Caulksville ArkansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Caulksville, Arkansas.
1. Crater of Diamonds State Park
DIG FOR REAL DIAMONDS
Crater of Diamonds State Park is the only source of natural diamonds in the United States that is open to the public. Visitors can dig for diamonds in this unique park where over 75,000 diamonds have been found since 1906. Whatever diamonds or gemstones guests find are theirs to keep, making this a truly one-of-a-kind attraction.
2. Thorncrown Chapel
STUNNING GLASS WOODLAND CHAPEL
Thorncrown Chapel is a breathtaking glass and wood structure located in a beautiful natural woodland setting. The chapel stands 48 feet tall and features more than 6,000 square feet of glass spread across 425 windows, creating the feeling of worshipping directly in nature. This architectural marvel is a popular wedding venue and offers free admission to visitors with regular Sunday services.
3. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
WORLD-CLASS ART COLLECTION
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art houses a world-class collection of American masterworks spanning five centuries. The museum's stunning architecture, designed by Moshe Safdie, integrates with the natural landscape and includes walking trails adorned with outdoor sculptures. Admission is free to the public, allowing visitors to enjoy works by renowned artists such as Norman Rockwell, Andy Warhol, and Georgia O'Keeffe.
4. Mount Magazine State Park
ARKANSAS'S HIGHEST POINT
Mount Magazine State Park encompasses the highest point in Arkansas at 2,753 feet above sea level. The park offers breathtaking views of the Arkansas River Valley and features a luxurious lodge, cabins, and extensive recreational activities including hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Visitors can enjoy bird watching, butterfly viewing, and exploring the diverse flora and fauna of this mountain ecosystem.
5. Wiederkehr Wine Cellars
HISTORIC SWISS WINERY
Wiederkehr Wine Cellars is one of the oldest and largest wineries in mid-America, established in 1880 by Swiss immigrant Johann Andreas Wiederkehr. Visitors can tour the original hand-dug wine cellar, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and sample a variety of award-winning wines. The on-site Weinkeller Restaurant serves authentic Swiss cuisine in a unique setting inside the original wine cellar.
6. Petit Jean State Park
ARKANSAS'S FIRST STATE PARK
Petit Jean State Park, Arkansas's first state park, offers dramatic views from its position atop Petit Jean Mountain. The park features the spectacular 95-foot Cedar Falls, which plunges into a canyon of native stone, along with a historic lodge, cabins, and campgrounds. Visitors can explore over 20 miles of hiking trails through forests, canyons, and along streams while discovering unique rock formations and abundant wildlife.
7. Fort Smith National Historic Site
GATEWAY TO THE WEST
Fort Smith National Historic Site preserves the remains of two frontier forts and the federal court for the Western District of Arkansas. The site tells the story of justice and injustice on the frontier, featuring exhibits on the Trail of Tears, Federal Judge Isaac C. Parker (known as the 'Hanging Judge'), and the lawmen who patrolled Indian Territory. Visitors can tour the restored gallows, jail cells, and courthouse where infamous outlaws met their fate.
8. Mount Nebo State Park
SCENIC MOUNTAIN GETAWAY
Mount Nebo State Park sits atop a mountain plateau rising 1,350 feet above the Arkansas River Valley, offering spectacular views and outdoor recreation. The park features rustic-style cabins built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, along with 14 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. Visitors can enjoy hang gliding from designated launch points, tennis courts, swimming pools, and breathtaking sunrise and sunset views from multiple overlooks.
9. Ozark Highlands Trail
EPIC BACKCOUNTRY HIKING
The Ozark Highlands Trail is a premier long-distance hiking path that passes near Caulksville, providing access to some of the most remote and scenic wilderness in the Midwest. This trail stretches over 200 miles through the Boston Mountains of the Ozark Plateau, featuring pristine streams, waterfalls, and dramatic bluff overlooks. Hikers can experience diverse ecosystems, abundant wildlife, and the natural beauty of Arkansas's highlands throughout all seasons.
10. Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center
INTERACTIVE WILDLIFE EDUCATION
The Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center offers visitors an immersive experience to learn about the diverse ecosystems of the Arkansas River Valley. The center features aquariums with native fish, terrariums with reptiles and amphibians, and interactive exhibits detailing local wildlife and habitats. Visitors can explore hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and participate in educational programs led by knowledgeable naturalists.
11. Caulksville Country Store
LOCAL FLAVORS AND GOODS
Caulksville Country Store serves as a gathering place for locals and travelers seeking authentic Arkansas products and homestyle foods. The store offers regional specialties, locally-made crafts, and essential groceries in a charming rustic atmosphere that reflects the town's heritage. Visitors can enjoy friendly conversations with residents while sampling traditional Southern snacks and beverages made from family recipes passed down through generations.
12. Cherokee Prairie Natural Area
RARE TALLGRASS PRAIRIE HABITAT
Cherokee Prairie Natural Area preserves one of the last remnants of tallgrass prairie in Arkansas, a critically endangered ecosystem that once covered thousands of acres. The 584-acre preserve showcases over 400 plant species, including rare wildflowers and grasses that burst into color during spring and summer blooming seasons. Visitors can witness the rich biodiversity of the prairie ecosystem while walking designated trails that provide opportunities for photography, bird watching, and botanical study.
13. Subiaco Abbey
HISTORIC BENEDICTINE MONASTERY
Subiaco Abbey is a Benedictine monastery founded in 1878, featuring stunning Romanesque architecture set against the backdrop of the Arkansas countryside. Visitors can tour the abbey church with its beautiful stained glass windows and join the monks for prayer services that have continued uninterrupted for over 140 years. The abbey produces famous peanut brittle, hot sauce, and monk sauce that visitors can purchase as unique souvenirs from their gift shop.
14. Mama's Cafe
HOMESTYLE SOUTHERN COOKING
Mama's Cafe offers authentic Southern cuisine served in a warm, family-friendly atmosphere near Caulksville. The restaurant specializes in made-from-scratch comfort foods like fried chicken, catfish, and homemade pies that showcase traditional Arkansas cooking techniques and flavors. Visitors are treated like family by the welcoming staff who share stories about local history and culture while serving generous portions at reasonable prices.
15. Arkansas Wine Country Trail
LOCAL VINEYARDS AND TASTINGS
The Arkansas Wine Country Trail connects several wineries in the region surrounding Caulksville, showcasing the state's historic wine-making tradition dating back to the 1870s. Visitors can sample distinctive Arkansas wines made from local and hybrid grapes grown in the unique microclimate of the Arkansas River Valley. The trail offers beautiful vineyard views, cellar tours, and wine education experiences that highlight the area's European wine-making heritage and Southern hospitality.