Edmondson ArkansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Edmondson, Arkansas.
1. Albert King Gravesite
BLUES LEGEND MEMORIAL
Albert King's gravesite in Edmondson serves as a tribute to the master blues guitarist considered one of the most influential musicians ever. The grave marker features an image of King's iconic Gibson Flying-V guitar that he was famous for playing. Visitors from around the world stop in Edmondson specifically to pay respects at this significant musical landmark.
2. Great River Road National Scenic Byway
HISTORIC RIVERSIDE DRIVE
The Great River Road National Scenic Byway passes just by the town of Edmondson, offering beautiful views and historic sites. This iconic route follows the Mississippi River and showcases the natural beauty of the region. Travelers can experience the rich cultural heritage of riverside communities while enjoying the scenic drive.
3. Edmondson Historic Railroad Depot
RAILROAD HERITAGE SITE
The historic Edmondson Railroad Depot dates back to 1868 when the Memphis and Little Rock Railroad reached the settlement. African American railroad workers, lumbermen, and farmers built houses near this depot, which became central to the town's development. The depot represents an important piece of Edmondson's transportation history and cultural heritage.
4. Southland Casino Hotel
GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX
Southland Casino Hotel offers visitors a full-service gaming and entertainment experience just a short drive from Edmondson. The facility features a variety of slot machines, table games, and dining options to suit different tastes. Visitors appreciate the lively atmosphere and comprehensive amenities at this popular regional attraction.
5. Arkansas Welcome Center
VISITOR INFORMATION HUB
The Arkansas Welcome Center at West Memphis provides essential information for travelers exploring the eastern part of the state. Friendly staff offer maps, brochures, and local insights to help visitors plan their adventures in the region. The center serves as an excellent first stop for those wanting to discover the attractions around Edmondson and beyond.
6. Sultana Disaster Museum
CIVIL WAR MARITIME HISTORY
The Sultana Disaster Museum commemorates the worst maritime disaster in American history, which occurred near the end of the Civil War. Exhibits detail the tragic 1865 explosion of the steamboat Sultana on the Mississippi River, which claimed more lives than the Titanic. The museum provides a sobering and educational experience about this often-overlooked historical event.
7. C.H. Nash Museum at Chucalissa
NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE
The C.H. Nash Museum at Chucalissa preserves and interprets a prehistoric Native American archaeological site just across the Mississippi River from Edmondson. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring artifacts and reconstructions of indigenous structures dating back hundreds of years. The museum offers insight into the rich cultural history of the region's original inhabitants.
8. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
WORLD-CLASS ART COLLECTION
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art houses a world-class collection spanning five centuries of American masterworks. The stunning architecture integrates with the natural surroundings, creating bridges over spring-fed ponds and offering miles of sculpture-lined walking trails. Admission is free to this internationally acclaimed museum founded by Alice Walton.
9. Crater of Diamonds State Park
DIAMOND HUNTING ADVENTURE
Crater of Diamonds State Park offers visitors the unique opportunity to search for real diamonds in their original volcanic source. Guests can dig in a 37-acre plowed field, keeping any gems they find regardless of value. This one-of-a-kind attraction is the only diamond-producing site in the world open to the public.
10. Petit Jean State Park
SCENIC MOUNTAIN WILDERNESS
Petit Jean State Park features stunning natural beauty with its mountainous terrain, waterfalls, and dramatic overlooks. Hikers can explore CCC-built trails leading to sites like Cedar Falls and Bear Cave while enjoying diverse ecosystems. The park's rustic Mather Lodge provides comfortable accommodations with panoramic views of the Arkansas River Valley.
11. Fort Smith National Historic Site
FRONTIER JUSTICE HISTORY
Fort Smith National Historic Site showcases frontier justice and the development of the American West in the 1800s through informative exhibits and preserved structures. Visitors can explore the courthouse, jail, and gallows where notorious outlaws met their fate under Judge Isaac Parker. Walking paths provide scenic river views while interpretive displays tell the compelling stories of lawmen and criminals from this pivotal period.
12. Miss Laura's Brothel Museum
VICTORIAN-ERA SOCIAL HISTORY
Miss Laura's Brothel Museum is a historic home turned visitor center that offers a glimpse into Fort Smith's colorful past. The beautifully restored Victorian mansion features period furnishings and exhibits detailing life in this former bordello. Personal tours provide insight into the social history of the frontier era in a tasteful and educational manner.
13. Parrot Island Waterpark
TROPICAL WATER PLAYGROUND
Parrot Island Waterpark offers a tropical island oasis with over 370,000 gallons of outdoor splashing and sliding fun. Visitors can enjoy the region's only giant wave pool along with four twisting water slides for thrill-seekers. The family-friendly attraction provides a perfect way to cool off during warm Arkansas days.
14. Chaffee Barbershop Museum
ELVIS PRESLEY HERITAGE SITE
The Chaffee Barbershop Museum commemorates the famous March 25, 1958 haircut where Elvis Presley received his military buzz cut upon entering the Army. This historic site preserves the location of what became known as "the haircut heard 'round the world" that made international headlines. The museum offers Elvis fans and history buffs a unique glimpse into this iconic moment in popular culture.
15. BrickCity
SMALL BUSINESS MARKETPLACE
BrickCity is a vibrant shopping center featuring over 100 small businesses from across the region in its Boutique and Gourmet Markets. Visitors can shop for unique items while supporting local entrepreneurs in this community-focused marketplace. The center makes shopping small businesses easy by bringing together diverse vendors under one roof.