Friendship ArkansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Friendship, Arkansas.
1. Caddo River Rats Canoe & Tube Rental
SCENIC RIVER ADVENTURES
Caddo River Rats Canoe & Tube Rental offers exciting water adventures on the scenic Caddo River. Visitors can enjoy relaxing tube floats or more adventurous canoe trips down one of Arkansas's most beautiful waterways. The rental service provides all necessary equipment and transportation for a memorable day on the water.
2. DeSoto Bluff Trail
HISTORIC NATURE PATH
DeSoto Bluff Trail provides hikers with stunning views of the surrounding Arkansas landscape. The trail features historical significance as it follows paths once traversed by early explorers including Hernando de Soto. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy the diverse flora and fauna while taking in panoramic vistas along this well-maintained path.
3. Slim and Shorty's Live Music
LOCAL MUSIC VENUE
Slim and Shorty's Live Music venue showcases the rich musical heritage of Arkansas with regular performances. The intimate setting allows visitors to enjoy authentic local music in a friendly atmosphere. Both tourists and locals flock to this establishment for its quality entertainment and genuine Arkansas hospitality.
4. Arkadelphia Arts Center
CULTURAL CREATIVE SPACE
The Arkadelphia Arts Center serves as a hub for creative expression in the region near Friendship. The center hosts rotating exhibits featuring works from local and regional artists throughout the year. Visitors can participate in workshops, attend performances, or simply browse the galleries to experience the area's vibrant arts scene.
5. 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 the world's eighth-largest diamond-bearing volcanic crater. Guests can dig for diamonds and keep whatever treasures they find, making it one of the most interactive attractions in the region. The park also features a water park, hiking trails, and educational programs about geology and diamond mining.
6. Hot Springs National Park
HISTORIC THERMAL SPRINGS
Hot Springs National Park preserves geothermal springs that have been used for their healing properties since pre-colonial times. The park features historic bathhouses along Bathhouse Row, including the Fordyce Bathhouse which now serves as the visitor center. Visitors can soak in thermal waters, hike scenic trails, or explore the rich cultural history of this unique national park.
7. Bathhouse Row
HISTORIC SPA DISTRICT
Bathhouse Row features a collection of eight historic bathhouse buildings constructed between 1892 and 1923 along Central Avenue. These ornate structures represent the golden age of spa tourism and showcase various architectural styles from Renaissance Revival to Spanish Colonial. Today, visitors can tour several restored bathhouses, enjoy modern spa treatments, or browse boutique shops housed in these historic buildings.
8. Anthony Chapel
GLASS FOREST SANCTUARY
Anthony Chapel is a stunning glass and wood sanctuary nestled within Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs. The soaring six-story chapel features floor-to-ceiling windows that create a seamless connection between the interior space and the surrounding forest. With its dramatic architecture and natural setting, the chapel has become a popular destination for weddings, concerts, and quiet contemplation.
9. Crystal Bridges Museum
PREMIER AMERICAN ART COLLECTION
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art houses a world-class collection spanning five centuries of American masterworks. The museum's stunning architecture, designed by Moshe Safdie, integrates with the surrounding Ozark landscape and features spring-fed ponds. Visitors can explore both indoor galleries and outdoor trails featuring sculpture and natural beauty, all with free general admission.
10. Buffalo National River
WILD SCENIC WATERWAY
Buffalo National River flows freely for 135 miles and was America's first national river. Its clear waters wind through massive limestone bluffs, creating one of the most scenic waterways in the mid-South. Visitors can enjoy floating, hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing in this pristine natural area that showcases the Ozark Mountains' beauty.
11. Little Rock Central High School
CIVIL RIGHTS LANDMARK
Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site commemorates the forced desegregation crisis of 1957 when nine African American students enrolled in the previously all-white school. The impressive Gothic Revival building continues to function as an active high school while also serving as an important civil rights landmark. Visitors can take ranger-led tours to learn about this pivotal moment in American history and its impact on the civil rights movement.
12. William J. Clinton Presidential Library
PRESIDENTIAL HISTORY CENTER
The William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum chronicles the presidency and life of the 42nd U.S. President. The modern glass and steel building houses extensive exhibits, presidential artifacts, and a replica of the Oval Office. Visitors can explore interactive displays, view presidential gifts, and learn about the policies and events that shaped the Clinton administration.
13. Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort
HISTORIC HORSE RACING VENUE
Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort has been a premier horse racing destination since 1904 and hosts the prestigious Arkansas Derby. The facility has expanded to include a full casino with slots, table games, and sports betting. Visitors can enjoy fine dining, entertainment, and accommodations at this historic venue that combines racing tradition with modern resort amenities.
14. Arkansas Travelers Baseball
MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL TEAM
Arkansas Travelers Baseball offers family-friendly entertainment at Dickey-Stephens Park in North Little Rock. The team, an affiliate of the Seattle Mariners, competes in the Double-A Central league and has a rich history dating back to 1901. Fans can enjoy affordable tickets, promotional nights, and the intimate atmosphere of minor league baseball in a modern riverside stadium.
15. Lakeport Plantation
RESTORED ANTEBELLUM MANSION
Lakeport Plantation is Arkansas's only remaining antebellum plantation home on the Mississippi River. The Greek Revival mansion, built in 1859, has been meticulously restored and now serves as an educational center focused on plantation life and agricultural history. Visitors can tour the historic house and learn about the complex social and economic systems of the pre-Civil War South.