Are you a real history buff and are you looking for the best history museums to visit in Arkansas? These are the ones:
1Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center - Hot Springs National Park
Hot Springs, ARHot Springs National Park is a unique urban park located in the district of Hot Springs, Arkansas, United States. It is managed by the U.S. National Park Service, ensuring the preservation of its natural and historical features. The park is known for its hot springs and drinking water, which originate from the western slopes of the Hot Springs Mountain, part of the Ouachita Mountain Range. 2Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site
Little Rock, ARLittle Rock Central High School (LRCHS) is a secondary school located in Little Rock, Arkansas, USA. It is situated at the intersection of Daisy L. Gatson Bates Drive and Park Street. The school is known for being the site of a struggle for access to education for the Little Rock Nine during the African American civil rights movement. 3Fort Smith National Historic Site
Fort Smith, ARFort Smith National Historic Site is a significant historical location situated in Fort Smith, Arkansas, adjacent to the Arkansas River. This site holds a rich history and offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore the past of the United States. 4Clinton Presidential Center
Little Rock, ARThe William Jefferson Clinton Presidential Center and Park is a significant location in Little Rock, Arkansas. It is part of the United States Presidential Libraries, which are managed by the United States National Archives. This center was established by Bill Clinton, the 42nd president of the United States, and it serves as a repository of historical documents and artifacts from his presidency. 5President William Jefferson Clinton Birthplace Home National Historic Site
Hope, ARThe President William Jefferson Clinton Birthplace Home National Historic Site is situated in the town of Hope, Arkansas. This historic site is where the 42nd president of the United States, Bill Clinton, spent the early years of his life. It offers a unique opportunity to explore the early life and influences of a former U.S. president. 6Pea Ridge National Military Park Visitor Center
Garfield, ARPea Ridge National Military Park is a significant historical site located in the northwest region of Arkansas, close to the Missouri border. This park is part of the United States National Military Parks and is dedicated to preserving the site of the Battle of Pea Ridge, which took place on March 7 and 8, 1862. The battle was a crucial victory for the Union, helping it to gain control of the important border state of Missouri. 7Blue Spring Heritage Center
Eureka Springs, ARThe Blue Spring Heritage Center, previously known as Eureka Springs Gardens, is a privately owned tourist attraction that spans 33 acres. It is part of the Arkansas Heritage Trails System and is situated on Highway 62 West, approximately five miles west of Eureka Springs, Arkansas. The center is home to native plants and hardwood trees, set amidst woodlands, meadows, and hillsides, offering a serene and natural environment for visitors to explore. 8Mammoth Spring State Park
Mammoth Spring, ARMammoth Spring State Park offers a range of activities including fishing, boating, and hiking. Additionally, the park houses an Arkansas Welcome Center and a restored 1886 St. Louis–San Francisco Railway (Frisco) depot, which operates as a railroad museum. 9Powhatan Historic State Park
Powhatan, AROne of the key features of the park is the 1888 Powhatan courthouse. This historic building served as the home of county government from 1869 to 1968, playing a crucial role in the administration of the region. 10Parkin Archeological State Park
Parkin, ARParkin Archeological State Park, also known as Parkin Indian Mound, is a significant archeological site and state park located in Parkin Cross County, Arkansas. This site is a testament to the rich history and culture of the region, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore and learn about the past. 11Historic Washington State Park
Washington, ARHistoric Washington State Park, located in Hempstead County, Arkansas, spans over 101 acres and is home to a collection of pioneer artifacts. These artifacts originate from the town of Washington, Arkansas, which was a significant pioneer settlement along the Southwest Trail. Visitors to the park can explore this rich history and gain a deeper understanding of the area's past. 12Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park
Prairie Grove, ARThe Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park, located in Prairie Grove, Arkansas, is a significant historical site that commemorates the Battle of Prairie Grove. This battle, which took place on December 7, 1862, during the American Civil War, was a pivotal event that secured U.S. Army control of northwestern Arkansas. 13Jacksonport State Park
Newport, AROne of the key attractions of Jacksonport State Park is the 1872 Jacksonport courthouse. This historical building served as the home of county government from 1872 to 1892. Today, it is furnished with regional items of historical significance, and tours of the courthouse are available for visitors. 14MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History
Little Rock, ARThe MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History is housed in the Tower Building of the Little Rock Arsenal. This historic building, also known as the Main Building of the U.S. Arsenal at Little Rock or Headquarters Building of the Little Rock Barracks, is a significant part of the military history of Arkansas. The museum aims to educate and inform visitors about the military history of Arkansas, honor servicemen and servicewomen of the United States, and commemorate the birthplace of Douglas MacArthur. 15Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum
North Little Rock, ARThe Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum is situated at 120 Riverfront Park Drive, North Little Rock, Arkansas. The museum was officially opened to the public on May 15, 2005. It is a significant location for those interested in maritime history and naval warfare. 16The Clayton House
Fort Smith, ARThe Clayton House Museum, originally known as the W.H.H. Clayton House, is a historic house museum located at 514 North 6th Street in Fort Smith, Arkansas. This museum offers a glimpse into the past, showcasing the architectural style and design of the late 19th century. It is a significant landmark in the city and a place of interest for those who appreciate history and architecture. 17Jacob Wolf House
Norfork, ARThe Jacob Wolf House, located on Arkansas Highway 5 in Norfork, Arkansas, is a significant historical site. Constructed in 1825 by Jacob Wolf, who is recognized as the first documented white settler in the area, the house stands as a testament to the early settlement history of the region. Visitors to the house can gain insights into the life and times of the early settlers. 18Drennen-Scott House
Van Buren, ARThe Drennen-Scott House, located on North 3rd Street in Van Buren, Arkansas, is a historic house museum. This location offers visitors a chance to step back in time and explore the history of the area. The house itself is a single-story log structure, finished in clapboards, with a side-gable roof that has a slight bell-cast shape due to the projection of the roof over the front porch that extends across the width of its main block. 19Faulkner County Museum
Conway, ARThe Faulkner County Museum is situated in the heart of Conway, Arkansas, in the former Faulkner County Jail. This central location on Courthouse Square makes it easily accessible for visitors. The building itself, a two-story masonry structure with a three-story square tower, is a piece of history, having been built in 1895. 20Hampson Archeological Museum State Park
Wilson, ARThe museum houses a collection of archeological artifacts from the Nodena site, which was a Native American village on the Mississippi River between 1400 and 1650. These artifacts provide a glimpse into the life and culture of the Native American people during that period. 21Historic Arkansas Museum
Little Rock, ARThe Historic Arkansas Museum, often referred to as HAM, is a state history museum situated in the heart of downtown Little Rock, Arkansas. The museum is a significant part of the state's history and offers a unique insight into the past. It is an ideal destination for those interested in learning more about Arkansas's rich history and heritage. 22Lakeport Plantation
Lake Village, ARLakeport Plantation is a significant historical site located near Lake Village, Arkansas. The antebellum plantation house was constructed around 1859 by Lycurgus Johnson, who financed the construction with the profits from slave labor. This site provides a glimpse into the history of the region and the harsh realities of the antebellum period. 23Delta Cultural Center
Helena-West Helena, ARThe Delta Cultural Center, situated in the heart of downtown Helena, Arkansas, is a significant part of the Department of Arkansas Heritage. This center is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the unique culture of the Arkansas Delta, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in cultural exploration. 24Ozark Folk Center State Park
Mountain View, ARThe Ozark Folk Center State Park, located in Mountain View, Arkansas, is a living history site dedicated to the preservation and presentation of the cultural heritage and traditions of the Ozarks. The park offers a unique opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the rich history and culture of the region, with a focus on traditional crafts and music. The center was established with the aim of preserving the disappearing heritage of the Ozark Mountains and has since grown into a significant cultural institution. 25Gann Museum
Benton, ARThe Gann Building, located at 218 S. Market St. in Benton, Arkansas, is a historic site with a rich history. This building is not just a structure, but a testament to the past, offering a glimpse into the life and times of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It's a place where history comes alive, and visitors can step back in time to experience a piece of Arkansas's past. 26Nevada County Depot and Museum
Prescott, ARThe Missouri Pacific Depot, now known as the Nevada County Depot and Museum, is located at 300 West 1st Street North in Prescott, Arkansas, United States. This historic building, built in 1911-12, is a significant part of the local history and culture. It was originally used by the Prescott and Northwestern Railroad, which interconnected with the Missouri-Pacific Railroad at Prescott. The building is divided into two sections, one of which continues to be used for railroad storage. 27Peel Museum & Botanical Garden
Bentonville, ARThe Peel Mansion Museum, also known as the Col. Samuel W. Peel House, is a historic house museum located at 400 South Walton Boulevard in Bentonville, Arkansas. This two-story stuccoed brick masonry structure, with a three-story hip-roofed tower at the center of its front facade, was built around 1875 by Samuel W. Peel, a prominent local politician and businessman. 28Ozark Area Depot Museum
Ozark, ARThe Ozark Area Depot Museum, formerly known as the Missouri-Pacific Depot, is a historic railroad station turned museum. It is situated at the intersection of 1st and River Streets in Ozark, Arkansas. This location is steeped in history and offers a unique glimpse into the past. 29Gravette Historical Museum
Gravette, ARThe Kindley House, located at 503 Charlotte Street in Gravette, Arkansas, is a historic site that carries significant importance. This two-story brick building, set on a heavy stone foundation, is a testament to the architectural prowess of the past. The house, built in the 1870s, is one of the high-quality Italianate brick houses in Benton County. 30Mena Kansas City Southern Depot
Mena, ARThe Mena Kansas City-Southern Depot, located on Sherwood Street in the heart of Mena, Arkansas, is a historic railroad station. This location offers a glimpse into the past, showcasing the importance of railroads in the development of the region. Its central location makes it easily accessible for tourists. 31Macarthur Museum of Arkansas Military History
Little Rock, ARThe MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History is housed in the Tower Building of the Little Rock Arsenal. This historic building, also known as the Main Building of the U.S. Arsenal at Little Rock or the Headquarters Building of the Little Rock Barracks, is a significant part of the city's military history. 32Mosaic Templars Cultural Center
Little Rock, ARThe Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, located in Little Rock, Arkansas, is a nationally-accredited institution. It is part of the Department of Arkansas Heritage Museum and Cultural Center. This world-class facility is dedicated to preserving and celebrating African American history and culture. 33Headquarters House
Fayetteville, ARThe Headquarters House, also known as the Colonel Tebbetts place, is a historic house museum located at 118 East Dickson Street in Fayetteville, Arkansas. This significant site served as a headquarters for both the Union and Confederacy during the American Civil War. Today, it stands as a testament to the rich history of the area and offers visitors a glimpse into the past. 34Old State House Museum
Little Rock, ARThe Old State House, which was previously known as the Arkansas State House, holds the distinction of being the oldest surviving state capitol building west of the Mississippi River. This historical significance makes it a point of interest for those who appreciate architectural and historical landmarks. 35Potts Inn Museum
Pottsville, ARThe Potts Inn, located at the intersection of Main and Center Streets in Pottsville, Arkansas, is a historic former stagecoach inn that has been transformed into a museum. This location offers visitors a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience a piece of Arkansas's history. 36Museum of Native American History
Bentonville, ARThe Museum of Native American History, located in Bentonville, Arkansas, is a non-profit institution that is accessible to individuals with disabilities. The museum was established in 2006 by David Bogle, a local entrepreneur and a registered member of the Cherokee Nation. The museum's mission is to educate future generations about the lives of the First Americans, providing a cultural hub to amplify their legacy.- 37
Plum Bayou Mounds Archeological State Park
Scott, ARPlum Bayou Mounds Archeological State Park, previously known as Toltec Mounds Archeological State Park, is a significant archaeological site from the Late Woodland period located in Arkansas. The park is home to an 18-mound complex, which includes the tallest surviving prehistoric mounds in the state. This site offers a unique opportunity to explore and learn about the rich history and culture of the region's indigenous inhabitants. 38Fort Smith Museum of History
Fort Smith, ARThe Fort Smith Museum of History is situated at 320 Rogers Avenue in Fort Smith, Arkansas. This location is easily accessible and provides a convenient starting point for exploring the rich history of the region. 39Fort Smith Trolley Museum
Fort Smith, ARThe Fort Smith Trolley Museum, located in Fort Smith, Arkansas, is a unique museum dedicated to the history of streetcars and railroads. The museum features an operating heritage streetcar line, providing visitors with an authentic experience of the past. Visitors can explore the museum's collection of historic vehicles, including a streetcar and three steam locomotives listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 40Clinton House Museum
Fayetteville, ARThe Clinton House Museum, located at 930 West Clinton Drive in Fayetteville, Arkansas, is a historic site that holds significant importance in American political history. Constructed in 1931, this house was the first home of former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton. During their time living here, both were teaching at the University of Arkansas School of Law. Interestingly, this is also the location where they tied the knot in 1975. 41Hemingway-Pfeiffer Museum and Educational Center
Piggott, ARThe Hemingway-Pfeiffer House, also known as the Pfeiffer House and Carriage House, is a historic house museum located at the intersection of 10th and Cherry Streets in Piggott, Arkansas. This house is not just a museum, but a piece of literary history, as it was here that the renowned novelist Ernest Hemingway penned portions of his 1929 novel, 'A Farewell to Arms'. 42McCollum-Chidester House
Camden, ARThe McCollum-Chidester House, located at 926 Washington Street NW in Camden, Arkansas, is a historic site with a rich past. This house, now a museum, offers a glimpse into the history of the region and the people who lived there. 43Helena Museum of Phillips County
Helena-West Helena, ARThe Helena Museum of Phillips County is located at 623 Pecan Street in Helena, Arkansas. This historic building is a significant part of the city's heritage and offers a unique insight into its past. Visitors can explore the museum to learn more about the local history and culture. 44Old Independence Regional Museum
Batesville, ARThe Batesville National Guard Armory, which is now the Old Independence Regional Museum, is located at 380 South Ninth Street in Batesville, Arkansas. This location is easily accessible and is a significant landmark in the city.- 45
Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources
Smackover, ARThe Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources is located in Smackover, Arkansas, in the United States. It is not just a museum but also a state park, offering visitors a unique blend of educational and recreational opportunities. The museum is dedicated to telling the history of the petroleum and brine industries, which were key economic movements in South Arkansas. - 46
World War II Japanese American Internment Museum
McGehee, ARThe Japanese American Internment Museum, also known as the WWII Japanese American Internment Museum and the Jerome-Rohwer Interpretive Museum & Visitor Center, is a history museum located in McGehee, Arkansas. This museum is dedicated to the history of Japanese American internment during the 1940s. - 47
Lower White River Museum State Park
Des Arc, ARThe Lower White River Museum State Park is a state-run institution situated on Main Street in Des Arc, Prairie County, Arkansas. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the area. The museum offers a unique opportunity to delve into the history of the lower portion of Arkansas's White River. - 48
Arkansas National Guard Museum
North Little Rock, ARLloyd England Hall, located at the northwest corner of 6th and Missouri Streets, is a historic building situated on the grounds of Camp Joseph T. Robinson. This is an Arkansas National Guard base in North Little Rock, Arkansas. The building's location and historical significance make it an interesting point of interest for tourists visiting the area. - 49
Maynard Pioneer Museum
Maynard, ARThe Maynard Pioneer Museum and Park, situated in Maynard, Arkansas, was founded in the year 1979. This museum offers a glimpse into the past, providing visitors with an opportunity to learn about the history and culture of the region. - 50
Walmart Museum
Bentonville, AR - 51
Eureka Springs Historical Museum
Eureka Springs, AR - 52
Bella Vista Historical Museum
Bella Vista, AR - 53
Arkansas State University Museum
Jonesboro, AR - 54
Shiloh Museum of Ozark History
Springdale, ARThe Shiloh Museum of Ozark History is a regional history museum situated in Springdale, Arkansas. It provides a comprehensive coverage of the history of the Arkansas Ozarks. The museum offers programs, exhibits, and events that relate to the Ozark and Northwest Arkansas history, making it a rich source of information for those interested in the region's past. - 55
Boone County Heritage Museum
Harrison, AR - 56
Ernie's Museum on Black Arkansans
Little Rock, AR