Mineral Springs ArkansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Mineral Springs, Arkansas.
1. Millwood State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION AND WILDLIFE
Millwood State Park offers visitors a pristine natural environment with opportunities for camping, fishing, and wildlife observation. The park features a large lake that's popular for bass fishing and water activities throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails that showcase the area's diverse ecosystem and scenic beauty.
2. Historic Washington State Park
STEP BACK IN TIME
Historic Washington State Park preserves a 19th-century town that once served as Arkansas's Confederate capital during the Civil War. The park features more than 30 carefully restored historic structures, including homes, courthouses, and blacksmith shops that visitors can explore. Costumed interpreters provide demonstrations of period crafts and daily life, bringing history to vivid life for modern visitors.
3. Pond Creek National Wildlife Refuge
NATURE AND CONSERVATION AREA
Pond Creek National Wildlife Refuge encompasses over 27,000 acres of bottomland hardwood forest, providing crucial habitat for migratory birds and wildlife. The refuge offers excellent opportunities for hunting, fishing, wildlife photography, and bird watching throughout its diverse ecosystems. Visitors can explore the area via hiking trails and waterways while experiencing one of Arkansas's most pristine natural areas.
4. Ka Do Ha Indian Village
ANCIENT NATIVE AMERICAN SITE
Ka Do Ha Indian Village offers visitors a glimpse into the lives of the Caddo Indians who inhabited this region for thousands of years. The archaeological site features remnants of a significant Native American settlement with educational displays about their culture and lifestyle. Visitors can participate in guided tours to learn about the archaeological significance of this historical site.
5. Garvan Woodland Gardens
BOTANICAL BEAUTY AND SERENITY
Garvan Woodland Gardens is a stunning 210-acre botanical garden operated by the University of Arkansas, showcasing meticulously landscaped flora and architectural features. The gardens feature specialty collections including Japanese gardens, a children's adventure garden, and seasonal displays that change throughout the year. Visitors can explore peaceful walking paths among towering trees, vibrant flowerbeds, and scenic views of Lake Hamilton.
6. Hot Springs National Park
THERMAL WATERS AND HISTORY
Hot Springs National Park preserves and protects the natural thermal springs that have drawn visitors for centuries seeking their purported healing properties. The park features historic bathhouses along Bathhouse Row, offering visitors a glimpse into the elegant spa culture of the early 20th century. Visitors can hike scenic mountain trails, collect thermal spring water from public fountains, and experience the unique blend of natural and cultural heritage.
7. Bathhouse Row
HISTORIC SPA DISTRICT
Bathhouse Row consists of eight grand bathhouse buildings constructed between 1892 and 1923, now designated as a National Historic Landmark District. The Fordyce Bathhouse serves as the park's visitor center, offering tours through preserved facilities that showcase the golden age of American spa culture. Today, several bathhouses have been repurposed as modern spas, restaurants, and cultural venues while maintaining their historic charm.
8. Fordyce Bathhouse
RESTORED HISTORIC SPA
Fordyce Bathhouse stands as the grandest structure along Bathhouse Row, now serving as the Hot Springs National Park visitor center. The meticulously restored building offers self-guided tours showcasing luxurious facilities including marble-lined bath halls, stained glass ceilings, and vintage spa equipment. Visitors can explore three floors of exhibits that reveal the history and cultural significance of the thermal water treatments that made Hot Springs famous.
9. Mid-America Science Museum
INTERACTIVE SCIENCE AND DISCOVERY
Mid-America Science Museum is Arkansas's largest hands-on science center, featuring over 100 interactive exhibits that make learning engaging and fun. As a Smithsonian Affiliate, the museum houses extraordinary displays including the world's largest conical Tesla Coil, which produces 1.5 million volts of electrical energy. Visitors can discover, create, and experiment through various scientific phenomena in both indoor galleries and outdoor exploration spaces.
10. Magic Springs Theme Park
THRILLS AND WATER FUN
Magic Springs Theme Park combines roller coasters and thrill rides with Crystal Falls Water Park for a complete family entertainment destination. The park features a variety of attractions ranging from heart-pounding roller coasters to gentle rides suitable for young children and families. During summer months, visitors can cool off at Crystal Falls Water Park with slides, wave pools, and relaxing water features all included with admission.
11. Josephine Tussaud Wax Museum
LIFELIKE CELEBRITY FIGURES
Josephine Tussaud Wax Museum displays remarkably lifelike wax figures of celebrities, historical figures, and cultural icons in detailed settings. The museum features a dramatic recreation of Leonardo Da Vinci's "Last Supper" alongside figures of presidents, royalty, and pop culture personalities. Visitors can take photographs with their favorite figures while appreciating the artistry and craftsmanship involved in creating these realistic wax sculptures.
12. Mountain Valley Spring Visitor's Center
HISTORIC MINERAL WATER SOURCE
Mountain Valley Spring Visitor's Center occupies a historic two-story building constructed in 1910 that was originally home to the DeSoto Mineral Springs. The center is built directly over a natural spring that remains visible today, offering visitors insight into the region's famous mineral water heritage. A museum within the center displays vintage Mountain Valley water bottles and memorabilia documenting the company's long history of bottling and distributing Arkansas spring water.
13. The Maxwell Blade Theatre of Magic
ILLUSIONS AND ENTERTAINMENT
The Maxwell Blade Theatre of Magic presents captivating shows of illusion and sleight of hand in the historic Malco Theatre on Central Avenue. Master magician Maxwell Blade performs a family-friendly repertoire that combines classic magic tricks with modern illusions and audience participation. The intimate theater setting allows visitors to experience the wonder of magic up close while enjoying one of Hot Springs' most popular evening entertainment options.
14. 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 only diamond-producing site open to the public. The 37.5-acre plowed field sits on the eroded surface of an ancient volcanic crater where visitors can keep any gems they find, including diamonds, amethyst, garnet, and quartz. The park includes diamond mining tools for rent, washing stations, and expert staff who can help identify discoveries.
15. Lake Greeson
SCENIC OUTDOOR RECREATION
Lake Greeson offers over 7,000 acres of clear water and 134 miles of pristine shoreline perfect for fishing, boating, and water sports. The lake is renowned for its excellent fishing opportunities, particularly for bass, crappie, catfish, and rainbow trout in the tailwaters below the dam. Surrounding recreational areas provide camping, picnicking, hiking, and wildlife observation opportunities in a scenic Ouachita Mountains setting.