Hampton ArkansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Hampton, Arkansas.
1. Hampton City Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION AND FUN
Hampton City Park, also known as Ham Moses Park, offers a wide range of outdoor activities and family fun. The park provides a peaceful green space for locals and visitors to enjoy recreational activities and community gatherings. It serves as a central hub for many of Hampton's seasonal festivals and outdoor events.
2. Calhoun County Museum
LOCAL HISTORY AND HERITAGE
The Calhoun County Museum preserves and showcases the rich history of Hampton and the surrounding region. Located at 113 S 2nd St, the museum features exhibits on local culture, industry, and notable historical events. Visitors can explore artifacts and displays that tell the story of Calhoun County's development through the years.
3. Calhoun County Library
BOOKS AND COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Calhoun County Library serves as an important educational and cultural resource for Hampton residents. Situated at 113 S 2nd St, the library offers books, digital media, and community programs for all ages. The library is housed in a historic building that was once the Hampton Masonic Lodge built in the 1920s.
4. Calhoun County Courthouse
HISTORIC ARCHITECTURAL LANDMARK
The Calhoun County Courthouse, built in 1909, stands as a prominent architectural landmark in downtown Hampton. Designed by Little Rock architect Frank W. Gibb, the courthouse features a distinctive clock tower and Classical and Colonial Revival details. The historic structure was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976, recognizing its significance to the area's heritage.
5. Hampton Water Tower
NEW DEAL ERA MONUMENT
The Hampton Water Tower represents an important piece of the town's infrastructure history dating back to the Great Depression. Completed in March 1937 as part of a Public Works Administration project, the water tower continues to serve the city into the twenty-first century. This historic structure is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its significance to Hampton's development.
6. Willie Mae's Antiques
VINTAGE TREASURES AND COLLECTIBLES
Willie Mae's Antiques is a beloved shopping destination for collectors and history enthusiasts in Hampton. The shop offers a wide selection of vintage items, collectibles, and unique memorabilia from various eras. Visitors can spend hours browsing through the carefully curated collection that reflects the region's rich cultural heritage.
7. Suzanne's Fruit Farm
FRESH PRODUCE AND PICKING
Suzanne's Fruit Farm, located at 77 Peach Court, offers visitors a chance to experience agricultural tourism in Hampton. The farm features seasonal fruit picking opportunities and fresh produce direct from the source. Families can enjoy the outdoor experience while learning about local farming traditions and practices.
8. Granny's Grill & Family Diner
HOMESTYLE SOUTHERN COOKING
Granny's Grill & Family Diner serves up authentic Southern cuisine at its location on 313 South Lee Street. The restaurant is known for its hearty portions, friendly service, and homestyle cooking that reflects regional culinary traditions. Visitors and locals alike frequent this establishment for a taste of genuine Arkansas hospitality and comfort food.
9. Hampton Municipal Airport
LOCAL AVIATION HUB
Hampton Municipal Airport began operations in April 1978 and serves as the area's local aviation center. Located south of Hampton, the airport features two runways and is owned by the city. The facility provides important transportation infrastructure for the region and supports both recreational and business aviation needs.
10. Hampton Motel
LOCAL LODGING OPTION
The Hampton Motel offers convenient accommodations for visitors at its 554 South Lee location. This local lodging option provides travelers with a place to rest while exploring Hampton and the surrounding Calhoun County attractions. The motel serves as one of the primary overnight stay options in the immediate area.
11. White Oak Lake State Park
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE DESTINATION
White Oak Lake State Park, located near Hampton in neighboring Ouachita County, offers 725 acres of outdoor recreation opportunities. The park features a 1,645-acre fishing lake, hiking trails, and camping facilities that attract nature enthusiasts from throughout the region. Visitors can enjoy boating, wildlife watching, and peaceful natural surroundings throughout the year.
12. Moro Bay State Park
RIVERSIDE RECREATION AREA
Moro Bay State Park, situated where the Ouachita and Moro Bay rivers meet, provides a serene getaway near Hampton. The park offers camping, fishing, boating, and interpretive programs focusing on the area's natural and cultural history. Visitors can also enjoy the unique experience of crossing the bay on a ferry that has been in operation since the 1960s.
13. South Arkansas Arts Center
CULTURAL AND ARTISTIC HUB
The South Arkansas Arts Center in nearby El Dorado serves as a regional cultural center accessible to Hampton residents. The facility houses art galleries, a theater for live performances, and studios for art classes and workshops. SAAC hosts year-round exhibitions, productions, and educational programs that enrich the cultural landscape of south Arkansas.
14. Murphy Arts District
ENTERTAINMENT AND DINING COMPLEX
The Murphy Arts District in El Dorado offers a premier entertainment experience within driving distance of Hampton. This revitalized downtown area features multiple venues for concerts, festivals, and cultural events throughout the year. The district also includes several dining options, making it a complete destination for visitors seeking food, music, and art.
15. Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources
OIL AND BRINE HISTORY
The Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources in nearby Smackover tells the fascinating story of the 1920s oil boom that transformed south Arkansas. Interactive exhibits demonstrate the technology of oil and brine production and their impact on the region's economy and culture. The museum's outdoor park includes a recreated oil field with derricks, equipment, and period buildings that transport visitors back in time.