Mount Ida ArkansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Mount Ida, Arkansas.
1. Wegner Quartz Crystal Mines
DIG FOR SPARKLING TREASURES
Wegner Quartz Crystal Mines is a family-friendly attraction where visitors are guaranteed to find crystals. The mine is open Tuesday through Saturday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, offering 2-hour digs for $19 per person. Visitors can experience the thrill of discovering their own quartz crystals in an authentic mining environment.
2. Twin Creek Crystal Mine
AUTHENTIC MINING EXPERIENCE
Twin Creek Crystal Mine offers visitors the opportunity to dig in an actual working quartz mine. The mine provides all-day digging options for $25 per adult or $100 per adult to take home what they can carry to their vehicle. Children 10 and under receive discounts, making it an affordable adventure for the whole family.
3. Avatar Crystal Mine
FOREST MINING ADVENTURE
Avatar Crystal Mine is located at the end of Forestry Road W37 off Owley Road, nestled in the Ouachita National Forest. The mine takes visitors about two-thirds of a mile into the forest, providing a unique back-to-nature crystal hunting experience. Visitors can enjoy searching for quartz crystals in this scenic natural setting.
4. Crystal Vista
FREE QUARTZ HUNTING
Crystal Vista is a great place to dig for free quartz crystals in Mount Ida. Visitors should prepare for approximately a one-mile climb or hike up the mountain to reach the digging area. The effort is rewarded with the opportunity to find beautiful quartz specimens in this natural geological formation.
5. Ouachita Artists Gallery & Studio
LOCAL ART SHOWCASE
Ouachita Artists Gallery & Studio showcases the work of talented local artists from the Mount Ida region. Located at 135 S. West St., the gallery offers visitors a chance to view and purchase unique artwork reflecting the area's beauty and culture. Art enthusiasts can enjoy browsing through various mediums including paintings, sculptures, and handcrafted items.
6. Crystal Garden
MINERAL AND CRYSTAL HAVEN
Crystal Garden, located at 671 Owley Road, is a destination for crystal enthusiasts and mineral collectors. Visitors can explore a variety of quartz specimens and other minerals native to the Ouachita Mountains region. The garden provides both educational opportunities and chances to acquire beautiful crystal specimens.
7. Mountain Harbor Resort & Spa
LAKESIDE LUXURY RETREAT
Mountain Harbor Resort & Spa offers a luxurious retreat on the shores of Lake Ouachita near Mount Ida. The resort features comfortable accommodations, spa services, and access to various water activities on the lake. Guests can enjoy the natural beauty of the Ouachita Mountains while indulging in resort amenities and outdoor recreation.
8. Mountain Harbor Marina
BOATING AND WATER RECREATION
Mountain Harbor Marina provides access to the beautiful waters of Lake Ouachita for boating enthusiasts visiting Mount Ida. Located at 23 Marina Drive, the facility offers boat rentals, supplies, and launching facilities for visitors wanting to explore one of Arkansas's most pristine lakes. The marina serves as a gateway to water-based adventures including fishing, swimming, and water sports.
9. Womble Trail
PREMIER MOUNTAIN BIKING
Womble Trail is a renowned trail system that attracts outdoor enthusiasts to the Mount Ida area. The trail offers excellent opportunities for mountain biking, hiking, and nature observation through the scenic Ouachita National Forest. Adventurers can enjoy miles of well-maintained paths with varying difficulty levels suitable for both beginners and experienced trail users.
10. Crystal Seen Trading Company
UNIQUE MINERAL SHOP
Crystal Seen Trading Company is a specialty shop located at 2572 Hwy 270 East in Mount Ida. The store offers a wide selection of crystals, minerals, and related items from the area's famous quartz deposits and beyond. Visitors can browse through an impressive collection of specimens while learning about the geological significance of the region.
11. Lovit Trail
SCENIC HIKING EXPERIENCE
Lovit Trail provides hikers with beautiful views of the natural landscape surrounding Mount Ida. The trail system winds through diverse terrain, offering opportunities to observe local wildlife and native plant species. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy well-marked paths suitable for day hikes of varying lengths and difficulty levels.
12. Mountain Harbor Riding Stables
GUIDED HORSEBACK ADVENTURES
Mountain Harbor Riding Stables offers horseback riding experiences through the scenic landscapes of the Ouachita Mountains near Mount Ida. Located at 722 Mountain Harbor Road, the stables provide guided trail rides suitable for riders of all experience levels. Visitors can enjoy the unique perspective of exploring forest trails on horseback while learning about the local ecology and history.
13. Real Earth Creations
HANDCRAFTED MINERAL ART
Real Earth Creations at 3024 Highway 270 E specializes in artisan works featuring the natural minerals of the Mount Ida region. The shop showcases handcrafted jewelry, home décor, and art pieces that incorporate local quartz crystals and other stones. Visitors can find unique souvenirs and gifts while appreciating the artistic transformation of the area's geological treasures.
14. Arkansas Forest Therapy
NATURE-BASED WELLNESS EXPERIENCE
Arkansas Forest Therapy offers guided nature immersion experiences in the forests around Mount Ida at 671 Owley Road. Participants can engage in mindful walks designed to reduce stress and promote wellness through connection with the natural environment. The therapeutic forest experiences are led by trained guides who facilitate sensory awareness activities in the healing atmosphere of the Ouachita woodlands.
15. Lake Ouachita Shores Resort & Marina
WATERFRONT VACATION DESTINATION
Lake Ouachita Shores Resort & Marina provides accommodations and water access on one of Arkansas's most beautiful lakes near Mount Ida. The property at 359 Ouachita Shores Parkway offers cabin rentals, boat slips, and amenities for visitors seeking a lakeside getaway. Guests can enjoy fishing, swimming, and exploring the clear waters of Lake Ouachita during their stay.