Widener ArkansasATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Widener, Arkansas.
1. Village Creek State Park
NATURAL OUTDOOR RECREATION AREA
Village Creek State Park offers visitors a chance to explore one of the most unique geological features in the region. The park features hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and camping facilities for overnight stays. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the Crowley's Ridge area while participating in various outdoor activities.
2. The Ridges at Village Creek
PREMIER GOLF EXPERIENCE
The Ridges at Village Creek is a championship golf course located near Widener. The course offers challenging play with beautiful natural surroundings in the unique landscape of Crowley's Ridge. Golfers of all skill levels can enjoy the well-maintained fairways and greens throughout the year.
3. Mississippi River Observation Point
SCENIC RIVER VIEWS
The Mississippi River Observation Point provides visitors with spectacular views of America's most iconic river. Visitors can observe river traffic, wildlife, and the changing landscapes that define this important waterway. The location offers excellent photography opportunities, especially during sunrise and sunset.
4. East Arkansas Community College Fine Arts Center
CULTURAL ARTS VENUE
The East Arkansas Community College Fine Arts Center hosts a variety of performances and cultural events throughout the year. The center features state-of-the-art facilities for theater productions, musical performances, and art exhibitions. Visitors can enjoy both local and touring productions in this important regional cultural hub.
5. Thorncrown Chapel
ICONIC GLASS SANCTUARY
Thorncrown Chapel is a stunning architectural masterpiece made primarily of glass and situated in a beautiful woodland setting. The chapel's design incorporates 425 windows with over 6,000 square feet of glass, creating a breathtaking space that seems to merge with the surrounding forest. Visitors from around the world come to experience the peaceful atmosphere and remarkable design of this award-winning structure.
6. Fordyce Bathhouse
HISTORIC SPA LANDMARK
Fordyce Bathhouse stands as a beautifully preserved example of the historic bathhouse culture that made Hot Springs famous. The building now serves as the visitor center for Hot Springs National Park, featuring exhibits about the history of bathing and the natural hot springs. Visitors can tour the ornate facility with its stained glass, marble, and ceramic tile that showcase the luxury of early 20th century spa treatments.
7. Bathhouse Row
HISTORIC SPA DISTRICT
Bathhouse Row features a collection of eight historic bathhouses along Central Avenue in Hot Springs National Park. These preserved buildings represent the golden age of bathing culture in America during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, visitors can explore several repurposed bathhouses that now house breweries, restaurants, art galleries, and the park's visitor center.
8. Greers Ferry Lake
OZARK MOUNTAIN RECREATION
Greers Ferry Lake spans 31,500 surface acres between Clinton and Heber Springs in Arkansas' Ozark Mountains. The crystal-clear lake offers exceptional opportunities for boating, fishing, swimming, and other water recreation activities. Surrounding the lake are numerous campgrounds, resorts, and championship golf courses that make this a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
9. Little Red River
PREMIUM TROUT FISHING
The Little Red River emerges cold from Greers Ferry Dam to create one of the finest trout fisheries in the country. The river gained international fame when the world-record brown trout weighing over 40 pounds was caught here in 1992. Anglers from around the world visit to fish for rainbow, brown, cutthroat, and brook trout in the pristine waters.
10. Lake Dardanelle State Park
RIVER VALLEY ADVENTURES
Lake Dardanelle State Park features an impressive visitor center with exhibits on the Arkansas River ecosystem and local history. The park includes four large aquariums showcasing native aquatic species and touch-screen kiosks with educational content. Facilities also include a fishing tournament pavilion, campgrounds, and boat launches that support a wide range of outdoor activities.
11. Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge
BIG CAT SANCTUARY
Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge spans over 450 acres and serves as one of North America's largest big cat sanctuaries. The refuge provides forever homes to over 130 exotic cats including lions, tigers, leopards, and cougars, as well as bears and other wildlife. Visitors can take self-guided tours to observe the animals in their natural habitats while learning their individual rescue stories from informational plaques.
12. Van Buren Downtown Historic District
VICTORIAN MAIN STREET
The Van Buren Downtown Historic District encompasses six blocks of beautifully restored Victorian architecture along Main Street. The district features numerous art galleries, antique shops, restaurants, and specialty stores housed in historic buildings. Visitors can spend hours exploring the unique shops offering collectibles, original art, local Ozark crafts, and extraordinary antiques.
13. Over the Jumps Carousel
HISTORIC UNIQUE MERRY-GO-ROUND
The Over the Jumps Carousel is the last remaining carousel of its type in the world, making it a truly unique attraction. This historic merry-go-round features horses that move up and down as they revolve, creating a jumping effect unlike standard carousels. Visitors can enjoy this rare piece of amusement history along with miniature train rides and a petting zoo in the surrounding area.
14. Old State House Museum
HISTORIC GOVERNMENT BUILDING
The Old State House Museum is housed in the original Arkansas state capitol building, a beautiful Greek Revival structure dating back to 1836. The museum features exhibits on Arkansas history, politics, and culture spanning from frontier days to modern times. Visitors can explore the historic legislative chambers and learn about significant events that shaped the state's development.
15. St. Francis National Forest
DIVERSE WOODLAND HABITAT
St. Francis National Forest encompasses over 20,000 acres of diverse woodland habitat near Widener. The forest offers recreational activities including hiking, fishing, hunting, and wildlife observation in a relatively undeveloped natural setting. Visitors can experience the unique ecosystem where the Mississippi Alluvial Plain meets Crowley's Ridge, creating a habitat for numerous plant and animal species.