St. Charles ArkansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near St. Charles, Arkansas.
1. Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge Visitors Center
GATEWAY TO WILDLIFE CONSERVATION
The Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge Visitors Center serves as the primary information hub for one of the largest hardwood bottomland preserves in the United States. Visitors can explore exhibits about local wildlife and the ecosystem of the White River basin, which is home to two-thirds of Arkansas's bird species. The center, opened in 2003, provides access to information about the refuge's 160,000 acres that attract over 500,000 visitors annually.
2. St. Charles Museum and Battle Monument
CIVIL WAR HISTORICAL SITE
The St. Charles Museum houses Civil War artifacts and a diorama depicting the significant battle that occurred in the town. The adjacent Battle Monument honors both Union and Confederate soldiers who fought in the June 17, 1862 battle, where the 'deadliest shot of the Civil War' killed over 100 Union soldiers. This unique monument is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the only known memorial that honors soldiers from both sides of the conflict.
3. White River National Wildlife Refuge
SPORTSMAN'S PARADISE
The White River National Wildlife Refuge spans approximately 90 miles along the White River and encompasses 160,000 acres of pristine hardwood bottomland. The refuge features more than 300 lakes intertwined by miles of trails, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts interested in fishing, hunting, and wildlife observation. Established in September 1935, the refuge serves as a critical habitat for migratory waterfowl and numerous plant and animal species.
4. Ducks-N-Dogs
GUIDED HUNTING EXPERIENCES
Ducks-N-Dogs offers specialized nature and wildlife tours in the sportsman's paradise of St. Charles. Visitors can experience guided hunting expeditions that take advantage of the region's reputation as a prime location for waterfowl hunting. The service provides an authentic Arkansas outdoor adventure with professional guides who know the local terrain and wildlife patterns.
5. Catfish Shack
LOCAL SEAFOOD FAVORITE
Catfish Shack is a beloved local dining establishment specializing in freshly prepared seafood dishes. The restaurant offers a casual, down-home atmosphere where visitors can enjoy Southern hospitality along with their meal. Its proximity to the White River ensures that diners can savor some of the freshest catfish available in the region.
6. Trail of Tears Water Route
PATH OF NATIVE HISTORY
The Trail of Tears Water Route passes through St. Charles along the White River, marking a significant historical pathway. This route was used during the forced relocation of five southeastern Native American tribes to what is now Oklahoma in the 1830s. Now part of the Arkansas Heritage Trails System, this historical site offers visitors a chance to reflect on an important chapter of American history.
7. Louisiana Purchase State Park
HISTORIC LAND ACQUISITION
Louisiana Purchase State Park preserves the initial point from which all surveys of the territory purchased from France in 1803 originated. Located near St. Charles, this small but significant park features a boardwalk that leads visitors through a headwater swamp to a monument marking this historic surveying point. The park represents the starting point for mapping the 828,000 square miles of land that doubled the size of the United States.
8. Museum of the Arkansas Grand Prairie
AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE CENTER
The Museum of the Arkansas Grand Prairie showcases the rich agricultural heritage of the region surrounding St. Charles. Exhibits feature artifacts and information about rice farming, duck hunting, and pioneer life on the Grand Prairie. The museum provides visitors with insight into how the unique landscape of eastern Arkansas has shaped local culture and industry.
9. Trusten Holder State Wildlife Management Area
OUTDOOR RECREATION HAVEN
Trusten Holder State Wildlife Management Area offers extensive opportunities for hunting, fishing, and wildlife observation near St. Charles. The area encompasses thousands of acres of bottomland hardwood forest and wetlands that serve as critical habitat for numerous species. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore this natural area throughout the year, with seasonal activities ranging from waterfowl hunting to fishing in its numerous waterways.
10. DeWitt Commercial Historic District
PRESERVED SMALL-TOWN CHARM
The DeWitt Commercial Historic District presents a well-preserved collection of early 20th century commercial architecture near St. Charles. Visitors can stroll through this National Register-listed district to appreciate the historic storefronts and buildings that reflect the area's economic development. The district serves as a reminder of the region's commercial history and provides a glimpse into small-town life in the Arkansas Delta.
11. Arts Center of The Grand Prairie
CULTURAL ARTS HUB
The Arts Center of The Grand Prairie serves as a cultural focal point for the region surrounding St. Charles. The center hosts rotating exhibitions of work by local and regional artists, along with arts education programs for all ages. Visitors can enjoy gallery spaces, workshops, and special events that celebrate the artistic heritage of the Arkansas Grand Prairie.
12. Beaver Lake Lodges
RUSTIC WATERFRONT ACCOMMODATIONS
Beaver Lake Lodges offers comfortable accommodations for visitors looking to experience the natural beauty of St. Charles and its surrounding waterways. These lodges cater especially to hunters and anglers who come to enjoy the area's reputation as a sportsman's paradise. Guests can enjoy easy access to water recreation and wildlife observation opportunities while staying in rustic comfort.
13. Striplin Woods Natural Area
PRISTINE FOREST ECOSYSTEM
Striplin Woods Natural Area preserves a section of old-growth hardwood forest representative of the ecosystem that once covered much of the Arkansas Delta. Visitors can explore trails through this protected area to observe native plants and wildlife in their natural habitat. The natural area serves as an important ecological reference site and offers educational opportunities about forest conservation.
14. Edwardian Inn
HISTORIC BOUTIQUE LODGING
The Edwardian Inn, located within driving distance of St. Charles, offers guests a chance to stay in a beautifully preserved historic mansion. Built in 1904, this Queen Anne-style home has been transformed into an elegant bed and breakfast that maintains its period charm while providing modern amenities. Visitors can enjoy the inn's architecture, antique furnishings, and its convenient location for exploring the cultural and natural attractions of the Arkansas Delta region.
15. Kelly's On The Square
LOCAL AMERICAN CUISINE
Kelly's On The Square offers a welcoming atmosphere where diners can enjoy American fare and bar selections near St. Charles. The restaurant serves as a gathering place for locals and visitors alike, with a menu featuring hearty, satisfying dishes. Its location on the town square makes it an ideal spot to relax after exploring the historic and natural attractions of the region.