West Point ArkansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near West Point, Arkansas.
1. River Market
FRESH FOOD AND CULTURE
The River Market in Little Rock offers exotic cuisines and the freshest produce from nearby farms in season. Visitors can explore various food vendors and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of this central gathering place. The market represents the revitalization of downtown Little Rock and serves as a cultural hub for locals and tourists alike.
2. Quapaw Quarter
HISTORIC HOMES DISTRICT
The Quapaw Quarter is one of the country's finest examples of restoring an older neighborhood through adaptive reuse. This historic district features beautifully restored 19th-century homes showcasing various architectural styles. Visitors can stroll through the leafy streets and admire these meticulously preserved pieces of Arkansas history.
3. Little Rock Zoo
FAMILY-FRIENDLY ANIMAL PARK
The Little Rock Zoo provides a park-like setting where visitors can observe and learn about various animal species. The zoo offers educational programs and exhibits in a beautiful natural environment. Families can enjoy a day of wildlife exploration and picnicking in this Central Arkansas attraction.
4. Old State House Museum
ARKANSAS'S FIRST CAPITOL
The Old State House Museum in Little Rock was the original state capitol of Arkansas with rich historical significance. It was where the vote to secede and join the Confederacy took place, as well as where Arkansas was admitted to the Union. Visitors can choose between guided and self-guided tours to explore the fascinating history this museum preserves.
5. Bathhouse Row
HISTORIC THERMAL SPRINGS
Bathhouse Row is a collection of historic bathhouse buildings preserving the spa culture that made Hot Springs famous. The elegant structures showcase various architectural styles from the early 20th century and tell the story of America's spa history. Visitors can tour restored bathhouses, enjoy modern spa treatments, or learn about the area's unique geological features.
6. Fordyce Bathhouse
ELEGANT HISTORIC SPA
The Fordyce Bathhouse stands as the grandest structure on Bathhouse Row, now serving as the visitor center for Hot Springs National Park. This magnificently restored facility showcases the luxury and sophistication of the early 20th-century spa experience. Visitors can explore three floors of exhibits including original bathing facilities, a gymnasium, and elegant stained glass.
7. Thorncrown Chapel
BREATHTAKING GLASS SANCTUARY
Thorncrown Chapel is an architectural marvel featuring 425 windows and over 6,000 square feet of glass that blends seamlessly with its woodland setting. Designed by renowned architect E. Fay Jones, this stunning glass structure has won numerous architectural awards and welcomes visitors of all faiths. The chapel's soaring design creates an unforgettable spiritual experience as sunlight filters through the surrounding forest.
8. Historic Washington State Park
PRESERVED 19TH CENTURY TOWN
Historic Washington State Park preserves a nineteenth-century town that played an important role in Arkansas history. The park features more than 30 carefully restored historic structures from the town's heyday, including courthouses, homes, and businesses. Visitors can experience living history demonstrations, guided tours, and special events that bring the past to life.
9. Pea Ridge National Military Park
PIVOTAL CIVIL WAR BATTLEFIELD
Pea Ridge National Military Park preserves the site of a pivotal Civil War battle that helped secure Missouri for the Union. The 4,300-acre battlefield features a 7-mile self-guided tour road, hiking trails, and a visitor center with informative exhibits. Visitors can explore reconstructed fortifications, historic buildings, and experience the landscape where approximately 26,000 soldiers fought in March 1862.
10. Headquarters House
CIVIL WAR HISTORIC SITE
Headquarters House was a key location during the Battle of Fayetteville in 1863 and still stands as a testament to Civil War history. Built in 1853, this historic home served as headquarters for both Union and Confederate forces at different times. Visitors can take guided tours of the house and grounds to learn about its significant role in Arkansas's Civil War history.
11. Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park
LAST MAJOR BATTLE SITE
Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park preserves the site of the last major Civil War battle in Northwest Arkansas. The park hosts the largest Civil War reenactment in Arkansas every other even-numbered year, drawing history enthusiasts from across the region. Visitors can enjoy various tour options including geocache tours, driving tours, guided walking tours, and virtual experiences of this historic battlefield.
12. Jacksonport State Park
RIVER PORT HISTORY
Jacksonport State Park preserves the history of a once-thriving 1800s port town at the confluence of the White and Black rivers. The park's centerpiece is the restored 1872 courthouse that now houses exhibits on the area's rich riverboat history and Civil War significance. Visitors can enjoy the riverside setting, camping facilities, and interpretive programs that bring the past to life.
13. Poison Springs Battlefield
CIVIL WAR HISTORIC SITE
Poison Springs Battlefield preserves the site of a significant 1864 Civil War engagement that was part of the Red River Campaign. This historic battlefield commemorates a controversial battle where African American Union soldiers were reportedly executed after surrendering. Visitors can walk interpretive trails and read informational markers that explain the battle's military tactics and historical context.
14. Central Arkansas Nature Center
URBAN WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE
The Central Arkansas Nature Center showcases the natural environments and wildlife found throughout the state in an accessible urban setting. Interactive exhibits highlight Arkansas's diverse ecosystems, from the Ozark Mountains to the Delta lowlands. Visitors can observe native fish in aquariums, learn about conservation efforts, and enjoy educational programs for all ages.
15. Arkansas River Trail
SCENIC RIVERSIDE RECREATION
The Arkansas River Trail system offers over 88 miles of scenic paths connecting Little Rock and North Little Rock along the Arkansas River. This popular outdoor recreation corridor features spectacular bridges, riverfront parks, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Visitors can walk, run, or cycle while enjoying panoramic views of the river and the metropolitan skyline.