Malvern ArkansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Malvern, Arkansas.
1. Malvern-Hot Spring County Library
KNOWLEDGE AND COMMUNITY CENTER
The Malvern-Hot Spring County Library serves as a vital educational and community resource for locals and visitors alike. Offering a wide selection of books, digital resources, and regular community events, it provides a welcoming space for learning and gathering. The library stands as one of the top attractions in Malvern, reflecting the town's commitment to education and community engagement.
2. Hot Spring County Museum/The Boyle House
LOCAL HISTORY PRESERVED
The Hot Spring County Museum, housed in the historic Boyle House, showcases the rich history of Malvern and the surrounding area. Visitors can explore exhibits highlighting the region's brick-making industry, which earned Malvern its title as the 'Brick Capital of the World.' The museum offers a fascinating glimpse into local heritage through carefully preserved artifacts and educational displays.
3. The Ritz Theater
HISTORIC ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
The Ritz Theater stands as a cherished landmark in Malvern, offering entertainment and cultural experiences to the community. This historic venue hosts various performances, film screenings, and community events throughout the year. The theater represents a blend of nostalgic charm and contemporary entertainment value for visitors of all ages.
4. Game Craz Arcade
FAMILY FUN ZONE
Game Craz Arcade provides a vibrant entertainment option for families and gaming enthusiasts in Malvern. The arcade features a collection of both classic and modern games, creating an engaging atmosphere for visitors of all ages. It serves as a popular recreational destination where locals and tourists alike can enjoy friendly competition and interactive gaming experiences.
5. Arkansas Yarn Co
TEXTILE ARTS HUB
Arkansas Yarn Co offers a haven for fiber arts enthusiasts in the heart of Malvern. The shop features a diverse selection of high-quality yarns, crafting supplies, and educational resources for both beginners and experienced artisans. Visitors can explore colorful displays of textiles while potentially participating in workshops or community crafting events hosted by this local business.
6. Chez Fur Fiber Farm
SUSTAINABLE FIBER ARTS
Chez Fur Fiber Farm combines agricultural heritage with artistic craftsmanship in Malvern's creative landscape. Visitors can observe sustainable fiber production processes and interact with the animals that provide the raw materials for various textile crafts. The farm offers a unique educational experience about natural fibers, animal husbandry, and traditional textile arts.
7. Circle D Funny Farm Pumpkin Patch
SEASONAL FAMILY ADVENTURE
Circle D Funny Farm Pumpkin Patch transforms into a festive destination during the autumn season, offering family-friendly entertainment and agricultural experiences. Visitors can select pumpkins, navigate corn mazes, and participate in various seasonal activities that celebrate the harvest tradition. The farm provides a charming rural experience that connects guests with agricultural traditions while creating memorable family outings.
8. Ouachita River Whitewater Park
ADVENTURE ON THE WATER
The Ouachita River Whitewater Park presents an exciting outdoor adventure opportunity just outside Malvern. Created by timed water releases from Lake Catherine, this natural playground attracts kayaking enthusiasts who practice various techniques on the challenging rapids. The park offers spectators and participants alike a chance to appreciate the dynamic relationship between controlled water management and recreational opportunities.
9. Lake Catherine State Park
SCENIC OUTDOOR RETREAT
Lake Catherine State Park, located just 12 miles north of Malvern, offers a complete outdoor recreation experience with accommodations and natural attractions. The park features cabin rentals, campgrounds, and hiking trails that showcase the beautiful Ouachita Mountain landscape and waterways. Year-round interpretive programming enhances visitors' understanding of the local ecosystem while providing educational entertainment for nature enthusiasts.
10. Garvan Woodland Gardens
BOTANICAL PARADISE RETREAT
Garvan Woodland Gardens spans 210 acres of meticulously designed botanical landscapes near Malvern, offering a peaceful retreat for nature lovers. Visitors can wander through beautifully landscaped paths showcasing vibrant seasonal flowers and plants with scenic lake views throughout the property. The gardens serve as both a conservation area and an artistic expression of landscape design that changes with the seasons.
11. Bathhouse Row
HISTORIC THERMAL SPRINGS
Bathhouse Row stands as a National Historic Landmark in nearby Hot Springs, displaying the architectural grandeur that grew around the area's famous thermal springs. The historic bathhouses represent over a century of medicinal bathing traditions that first put the region on the national map as a health destination. Visitors can explore these preserved buildings while learning about the cultural significance of the thermal waters that continue to draw tourists to the area.
12. Mid-America Science Museum
INTERACTIVE SCIENCE DISCOVERY
The Mid-America Science Museum offers an interactive educational experience for visitors of all ages just a short drive from Malvern. Through hands-on exhibits, guests can explore concepts in science, technology, and the natural world in an engaging and accessible format. The museum makes learning an adventure with displays that encourage experimentation and curiosity about how our world works.
13. Gangster Museum of America
PROHIBITION ERA HISTORY
The Gangster Museum of America provides a fascinating glimpse into Hot Springs' unexpected history as a haven for notorious criminals during the Prohibition era. Exhibits showcase how the area became a neutral territory for gangsters seeking relaxation away from their criminal enterprises in major cities. Visitors learn about the surprising connections between organized crime figures and the development of this otherwise peaceful resort area through interactive displays and historical artifacts.
14. Lake Ouachita
PREMIER OUTDOOR RECREATION
Lake Ouachita presents one of Arkansas' premier outdoor recreation destinations within easy reach of Malvern, featuring crystal-clear waters perfect for various water activities. The lake's extensive shoreline offers opportunities for boating, fishing, swimming, and hiking throughout the year in a pristine natural setting. Its reputation for excellent sport fishing and water quality makes it a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking both adventure and natural beauty.
15. Lake Hamilton
SCENIC WATERFRONT ACTIVITIES
Lake Hamilton provides a popular water recreation area near Malvern where visitors enjoy a range of activities from relaxing boat tours to active water sports. The lake's scenic shoreline features a mix of natural landscapes and developed areas with restaurants and accommodations enhancing the visitor experience. Its accessibility and variety of recreational options make it an ideal destination for day trips or extended stays exploring the waterways of the Ouachita region.