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Area Recommendations

Visiting Arkadelphia and not sure what there is to do? We have ideas for you! Whether it's spending time in the outdoors on a walking trail or grabbing a cup of coffee at the local coffee shop, there are a wide variety of options to keep you busy.

 

In Arkadelphia

Outdoors

  • FOR THE HAMMOCKER, DeSoto Bluff Trail, named for Hernando DeSoto whose expedition, some believe, camped on this very spot, is an easy, paved, interpreted walk out to a beautiful pavilion and bluff overlooking the Ouachita River with lots of great trees to tie up on. 
  • FOR THE PADDLER, try Cove Paddle Trail, nestled along DeGray Lake's north shore, a three-mile loop that offers excellent wildlife viewing. DeGray Lake has several other beaches, pavilions, and trails to explore, as well!
  • FOR THE FLOATER, catch the high water in a tube, kayak, or canoe on the Caddo River, which flows into the Ouachita River.
  • FOR THE STROLLER, walk and relax alongside the Ouachita River on Ouachita Baptist University's own Speer Pavilion.

Food

Things To Do

  • CHECK OUT a four-legged friend from the Clark County Humane Society (or bring your own) for a leisurely stroll on Arkadelphia's Feaster Trail, a paved, easy walking trail that's pet-friendly.
  • COOL OFF at the Arkadelphia Aquatic Park, which offers a 25-meter pool, two water slides, fountains, and diverse play areas.
  • EXPLORE HISTORY at the Clark County Historical Association Museum, located in a historic train depot. Admission is free!
  • INDULGE at the famous Juanita's Candy Kitchen with their original peanut brittle, which is legendary, or their cashew and pecan brittle.
  • SHOP AROUND in our walkable, historic downtown, featuring unique stores like The Farmhouse, Kel-Zek’s, Forever Young, Rebel Child, Sheffield’s Music…just start at the corner of 6th and Main gazebo.
  • PLAY A ROUND at the DeGray Lake Resort Golf Course, a scenic and challenging, 18-hole, championship, public golf course.

Lodging

 

Near Arkadelphia

Outdoors

  • FOR THE CASUAL WALKER OR SERIOUS RUNNER, Ouachita Whitewater Park in Malvern is a venue, known as a runner's paradise, that offers walking paths, jogging and biking paths, and open recreation spaces. There is even a playground for the kids.
  • FOR THE FISHER, catch your limit of Florida largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, crappie and channel catfish off the fishing pier at Gurdon Lake.
  • FOR THE EQUESTRIAN, visit Bar Fifty Guest Ranch in Bismarck for a unique experience on horseback while you take in the beauty of the Ouachita Mountains foothills.
  • FOR THE HIKER OR BIKER, the Womble Trail, which stretches from Northfork Lake to the Ouachita National Recreation Trail, is a 32.4 miles, IMBA-designated EPIC Ride and beloved for its rugged beauty.

Historical Landmarks

Food

  • Ohio Club in Hot Springs, a historic hangout of Al Capone
  • DeLuca's Pizzeria in Hot Springs, listed as one of the best pizza places in the United States so calling ahead is recommended
  • Superior Bathhouse Brewery in Hot Springs, the only brewery in a national park with good food and a delicious root beer float made from the hot springs water
  • Fisherman’s Wharf in Hot Springs, right on the lake (people actually boat in) and some of the best seafood around
  • Tacos4Life in Benton, alumni-owned taqueria gives a meal when you get yours

Things To Do

  • DISCOVER native people and archeology at Ka-Do-­Ha Indian Village in Murfreesboro. Museum exhibits display artifacts from Native American culture including pottery jars, pipes, stone stools and projectile points.
  • DO IT ALL! go-kart, get zapped in laser tag or play a round of mini golf at Funtrackers Family Fun Park.
  • EXPLORE at the Mid-America Science Museum in Hot Springs.
  • SEE FOR MILES in every direction from atop the Hot Springs Mountain Tower. An elevator goes to the observation deck 216 feet up.
  • WONDER at a 12-foot waterfall, scramble over boulders, and climb a suspended treehouse at Evans Children's Adventure Garden in Hot Springs' Garvan Woodland Gardens.
  • TRY YOUR luck digging for diamonds at Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro. The 911-acre park features a 37.5-acre plowed field which is the world's only diamond-bearing site accessible to the public. You keep what you find!
  • FLY through the treetops on one of Adventureworks' three ziplining courses. For something really different, consider an exciting, moonlit rides.

 

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