Branch ArkansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Branch, Arkansas.
1. Cowie Wine Cellars and Vineyards
LOCAL WINE TASTING EXPERIENCE
Cowie Wine Cellars and Vineyards is a charming winery located in Branch offering visitors a taste of local Arkansas wines. Visitors can tour the vineyards, sample various wines, and learn about the winemaking process from knowledgeable staff. The picturesque setting makes it an ideal spot for relaxation while enjoying the fruits of Arkansas viticulture.
2. MJ's Bar & Grill
LOCAL FOOD AND DRINKS
MJ's Bar & Grill serves as a popular local eatery in Branch where visitors can enjoy casual dining and drinks. The establishment offers a menu featuring American favorites in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. It serves as a gathering spot for locals and travelers looking to experience authentic small-town Arkansas hospitality.
3. Logan County Courthouse
HISTORIC GOVERNMENT BUILDING
The Logan County Courthouse stands as a historic landmark in nearby Paris, Arkansas, showcasing impressive architecture and local heritage. Built with attention to detail, this government building continues to serve the community while offering visitors a glimpse into the area's past. The courthouse grounds feature commemorative monuments that honor the county's history and veterans.
4. Eiffel Tower Park
UNIQUE LOCAL LANDMARK
Eiffel Tower Park features a scaled replica of the famous Parisian monument, creating a whimsical attraction in the aptly named town of Paris, Arkansas. The park offers green spaces for picnics and recreation alongside this distinctive landmark. Visitors often stop to take photos with the tower, making it a popular roadside attraction in the region.
5. Paris-Logan County Coal Miners Memorial
TRIBUTE TO LOCAL INDUSTRY
The Paris-Logan County Coal Miners Memorial honors the legacy of coal mining that shaped the economic and cultural landscape of the region. The memorial pays tribute to the miners who worked in this dangerous profession and the families who supported them. Visitors can learn about an important chapter in local industrial history while reflecting on the sacrifices made by coal mining communities.
6. Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park
CIVIL WAR HISTORIC SITE
Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park preserves the site of a significant Civil War battle fought on December 7, 1862. Spanning over 700 acres, the park features a battle monument, museum exhibits, and original structures from the period. The park regularly hosts educational programs and battle reenactments, making history come alive for visitors of all ages.
7. Thorncrown Chapel
ARCHITECTURAL GLASS MASTERPIECE
Thorncrown Chapel is an architectural marvel nestled in the Ozark woods near Eureka Springs, featuring 425 windows and over 6,000 square feet of glass. Designed by E. Fay Jones, this stunning structure rises 48 feet into the canopy of surrounding trees, creating a breathtaking sanctuary that blends with nature. The chapel has won numerous architectural awards and attracts visitors from around the world who come to admire its serene beauty.
8. Fordyce Bathhouse
HISTORIC SPA COMPLEX
Fordyce Bathhouse serves as the visitor center for Hot Springs National Park and showcases the elegant spa culture that once flourished in this resort town. Built in 1915, this meticulously restored facility features marble floors, stained glass ceilings, and original bathing equipment from the golden age of American spa tourism. Visitors can tour three floors of exhibits that detail the history and science behind the thermal waters that made Hot Springs famous.
9. Clinton House Museum
PRESIDENTIAL HISTORY SITE
The Clinton House Museum is the first home of Bill and Hillary Clinton, where they lived while teaching law at the University of Arkansas and where they married in 1975. This modest brick house has been preserved to reflect the early years of the future president and secretary of state before their rise to national prominence. Exhibits include campaign materials, photographs, and memorabilia that document the Clintons' Arkansas connections and early political careers.
10. Fayetteville National Cemetery
HISTORIC MILITARY BURIAL GROUND
Fayetteville National Cemetery is a solemn resting place for veterans dating back to the Civil War, established in 1867. The meticulously maintained grounds feature uniform white headstones arranged in precise rows, creating a powerful visual tribute to military service and sacrifice. Visitors can pay respects to fallen service members and reflect on the nation's military history in this peaceful, dignified setting.
11. Mount Magazine State Park
HIGHEST POINT IN ARKANSAS
Mount Magazine State Park encompasses the highest point in Arkansas at 2,753 feet, offering spectacular views of the Arkansas River Valley and Petit Jean River Valley. The park features a modern lodge with restaurant, swimming pool, and conference facilities, along with cabins perched dramatically on the mountainside. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and technical rock climbing, while nature lovers can observe diverse wildlife and plant communities unique to this elevated ecosystem.
12. Wiederkehr Wine Cellars
HISTORIC FAMILY WINERY
Wiederkehr Wine Cellars is one of the oldest wineries in mid-America, established in 1880 by Swiss immigrant Johann Andreas Wiederkehr. The original hand-dug wine cellar is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places and houses a restaurant serving Swiss and European cuisine. Visitors can tour the production facilities, sample award-winning wines in the tasting room, and learn about the family's multi-generational commitment to winemaking in the Arkansas River Valley.
13. 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. This 37.5-acre plowed field is the only diamond-producing site in the world open to the public, where finders keepers is the rule for any gems discovered. The park provides tools for rent, washing stations, and expert staff who can help identify finds, making it an exciting destination for treasure hunters of all ages.
14. Arkansas River Trail
SCENIC RIVERSIDE PATH
The Arkansas River Trail system offers 88 miles of scenic pathways connecting Little Rock and North Little Rock along both sides of the Arkansas River. Outdoor enthusiasts can walk, jog, or cycle across iconic bridges including the Big Dam Bridge, the longest pedestrian and bicycle bridge in North America built specifically for that purpose. The trail provides access to parks, museums, and dining options while showcasing natural beauty and urban landmarks throughout central Arkansas.
15. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
WORLD-CLASS ART COLLECTION
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art houses a permanent collection spanning five centuries of American masterworks ranging from the Colonial era to contemporary art. The stunning museum complex, designed by architect Moshe Safdie, integrates seamlessly with the surrounding Ozark landscape, featuring pavilions that appear to float over spring-fed ponds. Visitors can enjoy free general admission to view works by iconic artists like Norman Rockwell, Georgia O'Keeffe, and Andy Warhol, along with miles of art-filled walking trails through the museum's 120-acre forested grounds.