Calion ArkansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Calion, Arkansas.
1. Lake Calion
SERENE OUTDOOR RECREATION
Lake Calion is a 478-acre lake created in 1938 that has been developed as a recreational area by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, and picnicking along the peaceful shoreline. The lake provides a tranquil escape for outdoor enthusiasts and families looking to connect with nature.
2. H.K. Thatcher Lock and Dam
HISTORIC RIVER ENGINEERING
H.K. Thatcher Lock and Dam replaced the original lock and dam on the Ouachita River in 1983. This engineering structure helps control water levels and facilitates river navigation along this important waterway. Visitors can observe river traffic and appreciate the role the dam plays in the region's transportation infrastructure.
3. Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources
OIL BOOM HISTORY
The Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources showcases the state's rich history of oil and bromine production. Interactive exhibits and outdoor displays include vintage equipment and recreations of oil boom towns from the 1920s. Visitors consistently rate this museum highly for its educational value and engaging presentations about the natural resources that shaped the region.
4. South Arkansas Arboretum State Park
NATIVE PLANT SANCTUARY
South Arkansas Arboretum State Park features 13 acres of native flora and exotic species within a peaceful urban setting. The park includes walking trails that wind through diverse plant collections including azaleas, camellias, and magnolias. Nature enthusiasts can observe seasonal blooms and wildlife while enjoying educational signage about the region's ecosystem.
5. Moro Bay State Park
RIVERSIDE CAMPING HAVEN
Moro Bay State Park sits at the confluence of the Ouachita River and Raymond Lake, offering pristine camping and water recreation opportunities. The park features modern campsites, cabins, boat launches, and a marina for visitors to enjoy the surrounding waterways. Nature trails and interpretive programs help guests connect with the diverse wildlife and ecosystems of the area.
6. Marks' Mills Battleground State Park
CIVIL WAR HISTORIC SITE
Marks' Mills Battleground State Park preserves the site of an 1864 Civil War battle that resulted in a Confederate victory. The park includes interpretive panels that explain the battle's significance within the larger Camden Expedition. Visitors can walk the grounds where Union soldiers were ambushed while escorting a supply train.
7. Poison Springs Battleground State Park
CIVIL WAR MEMORIAL
Poison Springs Battleground State Park commemorates a significant Civil War engagement that took place on April 18, 1864. The battle was notable for the Confederate forces' capture of Union supplies and the controversial killing of African American Union soldiers. Today, interpretive exhibits help visitors understand this tragic chapter in Arkansas history while picnic facilities allow for reflection in a peaceful wooded setting.
8. HealthWorks Fitness Center
COMPREHENSIVE WELLNESS FACILITY
HealthWorks Fitness Center offers a complete range of exercise equipment, group classes, and wellness programs for the surrounding community. The facility includes swimming pools, tennis courts, and specialized fitness areas to accommodate various workout preferences. Highly rated by visitors, this center provides a welcoming environment for people of all fitness levels.
9. Jefferson Street Books
CHARMING INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORE
Jefferson Street Books provides a cozy atmosphere for book lovers in South Arkansas. The store offers a curated selection of titles across genres, with knowledgeable staff ready to make recommendations. Literary events and reading groups make this bookstore a cultural hub for the community.
10. Mina Rea's Antiques & Embroidery
VINTAGE TREASURES AND CRAFTS
Mina Rea's Antiques & Embroidery offers a delightful shopping experience featuring carefully selected vintage items and custom embroidery services. The shop combines the charm of antique collectibles with personalized handcrafted goods unique to the region. Visitors can find one-of-a-kind souvenirs and gifts while experiencing authentic local culture.
11. Keller Site
ANCIENT MOUND COMPLEX
The Keller Site is a prehistoric ceremonial center featuring burial mounds established around 500-600 CE by the Coles Creek culture. This archaeological treasure also saw use during the Caddoan period around 1200 CE and was partially excavated in 1909. The site remains relatively undisturbed, offering valuable potential for further archaeological research into ancient Native American cultures.
12. Calion Sawmill
HISTORIC TIMBER INDUSTRY
The Calion Sawmill stands as the economic cornerstone of this small riverside community, continuing a tradition of timber processing that dates back generations. Visitors can observe the modern lumber production facilities that evolved from the town's historic beginnings as a sawmill community. The facility represents the enduring importance of the wood products industry in southern Arkansas's economy.
13. Murphy Oil District Office
ENERGY INDUSTRY LANDMARK
The Murphy Oil District Office in El Dorado represents the region's significant petroleum heritage and ongoing energy production. The company, which originated in the southern Arkansas oil boom, maintains an important presence in the area near Calion. Visitors interested in the region's economic drivers can appreciate this symbol of the industry that helped shape southern Arkansas.
14. El Dorado Historic District
OIL BOOM ARCHITECTURE
El Dorado Historic District showcases beautifully preserved architecture from the 1920s oil boom era just a short drive from Calion. Stately buildings line the downtown streets, telling the story of sudden wealth and rapid development that transformed the region. Visitors can enjoy self-guided walking tours to admire the Art Deco and Classical Revival structures while exploring shops and restaurants housed in these historic buildings.
15. South Arkansas Arts Center
REGIONAL CREATIVE HUB
The South Arkansas Arts Center serves as a cultural beacon for the region surrounding Calion, housing galleries, a theater, and studio spaces. The center hosts rotating art exhibitions, theatrical productions, and educational programs throughout the year. Visitors can experience the creative spirit of southern Arkansas through various visual and performing arts events in this welcoming community space.