McNeil ArkansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near McNeil, Arkansas.
1. Logoly State Park
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PARK
Logoly State Park is a state park and recreation area in McNeil, Arkansas that holds the distinction of being Arkansas' first environmental education park. The park offers visitors a chance to learn about the local ecosystem through interpretive programs and nature trails. It provides both educational opportunities and recreational activities for visitors of all ages.
2. Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources
OIL AND BRINE HISTORY
The Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources showcases the state's rich history of oil and brine production, particularly focusing on the 1920s oil boom that transformed the region. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits that detail the technological developments and social impacts of these natural resource industries. The museum also features outdoor displays including vintage equipment used in oil extraction.
3. McCollum-Chidester House
HISTORIC CIVIL WAR SITE
The McCollum-Chidester House in Camden serves as a well-preserved example of antebellum architecture in Southwest Arkansas. Built in the 1840s, this historic home was used as a headquarters by Union troops during the Civil War. The house now functions as a museum displaying period furniture and artifacts that tell the story of 19th-century life in the region.
4. Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area
WILD RIVER ADVENTURE
Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area protects a wild and scenic river known for its challenging rapids and beautiful canyon setting. The park offers opportunities for whitewater kayaking and canoeing during appropriate water levels, with difficulty ranging from Class II to V. Beyond water activities, visitors can enjoy hiking trails, picnic areas, and wildlife observation in this pristine natural environment.
5. Louisiana Purchase State Park
HISTORIC SURVEY MARKER
Louisiana Purchase State Park features a limestone monument marking the starting point of the 1815 land survey that expanded the United States westward. The historic marker, typically surrounded by swampy waters, is accessible via a boardwalk that winds through a cypress forest. Visitors can experience a tangible connection to early American history while enjoying the unique swamp ecosystem that surrounds this significant site.
6. Old Mill
GONE WITH THE WIND
The Old Mill is a reproduction mill built in the 1930s that gained fame by appearing in the opening credits of 'Gone with the Wind.' Located in T.R. Pugh Memorial Park, this scenic spot has become a popular location for weddings and engagements. The meticulously crafted structure, complete with water wheel and rustic stone detailing, offers visitors a picturesque setting for photography and peaceful contemplation.
7. Mark Martin Museum
NASCAR LEGEND COLLECTION
The Mark Martin Museum showcases the impressive racing career of NASCAR legend Mark Martin through an extensive collection of memorabilia. Located at Mark's Ford Dealership, the museum displays race cars, fire suits, helmets, and trophies from Martin's storied career. Visitors can also enjoy video clips that chronicle his significant impact on the sport of auto racing.
8. Natural Bridge
SANDSTONE ARCH FORMATION
The Natural Bridge in Clinton is an impressive sandstone arch formation spanning 100 feet across, created entirely by natural erosion processes. This geological wonder stands as a testament to the power of water and time in shaping the Arkansas landscape. The site offers a scenic stop for nature enthusiasts and photographers looking to capture this unique formation.
9. Thorncrown Chapel
ARCHITECTURAL GLASS MARVEL
Thorncrown Chapel is an architectural marvel featuring 425 windows and over 6,000 square feet of glass that creates a stunning interplay of light and forest surroundings. The award-winning structure, designed by E. Fay Jones, rises 48 feet into the Ozark canopy and has been recognized as one of the finest American buildings of the 20th century. Visitors come from around the world to experience the serene beauty and spiritual atmosphere of this woodland sanctuary.
10. Fordyce Bathhouse
HISTORIC HOT SPRINGS
The Fordyce Bathhouse serves as the visitor center for Hot Springs National Park and showcases the elegant spa culture that flourished in the early 20th century. Built in 1915, this meticulously restored facility features marble, stained glass, and original hydrotherapy equipment across its three floors of exhibits. Visitors can explore the opulent rooms including the music room, gymnasium, and roof garden that once catered to wealthy patrons seeking health cures.
11. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
WORLD-CLASS ART COLLECTION
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art houses a comprehensive collection spanning five centuries of American art in a stunning architectural setting designed by Moshe Safdie. The museum grounds include the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Bachman-Wilson House, which was relocated to the property to preserve this architectural treasure. Beyond the galleries, visitors can explore miles of sculpture-lined trails that wind through the museum's 120-acre wooded property.
12. Crater of Diamonds State Park
DIG FOR REAL DIAMONDS
Crater of Diamonds State Park offers visitors the unique opportunity to search for and keep real diamonds in the world's only diamond-producing site open to the public. The 37-acre plowed field sits atop an ancient volcanic crater where more than 33,000 diamonds have been found since 1972. The park provides equipment rentals, diamond identification services, and educational programming about the geological forces that created this remarkable deposit.
13. Junction Bridge
HISTORIC RIVER CROSSING
The Junction Bridge is a historic railroad bridge transformed into a pedestrian and bicycle crossing that connects Little Rock and North Little Rock across the Arkansas River. Originally built in 1884, the renovated structure now serves as a key link in the Arkansas River Trail system while offering spectacular views of the river and downtown skyline. Visitors can walk the short but scenic path while experiencing the sights and sounds of the Arkansas River below.
14. Pea Ridge National Military Park
CIVIL WAR BATTLEFIELD
Pea Ridge National Military Park preserves the site of the 1862 Battle of Pea Ridge, a pivotal Civil War engagement that helped secure Missouri for the Union. The well-maintained 4,300-acre battlefield features a 7-mile driving tour with interpretive stops highlighting key moments in the two-day battle. The Visitor Center offers informative exhibits and thoughtfully designed displays that provide context for understanding this significant historical event.
15. Buffalo National River
AMERICA'S FIRST NATIONAL RIVER
Buffalo National River flows freely for 135 miles through the Ozark Mountains, earning the distinction of becoming America's first national river in 1972. The pristine waterway offers opportunities for floating, fishing, and swimming amid limestone bluffs that rise hundreds of feet from the riverbanks. Beyond water activities, visitors can explore over 100 miles of hiking trails, discover hidden waterfalls, and observe diverse wildlife in this protected natural corridor.