London ArkansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near London, Arkansas.
1. Piney Bay Recreation Area & Campground
LAKESIDE RECREATION DESTINATION
Piney Bay Recreation Area is located on Lake Dardanelle, situated on wooded and hilly terrain with access to the lake for fishing, swimming and boating. Visitors can enjoy camping facilities with both RV and tent sites available in a natural setting. The recreation area offers a peaceful retreat with opportunities for outdoor activities including hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing throughout the year.
2. Lake Dardanelle State Park
SCENIC WATERFRONT PARK
Lake Dardanelle State Park is a popular outdoor destination near London offering 34,300 acres of water for boating, fishing, and water sports. The park features well-maintained facilities including a visitor center with aquariums, hiking trails, and boat launches. Nature enthusiasts appreciate the diverse wildlife viewing opportunities and interpretive programs available throughout the year.
3. Mount Nebo State Park
MOUNTAIN VIEWS AND TRAILS
Mount Nebo State Park sits atop a mountain plateau with breathtaking views of the Arkansas River Valley. Visitors can explore 14 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, including the Rim Trail offering panoramic vistas. The park features historic cabins built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, a swimming pool, and tennis courts for a complete recreational experience.
4. Russellville Downtown Historic District
CHARMING HISTORIC AREA
Russellville Downtown Historic District showcases well-preserved architecture and local businesses in a walkable setting. Visitors can explore boutique shops, local restaurants, and historic buildings dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The district regularly hosts community events, farmers markets, and festivals throughout the year.
5. Arkansas Tech University Museum
LOCAL HISTORY COLLECTION
Arkansas Tech University Museum houses collections highlighting the region's natural and cultural history. Exhibits feature artifacts from Native American cultures, pioneer life, and the development of Arkansas Tech University. The museum offers educational programs for all ages and serves as a valuable resource for understanding the heritage of the Arkansas River Valley.
6. Old Post Office and Courthouse
HISTORIC ARCHITECTURE LANDMARK
The Old Post Office and Courthouse in Russellville is a stunning example of early 20th-century federal architecture. The building has been repurposed to house art exhibits, community events, and historical displays about the region. Its distinctive design and central location make it a notable landmark in the area near London.
7. Bona Dea Trails and Sanctuary
URBAN NATURE PRESERVE
Bona Dea Trails and Sanctuary offers over 6 miles of paved and unpaved trails through diverse natural habitats just minutes from London. The sanctuary protects wetlands, hardwood forests, and meadows that support a variety of wildlife and native plant species. Visitors can enjoy bird watching, photography, jogging, and peaceful walks throughout this accessible natural area.
8. Dardanelle Rock
HISTORIC RIVER LANDMARK
Dardanelle Rock is a prominent natural landmark along the Arkansas River with historical significance dating back to Native American settlements. The rock formation served as an important navigation marker for steamboat pilots in the 19th century. Today, visitors can appreciate both the geological interest and the historical importance of this site near London.
9. Petit Jean State Park
SCENIC MOUNTAIN GETAWAY
Petit Jean State Park, Arkansas's first state park, features dramatic scenery including Cedar Falls, a 95-foot waterfall. The park offers extensive hiking trails, historic Mather Lodge, and cabins with spectacular views of the Arkansas River Valley. Visitors can explore unique geological features, Native American rock art, and diverse ecosystems within a day trip from London.
10. Old Bank of Russellville
HISTORIC DINING EXPERIENCE
The Old Bank of Russellville has been transformed into a unique dining establishment while preserving the historic architecture of the original bank building. Patrons can enjoy meals surrounded by original bank fixtures, including the impressive vault door and period details. The restaurant serves as both a culinary destination and a living museum of local history.
11. Russellville Depot
HISTORIC RAILWAY SITE
The Russellville Depot stands as a well-preserved example of historic railroad architecture in the region near London. The restored building showcases the importance of rail transportation in the development of the Arkansas River Valley. Visitors can view exhibits about transportation history and the economic impact of the railroad on local communities.
12. Lake Dardanelle Visitor Center
INTERACTIVE LEARNING CENTER
Lake Dardanelle Visitor Center features aquariums with native fish species and interactive exhibits about the lake ecosystem. The center provides educational programming about conservation, fishing, and the natural history of the Arkansas River Valley. Large windows offer panoramic views of Lake Dardanelle and the surrounding landscape for visitors to enjoy.
13. Feltner's Whatta-Burger
ICONIC LOCAL EATERY
Feltner's Whatta-Burger has been serving legendary burgers to locals and travelers in the Russellville area since 1967. The restaurant maintains a classic American diner atmosphere with memorabilia decorating the walls and a menu focused on traditional favorites. Its reputation for quality and consistency has made it a culinary landmark worth visiting when exploring the London area.
14. Russellville City Mall
REGIONAL SHOPPING DESTINATION
Russellville City Mall offers a climate-controlled shopping environment with both national retailers and local businesses. Shoppers can find clothing, electronics, gifts, and a selection of dining options all under one roof. The mall serves as a commercial hub for residents of London and surrounding communities in the Arkansas River Valley region.
15. Potts Inn Museum
PRESERVED PIONEER HERITAGE
Potts Inn Museum preserves one of the oldest structures in Pope County, dating back to the 1850s when it served as a stagecoach stop and inn. The museum displays period furnishings, clothing, tools, and artifacts that illustrate daily life in 19th-century Arkansas. Visitors from nearby London can step back in time through guided tours of the main building and several outbuildings on the historic property.