What to do and see in Arkansas, United States: The Best History Museums

February 18, 2022 Janean Rudisill

Living up to its billing as “The Natural State”, the state is a nature wonderland with three national forests, nearly 9,000 miles of pristine streams and rivers, awe-inspiring settings in the Ozark and Quachita mountains and sparkling lakes.

The menu of vacation experiences is an exciting one. For great golf, spas, horse racing and the Hot Springs National Park, Hot Springs is the place to go. Outdoor enthusiasts love the Ozark Mountains where activities like canoeing, rafting, kayaking, fishing, hiking and rock climbing are popular. The mountain village of Eureka Springs, with its streets lined with Victorian homes, is brimming with boutiques, antique shops and art galleries. Wine enthusiasts love the Arkansas Wine Country, encompassing the towns of Paris, Ozark and Altus, where German style wines are produced. From its ancient mountains to the Delta flatlands leveled by the Mississippi River, the state has a diverse topography with numerous scenic drives. Try the Pig Trail, Ozark Highlands and Sylamore scenic byways in the Ozark National Forest designated by the U.S. Forest Service. Golfers love the state because greens fees are extremely affordable for great courses. A few excellent public access courses are Sage Meadows in Jonesboro, Stonebridge Meadows in Fayetteville and the Mountain Ranch Course in Fairfield Bay.


Restaurants in Arkansas

1. Gann Museum of Saline County

218 S Market, Benton, AR 72015-4304 +1 501-778-5513 http://www.gannmuseum.com
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5.0 based on 5 reviews

Built in 1893, the office of Dr. Dewell Gann, Sr., is the only known bauxite building in existence making the building is an architectural landmark. Today, it is a museum hosting an array of exhibits and history of Saline County.

2. Museum of the Arkansas Grand Prairie

921 E 4th St, Stuttgart, AR 72160-4558 +1 870-673-7001 http://www.grandprairiemuseum.org
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5.0 based on 33 reviews

Museum of the Arkansas Grand Prairie

3. Museum of Native American History

202 SW O St, Bentonville, AR 72712-3641 +1 479-273-2456 [email protected] http://www.monah.us
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5.0 based on 960 reviews

Museum of Native American History

The Museum of Native American History invites you to "Walk Through America's Past," where we will give you a glimpse into what life was like for America's first inhabitants. The museum is divided into five different time periods that will guide you through the constantly changing lives of the Native Americans, as seen through their artifacts. Our displays feature relics that date from over 14,000 years old to historic times. Come visit our museum and enjoy seeing some of the finest treasures ever created by early craftsmen. Schools and groups are welcomed, call to make reservations. Handicap Accessible

Reviewed By 77117

What a great collection of arrowheads, tools and pottery. Well arranged and well documented. An hour is plenty to go through the museum, but well worth your time!

4. Grant County Museum

521 Shackleford Rd, Sheridan, AR 72150-7074 +1 870-942-4496 http://www.grantcountymuseumar.com/
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5.0 based on 14 reviews

Grant County Museum

5. Clark County Historical Museum

750 S 5th St, Arkadelphia, AR 71923-6237 +1 870-230-1360 http://www.clarkcountyhistory.org/museum
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

Clark County Historical Museum

6. Klipsch Museum of Audio History

136 Hempstead 278, Hope, AR 71801-8823 +1 833-794-5287 [email protected] http://klipschmuseum.org
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5.0 based on 16 reviews

Klipsch Museum of Audio History

The Klipsch Museum of Audio History highlights the achievements of Paul W. Klipsch, a founding father of the audio industry. It is housed in an historic building that served as the first Klipsch factory in 1948, and was previously the telephone building during WWII for the Southwestern Proving Grounds. Most artifacts on display are the work of Mr. Klipsch, but there are many others too.

7. Arkansas River Visitors Center

1598 Lock and Dam Rd, Russellville, AR 72802-8462 http://www.arkansas.com/attractions/detail/arkansas-river-visitor-center/19104/
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Arkansas River Visitors Center

8. Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site

1500 S Park St, Little Rock, AR 72202-5843 +1 501-374-1957 [email protected] http://www.nps.gov/chsc
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4.5 based on 1,188 reviews

Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site

This National Park Service site encompasses the campus, but Central High is still an active high school. Visitors should park and begin their visit at the National Park Visitor Center, located diagonally across from the campus, at 2120 W. Daisy Gatson Bates Drive. Visitor entrance into the school is via free Ranger-led tours reserved in advance to guarantee participation. Interpreting the Civil Rights Movement with an emphasis on school integration, this National Historic Site focuses on the 1957 desegregation crisis that resulted when Arkansas Governor Orval Faubus ordered National Guard troops to prevent the first African American students, the "Little Rock Nine," from entering formerly all white Little Rock Central High School, leading to federal intervention by order of President Dwight Eisenhower.

Reviewed By YourHighnessK

This was the highlight of our trip with high school aged Girl Scouts. It is a beautiful high school with reflecting pond in front, and the Visitor Center contains a wealth of information about the integral role that the Little Rock Nine played in the Civil Rights movement after Brown v. Board. My scouts are about the same age as the Little Rock Nine were during that time. Seeing the school and the visitor center was an important lesson for the younger generation and a poignant reminder for the older generations. We definitely recommend for all ages and would visit again if in this area.

9. Old State House Museum

300 W Markham St, Little Rock, AR 72201-1406 +1 501-324-9685 http://www.oldstatehouse.com/
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4.5 based on 388 reviews

Old State House Museum

Built in 1836, this was the state's first capital building.

Reviewed By mariegleerup - Los Angeles, United States

Don't pass this one up -- what a terrific museum! We did not expect to spend more than an hour, but there was plenty to see (museum is free, also!). In May, curator Jo Ellen is opening two new areas: the Rock & Roll history of Little Rock, and The Governors of Arkansas. Both areas are fantastic, so if you're traveling to Little Rock, book yourself a couple hours to visit. We were able to view 28 of the 43 "first lady" inaugural gowns, which are impeccably displayed, with purse, shoes, coat and hat included.

10. Headquarters House Museum

118 E Dickson St, Fayetteville, AR 72701-4207 +1 479-521-2970 [email protected] http://www.washcohistoricalsociety.org
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4.5 based on 8 reviews

Headquarters House Museum

Built in 1853 by Jonas Tebbetts the home became the Headquarters for the 1st Arkansas US Cavalry in January of 1863.

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