Southside ArkansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Southside, Arkansas.
1. Mark Martin Museum
RACING LEGEND'S LEGACY
The Mark Martin Museum celebrates the illustrious career of NASCAR legend Mark Martin who hails from this region. Visitors can explore memorabilia, race cars, and trophies from Martin's storied racing career spanning decades. The museum offers racing enthusiasts a chance to immerse themselves in the history of one of dirt-racing's most accomplished figures from the South.
2. The Southern Belle Flea Market
TREASURE HUNTER'S PARADISE
The Southern Belle Flea Market offers a diverse collection of antiques, collectibles, and unique finds in a charming setting. Shoppers can browse through numerous vendor booths featuring everything from vintage items to handcrafted goods. The market has become a popular destination for both locals and tourists seeking one-of-a-kind treasures.
3. Batesville Community Center & Aquatics Park
RECREATION FOR ALL SEASONS
Batesville Community Center & Aquatics Park features a 25,000 sq. ft. gymnasium, outdoor aquatics park, indoor competition pool, and heated therapy pool. This 112,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art facility serves as a recreational hub for residents and visitors throughout the year. The center offers a wide range of activities and amenities suitable for all ages and interests.
4. Batesville Motor Speedway
DIRT RACING EXCITEMENT
Batesville Motor Speedway provides fast-paced entertainment as one of the premier dirt racing venues in the South. Racing enthusiasts can experience the thrill of watching multiple racing categories compete on the track throughout the racing season. The speedway has helped establish Batesville as the dirt-racing capital of the South with its exciting events and competitions.
5. Historic Main Street Batesville
ARKANSAS' OLDEST MAIN STREET
Historic Main Street Batesville holds the distinction of being the oldest existing Main Street in Arkansas. Visitors can stroll through the charming downtown area featuring historic architecture alongside modern amenities and local businesses. The well-preserved district offers a glimpse into the past while providing shopping, dining, and cultural experiences.
6. Gallery on Main
LOCAL ART SHOWCASE
Gallery on Main, operated by the Batesville Area Arts Council, features rotating art exhibitions showcasing talented regional artists. Visitors can shop for locally made products and participate in art workshops offered throughout the year. The gallery serves as a cultural centerpiece for the community and supports the vibrant arts scene in the area.
7. Independence County Library
KNOWLEDGE AND COMMUNITY HUB
Independence County Library offers a wealth of resources, programs, and services to residents and visitors alike. The library hosts regular events, reading programs, and educational activities for all ages. Beyond books, the facility serves as a community gathering place and information center for the Batesville area.
8. Blanchard Springs Caverns
UNDERGROUND NATURAL WONDER
Blanchard Springs Caverns is one of the most spectacular and carefully developed cave systems in the United States, located a short drive from Batesville. Visitors can explore stunning formations on guided tours through vast chambers filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and flowing calcite deposits. The caverns maintain a constant cool temperature year-round, making it a perfect attraction regardless of outside weather conditions.
9. Bridal Veil Falls
PICTURESQUE NATURAL BEAUTY
Bridal Veil Falls offers visitors a wonderful view of a 50-foot waterfall cascading elegantly down rocky outcroppings. The natural attraction features year-round accessible trails suitable for most skill levels, making it popular with hikers and nature photographers. Located just a short distance from Batesville in Heber Springs, the falls provide a serene escape into nature.
10. Siloam Springs Kayak Park
WHITEWATER ADVENTURE DESTINATION
Siloam Springs Kayak Park offers exciting water recreation opportunities in the scenic Ozark Mountains region. The park features engineered rapids for kayakers and paddlers of various skill levels to enjoy throughout the year. Visitors can experience the thrill of navigating the waters or simply enjoy watching the action from observation areas along the shore.
11. Siloam Springs Museum
LOCAL HISTORY PRESERVED
Siloam Springs Museum preserves and showcases the rich history of this former health resort town established in 1882. Exhibits highlight the town's development from a popular healing destination that once attracted visitors nationwide to the modern community it is today. The museum offers insights into local culture, heritage, and the natural springs that gave the town its name and initial purpose.
12. Siloam Springs Farmer's Market
FRESH LOCAL PRODUCE
Siloam Springs Farmer's Market brings together local farmers, artisans, and food producers in a vibrant community gathering. Shoppers can find fresh produce, handmade goods, and specialty foods while connecting directly with the people who grow and create them. The market embodies the farm-to-table spirit and showcases the agricultural bounty of the region.
13. Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources
OIL AND BRINE HISTORY
Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources tells the fascinating story of the state's oil and brine industries that transformed the region. Interactive exhibits demonstrate how natural resources shaped the economy and culture of southern Arkansas. Visitors can explore both indoor galleries and outdoor displays featuring vintage equipment used in resource extraction.
14. McCollum-Chidester House
HISTORIC CIVIL WAR SITE
The McCollum-Chidester House stands as a well-preserved antebellum home dating back to 1847 with significant Civil War history. The historic house served as Union headquarters during the Red River Campaign and was featured in the television series 'North and South'. Visitors can tour the period-furnished rooms and learn about 19th-century life in southern Arkansas.
15. Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area
WILD RIVER ADVENTURE
Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area protects a wild and scenic river known as the most challenging whitewater stream in Arkansas. The park encompasses 5,300 acres of natural beauty with hiking trails, wildlife viewing opportunities, and river access points. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy activities ranging from challenging kayaking during high water to peaceful fishing and swimming in calmer sections throughout the seasons.