Charleston ArkansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Charleston, Arkansas.
1. Belle Museum & Chapel
HISTORIC RELIGIOUS SITE
The Belle Museum & Chapel is a historical landmark located on Main Street in Charleston. Visitors can explore this preserved site that showcases the area's religious heritage and architectural significance. The museum offers insights into local history and cultural traditions of the Charleston community.
2. Charleston Lake Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION AREA
Charleston Lake Park is a scenic recreational area located on S School St in Charleston. The park offers visitors opportunities for fishing, picnicking, and enjoying nature in a tranquil setting. Families and outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of the park's amenities throughout the year.
3. Charleston Dairy Diner
LOCAL COMFORT FOOD
Charleston Dairy Diner is a beloved local eatery situated on West Main Street serving classic American comfort food. The diner is known for its homestyle cooking, friendly service, and nostalgic atmosphere that captures small-town charm. Visitors and locals alike frequent this establishment for hearty meals and sweet treats.
4. Charleston Farmers Market
FRESH LOCAL PRODUCE
The Charleston Farmers Market operates on East Main Street offering fresh, locally grown produce and handcrafted items. Vendors showcase seasonal fruits, vegetables, and artisanal products that represent the agricultural heritage of the region. The market serves as a community gathering place while supporting local farmers and artisans.
5. Nanna's Iris Garden
COLORFUL FLORAL DISPLAY
Nanna's Iris Garden on Keith Road features a stunning collection of iris varieties in a picturesque setting. Visitors can stroll through the vibrant displays that burst with color during the blooming season. The garden provides both aesthetic enjoyment and educational opportunities about iris cultivation and care.
6. Charleston Trail of Holiday Lights
FESTIVE DOWNTOWN DISPLAY
The Charleston Trail of Holiday Lights transforms downtown Charleston into a magical winter wonderland during the holiday season. The beautifully decorated historic Courthouse and charming Main Street merchants create a festive atmosphere for visitors. This seasonal attraction has become a beloved tradition for locals and tourists seeking holiday cheer.
7. Fort Smith National Historic Site
FRONTIER JUSTICE HISTORY
Fort Smith National Historic Site preserves the remains of two frontier forts and the Federal Court for the Western District of Arkansas. The site tells the story of justice on the frontier, including the famous Judge Isaac C. Parker, known as the 'Hanging Judge.' Visitors can explore the restored gallows, jail cells, and exhibits that detail the complex history of law enforcement in Indian Territory.
8. Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center
WILDLIFE EDUCATION HUB
The Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center offers interactive exhibits showcasing the diverse ecosystems of the Arkansas River Valley. The center features both indoor displays and outdoor trails where visitors can observe native plants and animals in their natural habitats. Educational programs and workshops are regularly offered to help visitors of all ages connect with nature.
9. Mount Magazine State Park
ARKANSAS'S HIGHEST PEAK
Mount Magazine State Park encompasses the state's highest point at 2,753 feet, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Arkansas River Valley. The park features the luxurious Lodge at Mount Magazine with a restaurant, indoor swimming pool, and comfortable accommodations overlooking the valley. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy numerous activities including hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and hang gliding from the mountain's dramatic bluffs.
10. Wiederkehr Wine Cellars
HISTORIC SWISS WINERY
Wiederkehr Wine Cellars is one of America's oldest wineries, established in 1880 by Swiss immigrant Johann Andreas Wiederkehr. The original hand-dug wine cellar now houses a restaurant serving authentic Swiss cuisine in a unique atmospheric setting. Visitors can tour the winery, participate in tastings, and learn about the wine-making traditions that have been preserved for generations.
11. Lake Fort Smith State Park
GATEWAY TO OZARKS
Lake Fort Smith State Park serves as the western terminus of the Ozark Highlands Trail, offering spectacular views of the lake and surrounding Boston Mountains. The park features a modern visitor center, marina, swimming pool, and various camping options including fully equipped cabins. Outdoor activities abound with opportunities for boating, fishing, kayaking, hiking, and mountain biking throughout the scenic property.
12. Devil's Den State Park
CCC-BUILT NATURAL WONDER
Devil's Den State Park is a historic Civilian Conservation Corps project featuring unique geological formations including caves, crevices, and bluffs nestled in a picturesque valley. The park offers an extensive network of hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails winding through the dense Ozark forest. Visitors can enjoy the park's rustic cabins, campgrounds, and swimming pool while exploring the natural beauty that has made it one of Arkansas's most beloved state parks.
13. Walmart Museum
RETAIL EMPIRE ORIGINS
The Walmart Museum is housed in Sam Walton's original Walton's 5&10 store on the Bentonville town square, preserving the humble beginnings of the world's largest retailer. Exhibits include Sam Walton's office preserved exactly as it was, his famous pickup truck, and artifacts chronicling the company's growth from a single store to global phenomenon. Visitors can complete their experience with a treat from the functioning soda fountain that serves ice cream and classic fountain drinks.
14. 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 Colonial to contemporary art. The museum's stunning architecture designed by Moshe Safdie integrates with the surrounding Ozark landscape, with pavilions built around two spring-fed ponds. Visitors can enjoy the art collection, explore outdoor trails featuring sculpture installations, and experience the museum's reconstructed Frank Lloyd Wright house, all with free general admission.
15. Arkansas Air and Military Museum
VINTAGE AIRCRAFT COLLECTION
The Arkansas Air and Military Museum showcases one of the largest collections of vintage aircraft in the central United States, housed in a historic wooden hangar at Drake Field. Visitors can view meticulously restored airplanes, automobiles, and military vehicles spanning from the 1920s to the present day. The museum preserves the rich aviation history of Arkansas while honoring the contributions of military veterans through compelling exhibits and artifacts.