Casa ArkansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Casa, Arkansas.
1. Bear Cave Trail
NATURAL ROCK FORMATIONS
Bear Cave Trail is a popular hiking destination in Casa featuring interesting rock formations and natural caves. Hikers can enjoy moderate terrain with scenic overlooks and unique geological features. The trail offers a peaceful nature experience with opportunities to observe local wildlife and plant species.
2. Seven Hollows Trail
SCENIC WILDERNESS HIKE
Seven Hollows Trail is a highly-rated wilderness path offering hikers dramatic scenery through multiple hollows and valleys. The trail features natural bridges, waterfalls, and diverse ecological zones that change with the seasons. Visitors particularly enjoy the trail in spring when wildflowers bloom and in fall when foliage creates a colorful canopy.
3. Petit Jean State Park
ARKANSAS'S FIRST STATE PARK
Petit Jean State Park, located near Casa, is Arkansas's first state park known for its stunning natural beauty and diverse recreational opportunities. The park features dramatic vistas, waterfalls, caves, and hiking trails spread across its scenic mountain landscape. Visitors can enjoy camping, fishing, boating, and exploring historic structures including a lodge built by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
4. Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge
MIGRATORY BIRD HAVEN
Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge offers visitors a chance to observe diverse wildlife in their natural habitat near Casa. The refuge serves as an important wintering ground for migratory birds including bald eagles, ducks, and geese. Visitors can explore the area via driving tours, hiking trails, and observation platforms designed for wildlife viewing and photography.
5. Garvan Woodland Gardens
BOTANICAL GARDEN PARADISE
Garvan Woodland Gardens is a stunning 210-acre botanical garden operated by the University of Arkansas. The garden showcases meticulously landscaped areas featuring seasonal blooms, architectural elements, and natural settings along Lake Hamilton. Visitors can explore themed gardens, a children's adventure garden, and the spectacular Anthony Chapel with its soaring glass and wood design.
6. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
WORLD-CLASS ART COLLECTION
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art houses a remarkable collection of American masterpieces spanning five centuries in a striking architectural setting. The museum's buildings, designed by architect Moshe Safdie, integrate with the surrounding Ozark landscape and water features. Visitors can enjoy both the main collection, which is free to the public, and explore outdoor sculpture gardens and walking trails on the 120-acre grounds.
7. Frank Lloyd Wright Bachman-Wilson House
ARCHITECTURAL MASTERPIECE RELOCATED
The Frank Lloyd Wright Bachman-Wilson House is a meticulously restored Usonian home relocated to the grounds of Crystal Bridges Museum in 2015. This architectural treasure exemplifies Wright's philosophy of organic architecture with its distinctive horizontal lines, cantilevered roof, and integration with nature. Visitors can explore this important piece of architectural history free of charge through guided tours that showcase Wright's innovative design principles.
8. Thorncrown Chapel
GLASS FOREST SANCTUARY
Thorncrown Chapel is an architectural marvel consisting of 425 windows and over 6,000 square feet of glass nestled in the Ozark woods. The chapel, designed by E. Fay Jones, a student of Frank Lloyd Wright, won the prestigious American Institute of Architects Design of the Year Award in 1981. Its soaring 48-foot ceiling and repetitive wooden trusses create a breathtaking sanctuary that welcomes visitors seeking peaceful contemplation amid natural beauty.
9. Fordyce Bathhouse
HISTORIC THERMAL SPRINGS CENTER
Fordyce Bathhouse serves as the visitor center for Hot Springs National Park and showcases the elegant heyday of America's spa culture. The meticulously restored facility features marble, stained glass, and period furnishings across its three floors of exhibits detailing the history of thermal water treatments. Visitors can take self-guided tours through the historic bath facilities, gymnasium, music room, and rooftop garden while learning about the medicinal use of thermal waters.
10. Mount Nebo State Park
MOUNTAINTOP VIEWS YEAR-ROUND
Mount Nebo State Park offers visitors spectacular views from its 1,350-foot summit overlooking the Arkansas River Valley. The park features historic cabins built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, along with camping areas, hiking trails, and mountain biking opportunities. Visitors can experience dramatic sunrises, sunsets, and seasonal activities including hang gliding from specially designated launch points.
11. Arkansas River Valley Nature Center
WILDLIFE EDUCATION HUB
The Arkansas River Valley Nature Center provides an interactive educational experience focused on the region's diverse wildlife and ecosystems. The center features indoor exhibits with live animals, educational displays, and a gift shop offering nature-themed merchandise. Outside, visitors can explore hiking trails, fishing ponds, and viewing areas designed for observing native plants and animals in their natural settings.
12. Museum of Automobiles
VINTAGE CAR COLLECTION
The Museum of Automobiles houses an impressive collection of vintage and classic cars on Petit Jean Mountain near Casa. The museum features the personal collection of former Arkansas Governor Winthrop Rockefeller alongside rotating exhibits of rare and historically significant vehicles. Visitors can view meticulously restored automobiles spanning multiple decades, including several rare models not commonly found in other automotive museums.
13. Old South Restaurant
CLASSIC SOUTHERN COMFORT FOOD
Old South Restaurant serves traditional Southern cuisine in a warm, welcoming atmosphere that draws both locals and travelers passing through the region. The restaurant specializes in home-style cooking featuring fried chicken, catfish, and a variety of classic Southern sides and desserts. Visitors appreciate the generous portions, reasonable prices, and friendly service that has made this establishment a regional dining landmark.
14. Heifer Ranch
GLOBAL SUSTAINABILITY EDUCATION
Heifer Ranch is a 1,200-acre educational farm demonstrating sustainable agricultural practices and global development initiatives. Visitors can explore the Global Village, which features traditional housing structures from around the world to illustrate different living conditions. The ranch offers tours, workshops, and hands-on experiences focused on addressing hunger, poverty, and environmental issues through sustainable farming techniques.
15. Russellville Downtown Historic District
CHARMING MAIN STREET EXPERIENCE
Russellville Downtown Historic District features well-preserved buildings dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Visitors can explore local boutiques, antique shops, and specialty stores housed in historic structures along Main Street. The district hosts seasonal events, farmers markets, and festivals that showcase local culture, crafts, and culinary traditions of the Arkansas River Valley region.