Concord ArkansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Concord, Arkansas.
1. Disc Golf Course
OUTDOOR RECREATION FOR ALL
The Disc Golf Course at Mountain View City Park offers an engaging outdoor activity for players of all skill levels. Visitors can enjoy a well-maintained course with various challenging holes amid the natural beauty of the Ozarks. The course has received excellent reviews from visitors, making it a popular destination for disc golf enthusiasts.
2. The Southern Belle Flea Market
TREASURE HUNTER'S PARADISE
The Southern Belle Flea Market is a beloved shopping destination in Concord offering a wide range of unique finds and antiques. Shoppers can browse through numerous vendors selling everything from vintage collectibles to handcrafted items. The market's charming atmosphere and friendly vendors create an enjoyable shopping experience for visitors looking for one-of-a-kind treasures.
3. Trumpeter Swan Viewing
MAJESTIC WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE
Trumpeter Swan viewing in Concord provides visitors with a chance to observe these magnificent birds in their natural habitat. The seasonal migration of these impressive waterfowl creates a spectacular wildlife viewing opportunity that attracts bird enthusiasts from across the region. Visitors are advised to bring binoculars and cameras to fully appreciate these majestic creatures.
4. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
WORLD-CLASS ART COLLECTION
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art houses a stunning collection of American masterpieces spanning five centuries. The museum's architectural marvel, designed by Moshe Safdie, sits harmoniously within 120 acres of Ozark forest with spring-fed ponds and miles of sculpture and walking trails. Visitors can enjoy free general admission to the permanent collection that includes works by iconic American artists like Norman Rockwell, Andy Warhol, and Georgia O'Keeffe.
5. Crater of Diamonds State Park
DIG FOR REAL DIAMONDS
Crater of Diamonds State Park is the only public diamond mine in the United States where visitors can search for and keep any diamonds they find. The 37-acre plowed field sits atop an ancient volcanic crater that has yielded thousands of diamonds since its discovery in 1906. Alongside diamond hunting, the park offers camping facilities, walking trails, and a water park for cooling off after a day of prospecting.
6. Petit Jean State Park
SCENIC MOUNTAIN WILDERNESS
Petit Jean State Park, Arkansas's first state park, features breathtaking views from its mountaintop location and historic CCC-built structures dating back to the 1930s. Visitors can explore the park's signature attraction, Cedar Falls, a spectacular 95-foot waterfall cascading into Cedar Creek Canyon. The park offers extensive hiking trails, including the popular Seven Hollows Trail, alongside fishing, boating, and camping opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.
7. Old Washington State Park
HISTORIC CONFEDERATE CAPITAL
Old Washington State Park preserves the historic town that once served as Arkansas's Confederate capital during the Civil War. The park features more than 30 carefully restored historic structures, including the 1836 courthouse that housed the state government during this turbulent period. Visitors can take guided tours, enjoy living history demonstrations, and experience special events that bring this important piece of Arkansas history to life.
8. Hot Springs National Park
AMERICA'S OLDEST NATIONAL PARK
Hot Springs National Park centers around the natural thermal springs that have attracted visitors for centuries seeking their purported healing properties. The park's Bathhouse Row features eight historic bathhouses from the early 20th century, with the Fordyce Bathhouse now serving as the park's visitor center and museum. Visitors can still experience the thermal waters at operating bathhouses, hike the park's 26 miles of trails, or enjoy the mountain views from the Hot Springs Mountain Tower.
9. Buffalo National River
AMERICA'S FIRST NATIONAL RIVER
Buffalo National River flows freely for 135 miles through the heart of the Ozarks, offering pristine waters and dramatic limestone bluffs. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and swimming along various access points throughout the river's course. The surrounding wilderness area provides excellent hiking opportunities, including trails to iconic locations like Hawksbill Crag (Whitaker Point) and the massive natural bridge at Eden Falls.
10. Ozark Folk Center State Park
LIVING APPALACHIAN HERITAGE
Ozark Folk Center State Park preserves the crafts, music, and heritage of the Ozark Mountain region through living history demonstrations and performances. Skilled artisans demonstrate traditional crafts like blacksmithing, pottery, weaving, and woodworking in the Craft Village's numerous workshops. Visitors can also enjoy authentic mountain music performances, explore the Heritage Herb Garden, and participate in seasonal workshops to learn traditional Ozark skills.
11. Blanchard Springs Caverns
UNDERGROUND NATURAL WONDER
Blanchard Springs Caverns is a spectacular three-level cave system nestled in the Ozark National Forest featuring awe-inspiring formations that continue to grow and change. Visitors can choose from several guided tours ranging from easy to challenging that showcase massive flowstone, stalactites, stalagmites, and columns in dramatically lit chambers. The surrounding recreation area includes hiking trails, picnic sites, and the namesake spring that emerges from the mountainside before cascading down a beautiful waterfall.
12. Eureka Springs Historic District
VICTORIAN MOUNTAIN VILLAGE
Eureka Springs Historic District encompasses a remarkably preserved Victorian mountain village built around natural springs once believed to have healing properties. The entire town is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, featuring winding streets, no traffic lights, and hundreds of Victorian-era buildings clinging to the steep hillsides. Visitors can explore unique shops, galleries, spas, and restaurants while enjoying the town's distinct artistic atmosphere and architectural charm.
13. Elkins Ferry Battlefield
CIVIL WAR HISTORIC SITE
Elkins Ferry Battlefield preserves the site of an important Civil War engagement where Federal troops crossed the Little Missouri River against Confederate resistance in April 1864. This National Historic Landmark played a significant role during the Camden Expedition, a crucial campaign in Arkansas during the Civil War. Visitors interested in Civil War history can explore the battlefield and gain insights into the strategies employed by both Union and Confederate forces during this conflict.
14. Prairie D'Ane Battlefield
HISTORIC CIVIL WAR SKIRMISH
Prairie D'Ane Battlefield marks the location where Union and Confederate forces clashed between April 9-12, 1864, during a crucial Civil War campaign. This National Historic Landmark commemorates the battle that effectively halted the Union's drive toward Louisiana. History enthusiasts can visit this preserved battlefield to better understand the strategic importance of this engagement in the larger context of Civil War operations in Arkansas.
15. William J. Clinton Presidential Library
PRESIDENTIAL HISTORY AND ARCHIVES
The William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum houses the presidential archives and exhibits chronicling the life and presidency of the 42nd U.S. President. The striking modern building, designed to resemble a bridge extending into the Arkansas River, contains a full-scale replica of the Oval Office and Cabinet Room. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, presidential artifacts, and special exhibitions while learning about the policies, challenges, and accomplishments of the Clinton administration.