Ozan ArkansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Ozan, Arkansas.
1. Ozan Lake
NATURAL BEAUTY SPOT
Ozan Lake offers visitors a serene natural setting to enjoy outdoor activities. The lake is surrounded by beautiful forest areas that provide opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing. Visitors can experience the tranquility of rural Arkansas while fishing or simply relaxing by the water.
2. Historic Ozan Cemetery
CITY OF THE DEAD
Historic Ozan Cemetery is one of the southwest's oldest burial grounds with a rich historical significance. The cemetery contains remnants of ancient Caddo settlements that date back at least 800 years. Archaeological excavations have uncovered ceremonial structures, burial sites, and numerous artifacts indicating the area's importance as a ceremonial center.
3. Historic Washington State Park
LIVING HISTORY MUSEUM
Historic Washington State Park preserves a 19th-century town that was once an important stop on the Southwest Trail. The park features more than 30 carefully restored historic structures that visitors can explore through guided tours. Special events throughout the year offer living history demonstrations that bring Arkansas's territorial period to life.
4. Klipsch Museum of Audio History
SOUND INNOVATION SHOWCASE
Klipsch Museum of Audio History celebrates the legacy of audio pioneer Paul W. Klipsch and his revolutionary speaker designs. Visitors can see original Klipschorn speakers and other audio innovations that changed the industry. The museum offers an interactive experience where guests can hear the distinctive Klipsch sound that audiophiles have treasured for decades.
5. Crater of Diamonds State Park
DIG FOR REAL DIAMONDS
Crater of Diamonds State Park is the only diamond-producing site in the world open to the public. Visitors can dig for real diamonds and keep whatever gems they find in the 37.5-acre plowed field. The park also features Diamond Discovery Center, water park, and camping facilities for an extended treasure-hunting adventure.
6. Bathhouse Row
HISTORIC SPA DISTRICT
Bathhouse Row features eight historic bathhouse buildings along Central Avenue in Hot Springs National Park. These architecturally significant structures document the evolution of American bathing and spa culture from the late 19th to mid-20th centuries. Today, several bathhouses have been repurposed into museums, art galleries, and modern spa facilities where visitors can still enjoy the therapeutic thermal waters.
7. Anthony Chapel
GLASS FOREST SANCTUARY
Anthony Chapel is a stunning glass and wood sanctuary nestled within Garvan Woodland Gardens. The soaring six-story structure features floor-to-ceiling windows that create a seamless connection between the interior space and the surrounding woodland. With its remarkable acoustics and breathtaking architecture, the chapel has become a popular destination for weddings, concerts, and quiet contemplation.
8. Christ of the Ozarks
MONUMENTAL SACRED STATUE
Christ of the Ozarks stands as a towering 67-foot statue overlooking the picturesque town of Eureka Springs. The massive white mortar figure, completed in 1966, has become one of the most visited attractions in the Ozarks region. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains while taking in this impressive religious monument.
9. Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site
CIVIL RIGHTS LANDMARK
Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site preserves the school that became the battleground of the 1957 desegregation crisis. The site tells the story of the Little Rock Nine, the African American students who braved angry mobs to attend the previously all-white school. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about this pivotal moment in the American civil rights movement.
10. Buffalo National River
AMERICA'S FIRST NATIONAL RIVER
Buffalo National River flows freely for 135 miles through the Arkansas Ozarks, offering premier whitewater experiences and outdoor recreation. Visitors can marvel at its towering limestone bluffs, explore hidden caves, and spot wildlife including the state's elk herd. The park provides opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, fishing, hiking, and camping in one of America's most scenic river valleys.
11. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
WORLD-CLASS ART COLLECTION
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art houses a permanent collection spanning five centuries of American masterworks from Colonial to contemporary art. The museum's stunning architecture, designed by Moshe Safdie, integrates with the surrounding Ozark landscape, with pavilions nestled around two spring-fed ponds. Visitors can also explore outdoor sculpture trails and the relocated Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Bachman Wilson House on the museum grounds.
12. Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge
BIG CAT SANCTUARY
Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge provides lifetime sanctuary for abused, abandoned, and neglected big cats and other wildlife on 450 acres of Ozark countryside. With over 130 exotic animals including tigers, lions, leopards, and bears, it ranks among North America's largest big cat sanctuaries. Visitors can observe these magnificent creatures in spacious natural habitats while learning about wildlife conservation and the problems with exotic pet ownership.
13. Van Buren Downtown Historic District
VICTORIAN MAIN STREET
Van Buren Downtown Historic District showcases six blocks of beautifully restored Victorian architecture along Main Street. Visitors can browse through art galleries, antique shops, and specialty boutiques offering unique Ozark crafts and collectibles. The charming district also features local restaurants serving up authentic Southern cuisine in historic buildings dating back to the 19th century.
14. Lake Dardanelle State Park
WATERFRONT RECREATION PARADISE
Lake Dardanelle State Park offers outdoor enthusiasts access to 34,000 acres of water on this scenic reservoir along the Arkansas River. The park's visitor center features interactive exhibits about the lake ecosystem, including four large aquariums showcasing native aquatic species. Visitors can enjoy fishing tournaments, boating, camping, and hiking while taking in beautiful views of Mount Nebo and the surrounding Ozark foothills.
15. North Ozan Creek Archaeological Site
ANCIENT CADDO SETTLEMENT
North Ozan Creek Archaeological Site contains six ancient mounds built by the Caddo people at least 800 years ago. Archaeological excavations have revealed rectangular ceremonial structures with painted stucco walls, along with numerous artifacts including pottery, pipes, and jewelry. The site represents an important cultural connection to the larger Battle Mound village complex along the Red River, offering insights into pre-Columbian Native American civilization.