Lepanto ArkansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Lepanto, Arkansas.
1. Museum Lepanto USA
HISTORICAL BANK BUILDING MUSEUM
Museum Lepanto USA is housed in a historic 1915 bank building that showcases exhibits on the early days of Northeast Arkansas. The museum features Native American relics, reproductions of a general store, blacksmith shop, and doctor's office, along with Civil War military memorabilia. Visitors can arrange appointments to explore this unique collection by calling 870-475-2384 or 870-475-2410.
2. Terrapin Derby
ANNUAL TURTLE RACING FESTIVAL
The Lepanto Terrapin Derby is a unique annual event held on the first Saturday of October that began as a fundraiser for the American Legion in 1930. This beloved city tradition features turtle races and has been organized by the Lepanto Fire Department since 1999. The festival draws visitors from across the region to witness this quirky and entertaining competition.
3. A Painted House Filming Location
JOHN GRISHAM MOVIE SITE
The filming location of 'A Painted House' in Lepanto offers fans of John Grisham a chance to see where the movie adaptation was filmed in 2002. Based on the book by the famous Arkansas writer, this site has become a point of interest for literary and film enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the small-town setting that provided the perfect backdrop for this compelling story.
4. Saturday Night Auction
LOCAL COMMUNITY GATHERING
The Saturday Night Auction is considered one of the highlights of Lepanto's city schedule, bringing together locals and visitors alike. This regular event provides an opportunity to find unique items while experiencing authentic small-town Arkansas culture. The auction creates a lively atmosphere where community connections are formed and traditions are maintained.
5. Historic Dyess Colony: Boyhood Home of Johnny Cash
MUSIC LEGEND'S CHILDHOOD HOME
The Historic Dyess Colony features the boyhood home of music legend Johnny Cash, offering visitors insight into his humble beginnings. This carefully restored Depression-era property showcases the environment that helped shape one of America's most influential musicians. The site provides historical context about both Cash's early life and the New Deal colony established during the Great Depression.
6. Johnny Cash House
COUNTRY MUSIC ICON'S ROOTS
The Johnny Cash House offers visitors a glimpse into the formative years of the Man in Black. This meticulously preserved home showcases the modest upbringing that influenced Cash's music and worldview. Visitors can walk through the rooms where Cash spent his childhood and gain appreciation for how these humble beginnings shaped his legendary career.
7. Southern Tenant Farmers Museum
AGRICULTURAL LABOR HISTORY
The Southern Tenant Farmers Museum preserves and interprets the history of the Southern Tenant Farmers Union, which was founded in Tyronza in 1934. The museum explores the agricultural labor movement and its significant impact on civil rights and labor history in the United States. Through exhibits and programs, visitors gain insight into the struggles and achievements of tenant farmers during the Great Depression era.
8. Hampson Archeological Museum State Park
ANCIENT NATIVE AMERICAN ARTIFACTS
The Hampson Archeological Museum State Park houses a nationally renowned collection of American Indian artifacts from the Nodena site. The museum showcases pottery, tools, and art pieces from the Mississippi Period, circa 1400-1650 CE. Visitors can explore interpretive exhibits that tell the story of this sophisticated pre-Columbian civilization that once inhabited Northeast Arkansas.
9. Calvary Baptist Church
HISTORIC COMMUNITY CHURCH
Calvary Baptist Church serves as an important spiritual and community gathering place in Lepanto. The church hosts regular services and community events that bring local residents together. Its presence reflects the significant role that faith communities play in small-town Arkansas life.
10. First Baptist Church
LOCAL RELIGIOUS LANDMARK
First Baptist Church is a cornerstone of religious life in Lepanto, offering spiritual guidance to the community. The church building serves as both a place of worship and a venue for community activities. Its longstanding presence in town represents the deep connection between faith and daily life in rural Arkansas.
11. Lepanto Antique Shops
TREASURE HUNTING DESTINATIONS
Lepanto's three antique shops offer visitors a chance to discover unique treasures and historical items from the region. These establishments showcase everything from furniture and home goods to collectibles that reflect the area's rich history. Antique enthusiasts can spend hours browsing through these shops, each with its own character and specialized collections.
12. Lepanto Local Restaurants
SOUTHERN COMFORT FOOD
Lepanto's six local restaurants serve up authentic Southern cuisine and hometown favorites to both residents and visitors. These eateries offer everything from classic American comfort food to regional specialties that showcase Arkansas culinary traditions. The welcoming atmosphere provides a genuine taste of small-town hospitality alongside delicious, hearty meals.
13. Marked Tree Delta Area Museum
REGIONAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Marked Tree Delta Area Museum preserves the rich history of this unique region of Arkansas through artifacts, photographs, and exhibits. The museum highlights the agricultural heritage, cultural developments, and natural history that shaped communities in the Mississippi Delta. Visitors can explore displays featuring local industries, notable residents, and the transformative events that defined this area.
14. Lake Poinsett State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Lake Poinsett State Park offers visitors a beautiful natural setting for fishing, boating, and wildlife observation on its 640-acre reservoir. The park features camping facilities, picnic areas, and hiking trails that showcase the diverse ecosystems of northeast Arkansas. Nature enthusiasts can spot various bird species and enjoy the tranquil environment throughout all four seasons.
15. Parkin Archeological State Park
ANCIENT NATIVE AMERICAN SITE
Parkin Archeological State Park preserves a 17-acre Mississippian period Native American village site believed to be where Hernando de Soto visited in 1541. The park features a museum with exhibits explaining the archaeological significance of the site and artifacts discovered during excavations. Visitors can walk interpretive trails that highlight the village's layout and the cultural importance of this historic location.