Chidester ArkansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Chidester, Arkansas.
1. McCollum-Chidester House Museum
HISTORIC SOUTHERN ARCHITECTURE
The McCollum-Chidester House Museum was built in 1847 by Peter McCollum with materials shipped from New Orleans, featuring the first planed lumber, plastered walls, carpeting, and wallpaper in the area. It was purchased by the Ouachita County Historical Society in 1963 and established as a museum preserving the style and manner of the Chidester family. The house was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971, making it a significant historical landmark in southern Arkansas.
2. Poison Spring State Park
CIVIL WAR BATTLEFIELD SITE
Poison Spring State Park commemorates the Civil War battle that took place there on April 18, 1864, during the Camden Expedition. Visitors can explore interpretive exhibits about this significant historical event while enjoying the natural beauty of the park. The park offers walking trails through wooded areas where the battle occurred, making it an educational and scenic destination.
3. White Oak Lake State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
White Oak Lake State Park offers visitors access to a 1,700-acre lake that's renowned for its fishing opportunities, particularly for largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish. The park features camping facilities, hiking trails, and picnic areas set among beautiful pine forests. Visitors can also enjoy water activities such as swimming, boating, and kayaking in this tranquil natural setting.
4. Fern Hollow Trail
SCENIC NATURE WALK
Fern Hollow Trail provides hikers with a peaceful journey through the natural beauty of southern Arkansas. The trail winds through lush vegetation, showcasing native flora and fauna in a serene woodland setting. Visitors can enjoy bird watching, photography, and the therapeutic benefits of forest bathing while exploring this hidden gem.
5. Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources
OIL AND BRINE HISTORY
The Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources tells the story of the 1920s oil boom that transformed southern Arkansas. Interactive exhibits showcase vintage equipment, recreations of oil fields, and explain the scientific processes behind oil and brine production. The museum offers educational programs and houses an impressive collection of artifacts related to the region's natural resource heritage.
6. Elkins Ferry Battlefield
CIVIL WAR HISTORIC SITE
Elkins Ferry Battlefield is a National Historic Landmark where Federal troops crossed the Little Missouri River against Confederate resistance on April 3-4, 1864. The site preserves an important location from the Camden Expedition during the Civil War, offering visitors insight into this strategic military engagement. History enthusiasts can explore the area and learn about how this crossing affected the outcome of the campaign in southern Arkansas.
7. Prairie D'Ane Battlefield
CIVIL WAR COMBAT GROUND
Prairie D'Ane Battlefield is where Union and Confederate forces skirmished between April 9-12, 1864, ultimately blunting the Union drive to Louisiana. This National Historic Landmark preserves the site of a crucial series of engagements during the Camden Expedition of the Civil War. Visitors can walk the grounds where soldiers fought and gain perspective on the strategic importance of this prairie battlefield.
8. Nevada County Depot & Museum
RAILROAD HERITAGE CENTER
The Nevada County Depot & Museum is housed in a beautifully restored historic train depot that once served as a hub for southwestern Arkansas. Exhibits showcase the importance of railroads to the region's development, local history, and artifacts from various periods. The museum provides visitors with a glimpse into the transportation networks that shaped the economic and social landscape of the area.
9. Clark County Arkansas Museum
REGIONAL HISTORY COLLECTION
The Clark County Arkansas Museum preserves and displays artifacts that tell the story of this historic region from indigenous inhabitants through modern times. Collections include household items, agricultural implements, military memorabilia, and photographs documenting local history. The museum offers educational programs and special exhibits that highlight different aspects of Clark County's rich cultural heritage.
10. Confederate State Capitol at Old Washington
CIVIL WAR GOVERNMENT SITE
The Confederate State Capitol at Old Washington State Park is an 1836 structure that served as Arkansas's Confederate capital after Little Rock fell to Union forces. This National Historic Landmark played a crucial role in the strategies of both Confederate and Union armies during the Civil War. Visitors can tour the restored building and learn about Arkansas's complex Civil War history through interpretive exhibits and guided tours.
11. Fort Southerland
CIVIL WAR DEFENSE POSITION
Fort Southerland, located on Bradley Ferry Road near Camden, was originally built by Confederate troops as part of the city's defensive network. The earthworks were later used and improved by Union forces during their occupation of Camden in April 1864. This National Historic Landmark offers visitors a chance to see preserved Civil War fortifications and understand their strategic importance in the Camden Expedition.
12. Fort Lookout
STRATEGIC MILITARY VANTAGE
Fort Lookout on Van Buren Road represents an essential component of Camden's Civil War defenses, offering commanding views of the surrounding countryside. Like its companion Fort Southerland, it was constructed by Confederate forces and later improved by Union troops during their brief occupation of the city. This National Historic Landmark preserves military engineering from the 1860s and helps visitors understand the tactical considerations of Civil War armies.
13. White Oak Lake
PREMIER FISHING DESTINATION
White Oak Lake provides anglers with excellent opportunities to catch largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish in its clear waters. The 1,700-acre lake is known for its quality fishing and scenic beauty, surrounded by pine forests and gentle hills. Boaters and kayakers also enjoy exploring the lake's numerous coves and inlets while taking in the peaceful natural surroundings.
14. Old U.S. Arsenal
CIVIL WAR STARTING POINT
The Old U.S. Arsenal Building, located at 9th and Commerce streets in Little Rock, served as the starting point for Frederick Steele's Union troops during the Camden Expedition of 1864. This National Historic Landmark represents the beginning of a military campaign that would significantly impact southern Arkansas during the Civil War. The historic structure now houses exhibits detailing its military significance and architectural importance.
15. Ouachita County Historical Society
LOCAL HERITAGE PRESERVATION
The Ouachita County Historical Society maintains the McCollum-Chidester House Museum and works to preserve the rich history of the region. The society collects artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of Camden and the surrounding area from its earliest days. Members organize events, exhibitions, and educational programs to promote awareness and appreciation of local heritage.