Hickory Ridge ArkansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Hickory Ridge, Arkansas.
1. Parker Pioneer Homestead
HISTORIC SETTLEMENT EXPERIENCE
Parker Pioneer Homestead offers visitors a glimpse into early Arkansas pioneer life with its well-preserved historical structures. The homestead features authentic period furnishings and tools that demonstrate the daily lives of settlers in the region. Visitors can explore the grounds and experience hands-on demonstrations of traditional crafts and skills throughout the year.
2. The Goose Guys
WILDLIFE TOURS & ADVENTURES
The Goose Guys provides guided nature and wildlife tours showcasing the diverse ecosystems around Hickory Ridge. Their experienced guides lead visitors through wetlands and forests where native birds and animals can be observed in their natural habitats. The tours are educational experiences suitable for nature enthusiasts of all ages who want to learn about local wildlife conservation.
3. Lake Poinsett State Park
LAKESIDE RECREATION AREA
Lake Poinsett State Park offers visitors a serene natural setting centered around the 640-acre Lake Poinsett. The park features camping facilities, fishing opportunities, hiking trails, and boat rentals for those looking to explore the water. Visitors can enjoy the park's interpretive programs that highlight the local flora and fauna throughout the different seasons.
4. Davidsonville Historic State Park
ARKANSAS' FIRST SETTLEMENT
Davidsonville Historic State Park preserves the site of Arkansas' first planned settlement, which included the state's first courthouse, post office, and land office established in 1815. The park features interpretive exhibits that tell the story of this frontier town that has since disappeared from the landscape. Visitors can participate in archaeological digs conducted periodically throughout the year to uncover artifacts from this significant historical site.
5. Randolph County Heritage Museum
LOCAL HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Randolph County Heritage Museum houses exhibits documenting the rich history of the region from Native American settlements to modern times. Displays include artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the stories of the people who shaped the area. The museum serves as an educational resource for researchers and visitors interested in understanding the cultural heritage of northeastern Arkansas.
6. Black River Overlook Park
SCENIC RIVERSIDE RETREAT
Black River Overlook Park provides stunning views of the Black River with convenient picnic areas and walking paths along the waterfront. The park features the Princess Pocahontas statue and the Century Wall, which displays the most influential Americans of the 20th century etched in stone. Visitors can relax in this peaceful setting while enjoying the natural beauty and historical monuments that make this park a local favorite.
7. Arkansas' Oldest Drug Store
HISTORIC PHARMACY EXPERIENCE
Arkansas' Oldest Drug Store stands as a living monument to the state's pharmaceutical history, continuing to serve the community while preserving its historic character. The establishment features original fixtures and displays that showcase the evolution of medicine and pharmacy practice over the decades. Visitors can step back in time while exploring this unique blend of functioning business and living museum in downtown Pocahontas.
8. Arkansas' Oldest Barbershop
TRADITIONAL TONSORIAL PARLOR
Arkansas' Oldest Barbershop continues the tradition of classic grooming services in a space that has maintained its authentic early 20th-century atmosphere. The barbershop features vintage chairs, mirrors, and equipment that transport visitors to a bygone era of men's grooming. Both locals and tourists visit this historic establishment for traditional haircuts and shaves while experiencing a slice of Arkansas history.
9. Eddie Mae Herron Center
AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE
The Eddie Mae Herron Center preserves the history of a former church and school that served the African American community in Randolph County. The center houses exhibits highlighting the educational, religious, and cultural contributions of Black residents throughout the region's history. Visitors can explore photographs, artifacts, and personal stories that document the struggles and achievements of African Americans in northeastern Arkansas.
10. Crowley's Ridge Nature Center
ECOLOGICAL LEARNING HUB
Crowley's Ridge Nature Center offers interactive exhibits explaining the unique geological formation of the 200-mile-long ridge that rises from the flat Mississippi Delta. The center features displays on native wildlife, from large game animals to small insects, along with aquariums and dioramas representing local habitats. Visitors can explore both indoor exhibits and outdoor trails that showcase the natural beauty and biodiversity of this distinct Arkansas landscape.
11. Looney Tavern
HISTORIC FRONTIER INN
Looney Tavern, established in 1831, served as an important stopping point for travelers along the Southwest Trail during Arkansas' territorial days. The historic log structure represents one of the oldest surviving buildings in the region and played a role in early state politics. Visitors can explore this preserved frontier tavern to gain insight into travel, commerce, and social life in early 19th-century Arkansas.
12. Old Frisco Train Depot
RAILWAY HERITAGE SITE
The Old Frisco Train Depot stands as a testament to the importance of railroad transportation in developing northeastern Arkansas communities. The restored depot building houses exhibits on railroad history and its impact on local commerce, agriculture, and population growth. Visitors can explore the station's architecture and displays that document the era when trains were the lifeblood of small-town America.
13. Rice House
1828 PIONEER CABIN
The Rice House log cabin, constructed in 1828, represents one of the earliest permanent European-American dwellings in the region. The carefully preserved structure demonstrates frontier construction techniques and domestic life during Arkansas' territorial period. Visitors can step inside this authentic pioneer home to experience the modest accommodations of early settlers who helped establish communities in what would become Randolph County.
14. Maynard Pioneer Park and Museum
RURAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
Maynard Pioneer Park and Museum preserves artifacts and stories from the rural communities that developed in northern Arkansas during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The museum's collections include agricultural implements, household items, and documents that illustrate daily life in this Ozark foothills region. Visitors can explore both indoor exhibits and outdoor displays of historic structures that have been relocated to the park for preservation.
15. Ravenden Springs Community Museum
MINERAL SPRINGS HISTORY
The Ravenden Springs Community Museum chronicles the history of this once-famous health resort town known for its mineral springs. Exhibits document the town's heyday when visitors traveled from across the region to take advantage of the supposedly healing waters. The museum preserves photographs, advertisements, and personal accounts from the era when Ravenden Springs was a bustling destination for health tourism in the Ozarks.