Wilmot ArkansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Wilmot, Arkansas.
1. Lake Enterprise
SERENE OXBOW LAKE
Lake Enterprise is a picturesque oxbow lake formed from Bayou Bartholomew, the world's longest bayou. The tranquil environment features mature bald cypress trees draped in Spanish moss, creating a perfect setting for relaxation and nature photography. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, and observing local wildlife in this natural haven.
2. Wilmot Cemetery
HISTORIC BURIAL GROUND
Wilmot Cemetery offers visitors insights into the area's rich historical past. The cemetery contains graves dating back to the town's early development, reflecting the agricultural heritage of this southern Arkansas community. Walking through the grounds provides a quiet moment of reflection and connection to Wilmot's cultural history.
3. Lake Enterprise Mound
ANCIENT ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE
The mound at Lake Enterprise is possibly the oldest in Arkansas, dating back to the Archaic Period (9500–650 BC). This archaeological site highlights the region's ancient habitation long before European settlement. Visitors interested in Native American history will appreciate this significant historical landmark.
4. Country Cupboard
SOUTHERN COMFORT FOOD
Country Cupboard is a beloved local establishment known for its authentic Southern cuisine. The restaurant serves hearty, home-style meals that reflect the culinary traditions of the region. Visitors and locals alike gather here to enjoy comforting dishes in a friendly, small-town atmosphere.
5. Chemin-A-Haut State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Chemin-A-Haut State Park, located just a short drive from Wilmot, offers visitors a diverse range of outdoor recreational activities. The park features hiking trails, fishing spots, camping facilities, and picnic areas nestled among beautiful natural surroundings. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the park's rich biodiversity and scenic landscapes.
6. Panola Pepper Company
SPICY LOCAL FLAVORS
Panola Pepper Company is a regional producer of hot sauces, pepper jellies, and other spicy condiments near the Arkansas-Louisiana border. Visitors can tour the facility to learn about the pepper-growing and sauce-making processes that have made this company a local institution. The on-site store offers samples and products to take home as flavorful souvenirs.
7. Ditch Bayou Battlefield
CIVIL WAR HISTORIC SITE
Ditch Bayou Battlefield preserves the site of one of the last Civil War battles fought in Arkansas. The historic location allows visitors to learn about this significant 1864 engagement through interpretive displays. History buffs will appreciate exploring this lesser-known but important piece of regional Civil War history.
8. Louisiana State Cotton Museum
AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE CENTER
The Louisiana State Cotton Museum showcases the rich history and cultural impact of cotton production in the region. Exhibits feature vintage farming equipment, historical photographs, and interactive displays that tell the story of cotton's influence on local communities. The museum provides valuable insights into the agricultural heritage shared by both southern Arkansas and northern Louisiana.
9. Lakeport Plantation
ANTEBELLUM HISTORIC HOME
Lakeport Plantation is Arkansas's only remaining antebellum plantation home on the Mississippi River. The meticulously restored Greek Revival mansion offers guided tours that provide a glimpse into 19th-century plantation life. Visitors can examine original architectural features and learn about the complex history of the region during this pivotal era.
10. Crater of Diamonds State Park
DIAMOND HUNTING ADVENTURE
Crater of Diamonds State Park offers visitors the unique opportunity to search for real diamonds in their original volcanic source. The 37.5-acre plowed field is the world's only diamond-producing site open to the public where finders keep what they discover. The park also features walking trails, picnic sites, and a water play area for cooling off after a day of prospecting.
11. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
WORLD-CLASS ART COLLECTION
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art houses a permanent collection that spans five centuries of American masterworks. The stunning museum building, designed by architect Moshe Safdie, integrates with the surrounding Ozark landscape and features spring-fed ponds. Visitors can explore both the impressive art collection and the museum's 120-acre grounds with outdoor sculptures and walking trails.
12. Petit Jean State Park
SCENIC MOUNTAIN RETREAT
Petit Jean State Park, Arkansas's first state park, features stunning natural beauty including the 95-foot Cedar Falls, dramatic rock formations, and panoramic views. Visitors can explore miles of hiking trails, including historic paths built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the 1930s. The park also offers rustic cabins, a lodge, and camping facilities for overnight stays amid the mountain scenery.
13. Hamburg Historic District
SMALL TOWN CHARM
Hamburg Historic District showcases the preserved architecture and small-town atmosphere of this community just 20 miles from Wilmot. Visitors can stroll through the downtown area to admire historic buildings and browse local shops. The district serves as the heart of this charming southeastern Arkansas town and hosts various community events throughout the year.
14. Lake Chicot State Park
NATURAL LAKE RECREATION
Lake Chicot State Park is situated on the shores of Lake Chicot, the largest natural lake in Arkansas and the largest oxbow lake in North America. The park offers excellent fishing opportunities, with the lake known for its abundance of crappie, bass, and catfish. Visitors can enjoy boating, bird watching, camping, and staying in lakeside cabins while exploring this unique natural environment.
15. Crossett Experimental Forest
FORESTRY RESEARCH AREA
Crossett Experimental Forest serves as a living laboratory for sustainable forestry practices and ecological research. The 1,680-acre site features demonstration areas, interpretive trails, and diverse forest ecosystems that visitors can explore. Nature enthusiasts and those interested in forestry will appreciate learning about the long-term research conducted here since its establishment in 1934.