Hatfield ArkansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Hatfield, Arkansas.
1. Hawks Overlook
BREATHTAKING MOUNTAIN VIEWS
Hawks Overlook offers visitors a stunning panoramic vista of the Ouachita Mountains and surrounding wilderness. Visitors can enjoy the scenic beauty while bird watching, as the site is named for the hawks that frequently soar above the landscape. The overlook provides an ideal location for photography enthusiasts looking to capture the natural splendor of Arkansas.
2. Pearls Cafe
SOUTHERN HOMESTYLE DINING
Pearls Cafe is a charming restaurant located in the heart of Hatfield, offering a delightful selection of breakfast and lunch options. The cafe is particularly famous for its home-cooked meals that bring a taste of Southern hospitality to every plate. With an inviting ambiance, Pearls Cafe serves everything from fluffy pancakes to hearty omelets and savory sandwiches made from fresh ingredients.
3. Janssen Park
HISTORIC COMMUNITY GATHERING SPACE
Janssen Park is a beloved community space located in nearby Mena, offering visitors shaded walking paths, picnic areas, and a serene pond. The historic park features gazebos, benches, and playgrounds, making it perfect for family outings or peaceful afternoon strolls. Established in the early 20th century, the park maintains its charm while providing a central recreational area for locals and tourists alike.
4. Mena Kansas City Southern Depot
HISTORIC RAILWAY MUSEUM
The Mena Kansas City Southern Depot is a beautifully preserved historic railway station that now serves as a museum showcasing the region's rich railroad history. Built in 1920, this Spanish-style structure features exhibits of railroad memorabilia, photographs, and artifacts that tell the story of Mena's development as a railroad town. Visitors can admire the restored architecture while learning about the important role the railroad played in shaping the local economy and culture.
5. Mena Antique Mall
VINTAGE TREASURE HUNTING
Mena Antique Mall offers an extensive collection of vintage treasures, collectibles, and unique items spread across multiple vendor booths. Treasure hunters can spend hours browsing through furniture, glassware, toys, jewelry, and other nostalgic items from various eras. The friendly atmosphere and ever-changing inventory make each visit a new adventure in discovering pieces of American history.
6. Mena Art Gallery
LOCAL CREATIVE SHOWCASE
Mena Art Gallery showcases the works of talented local and regional artists in a welcoming community space. The gallery hosts rotating exhibitions throughout the year, featuring various mediums including paintings, photography, sculpture, and handcrafted items. Art enthusiasts can enjoy meeting artists during opening receptions and even participate in workshops and classes offered at the gallery.
7. Mountain Harbor Resort & Spa
LAKESIDE LUXURY RETREAT
Mountain Harbor Resort & Spa offers a luxurious escape on the shores of Lake Ouachita with accommodations ranging from cottages to lodges. Visitors can indulge in relaxing spa treatments at the Turtle Cove Spa or enjoy numerous recreational activities including boating, fishing, and hiking. The resort's restaurant, Lodge Restaurant, serves delicious meals with stunning views of the pristine lake and surrounding Ouachita Mountains.
8. Crater of Diamonds State Park
DIG FOR REAL DIAMONDS
Crater of Diamonds State Park is the only public diamond mine in the world where visitors can search for and keep any diamonds they find. The 37-acre plowed field sits on the eroded surface of an ancient volcanic crater, making it rich with diamonds and other gemstones. Facilities include diamond mining tools for rent, washing stations, an interpretive center, and a campground for those wanting to extend their treasure-hunting adventure.
9. Cornerstone Mountain Retreat
PEACEFUL WILDERNESS GETAWAY
Cornerstone Mountain Retreat provides a serene escape nestled in the natural beauty of the Ouachita Mountains. Guests can enjoy comfortable accommodations while having access to hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and spectacular mountain vistas. The retreat offers a perfect balance of rustic charm and modern amenities for those seeking to disconnect from busy life and reconnect with nature.
10. Meadow Pine Cabins
COZY FOREST LODGING
Meadow Pine Cabins offers charming accommodations surrounded by the tranquil pine forests near Hatfield. Each cabin provides a comfortable home base for exploring the natural wonders of the Ouachita Mountains and nearby attractions. Guests can enjoy amenities like private porches, fire pits, and proximity to outdoor activities including hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching.
11. Ouachita Mountains
MAJESTIC NATURAL LANDSCAPE
The Ouachita Mountains surrounding Hatfield offer some of the most breathtaking natural scenery in the region with ancient folded ridges covered in dense forests. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore numerous hiking trails, fishing spots, and camping areas throughout this mountain range. The mountains are home to diverse wildlife and plant species, making them a paradise for nature photographers and birdwatchers.
12. Beech Creek National Scenic Area
PRISTINE WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE
Beech Creek National Scenic Area showcases the natural beauty of the Ouachita National Forest with its crystal-clear streams, lush vegetation, and diverse wildlife. Hikers can enjoy the well-maintained trails that wind through old-growth forests and alongside picturesque creeks. The area is particularly stunning during spring when wildflowers bloom and in autumn when the forest transforms into a tapestry of red, orange, and gold.
13. Sugar Creek Vista Overlook
SPECTACULAR VALLEY VIEWS
Sugar Creek Vista Overlook provides visitors with a sweeping panoramic view of the Sugar Creek Valley and surrounding Ouachita Mountain range. The easily accessible viewpoint offers interpretive signage explaining the geological features and natural history of the landscape below. Sunset viewers are particularly rewarded as the fading light casts a golden glow across the rolling mountains and forested valleys.
14. DeQueen Lake
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
DeQueen Lake offers 32 miles of shoreline and 1,680 acres of clear water perfect for boating, fishing, and swimming. Anglers can catch bass, crappie, bream, and catfish, while families enjoy the developed recreation areas with picnic facilities, playgrounds, and beaches. The surrounding forests provide additional opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and camping in one of several campgrounds maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
15. Superior Bathhouse Brewery
HISTORIC BREWING EXPERIENCE
Superior Bathhouse Brewery is the world's first brewery to utilize thermal spring water as the main ingredient in their craft beers, located within a historic bathhouse in Hot Springs National Park. Visitors can enjoy a variety of handcrafted beers while dining on delicious food in a unique setting that blends modern brewing with historic architecture. The brewery offers tours that explain both the brewing process and the interesting history of the bathhouse, making it an educational and tasty stop for tourists.