Diaz ArkansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Diaz, Arkansas.
1. Jacksonport State Park
HISTORIC RIVER PORT SITE
Jacksonport State Park preserves the historic 1872 courthouse and celebrates the town's heritage as a thriving river port in the 1800s. Visitors can explore the museum housed in the restored courthouse to learn about the area's rich Civil War history and riverboat era. The park also offers camping, picnicking, and recreational opportunities along the scenic White River.
2. Mark Martin Museum
NASCAR LEGEND'S LEGACY
The Mark Martin Museum showcases the illustrious racing career of NASCAR legend and Batesville native Mark Martin. The museum houses an impressive collection of race cars, trophies, racing suits, and memorabilia from Martin's decades in motorsports. Visitors can follow the journey of one of NASCAR's most respected drivers through interactive exhibits and personal artifacts.
3. Batesville Community Center & Aquatics Park
FAMILY RECREATION HUB
The Batesville Community Center & Aquatics Park offers year-round recreation for visitors of all ages. The modern facility features indoor and outdoor swimming pools with water slides, splash zones, and a lazy river for summer enjoyment. Additional amenities include fitness centers, sports courts, meeting spaces, and various recreational programs throughout the year.
4. Shiloh Cemetery
HISTORIC BURIAL GROUNDS
Shiloh Cemetery serves as one of the chief landmarks in Diaz, preserving the community's history through its historic graves. The cemetery dates back to the early settlement period when the area was known as Shiloh before Diaz was officially established. Visitors interested in local genealogy and history often explore the weathered headstones that tell the story of the region's earliest families.
5. Old Independence Regional Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
Old Independence Regional Museum chronicles the rich history of a 12-county region that was once Arkansas's original Independence County. The museum features exhibits on pioneer life, Native American heritage, the Civil War, and the development of industries that shaped northeastern Arkansas. Interactive displays, artifacts, and educational programs bring the area's past to life for visitors of all ages.
6. The Southern Belle Flea Market
TREASURE HUNTER'S PARADISE
The Southern Belle Flea Market offers a diverse shopping experience with vendors selling antiques, collectibles, handcrafted items, and unique treasures. Shoppers can browse through booths featuring everything from vintage furniture and clothing to toys, tools, and locally made products. The market has become a popular destination for both serious collectors and casual browsers looking for one-of-a-kind items.
7. Melba Theater
HISTORIC CINEMA EXPERIENCE
The Melba Theater is a beautifully restored historic movie house that has been entertaining audiences since 1940. This art deco gem combines vintage charm with modern projection and sound technology to offer an authentic cinema experience. The theater screens a mix of first-run films, classics, and special events while maintaining affordable prices and the nostalgic atmosphere of a bygone era.
8. Lake Charles State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION HAVEN
Lake Charles State Park surrounds a 645-acre lake that offers excellent fishing, boating, and water recreation opportunities. The park features well-maintained campsites, picnic areas, hiking trails, and a swimming beach for visitors to enjoy. Nature enthusiasts appreciate the diverse wildlife viewing opportunities and the peaceful Ozark foothill setting throughout all seasons.
9. Lackey's Smoke House BBQ
LOCAL BARBECUE TRADITION
Lackey's Smoke House BBQ serves up authentic Southern barbecue with a reputation that draws visitors from throughout the region. The restaurant specializes in slow-smoked meats including ribs, pulled pork, brisket, and chicken complemented by homemade sides and sauces. The casual, friendly atmosphere and generous portions make this a favorite gathering spot for locals and travelers alike.
10. Fred's Fish House
LEGENDARY CATFISH DINING
Fred's Fish House has been serving some of Arkansas's most celebrated catfish dinners for generations. The restaurant is known for its all-you-can-eat catfish platters served with traditional Southern sides like hushpuppies, coleslaw, and beans. Its riverside location and commitment to fresh, perfectly fried fish have made it a destination dining experience for both locals and tourists.
11. The Goose Guys
GUIDED WILDLIFE TOURS
The Goose Guys offers expert-guided hunting and wildlife tours in the wetlands and wilderness areas surrounding Diaz and Newport. Their experienced guides provide opportunities for wildlife photography, bird watching, and seasonal hunting excursions in some of Arkansas's most pristine natural environments. These tours showcase the region's rich biodiversity and connect visitors with the natural heritage of the area.
12. Oneal Outfitters
RIVER ADVENTURE SPECIALISTS
Oneal Outfitters provides boat rentals and guided river experiences on the scenic White River near Diaz. Visitors can rent canoes, kayaks, or fishing boats to explore the waterways that have shaped the region's history and economy. Their knowledgeable staff offers fishing tips, river navigation advice, and insights about local wildlife and ecology.
13. Thorncrown Chapel
ARCHITECTURAL GLASS MASTERPIECE
Thorncrown Chapel is an architectural marvel nestled in the Ozark woods, designed by renowned architect E. Fay Jones with 425 windows and over 6,000 square feet of glass. The soaring wooden structure rises 48 feet tall, creating an ethereal space where nature and spirituality blend seamlessly through the glass walls. Since its opening in 1980, this stunning woodland sanctuary has welcomed more than 7 million visitors and earned recognition as one of the finest architectural achievements in modern American history.
14. The Royal on Main
BOUTIQUE HISTORIC LODGING
The Royal on Main offers a unique lodging experience in a beautifully restored historic building in downtown Newport. Each room features distinctive décor that combines vintage charm with modern amenities for a comfortable, memorable stay. The boutique accommodation places guests within walking distance of local shops, restaurants, and attractions while providing a glimpse into the area's architectural heritage.
15. Trail of Tears Park
NATIVE AMERICAN MEMORIAL
Trail of Tears Park commemorates the forced relocation of Native American tribes through Arkansas during the 1830s with thoughtful landscaping and interpretive elements. The 4.5-acre site features a stone sculpture and educational markers that tell the story of this tragic chapter in American history. Native Arkansas trees, grasses, and plant species populate the grounds, representing the natural environment encountered by those who traveled the trail.