Fordyce ArkansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Fordyce, Arkansas.
1. Marks's Mills Battlefield State Park
HISTORIC CIVIL WAR SITE
Marks's Mills Battlefield State Park preserves the site of a significant Civil War battle that took place in April 1864. Visitors can explore interpretive trails and learn about this important historical event through informational displays. The park offers a peaceful setting for reflection on the region's Civil War history.
2. Dallas County Museum
LOCAL HISTORY COLLECTION
The Dallas County Museum showcases the rich history and cultural heritage of Fordyce and the surrounding region. The museum features exhibits on local history, artifacts from early settlers, and displays highlighting the area's development over time. Visitors appreciate the architectural features of the building that houses this important collection.
3. Mainstreet Antique Mall
VINTAGE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
Mainstreet Antique Mall offers a diverse selection of antiques, collectibles, and vintage items for browsing and purchase. Located in the historic downtown district, this shopping destination attracts both locals and visitors interested in unique finds. The mall showcases pieces that reflect the rich history and cultural heritage of the region.
4. F&P Steam Locomotive #101
RESTORED HISTORIC TRAIN
The restored F&P Steam Locomotive #101 stands as a testament to Fordyce's railroad heritage. This beautifully preserved locomotive offers visitors a glimpse into the transportation history that helped shape the development of the region. Train enthusiasts and history buffs particularly enjoy examining this impressive piece of engineering from a bygone era.
5. Peace Park
VETERANS MEMORIAL SPACE
Peace Park honors the service men and women from the Fordyce area who served in the military. The thoughtfully designed memorial provides a tranquil space for reflection and remembrance. Visitors can pay their respects while enjoying the park's serene atmosphere in downtown Fordyce.
6. Nutt Trussell Building
HISTORIC ARCHITECTURAL LANDMARK
The Nutt Trussell Building, constructed in 1884, holds the distinction of being the oldest two-story building in Dallas County. Now serving as the Bill Mays Annex to the museum, this historic structure houses the Dallas County Sports Hall of Fame. The building's preserved architectural features offer visitors insight into late 19th-century construction techniques and design.
7. Presbyterian Church
HISTORIC STAINED GLASS
The Presbyterian Church in Fordyce features 58 original stained glass windows that showcase exceptional craftsmanship and artistry. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this church represents an important piece of the community's religious and architectural heritage. Visitors can appreciate both the spiritual significance and the artistic beauty of this historic structure.
8. Fordyce Downtown Historic District
PRESERVED MAIN STREET
The Fordyce Downtown Historic District encompasses numerous buildings of architectural and historical significance. Walking through this well-preserved area gives visitors a sense of stepping back in time to experience the community's early development. The district includes various shops, municipal buildings, and other structures that reflect the town's evolution over the decades.
9. Marks' Mills Cemetery
HISTORIC BURIAL GROUND
Marks' Mills Cemetery serves as the final resting place for many of the area's early settlers and historical figures. This peaceful cemetery contains gravesites dating back to the 19th century, offering insight into the region's demographic history. Visitors interested in genealogy and local history often explore the weathered headstones and monuments that tell stories of past generations.
10. Round Table at the Depot
UNIQUE DINING EXPERIENCE
Round Table at the Depot offers diners a unique culinary experience in a historic railroad-themed setting. The restaurant serves up local favorites in an atmosphere that celebrates Fordyce's connection to railway history. Guests enjoy both the food and the nostalgic ambiance that connects them to an important aspect of the town's past.
11. Wynne-Phillips House
HISTORIC RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE
The Wynne-Phillips House stands as a prime example of historic residential architecture in Fordyce. This well-preserved home showcases the design elements and construction techniques popular during its era of origin. Visitors interested in historical homes can appreciate the details and craftsmanship that went into creating this enduring structure.
12. Fordyce Bathhouse Museum
HISTORIC SPA EXPERIENCE
The Fordyce Bathhouse Museum, located in nearby Hot Springs, is the largest bathhouse on Bathhouse Row and now serves as the Hot Springs National Park Visitor Center. Originally opened in 1915 and designed by Little Rock architects Mann and Stern, this 28,000-square-foot facility cost over $212,000 to build, equip, and furnish. After closing in 1962, it was extensively restored by 1989 and now operates as a historically furnished museum where visitors can experience the luxury of early 20th-century spa culture.
13. Hot Springs National Park
NATURAL THERMAL WATERS
Hot Springs National Park, located near Fordyce, preserves geothermal springs that have been used for therapeutic bathing for centuries. The park features historic bathhouses, scenic mountain trails, and opportunities to sample the famous mineral waters. Visitors can enjoy both natural beauty and cultural history in this unique national park that blends urban and natural environments.
14. Days Inn
CONVENIENT LODGING OPTION
Days Inn provides comfortable accommodations for visitors to Fordyce and serves as a convenient base for exploring local attractions. The hotel offers essential amenities for travelers including clean rooms, complimentary breakfast, and parking. Its central location makes it easy for guests to access the various historical sites and points of interest throughout Fordyce.
15. Ouachita National Forest
NATURAL WILDERNESS AREA
The Ouachita National Forest encompasses over 1.8 million acres of diverse landscapes within driving distance from Fordyce. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing in this vast natural area. The forest's rolling mountains, clear streams, and dense woodlands provide a perfect retreat for those seeking natural beauty and recreation opportunities.