Area Recommendations

Visiting Arkadelphia and not sure what there is to do? We have ideas for you! Whether it's spending time in the outdoors on a walking trail or grabbing a cup of coffee at the local coffee shop, there are a wide variety of options to keep you busy.

In Arkadelphia

Outdoors

FOR THE HAMMOCKER, DeSoto Bluff Trail, named for Hernando DeSoto whose expedition, some believe, camped on this very spot, is an easy, paved, interpreted walk out to a beautiful pavilion and bluff overlooking the Ouachita River with lots of great trees to tie up on.
FOR THE PADDLER, try Cove Paddle Trail, nestled along DeGray Lake's north shore, a three-mile loop that offers excellent wildlife viewing. DeGray Lake has several other beaches, pavilions, and trails to explore, as well!
FOR THE FLOATER, catch the high water in a tube, kayak, or canoe on the Caddo River, which flows into the Ouachita River.
FOR THE STROLLER, walk and relax alongside the Ouachita River on Ouachita Baptist University's own Speer Pavilion.

Food

Allen’s BBQ Company, smoky meats and rich flavor
El Parian, Mexican restaurant blocks from campus with quick service and a wonderful fresh, spicy green sauce
Fat Boys’ Fine Food, spicy barbecue and one of the best burgers in town
Flying Burger and Seafood, a unique name but the food is worth it
Golden Wok, a variety of Asian/Chinese dishes served in large portions
Java Primo, alumni-owned coffee shop, café, and gift shop
Los Agaves, Mexican restaurant with unique fruit drinks and delicious Ranchero combinations
Ludwig's Bakery
Slim & Shorty’s, variety of food with that “beachy” vibe
Tasty Hibachi, delicious sushi and hibachi grill—try the Ouachita roll (or the Mamma Mia roll!)
The Hamburger Barn, casual eatery with a mix of classic dishes
Walk & Taco

Things To Do

CHECK OUT a four-legged friend from the Clark County Humane Society (or bring your own) for a leisurely stroll on Arkadelphia's Feaster Trail, a paved, easy walking trail that's pet-friendly.
COOL OFF at the Arkadelphia Aquatic Park, which offers a 25-meter pool, two water slides, fountains, and diverse play areas.
EXPLORE HISTORY at the Clark County Historical Association Museum, located in a historic train depot. Admission is free!
INDULGE at the famous Juanita's Candy Kitchen with their original peanut brittle, which is legendary, or their cashew and pecan brittle.
SHOP AROUND in our walkable, historic downtown, featuring unique stores like Kel-Zek’s, Forever Young, Rebel Child, Sheffield’s Music…just start at the corner of 6^th and Main gazebo.
PLAY A ROUND at the DeGray Lake Resort Golf Course, a scenic and challenging, 18-hole, championship, public golf course.

Lodging

Audrey’s Bed and Breakfast: 870-246-7271
Hampton Inn: 870-403-0800
Comfort Inn: 870-246-3800
Best Western: 870-246-5592
Holiday Inn Express: 870-403-0880
Fairfield Inn & Suites: 870-245-0003
Captain Henderson House: 870-230-5544

Near Arkadelphia

Outdoors

FOR THE CASUAL WALKER OR SERIOUS RUNNER, Ouachita Whitewater Park in Malvern is a venue, known as a runner's paradise, that offers walking paths, jogging and biking paths, and open recreation spaces. There is even a playground for the kids.
FOR THE FISHER, catch your limit of Florida largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, crappie and channel catfish off the fishing pier at Gurdon Lake.
FOR THE HIKER OR BIKER, the Womble Trail, which stretches from Northfork Lake to the Ouachita National Recreation Trail, is a 32.4 miles, IMBA-designated EPIC Ride and beloved for its rugged beauty.

Historical Landmarks

Bathhouse Row in Hot Springs was created for traditional therapeutic bathing utilizing the natural hot springs water and became a favorite vacation spot for many notorious gangsters, like Al Capone.
Mountain Valley Spring Water Headquarters in Hot Springs bottles water that has refreshed multiple U.S. Presidents and is still served in the U.S. Senate.
The Hot Springs Historic Baseball Trail features the original home of spring training, where baseball legends Babe Ruth, Cy Young, Satchel Paige, Dizzy Dean and Joe DiMaggio are but a few of the Hall of Famers who started here.
The International Order of Hoo-Hoo Headquarters & Museum resides in all its snarky splendor in Gurdon and is one of the oldest service organizations still in existence in the world.
The Arkansas Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo is tourist tradition that goes back 117 years.

Food

Ohio Club in Hot Springs, a historic hangout of Al Capone
DeLuca's Pizzeria in Hot Springs, listed as one of the best pizza places in the United States so calling ahead is recommended
Superior Bathhouse Brewery in Hot Springs, the only brewery in a national park with good food and a delicious root beer float made from the hot springs water
Fisherman’s Wharf in Hot Springs, right on the lake (people actually boat in) and some of the best seafood around
Tacos4Life in Benton, alumni-owned taqueria gives a meal when you get yours

Things To Do

DISCOVER native people and archeology at Ka-Do-Ha Indian Village in Murfreesboro. Museum exhibits display artifacts from Native American culture including pottery jars, pipes, stone stools and projectile points.
DO IT ALL! go-kart, get zapped in laser tag or play a round of mini golf at Funtrackers Family Fun Park.
EXPLORE at the Mid-America Science Museum in Hot Springs.
SEE FOR MILES in every direction from atop the Hot Springs Mountain Tower. An elevator goes to the observation deck 216 feet up.
WONDER at a 12-foot waterfall, scramble over boulders, and climb a suspended treehouse at Evans Children's Adventure Garden in Hot Springs' Garvan Woodland Gardens.
TRY YOUR luck digging for diamonds at Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro. The 911-acre park features a 37.5-acre plowed field which is the world's only diamond-bearing site accessible to the public. You keep what you find!
FLY through the treetops on one of Adventureworks' three ziplining courses. For something really different, consider an exciting, moonlit rides.