities. Visitors can experience the ecological diversity of the Mississippi River basin while enjoying the park's well-maintained amenities.
7. Helena Confederate Cemetery
CIVIL WAR MEMORIAL
Helena Confederate Cemetery serves as a solemn reminder of the Civil War's impact on the region. The cemetery contains the graves of Confederate soldiers who died during and after the Battle of Helena. Visitors can walk among the historic headstones while reflecting on this important chapter in American history.
8. Pillow Thompson House
VICTORIAN ARCHITECTURAL GEM
The Pillow Thompson House stands as one of the finest examples of Victorian architecture in the Delta region. This beautifully preserved historic home offers visitors a glimpse into the lifestyle of wealthy Arkansas families from the late 19th century. Tours showcase the home's ornate details, period furnishings, and the stories of the families who lived there.
9. Crater of Diamonds State Park
DIAMOND HUNTING ADVENTURE
Crater of Diamonds State Park offers visitors the unique opportunity to dig for real diamonds in the world's only diamond-producing site open to the public. The park operates on a finders-keepers basis, allowing guests to keep any diamonds or other minerals they discover. Beyond diamond hunting, the park also features a water park, campground, and walking trails for a complete outdoor experience.
10. Petit Jean State Park
CCC TRAILS PARADISE
Petit Jean State Park, Arkansas's first state park, features historic trails built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. The park offers spectacular views from its location atop Petit Jean Mountain, including the breathtaking Cedar Falls. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, and exploring the rustic-style facilities while learning about the park's fascinating geological and cultural history.
11. Altus City Park and Fitness Trail
FAMILY RECREATION AREA
Altus City Park and Fitness Trail provides recreational opportunities for both travelers and locals in Western Arkansas. The park features picnic areas, a playground, and a 0.25-mile fitness trail for those looking to stay active. Families can enjoy the various amenities while experiencing the natural beauty of the Arkansas countryside.
12. Buffalo National River
PRISTINE WATERWAY EXPERIENCE
Buffalo National River was America's first national river, preserved for its clear waters, dramatic cliffs, and unspoiled natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy floating, canoeing, or kayaking along the 135-mile waterway that winds through the Ozark Mountains. The surrounding parkland offers hiking trails, camping opportunities, and wildlife viewing in one of Arkansas's most celebrated natural areas.
13. Arkansas Delta Cultural Center
REGIONAL HERITAGE MUSEUM
The Arkansas Delta Cultural Center celebrates the rich heritage and history of the Delta region. Exhibits focus on the area's cultural contributions, particularly in music, with displays on blues, gospel, and other influential musical styles that emerged from the region. Visitors can learn about famous Delta musicians, agricultural history, and the social dynamics that shaped this distinctive part of Arkansas.
14. Jones Bar-B-Q Diner
HISTORIC BARBECUE INSTITUTION
Jones Bar-B-Q Diner is an iconic Arkansas eatery that earned a James Beard America's Classic Award for its century-old barbecue traditions. The diner serves a simple menu focused on smoked pork sold by the pound, often selling out before noon due to its immense popularity. This family-run establishment represents one of the oldest continuously operating African American-owned restaurants in the South.
15. Delta Cultural Center
BLUES MUSIC HERITAGE
The Delta Cultural Center serves as home to the longest-running daily blues radio show in America, King Biscuit Time. The center's exhibits chronicle the development of blues music in the region and its profound influence on American popular culture. Visitors can explore artifacts, recordings, and interactive displays that tell the story of how the Mississippi Delta shaped musical history.