17 Best Things To Do In Arkadelphia, Arkansas

1. Explore artifacts at Clark County Historical Museum

Clark County Historical Museum has a lot of historic significance. The best time to go explore this museum is winter. It holds several photographs and autobiographies of the nation’s greatest warriors during World War II. The museum also stresses on the heritage and culture of the land with significant displays of country life and Caddo artifacts. The museum is extremely interesting, informative, and perfect for a family visit by travelers.

Clark County Historical Museum

Address: 750 S 5th St, Arkadelphia, AR 71923

Website: Clark County Historical Museum

Opening hours: Wed - Fri: 10am - 3pm; Sat: 10am - 12pm (closed on Sun - Tue)

2. Go cycling on Iron Mountain Trail

If you love cycling and adventure, Iron Mountain Trail is the place for you! It has some finely groomed bike trails for enthusiasts visiting Arkansas. It has the best cycling trail in the state, with some technical sections and a smooth path. The blue and the orange loops crisscross each other on the banks of DeGray Lake, while the yellow and the green loops route towards the exhilarating Skyline Drive.

3. Visit Arkadelphia Arts Center

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Arkadelphia Arts Center is the pinnacle of art and creativity in Clark County. It hosts several art clubs such as Arkadelphia Philharmonic Club, Arkadelphia Little Theatre, Writers Guild, Clark County Historical Association, to name a few. This art center provides artists, poets, and writers a platform to showcase their work. This is a place where you can support talented local artists, as well as admire their amazing work.

Arkadelphia Arts Center

Address: 625 Main St, Arkadelphia, AR 71923

Website: Arkadelphia Arts Center

Opening hours: Wed - Fri: 10am - 5pm (closed on Sat - Tue)

4. Take on DeSoto Bluff Trail

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

DeSoto Bluff Trail is a long flat trail of 25 miles (40 km). It takes visitors through a beautiful path with ample scenic beauty, as well as a mesmerizing view of Ouachita River. The trail has interpretive panels that give information about the European expeditions in the 1800s. It also gives an idea about the native American cultures, including the Caddo Indians. Tourists find this spot intriguing not only due to its scenery but also for its exciting historical significance.

5. Sample the best nut brittle in Arkansas at Juanita's Candy Kitchen

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

You’ll miss out on the most amazing thing in Arkansas if you do not taste the nut brittle at Juanita’s Candy Kitchen. Its nut brittles are said to be the best in the entire city of Arkadelphia. The store makes three different kinds of brittles—cashews, peanuts, and pecans. These brittles are thin and crisp with a captivating aroma of fine roasted nuts with gooey caramelized sugar. When in Arkadelphia, do grab a bite of this delicious treat.

Juanita's Candy Kitchen

Address: 47 Stephenwood Dr, Arkadelphia, AR 71923

Website: Juanita’s Candy Kitchen

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 8:30am - 5pm (closed on Sun)

6. Experience stargazing from Donald W. Reynolds Science Center Planetarium

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Donald W. Reynolds Science Center Planetarium is located at Henderson State University and known for its amazing science department. The planetarium is the perfect spot for an interesting teaching and learning session. Apart from that, it also has a number of activities and shows that attract people from far and wide. Some noteworthy shows and events are private functions, field trips, stargazing events, and more. This place shows the immense dedication and commitment of the students to the university and is a great spot to visit with children.

Donald W. Reynolds Science Center Planetarium

Address: 1100 Henderson St, Arkadelphia, AR 71999

Website: Donald W. Reynolds Science Center Planetarium

7. Go for a splash at Arkadelphia Aquatic Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Arkadelphia Aquatic Park is a must-visit if you are in the city during summer. The park is open from May to September and has numerous exciting and fun rides for visitors. Take the water slide or splash around in the floating zone—they have it all covered! The park offers refreshments at extremely affordable prices. Special care is given to the area’s sanitation as well, making it one of the most desirable tourist spots in Arkansas.

Arkadelphia Aquatic Park

Address: 2575 Twin Rivers Dr, Arkadelphia, AR 71923

Website: Arkadelphia Aquatic Park

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 1pm - 8pm; Sun 1pm - 5pm

8. Watch American football at Carpenter-Haygood Stadium

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

This football stadium is Henderson State Football’s home ground from 1968. The stadium was initially called Haygood in honor of Jimmy Haygood. Its name was later altered to Carpenter-Haygood after the name of their former coach Ralph “Sporty” Carpenter. In 2015, the stadium went through some massive changes with an improved design and several new features, making it a popular destination for football enthusiasts. If you are in Arkansas and love soccer as much as the locals do, do not forget to watch a match at this huge and amazing stadium.

Carpenter-Haygood Stadium

Address: 1100 Henderson St, HSU Box 7630, Arkadelphia, AR 71999

Website: Carpenter-Haygood Stadium

9. Relish American comfort food at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store

How’s your American tour complete without relishing a warm country-style comfort meal? Cracker Barrel has made this dream achievable with its mouthwatering dishes that are a favorite of locals and tourists alike. The store opened on America’s Interstate highway to help people relax and spend some quality time eating fresh and homestyle meals amidst some good music and hospitable staff. Soon it became bigger and is now a popular tourist stop for local delicacies.

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store

Address: 173 Valley St, Arkadelphia, AR 71923

Website: Cracker Barrel Old Country Store

Opening hours: Sun - Thur: 6am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 6am - 11pm

10. Listen to live music at Slim and Shorty's

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

This restaurant is located in downtown Arkadelphia amidst all the action. Make sure you head to this locally owned eatery, which has a sports-bar vibe, when in the city. Slim and Shorty’s has a lovely ambiance and welcoming interiors. It is child-friendly, and there are kiddie meals as well. You can even enjoy live music here, but only on the weekends. The restaurant has vegetarian options, and its friendly staff will cater to your needs.

Slim & Shorty’s

Address: 617 Clinton St, Arkadelphia, AR 71923

Website: Slim & Shorty’s

Opening hours: 11am - 9pm (daily)

11. Go hiking on Feaster Trail

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Travelers who enjoy outdoor activities and being amidst nature should go hiking on Feaster Trail. The trail is ideal for a number of activities such as jogging, cycling, and water blading. If you were to walk across the trail, you would come across places like Twin River Drive, Baptist Hospital, a mysterious wooded region along Milk Creek, to name a few. The trail has access to five entrances, the most popular one being located beside Baptist Hospital.

12. Take your children to Arkadelphia Central Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Make some time to take your children to the most popular park in the city—Arkadelphia Central Park. It has a fun playground that goes by the name Lion’s Club. Little girls can also enjoy a softball match on the field of Sully Anderson’s. The park has a good bathroom and pavilion arrangements, making it extremely child-friendly. It has a farmers’ market too, which sells fresh local veggies every Wednesday to Saturday.

13. Soak in the scenic beauty from Ouachita River Bridge

Ouachita River Bridge is a long truss bridge that gives you an overview of the beautiful city of Arkadelphia. The bridge is designed in the popular early 20th-century cantilever style. The bridge is also of great importance in terms of location as it joins the southeastern and southwestern parts of Arkansas. This bridge lets you witness the beauty of the serene city and enjoy a walk or a drive with your dear ones.

Ouachita River Bridge

Website: Ouachita River Bridge

14. Spend some time at Arkadelphia Sports Complex

Located on Thompson Road, Arkadelphia Sports Complex is a must-visit for all fitness freaks. The complex has large basketball and soccer fields, a stunning golf course, numerous practice fields, pools, and a gigantic fishing pond. Though the place is accessible to people of all age groups, it is most ideal for young, adventurous, sporty men and women. The sports complex also has proper concession stands and clean restrooms.

Arkadelphia Sports Complex

Address: 2540 Country Club Rd, Arkadelphia, AR 71923

15. Sip a few drinks at 67 Grill

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

If you’re in the city and looking for casual dining along with some drinks to relax after a long day, then we know the place for you. 67 Grill is a popular eatery and bar in Arkadelphia, which is known for its chill atmosphere, hospitable staff, delicious food, and most importantly, some exotic drinks. It serves amazing cocktails apart from their regular drinks, which makes it a favorite local and tourist spot to hang out.

67 Grill

Address: 629 Main St, Arkadelphia, AR 71923

Website: 67 Grill

Opening hours: Mon - Thur: 11am - 9pm; Fri 11am - 1am; Sat: 11am - 12am; Sun: 11am - 5pm

16. Try some delicious roast beef at Arby's

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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Love proteins? Arkadelphia has a fantastic eatery that specializes in protein-rich meals to satiate your cravings. Be it beef or pork, chicken or turkey, Arby’s has it all covered! The food makes you want to visit again and again. Its signature dishes are known and enjoyed by the locals and tourists thoroughly, with the roast beef being a popular choice. If you are visiting Arkadelphia, do check this place out.

Arby’s

Address: 1411 Pine St, Arkadelphia, AR 71923

Website: Arby’s

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 10am - 10:30pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 11pm; Sun: 10am - 10pm

17. Try steak and buffet at Western Sizzlin

Editor’s note: establishment is permanently closed

Looking for Southern food? Head to Western Sizzlin to relish some juicy steak and salad. The place is known for its warm and cozy ambiance as well as its mouthwatering Mexican and Italian dishes. This top-rated eatery is child-friendly and even offers kids’ meals. The buffet has over a hundred items to choose from, and there is something for everyone looking to relish Southern fare!

Western Sizzlin

Address: 106 Wp Malone Dr, Arkadelphia, AR 71923

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 8pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 8:30pm

Enjoy your holidays in Arkadelphia

Arkadelphia is a great place for history lovers. A visit to some prominent historic destinations such as Arkadelphia Commercial Historic District, James E. M. Barkman House, Captain Henderson House, and more is a must. Hot Springs National Park and Ouachita National Forest can be easily reached from here, making Arkadelphia ideal for outdoor lovers.