Cale ArkansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Cale, Arkansas.
1. White Oak Lake State Park
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE PARADISE
White Oak Lake State Park offers visitors a serene natural escape near Cale, Arkansas. The park features excellent fishing opportunities with bass, crappie, and catfish in its 1,700-acre lake. Visitors can enjoy camping, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing in this beautiful park setting.
2. Poison Spring State Park
HISTORIC BATTLEFIELD SITE
Poison Spring State Park commemorates the Civil War battle that occurred on April 18, 1864. The park preserves the site where Confederate forces ambushed Union soldiers during the Camden Expedition. Visitors can explore interpretive exhibits, picnic areas, and walking trails through the historic grounds.
3. Crater of Diamonds State Park
DIAMOND HUNTING ADVENTURE
Crater of Diamonds State Park is the only diamond-producing site in the world open to the public. Visitors can search for real diamonds in the park's 37.5-acre plowed field and keep what they find. The park also offers camping, hiking trails, and a water play area during summer months.
4. Garvan Woodland Gardens
BOTANICAL PARADISE
Garvan Woodland Gardens is a stunning 210-acre botanical garden operated by the University of Arkansas. The gardens feature breathtaking seasonal displays, architectural wonders like the Anthony Chapel, and beautiful walking paths through themed garden areas. Visitors can enjoy the tranquil setting year-round with special events and holiday light displays in winter.
5. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
WORLD-CLASS ART COLLECTION
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art houses a remarkable collection of American masterpieces spanning five centuries. The museum's stunning architecture integrates with the natural surroundings, featuring walking trails and outdoor sculptures throughout the grounds. Admission to the permanent collection is free, making this world-class art institution accessible to all visitors.
6. Hot Springs National Park
HISTORIC THERMAL SPRINGS
Hot Springs National Park preserves and celebrates the natural thermal waters that have attracted visitors for centuries. The park features the historic Bathhouse Row with grand architecture from the early 20th century spa heyday. Visitors can hike mountain trails, explore geology exhibits, and even sample the famous thermal waters at public fountains.
7. Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center
HISTORIC SPA MUSEUM
The Fordyce Bathhouse serves as the visitor center for Hot Springs National Park, offering a fascinating glimpse into the golden age of spa tourism. Visitors can take self-guided tours through well-preserved exhibits showcasing the heritage of thermal water treatments and their medicinal applications. The beautifully restored facility features stained glass, marble, and period furnishings that transport visitors back to the early 1900s.
8. Thorncrown Chapel
ARCHITECTURAL GLASS MARVEL
Thorncrown Chapel is an architectural masterpiece constructed primarily of glass and wood in a woodland setting. The soaring structure stands 48 feet tall with 425 windows and over 6,000 square feet of glass, creating a breathtaking sanctuary illuminated by natural light. The chapel has won numerous architectural awards and attracts visitors from around the world who come to appreciate its serene beauty.
9. Buffalo National River
PRISTINE UNDAMMED WATERWAY
Buffalo National River flows freely for 135 miles as one of the few remaining undammed rivers in the lower 48 states. Visitors can explore its clear waters by canoe, kayak, or raft while witnessing massive limestone bluffs and lush Ozark scenery. The park offers hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing opportunities throughout its protected corridor.
10. Arkansas Post National Memorial
HISTORIC COLONIAL SETTLEMENT
Arkansas Post National Memorial preserves the remains of the first European settlement in the lower Mississippi River Valley. The site has witnessed a rich cultural history, serving as a French trading post, Spanish fort, and American frontier settlement. Visitors can explore museum exhibits, walking trails, and archaeological sites that tell the story of this historically significant location.
11. Clinton Birthplace Home
PRESIDENTIAL HISTORIC SITE
The Clinton Birthplace Home preserves the modest house where 42nd President Bill Clinton spent his early childhood years. The restored 1917 home offers guided tours showcasing period furnishings and personal artifacts from Clinton's youth. Visitors gain insight into the formative experiences that shaped Clinton's worldview and political philosophy during his time in this small Arkansas town.
12. Petit Jean State Park
SCENIC MOUNTAIN RETREAT
Petit Jean State Park, Arkansas' first state park, offers spectacular views from its mountaintop location. Visitors can explore historic CCC-built structures, hiking trails leading to Cedar Falls, and diverse ecosystems within the park boundaries. The park features rustic cabins, camping areas, and a historic lodge making it perfect for overnight stays in a beautiful natural setting.
13. McClard's Bar-B-Q
LEGENDARY BBQ INSTITUTION
McClard's Bar-B-Q has been serving authentic Southern barbecue to locals and visitors since 1928. The family-owned restaurant is famous for its slow-smoked meats, tangy sauce, and signature tamale spread. McClard's has achieved iconic status in Arkansas, drawing food enthusiasts and even presidents who come for the unpretentious atmosphere and consistently delicious barbecue.
14. Central Avenue Historic District
VIBRANT SHOPPING DESTINATION
Central Avenue Historic District showcases Hot Springs' charming downtown with its unique shops, galleries, and restaurants. Visitors can stroll the historic promenade, browse for souvenirs, locally-made crafts, and specialty foods in the various boutiques. The district combines historic architecture with modern amenities, creating a delightful shopping and dining experience near the national park.
15. Museum of Native American History
INDIGENOUS CULTURAL TREASURE
The Museum of Native American History houses an extensive collection of artifacts spanning over 14,000 years of Native American history. Visitors can view rare pieces including pottery, tools, arrowheads, and headdresses from various indigenous cultures. The museum offers audio tours and educational exhibits that provide insight into the rich heritage of America's first inhabitants.