Subiaco ArkansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Subiaco, Arkansas.
1. Subiaco Abbey
HISTORIC BENEDICTINE MONASTERY
Subiaco Abbey is an impressive American Benedictine abbey featuring remarkable sandstone buildings dating back to 1891 and a stunning Romanesque-style Abbey Church. Visitors can enjoy a self-guided walking tour with informational brochures about the Benedictine Order, Subiaco Abbey, Academy, and Coury House available at the front desk. Groups of 10 or more can arrange monk-led tours that include views of the monastic inner court, refectory, and museum highlighting the monastery's history.
2. Country Monks Brewing
MONASTIC CRAFT BEER
Country Monks Brewing is a unique brewery operated by the monks of Subiaco Abbey. The brewery produces craft beers using traditional monastic brewing techniques combined with modern methods. Visitors can sample various beer styles while learning about the abbey's brewing traditions.
3. St. Benedict Church
SACRED RELIGIOUS SITE
St. Benedict Church stands as a spiritual landmark in Subiaco with its impressive architecture and religious significance. The church features beautiful stained glass windows, ornate woodwork, and religious artifacts that showcase its rich history. Visitors can experience the peaceful atmosphere whether attending services or simply appreciating the historical and architectural elements.
4. Coury House Retreat Center
SPIRITUAL REST AND RENEWAL
Coury House Retreat Center offers a tranquil environment for spiritual reflection and renewal at Subiaco Abbey. The center features 36 furnished guest rooms with private bathrooms, meeting spaces, a dining room, and a chapel for retreatants. Visitors seeking solitude or group retreat experiences can benefit from the peaceful surroundings and spiritual guidance provided by the Benedictine monks.
5. Abbey Monk Sauce
FAMOUS MONASTIC CONDIMENT
Abbey Monk Sauce is a renowned specialty product handcrafted by the monks of Subiaco Abbey. This unique hot sauce comes in various heat levels and has gained popularity among culinary enthusiasts and visitors. Tourists can purchase bottles of this distinctive condiment as souvenirs or gifts at the Abbey's gift shop.
6. Mount Magazine State Park
HIGHEST POINT IN ARKANSAS
Mount Magazine State Park is home to Arkansas's highest point at 2,753 feet, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Arkansas River Valley. The park features a modern lodge with luxury accommodations, cabins, and dining facilities perched on the mountain's south bluff. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking trails, rock climbing, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing throughout the park's diverse natural areas.
7. Cowie Wine Cellars & Vineyards
LOCAL WINEMAKING TRADITION
Cowie Wine Cellars & Vineyards is a family-owned winery established in 1967, making it one of Arkansas's oldest wineries. Visitors can tour the vineyards, sample a variety of locally produced wines, and explore the Arkansas Wine Museum located on the premises. The rustic charm of the tasting room and beautiful vineyard setting provide a relaxing experience for wine enthusiasts.
8. Logan County Museum
LOCAL HISTORY AND HERITAGE
Logan County Museum preserves and showcases the rich history of the region through numerous exhibits and artifacts. The museum is housed in a historic building and features collections related to early settlement, agriculture, industry, and cultural development in the area. Visitors can learn about local heritage through photographs, documents, tools, household items, and other historical memorabilia.
9. Wiederkehr Wine Cellars
HISTORIC SWISS WINERY
Wiederkehr Wine Cellars is a historic winery founded in 1880 by Swiss immigrant Johann Andreas Wiederkehr and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The original hand-dug wine cellar now houses a restaurant serving authentic Swiss and European cuisine alongside the winery's award-winning wines. Visitors can tour the production facilities, enjoy wine tastings, and experience the unique atmosphere of one of America's oldest wineries.
10. Post Familie Vineyards
FAMILY WINEMAKING TRADITION
Post Familie Vineyards is a fifth-generation family winery established in 1880, making it one of the oldest in Arkansas's wine country. The vineyard produces a wide variety of wines from traditional European varietals and native American grapes grown on their expansive estate. Visitors can enjoy complimentary wine tastings, tour the production facilities, and purchase wines and specialty food items in their welcoming tasting room.
11. Chateau Aux Arc Winery
BOUTIQUE VINEYARD EXPERIENCE
Chateau Aux Arc Winery is known for having the largest planting of Cynthiana grapes in the world and specializes in producing distinctive wines from this and other varietals. The winery offers tastings in a charming setting with panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards and Arkansas River Valley. Visitors can enjoy seasonal events, picnic on the grounds, and learn about the winemaking process from knowledgeable staff.
12. Mount Nebo State Park
SCENIC MOUNTAIN RETREAT
Mount Nebo State Park sits atop a mountain plateau at 1,350 feet, offering spectacular views and cooler temperatures than the surrounding Arkansas River Valley. The park features 14 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, including the rim trail that circles the mountain with breathtaking vistas. Visitors can stay in historic CCC-built cabins or camp at the park's campgrounds while enjoying amenities like tennis courts, a swimming pool, and numerous scenic overlooks.
13. Petit Jean State Park
ARKANSAS'S FIRST STATE PARK
Petit Jean State Park, Arkansas's first state park, features dramatic geology, beautiful forested landscapes, and stunning waterfalls including the iconic 95-foot Cedar Falls. The park's historic Mather Lodge offers comfortable accommodations and dining with breathtaking views of Cedar Creek Canyon. Visitors can explore 20 miles of hiking trails, fish in Lake Bailey, view Native American rock art, and learn about the park's history and natural features at the interpretive center.
14. Museum of Automobiles
VINTAGE CAR COLLECTION
The Museum of Automobiles houses an impressive collection of vintage and classic cars, including the rare Climber automobiles manufactured in Arkansas. Located atop Petit Jean Mountain, the museum was originally established by former Arkansas Governor Winthrop Rockefeller to showcase his personal automobile collection. Visitors can view dozens of meticulously restored vehicles spanning automotive history from early 1900s models to mid-century classics.
15. Fort Smith National Historic Site
FRONTIER JUSTICE HISTORY
Fort Smith National Historic Site preserves the remains of two historic frontier forts and the federal court of Judge Isaac C. Parker, known as the "Hanging Judge." The site includes restored gallows, a reconstructed jail known as "Hell on the Border," and exhibits chronicling the military history, Trail of Tears, and law enforcement in Indian Territory. Visitors can explore the barracks, courthouse, jail cells, and commissary building while learning about the complex history of westward expansion and its impact on Native American nations.