Gurdon ArkansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Gurdon, Arkansas.
1. International Hoo-Hoo Headquarters and Museum
LUMBERMEN'S HISTORIC FRATERNITY
The International Hoo-Hoo Headquarters and Museum is located in a restored log house on Main Street in Gurdon, showcasing the history of the oldest industrial fraternal organization in the nation. Founded in 1892 by lumber industry workers stranded in town during rainstorms, the organization features colorful officer designations such as the 'Grand Snark of the Universe.' The museum was dedicated in 1981 when the organization moved its international headquarters from Boston to Gurdon, preserving the unique heritage of this lumbermen's fraternity.
2. Hoo-Hoo Monument
HISTORIC BLACK CAT MEMORIAL
The Hoo-Hoo Monument is located on North First Street in Gurdon, featuring small statues of two black cats with their tails curled upward in the shape of the number 9. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1999, the monument gives visitors a brief history of the International Concatenated Order of the Hoo-Hoo organization and those who have served in it. This unique monument commemorates the founding place of this lumbermen's fraternity that began as a joke but evolved into a worldwide social organization.
3. The Gurdon Light
MYSTERIOUS SUPERNATURAL PHENOMENON
The Gurdon Light is a famous unexplained phenomenon occurring in a wooded area by the railroad tracks where viewers have reported seeing light or lights hovering in mid-air. Local folklore attributes the light appearances to a deceased railwayman's lantern, though scientific investigations into the origin of the lights have proven inconclusive. The mysterious light has gained widespread attention, even being featured on the popular television show 'Unsolved Mysteries.'
4. Allen's Barbecue & Grill
LOCAL BARBECUE FAVORITE
Allen's Barbecue & Grill is a beloved local dining establishment in Gurdon serving up traditional Southern barbecue dishes. Visitors and locals alike frequent this restaurant for its authentic flavors and hometown atmosphere. The restaurant represents an important part of Gurdon's local dining scene, offering a taste of regional culinary traditions.
5. Karen's Candy Kitchen
SWEET HOMEMADE TREATS
Karen's Candy Kitchen is a charming confectionery shop in Gurdon specializing in homemade sweet treats. Visitors can find a variety of handcrafted candies and desserts made with traditional recipes and techniques. This local establishment offers a delightful stop for those with a sweet tooth looking to experience authentic Southern confections.
6. Gurdon Trail of Holiday Lights
FESTIVE SEASONAL DISPLAY
The Gurdon Trail of Holiday Lights is a seasonal attraction that transforms the town during the holiday season with festive light displays. Visitors can enjoy walking or driving through illuminated scenes that showcase community spirit and creativity. This annual tradition brings together locals and visitors to celebrate the holiday season in this historic timber town.
7. Southfork Truck Stop
LOCAL DINING LANDMARK
Southfork Truck Stop serves as both a convenient rest stop and a local dining landmark in Gurdon. The establishment offers hearty meals popular with travelers and truck drivers passing through on US 67. Beyond just fuel and food, it represents a gathering place where visitors can experience authentic small-town Arkansas culture.
8. Cabe Public Library
COMMUNITY KNOWLEDGE CENTER
The Cabe Public Library serves as a vital educational resource and community hub in Gurdon, operating as a branch of the Clark County Library System. The library provides residents and visitors with access to books, digital resources, and various community programs. As an important cultural institution, it preserves local history while supporting lifelong learning in this small Arkansas town.
9. Ka-Do-Ha Indian Village Museum
NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE
The Ka-Do-Ha Indian Village Museum showcases the rich Native American heritage of the region surrounding Gurdon. Visitors can explore artifacts, exhibits, and educational displays that tell the story of indigenous peoples who once inhabited the area. The museum offers an important historical perspective on the cultural landscape that preceded the town's founding in the late nineteenth century.
10. Gangster Museum of America
CRIMINAL HISTORY EXHIBITS
The Gangster Museum of America in nearby Hot Springs documents the city's notorious past as a hangout for some of America's most infamous criminals. Exhibits showcase the era when gangsters like Al Capone and Lucky Luciano frequented Hot Springs during its heyday as a gambling and spa destination. The museum features authentic artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays that bring this unique chapter of Arkansas history to life.
11. McCollum-Chidester Museum
CIVIL WAR HISTORICAL SITE
The McCollum-Chidester Museum in nearby Camden is housed in a historic antebellum home built in 1847 that served as the headquarters of the Union Army during the Red River Campaign of the Civil War. Visitors can tour the beautifully preserved rooms furnished with period antiques, some original to the house. The museum offers a glimpse into 19th-century Southern life and the impact of the Civil War on the region near Gurdon.
12. DeGray Lake Resort State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
DeGray Lake Resort State Park, located a short drive from Gurdon, offers 13,400 acres of clear water surrounded by the natural beauty of the Ouachita Mountains. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities including fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, golfing, and camping at this premier recreational destination. The park also features a 96-room lodge, restaurant, and interpretive programs that make it an ideal getaway for nature enthusiasts visiting the Gurdon area.
13. Historic Downtown Arkadelphia
CHARMING MAIN STREET
Historic Downtown Arkadelphia, located near Gurdon, features a charming collection of preserved buildings, local shops, and eateries along its Main Street corridor. Visitors can explore unique boutiques, antique stores, and restaurants housed in historic structures dating back to the late 19th century. The area reflects the rich heritage of this college town, home to Henderson State University and Ouachita Baptist University, making it a cultural hub in the region.
14. Mid-America Museum
INTERACTIVE SCIENCE EXPERIENCE
Mid-America Museum in Hot Springs offers over 100 hands-on exhibits that make science fun and accessible for visitors of all ages. The museum features interactive displays covering topics from natural sciences to physics, including an outdoor dinosaur exhibit and a digital dome theater. Set on 21 wooded acres, this Smithsonian affiliate provides an educational daytrip opportunity for those exploring the area around Gurdon.
15. Crater of Diamonds State Park
MINE YOUR OWN DIAMONDS
Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro is the world's only diamond-producing site open to the public, where visitors can search for real diamonds and keep what they find. The 37-acre plowed field is the eroded surface of an ancient volcanic crater that has yielded thousands of diamonds since its discovery in 1906. Beyond the diamond field, the park offers walking trails, picnic sites, and a water park, making it a unique attraction within driving distance of Gurdon.