Washington ArkansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Washington, Arkansas.
1. Historic Washington State Park
19TH CENTURY ARKANSAS LANDMARK
Historic Washington State Park features the largest collection of 19th-century buildings in Arkansas and serves as an important historical site where figures like James Bowie, Sam Houston, and Davy Crockett once traveled. Visitors can explore the 1874 Courthouse which serves as the visitor center, along with numerous historic locations throughout the park. The park commemorates Washington's significance as the Confederate capital of Arkansas from 1863-1865.
2. B.W. Edwards Weapons Museum
HISTORIC WEAPONRY COLLECTION
The B.W. Edwards Weapons Museum is located within the Historic Washington State Park and showcases an impressive collection of historical weapons. Visitors can learn about the evolution of weaponry and its significance in Arkansas's frontier history. The museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the military and hunting equipment used during Washington's heyday.
3. Blacksmith Shop
HOME OF BOWIE KNIFE
The Blacksmith Shop in Historic Washington State Park is the legendary site where James Black forged the famous Bowie knife for Jim Bowie. Today, visitors can watch demonstrations by a resident blacksmith who showcases traditional blacksmithing skills and answers questions about the craft. This interactive historical experience provides insight into one of the most important trades of 19th-century frontier life.
4. Print Museum
HISTORICAL PRINTING PRESS
The Print Museum in Historic Washington State Park preserves the history of 19th-century printing technology. Visitors can see authentic printing equipment and learn about how newspapers and other printed materials were produced in frontier Arkansas. The museum offers a glimpse into how information was disseminated during Washington's heyday as an important Southwest Trail settlement.
5. Williams Tavern Restaurant
HISTORIC SOUTHERN DINING
Williams Tavern Restaurant offers authentic home-style Southern cooking in a historic setting within Washington State Park. The restaurant serves meals Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., providing visitors with a taste of traditional regional cuisine. Dining at Williams Tavern allows guests to experience the hospitality that would have greeted travelers along the Southwest Trail in the 19th century.
6. Klipsch Museum of Audio History
AUDIO INNOVATION HERITAGE
The Klipsch Museum of Audio History celebrates the legacy of audio pioneer Paul W. Klipsch and his revolutionary speaker designs. Visitors can view original Klipschorn speakers and learn about the technological innovations that changed home audio forever. The museum preserves the history of this Arkansas-based audio company that became a worldwide leader in high-fidelity sound reproduction.
7. Block-Catts House
HISTORIC RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE
The Block-Catts House stands as an excellent example of 19th-century residential architecture in Historic Washington State Park. Visitors can tour this well-preserved home to gain insights into the domestic life and architectural styles of frontier Arkansas. The house features period-appropriate furnishings and decor that transport guests back to Washington's prosperous past.
8. Brunson House
PIONEER FAMILY HOME
The Brunson House in Historic Washington State Park represents the dwelling of one of the area's notable pioneer families. The preserved home offers visitors a glimpse into domestic life during Washington's heyday as an important settlement on the Southwest Trail. Tours of the Brunson House highlight the daily experiences of early Arkansas settlers and their contributions to the development of the region.
9. Candle Shop
TRADITIONAL CANDLEMAKING DEMONSTRATIONS
The Candle Shop in Historic Washington State Park demonstrates the essential craft of candlemaking as practiced in 19th-century Arkansas. Visitors can watch artisans create hand-dipped and molded candles using traditional techniques and natural materials. The shop also offers handcrafted candles for purchase, allowing guests to take home an authentic piece of history.
10. Washington Magnolia Tree
STATE'S LARGEST MAGNOLIA
The Washington Magnolia Tree holds the distinction of being the largest magnolia tree in the state of Arkansas. Located near the historic 1914 Washington schoolhouse, this impressive natural landmark has witnessed generations of local history. Visitors often marvel at the tree's massive size and beautiful blossoms during flowering season.
11. 1914 Washington Schoolhouse
HISTORIC EDUCATIONAL BUILDING
The 1914 Washington Schoolhouse stands as a testament to early 20th-century educational architecture in rural Arkansas. This historic building offers visitors insight into how education evolved in small-town America during a transformative period. Located near the state's largest magnolia tree, the schoolhouse completes an engaging historical landscape that spans multiple eras.
12. Old Washington Jail
FRONTIER LAW ENFORCEMENT
The Old Washington Jail provides visitors with a glimpse into frontier justice and law enforcement practices. This preserved structure housed lawbreakers during Washington's days as an important Southwest Trail settlement and later as the Confederate capital of Arkansas. Tours of the jail highlight the stark conditions and primitive security measures of 19th-century incarceration.
13. Hope Visitor Center and Museum
REGIONAL HISTORY EXHIBITS
The Hope Visitor Center and Museum showcases the history and culture of southwestern Arkansas in the nearby city of Hope. Visitors can explore exhibits detailing the area's agricultural heritage, railroad development, and notable residents including former President Bill Clinton who was born in Hope. The center serves as an excellent starting point for exploring the wider region around Washington.
14. President Bill Clinton Birthplace
PRESIDENTIAL HISTORIC SITE
The President Bill Clinton Birthplace in nearby Hope preserves the home where the 42nd U.S. President spent his early childhood years. This National Historic Site includes the restored 1917 house and exhibits about Clinton's formative experiences in small-town Arkansas. Guided tours provide insights into the influences that shaped Clinton's character and political philosophy before his rise to national prominence.
15. Crater of Diamonds State Park
PUBLIC DIAMOND MINING
Crater of Diamonds State Park, located about an hour from Washington in Murfreesboro, is the world's only public diamond mine where visitors can search for and keep any diamonds they find. The 37-acre plowed field sits atop an ancient volcanic crater that has yielded thousands of diamonds since its discovery in 1906. Beyond diamond hunting, the park offers camping, hiking trails, and water-based recreation at the Diamond Springs water playground.