Clarendon ArkansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Clarendon, Arkansas.
1. Clarendon Historic Walking Tour
STEP INTO THE PAST
The Clarendon Historic Walking Tour features 18 historic structures all listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can start their tour at the Clarendon Visitor's Center at 204 Madison Street, housed in the 1921 Merchants and Planters Bank, a Thompson Classical Revival design. Brochures are available at the Visitor's Center to guide tourists through this historical experience.
2. White River National Wildlife Refuge
NATURAL WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
White River National Wildlife Refuge is situated near Clarendon, offering pristine natural habitats for diverse wildlife. The refuge provides excellent opportunities for hunting, fishing, and wildlife observation in its protected ecosystems. Visitors can explore the area through hiking trails, boat tours, and educational programs focused on conservation.
3. Cache River National Wildlife Refuge
WETLAND CONSERVATION AREA
Cache River National Wildlife Refuge surrounds Clarendon, providing crucial wetland habitat for numerous species. The refuge is renowned for its duck hunting opportunities and as an important stopover for migratory birds. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy birdwatching, photography, and educational programs about wetland ecosystems.
4. Louisiana Purchase State Park
HISTORICAL LANDMARK SITE
Louisiana Purchase State Park marks the initial point from which land surveys of the Louisiana Purchase began. The park features a boardwalk that leads visitors through a headwater swamp to a monument commemorating this significant historical site. Interpretive signs along the walkway provide information about both the historical importance and the unique ecosystem.
5. Mack's Prairie Wings
PREMIER WATERFOWL OUTFITTER
Mack's Prairie Wings is a world-renowned waterfowl hunting outfitter and retail store located near Clarendon. The store offers an extensive selection of hunting gear, clothing, and equipment for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors travel from across the country to experience this iconic destination for duck hunting supplies and expertise.
6. Museum of the Arkansas Grand Prairie
AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE SHOWCASE
Museum of the Arkansas Grand Prairie preserves the history of the Grand Prairie region's agricultural heritage. The museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts, equipment, and exhibits that tell the story of rice farming and duck hunting in the area. Visitors can explore how early settlers transformed the Grand Prairie into productive agricultural land.
7. Arts Center of The Grand Prairie
LOCAL CULTURAL HUB
The Arts Center of The Grand Prairie showcases works by local and regional artists in regularly rotating exhibits. The center offers various art classes, workshops, and cultural events throughout the year for all ages. It serves as an important cultural hub for the entire Grand Prairie region, fostering creativity and artistic expression.
8. St. Charles Museum
CIVIL WAR HISTORY
St. Charles Museum interprets the single shot that disabled the ironclad USS Mound City during the Civil War. The museum preserves local history with exhibits focusing on this significant Civil War naval engagement. Visitors can learn about the strategic importance of Arkansas waterways during the conflict and their impact on regional history.
9. Arkansas Post National Memorial
COLONIAL FRONTIER OUTPOST
Arkansas Post National Memorial preserves the remains of the first European settlement in the lower Mississippi River Valley. This historic site was also the location of the January 1863 Battle of Arkansas Post during the Civil War. The memorial offers exhibits, walking trails, and educational programs about both the colonial period and Civil War history.
10. DeValls Bluff BBQ
LEGENDARY ROADSIDE EATERY
DeValls Bluff BBQ offers authentic Arkansas barbecue in a no-frills setting that has attracted food enthusiasts for generations. The restaurant is known for its slow-smoked meats prepared using traditional techniques passed down through generations. Visitors traveling through the region often make special detours to experience this iconic Arkansas culinary landmark.
11. Clarendon City Park
RIVERSIDE RECREATION AREA
Clarendon City Park provides recreational facilities along the scenic White River for residents and visitors. The park offers boat ramps, picnic areas, and open spaces ideal for family gatherings and outdoor activities. Its riverside location makes it popular for fishing, boating, and enjoying the natural beauty of the area.
12. Craig D. Campbell Lake Conway Reservoir
PREMIER FISHING DESTINATION
Craig D. Campbell Lake Conway Reservoir is the largest man-made game and fish commission lake in the United States. The reservoir spans 6,700 acres and is known for excellent fishing, particularly for bass, crappie, and catfish. Multiple access points, boat ramps, and fishing piers make this a popular destination for anglers throughout the year.
13. Camp White Sulphur Springs Confederate Cemetery
CIVIL WAR MEMORIAL GROUNDS
Camp White Sulphur Springs Confederate Cemetery preserves the final resting place of Confederate soldiers who died during the Civil War. During the conflict, the area served as both a staging and training facility for the Confederate army and later as a hospital site. The cemetery provides a solemn place for reflection on Arkansas's role in the Civil War.
14. Camp Nelson Confederate Cemetery
HISTORIC MILITARY BURIAL GROUNDS
Camp Nelson Confederate Cemetery contains the graves of several hundred Confederate soldiers who died during the Civil War. The soldiers were victims of a measles epidemic that swept through their encampment near Cabot. The cemetery stands as a memorial to these young men who never saw battle but nonetheless lost their lives during the conflict.
15. Dagmar Wildlife Management Area
HUNTER'S WOODLAND PARADISE
Dagmar Wildlife Management Area encompasses over 9,000 acres of diverse habitats including bottomland hardwood forests and wetlands. The area is managed for wildlife conservation and offers excellent opportunities for hunting, fishing, and wildlife observation. Visitors can explore designated trails while experiencing one of Arkansas's most pristine natural environments.