Bonanza ArkansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Bonanza, Arkansas.
1. Coal Mining Historical Site
BONANZA'S MINING HERITAGE
Coal Mining Historical Site preserves the industrial legacy of Bonanza, which began as a coal mining town of the Central Coal and Coke Company. Visitors can explore exhibits highlighting the importance of coal mining to the development of this small Arkansas community. The site offers a glimpse into the working conditions and daily lives of the miners who helped establish the town.
2. Thorncrown Chapel
ARCHITECTURAL WOODLAND MARVEL
Thorncrown Chapel is a stunning architectural masterpiece nestled in the Ozark woods near Eureka Springs. The glass-walled structure, designed by E. Fay Jones, features 425 windows and over 6,000 square feet of glass that creates a breathtaking interplay of light and shadow. Visitors from around the world come to experience the serene beauty of this award-winning chapel that blends seamlessly with its natural surroundings.
3. Fordyce Bathhouse
HISTORIC SPA EXPERIENCE
Fordyce Bathhouse serves as the visitor center for Hot Springs National Park and showcases the luxurious bathing rituals of the early 20th century. The meticulously preserved facility features marble, stained glass, and antique fixtures that transport visitors back to the golden age of therapeutic bathing. Informative displays throughout the historic bathhouse detail the evolution of spa treatments and the natural hot springs that made the area famous.
4. Talimena National Scenic Byway
BREATHTAKING MOUNTAIN DRIVE
Talimena National Scenic Byway offers a spectacular 54-mile drive with strategic vistas positioned along the route for panoramic views across the Ouachita Mountains. The byway is especially popular during autumn when the foliage transforms into brilliant hues of red, orange, and gold. Travelers can enjoy numerous pull-offs and interpretive sites that explain the natural and cultural history of this remarkable mountain landscape.
5. Queen Wilhelmina State Park
CASTLE IN THE SKY
Queen Wilhelmina State Park, known as 'The Castle in the Sky,' is located 13 miles northwest of Mena and draws thousands of visitors to its majestic peak each year. The park features a historic lodge perched atop Rich Mountain, Arkansas's second-highest peak, offering spectacular views of the surrounding Ouachita Mountains. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, interpretive programs, and comfortable accommodations in this mountain retreat.
6. Cossatot River State Park
WILD RIVER ADVENTURE
Cossatot River State Park encompasses over 5,300 acres of rugged wooded slopes, outstanding geological features, and cascading clear waters. The park is renowned for its challenging Class III, IV, and V rapids that attract skilled canoeists, rafters, and kayakers seeking adventure. Beyond water recreation, visitors can explore hiking trails, observe diverse wildlife, and learn about the area's unique ecosystem through interpretive programs.
7. Ouachita National Forest
VAST WOODLAND WILDERNESS
Ouachita National Forest spans nearly 1.8 million acres across Arkansas and Oklahoma, offering endless outdoor recreation possibilities. The forest features diverse ecosystems, from pine-covered mountains to hardwood bottomlands, providing habitat for numerous wildlife species and plant communities. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, and scenic drives throughout this expansive natural treasure.
8. Old US Arsenal
CIVIL WAR HISTORY
The Old US Arsenal in Little Rock stands as an important National Historic Landmark dating back to the 1840s. This military installation played a significant role during the Civil War when it was seized by Confederate forces at the beginning of the conflict. Today, the preserved structure offers visitors insight into Arkansas's military history through exhibits and guided tours.
9. Crystal Mines
DIG FOR TREASURES
The Crystal Mines of Arkansas provide visitors with the unique opportunity to dig for their own quartz crystals in the mineral-rich Ouachita Mountains. These mines offer an exciting experience where people of all ages can search for and keep the beautiful clear crystals they uncover. The friendly staff provides guidance on effective digging techniques and helps identify the various mineral specimens discovered.
10. Arkansas River Bridge
SCENIC RIVER CROSSING
The Arkansas River Bridge connects Fort Smith with neighboring communities while offering spectacular views of the Arkansas River. Pedestrians can enjoy a short but pleasant walk across the span, taking in the sights and sounds of the flowing water below. The bridge serves as both an important transportation link and a popular spot for watching riverboats, wildlife, and stunning sunsets.
11. Pea Ridge National Military Park
CIVIL WAR BATTLEFIELD
Pea Ridge National Military Park preserves the site of a pivotal Civil War battle that helped secure Missouri for the Union in 1862. The well-maintained battlefield features informative exhibits at the Visitor Center that are both educational and thought-provoking for people of all ages. Visitors can drive or walk through the expansive grounds, following the battle's progression through interpretive markers and restored historic structures.
12. Mena Depot
RESTORED RAILWAY HISTORY
The Mena Depot stands as a beautifully restored train station that highlights the importance of railways to this small Arkansas community. The historic structure now serves as a museum where visitors can learn about local transportation history and the impact of the railroad on regional development. Period furnishings and informative displays transport guests back to the golden age of rail travel in the American South.
13. Confederate State Capitol
CIVIL WAR GOVERNMENT
The Confederate State Capitol at Old Washington served as Arkansas's seat of government during the Civil War after Union forces captured Little Rock. This historic building represents a critical chapter in Arkansas's divided Civil War history and the state's Confederate legacy. Visitors can tour the preserved structure to gain insight into the political climate and governmental operations during this tumultuous period in American history.
14. Elkins Ferry Battlefield
HISTORIC MILITARY SITE
Elkins Ferry Battlefield commemorates an 1864 Civil War skirmish that was part of the larger Red River Campaign. The site preserves the area where Union forces successfully crossed the Little Missouri River despite Confederate resistance. Visitors can explore interpretive trails and markers that explain the strategic importance of this crossing point during the Camden Expedition.
15. Prairie D'Ane Battlefield
CIVIL WAR PRAIRIE BATTLE
Prairie D'Ane Battlefield preserves the site of an important 1864 Civil War engagement fought across a rare prairie landscape in southwest Arkansas. This National Historic Landmark commemorates the clash between Union forces under General Frederick Steele and Confederate defenders during the Camden Expedition. Visitors can walk the grounds where thousands of soldiers once fought and learn about the battle's significance through interpretive displays.