Mansfield ArkansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Mansfield, Arkansas.
1. Bell Park
SCENIC OUTDOOR RECREATION
Bell Park is a highly-rated recreational area in Mansfield offering visitors a peaceful outdoor experience. The park features natural surroundings and is popular among locals and tourists alike with a 4.5 rating. Visitors can enjoy walking paths and open spaces perfect for family outings and relaxation.
2. Nook & Cranny Gifts and More
CHARMING LOCAL SHOP
Nook & Cranny Gifts and More is a specialty gift shop in Mansfield with a perfect 5.0 rating from visitors. The store offers a variety of unique items and souvenirs that capture the local culture. Shoppers can find handcrafted goods, regional specialties, and memorable keepsakes.
3. Mansfield Historical Society & Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE CENTER
The Mansfield Historical Society & Museum preserves and showcases the rich history of the Mansfield area. Exhibits feature artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of the town's development and notable events. Visitors can gain insight into local culture and the people who shaped this Arkansas community.
4. Petit Jean State Park
NATURAL WONDER ESCAPE
Petit Jean State Park is a scenic natural area located within driving distance of Mansfield. The park features breathtaking views, hiking trails, and a magnificent waterfall that attracts nature enthusiasts throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy camping, picnicking, and exploring the unique geological formations that make this park special.
5. Hot Springs National Park
HISTORIC THERMAL SPRINGS
Hot Springs National Park is renowned for its natural thermal waters that have attracted visitors for centuries. The park features historic bathhouses along Bathhouse Row, offering a glimpse into the elegant spa culture of the early 20th century. Visitors can hike scenic trails, soak in thermal waters, and explore the cultural heritage of this unique national park.
6. Crater of Diamonds State Park
DIAMOND HUNTING ADVENTURE
Crater of Diamonds State Park offers visitors the unique opportunity to search for real diamonds in the world's only diamond-producing site open to the public. Visitors can dig in a 37-acre plowed field, hunting for diamonds and other precious stones they are allowed to keep. The park also features a water park, campground, and interpretive exhibits about diamonds and geology.
7. Arkansas State Capitol
HISTORIC GOVERNMENT BUILDING
The Arkansas State Capitol is a magnificent neoclassical building housing numerous monuments and historical markers. Visitors can explore memorials dedicated to The Little Rock Nine, Vietnam Veterans, Medal of Honor recipients, and other significant historical figures and events. The grounds feature beautiful landscaping and impressive architecture modeled after the U.S. Capitol.
8. Trail of Tears Park and Historic Site
CULTURAL HERITAGE MEMORIAL
The Trail of Tears Park and Historic Site commemorates the forced relocation of Native American tribes in the 1830s. This 4.5-acre landscaped memorial features a stone sculpture and plaque explaining the historical significance of this tragic journey. Native Arkansas trees, grasses, and other indigenous plant species create an authentic atmosphere reflecting what travelers along the trail might have experienced.
9. Garvan Woodland Gardens
BOTANICAL PARADISE EXPERIENCE
Garvan Woodland Gardens is a spectacular botanical garden featuring meticulously landscaped grounds and seasonal floral displays. The gardens include architectural features such as the stunning Anthony Chapel, bridges, and pavilions nestled among the natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy walking paths, water features, and special events throughout the year in this tranquil natural setting.
10. Hot Springs National Park Duck Tours
AMPHIBIOUS SIGHTSEEING ADVENTURE
Hot Springs National Park Duck Tours offers a unique sightseeing experience aboard amphibious vehicles that travel on both land and water. The tour provides entertaining and educational narration about Hot Springs' history, architecture, and natural features. Passengers enjoy the unusual perspective of seeing the city's attractions before splashing into the water for the aquatic portion of the journey.
11. Beavers Bend
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Beavers Bend is a popular recreational area featuring stunning natural beauty and diverse outdoor activities near the Arkansas border. Visitors can enjoy fishing, hiking, canoeing, and horseback riding in this picturesque setting along the Mountain Fork River. The area offers cabins, campgrounds, and resort accommodations making it perfect for weekend getaways from Mansfield.
12. Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Home and Museum
LITERARY HERITAGE SITE
The Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Home and Museum preserves the home where the famous author wrote the beloved 'Little House' series. Visitors can take self-guided tours to view original family artifacts and preserved spaces that capture the essence of frontier life. This top-rated attraction offers a glimpse into the real world behind the classic children's books that chronicled pioneer life in America.
13. Bakersville Pioneer Village
STEP BACK IN TIME
Bakersville Pioneer Village recreates rural life with historic buildings and demonstrations of traditional crafts and skills. The village includes a seed store with helpful staff who provide information about heirloom varieties and sustainable gardening practices. Visitors can explore various structures including a chicken coop and experience what daily life was like in earlier times.
14. Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company
HERITAGE GARDENING DESTINATION
Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company is headquartered on the homestead where founder Jere Gettle started the business as a teenager. The facility includes trial gardens, greenhouses, a pioneer village, and a specialty seed store dedicated to preserving agricultural biodiversity. Visitors can explore the grounds, learn about heirloom varieties, and purchase seeds from one of America's leading suppliers of non-GMO, open-pollinated seeds.
15. Mansfield Cemetery
HISTORICAL RESTING PLACE
Mansfield Cemetery is a historical cemetery notable for being the final resting place of Laura Ingalls Wilder and other significant local figures. The Wilder family graves are easy to find and frequently visited by fans of the 'Little House' books. The peaceful grounds offer visitors a chance to pay respects while reflecting on the area's literary and cultural heritage.