Carthage ArkansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Carthage, Arkansas.
1. Jenkins Ferry State Park
HISTORIC CIVIL WAR SITE
Jenkins Ferry State Park preserves a significant Civil War battlefield site near Carthage. Visitors can explore the grounds where the Battle of Jenkins Ferry took place in 1864, part of the Red River Campaign. The park offers historical markers, interpretive displays, and natural scenery along the Saline River.
2. Grant County Museum
LOCAL HISTORY COLLECTION
The Grant County Museum showcases the rich history and heritage of the region through extensive exhibits and artifacts. With highly-rated displays featuring local history, the museum provides visitors with an immersive journey through the area's past. The collection includes historical photographs, tools, household items, and memorabilia that tell the story of Grant County and surrounding areas.
3. Battle Of Jenkins Ferry Memorial
CIVIL WAR REMEMBRANCE
The Battle Of Jenkins Ferry Memorial commemorates one of Arkansas's significant Civil War engagements. The memorial site honors those who fought and died during this important battle of the Red River Campaign. Visitors can learn about the historical significance of this 1864 battle through informational displays and the peaceful surroundings.
4. Southern Fly Outfitters
PREMIER FISHING EXPERIENCE
Southern Fly Outfitters offers guided fishing experiences in the pristine waters around Carthage. The highly-rated outfitter provides expert guides, quality equipment, and access to some of the best fishing spots in the region. Visitors can enjoy a personalized fishing adventure while experiencing the natural beauty of Arkansas's waterways.
5. Attack on Pine Bluff Civil War Trail
HISTORICAL WALKING TOUR
The Attack on Pine Bluff Civil War Trail takes visitors through significant sites related to this Civil War battle. Located along AR-9, this historical trail provides interpretive markers explaining the events of the conflict and its importance to regional history. The trail offers both educational value and a chance to experience the landscape where history unfolded.
6. Mountain Harbor Resort & Spa
LAKESIDE LUXURY RETREAT
Mountain Harbor Resort & Spa provides a luxurious retreat experience near the Ouachita Mountains. Situated on the shores of Lake Ouachita, the resort offers comfortable accommodations, spa services, and various recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, and hiking while taking in the scenic beauty of the surrounding landscape.
7. Crater of Diamonds State Park
DIG FOR REAL DIAMONDS
Crater of Diamonds State Park is the only public diamond mine in the world where visitors can search for and keep real diamonds. The 37.5-acre plowed field sits atop an ancient volcanic crater, offering a unique treasure hunting experience for all ages. Alongside diamond hunting, the park features walking trails, picnic sites, and a water play area for cooling off after a day of prospecting.
8. Hot Springs National Park
THERMAL WATERS WONDER
Hot Springs National Park preserves and celebrates the natural thermal springs that have attracted visitors for centuries. The historic Bathhouse Row showcases grand architecture from the early 20th century, where visitors can still experience traditional thermal baths. The park combines natural beauty with cultural history, offering hiking trails, scenic mountain views, and the unique opportunity to collect the famous hot spring water from public fountains.
9. DeGray Lake Resort State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
DeGray Lake Resort State Park offers a full-service lodge and campground on a peninsula extending into the clear waters of DeGray Lake. Visitors can enjoy a variety of water activities including swimming, fishing, and boating, as well as land adventures like hiking, biking, and golfing. The park's 13,800-acre lake and surrounding forests provide a scenic backdrop for wildlife viewing and nature photography throughout the year.
10. Historic Washington State Park
19TH CENTURY VILLAGE
Historic Washington State Park preserves a 19th-century town that once served as Arkansas's Confederate capital during the Civil War. Visitors can tour more than 30 carefully restored historic structures, including homes, shops, and public buildings that showcase period architecture and furnishings. The park offers living history programs, blacksmith demonstrations, and seasonal events that bring the past to life for modern audiences.
11. Garvan Woodland Gardens
BOTANICAL GARDEN MASTERPIECE
Garvan Woodland Gardens spans 210 acres of botanical beauty on a peninsula extending into Lake Hamilton. The gardens feature spectacular seasonal displays, including tulips in spring, daylilies in summer, and one of America's best holiday light shows in winter. Architectural highlights include the breathtaking Anthony Chapel, a soaring glass and wood structure nestled among the pines, and the whimsical Children's Adventure Garden.
12. Old Mill
ICONIC FILM LOCATION
The Old Mill is a historic re-creation of an 1800s water-powered grist mill that appeared in the opening scenes of the 1939 film 'Gone with the Wind'. The picturesque structure is surrounded by a lush garden featuring concrete sculptures designed to look like wood, stone, and ironwork, all created by sculptor Dionicio Rodriguez. Visitors can explore the mill and grounds free of charge, making it one of Arkansas's most photographed locations and a popular spot for weddings and special events.
13. Ouachita National Forest
VAST MOUNTAIN WILDERNESS
Ouachita National Forest encompasses 1.8 million acres of diverse mountain terrain spanning eastern Oklahoma and western Arkansas. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore over 800 miles of trails, including the 192-mile Ouachita National Recreation Trail that traverses the forest's scenic ridgelines. The forest features crystal-clear streams, scenic drives like the Talimena Scenic Byway, and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities throughout all four distinct seasons.
14. McClard's Bar-B-Q
LEGENDARY BARBECUE INSTITUTION
McClard's Bar-B-Q has been serving authentic Arkansas barbecue since 1928, becoming a culinary institution visited by presidents and celebrities. The family-owned restaurant is famous for its ribs, pulled pork, and unique tamale spread, all prepared using closely guarded recipes passed down through generations. The casual, no-frills atmosphere adds to the authentic experience where the focus remains squarely on the exceptional slow-cooked meats and homemade sides.
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 museum's striking architecture, designed by Moshe Safdie, integrates with the surrounding Ozark landscape, with pavilions nestled around two spring-fed ponds. Visitors can enjoy free admission to the main collection while exploring the museum's 120 acres of trails, outdoor sculptures, and Frank Lloyd Wright's Bachman-Wilson House, which was relocated to the grounds.