Midway ArkansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Midway, Arkansas.
1. Big Air Scenic Tours
AERIAL VIEWS OF OZARKS
Big Air offers scenic tours of the Beautiful Ozarks, allowing visitors to experience breathtaking aerial views. Guests can see Bull Shoals Lake, Bull Shoals Dam, and other stunning natural landmarks from a unique perspective. This highly-rated attraction provides an unforgettable way to appreciate the region's natural beauty.
2. Norfork National Fish Hatchery
AQUATIC CONSERVATION CENTER
Norfork National Fish Hatchery is a popular aquatic facility near Midway that showcases fish breeding and conservation efforts. Visitors can learn about the hatchery's role in maintaining fish populations in local lakes and rivers. The facility offers educational exhibits and opportunities to observe various fish species in different stages of development.
3. Bull Shoals Dam
MASSIVE ENGINEERING MARVEL
Bull Shoals Dam is an impressive concrete structure that created Bull Shoals Lake, one of the largest reservoirs in Arkansas. Visitors can take tours to learn about the dam's construction, purpose, and impact on the region's geography and economy. The dam offers spectacular views of both the lake and the White River below.
4. Bull Shoals Caverns
UNDERGROUND NATURAL WONDER
Bull Shoals Caverns features fascinating underground formations that have developed over thousands of years. Guided tours take visitors through chambers filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and other limestone features. The constant cave temperature provides a refreshing escape during hot summer months.
5. Bull Shoals White River State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Bull Shoals White River State Park offers diverse outdoor activities including camping, hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The park encompasses beautiful riverfront areas with access to some of the best trout fishing in the country. Visitors can enjoy well-maintained facilities including campsites, picnic areas, and interpretive programs.
6. Cooper Park
SCENIC RECREATION AREA
Cooper Park is a beloved community recreation area featuring scenic walking paths and historic elements. The park offers various amenities including sports facilities, picnic areas, and open green spaces for visitors to enjoy. Its convenient location makes it a popular destination for both locals and tourists seeking outdoor relaxation.
7. Jacob Wolf House
HISTORIC TWO-STORY DOGTROT
The Jacob Wolf House is the last remaining two-story dog-trot public structure in the United States, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Built for civic purposes rather than as a private residence, it represents a unique architectural style with significant historical importance. The site offers visitors a glimpse into early American frontier life and governance in the Ozark region.
8. James A. Gaston Visitor's Center
GATEWAY TO OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
The James A. Gaston Visitor's Center serves as an information hub for Bull Shoals-White River State Park and surrounding attractions. The center provides educational exhibits about local wildlife, geology, and recreational opportunities in the region. Visitors can gather information, view displays, and plan their adventures in the Ozarks from this central location.
9. Baxter County Historical Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
Baxter County Historical Museum preserves and displays artifacts and stories from the region's rich past. Exhibits cover Native American history, pioneer settlements, and the development of communities in the Ozarks. The museum offers a fascinating journey through time that helps visitors understand the cultural heritage of the area.
10. Donald W. Reynolds Library
MODERN COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER
The Donald W. Reynolds Library is a state-of-the-art facility offering much more than just books. The library hosts community events, educational programs, and provides access to digital resources and technology. Its modern architecture and welcoming atmosphere make it a popular gathering place for locals and visitors alike.
11. Twin Lakes Playhouse
LOCAL LIVE THEATER
Twin Lakes Playhouse presents live theatrical performances throughout the year, showcasing local talent and diverse productions. The intimate venue creates an engaging atmosphere for audiences to enjoy comedies, dramas, and musicals. This community theater contributes significantly to the cultural arts scene of the region.
12. Bull Shoals Theater of the Arts
CULTURAL PERFORMANCE VENUE
Bull Shoals Theater of the Arts hosts a variety of performances including concerts, plays, and community events. The venue provides a cultural gathering place for residents and visitors to enjoy artistic expressions. Its programming reflects the diverse interests of the community while supporting local and visiting artists.
13. Mammoth Spring State Park
NATURAL SPRING WONDER
Mammoth Spring State Park features one of the world's largest springs, producing millions of gallons of water hourly. The park includes a restored 1886 Frisco train depot that now serves as a museum highlighting local history. Visitors can enjoy the dam, lake, picnic areas, and walking trails while learning about this remarkable natural phenomenon.
14. Buffalo National River
PRISTINE PROTECTED WATERWAY
The Buffalo National River flows freely for 135 miles through the Ozark Mountains, offering spectacular scenery and outdoor recreation. Visitors can enjoy activities such as canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and hiking along this federally protected waterway. The river corridor features towering bluffs, clear pools, gravel bars, and diverse wildlife in their natural habitat.
15. Norfork Dam
ENGINEERING AND RECREATION SITE
Norfork Dam created Lake Norfork and provides flood control, hydroelectric power, and recreational opportunities for the region. The massive concrete structure stands as a testament to mid-20th century engineering achievements. Visitors can fish in the tailwaters below the dam, known for excellent trout fishing, or enjoy the lake created by this impressive structure.