If you’re looking for fun things to do in Arkansas City, Kansas, there are several options for you to consider. The city is located in the southwestern part of the state at the confluence of the Arkansas and Walnut Rivers. At the time of the 2020 census, the city had a population of 11,974.

Pinnacle Mountain State Park

Pinnacle Mountain State Park is a 2,356-acre state park located in Pulaski County, Arkansas. The park’s main attraction is Pinnacle Mountain. This iconic landmark is surrounded by the bottomlands of the Big Maumelle and Little Maumelle rivers.

The park has several hiking trails and picnic sites. There’s also a bird sanctuary and a natural area where you can learn about local plants and animals. There’s even an a/V program and an interpretive center to enhance your visit. It is accessible by car, bus, or by public transit. However, you should note that the park does not have campgrounds. Gates close an hour after sunset.

If you’re planning to hike, you’ll need to bring a good pair of hiking shoes. This park has more than 40 miles of trails. It also features an arboretum and a playground. Picnic tables are available throughout the park, and you can bring the whole family if you’d like.

If you’re looking for an adventurous day hike, Pinnacle Mountain State Park in Arkansas City is the place to be. It has a challenging summit trail and a base trail around the base of the mountain. Early spring is an ideal time to get out on the trails and explore the top.

For those who don’t want to tackle a long hike, the park’s trailheads are ideal for beginners. Many of these trails are flat and easy, but there are also some steeper routes. The trails are also wheelchair and stroller accessible. Dogs are also welcome on the trail. You’ll also find interpretive signs along the Arkansas Trail and Arboretum trail. They will explain local plants and animals.

Mammoth Spring

Mammoth Spring is a large natural spring that forms a 10-acre spring pool. It drains from a high stone dam and has a constant temperature of 58 degrees Fahrenheit. The spring’s mouth is approximately 70 feet below the surface of the large spring pool.

Visitors can view the pristine beauty of the park and the natural wildlife. They can also view the Mammoth Spring train depot, which has been converted to a museum. This attraction continues to draw tourists and new residents. While exploring the natural beauty of the area, be sure to stop by Mammoth Spring State Park, which was visited by over 380,000 people last year.

The population of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, is 919 people, which is below the state and national average. The median age of residents is 48 and the average family has 2.7 members. The diversity of Mammoth Spring is below average both nationally and in the state of Arkansas.

Visitors should try fishing at Mammoth Spring, which is part of a large underground river system. The spring is the largest in Arkansas, the third-largest in the Ozarks, and the seventh largest natural spring in the world. It has multiple cavities that collect water as it falls from the sky, and the water eventually makes its way back to the town of Mammoth Spring.

Lake Catherine State Park

If you want to enjoy some outdoor recreation, you can’t go wrong with Lake Catherine State Park in Arkansas City. This 2,180-acre public recreation area is located eight miles southeast of Hot Springs. It was developed during the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Today, the park is a popular destination for locals and tourists.

Located near the Ouachita Mountains, Lake Catherine State Park offers water sports and fishing. It also preserves the natural features of the Ouachita Mountains, including waterfalls and mountain streams. The park also has three stone-and-wood cabins and a historic bridge. These buildings were built during the Great Depression, and are now on the National Register of Historic Places.

The park also offers clean restrooms and shower rooms. There are also cabin rentals available for rent at the park, which are clean and feature a patio. However, if you plan to camp, it’s best to check with the authorities and reserve a campsite in advance. Its many trails are worth a hike, and there’s plenty to do on foot.

If you’re traveling with children, Lake Catherine State Park in Arkansas City offers activities for the whole family. Children can enjoy swimming at the lake and canoeing on the lake. The park also has trails leading to Falls Branch Falls and through the lush forest of the Ouachita Mountains.

Riverfront Park

There is a lot to love about Riverfront Park in Arkansas City, Arkansas. With over 30 acres of land, the park offers visitors a wide range of activities, outdoor events, and Arkansas history. You can even rent a bike to explore the park. While you’re there, you should be sure to bring your helmet.

During the summer, you can enjoy concerts at the Riverfest Amphitheater. The covered amphitheater can hold up to 1,568 people and can handle large bands. The park is also home to events like the Peacemaker Music & Arts Fest and the Riverfront Bluesfest. The amphitheater is also equipped with a large space for standing room, so you can bring blankets and chairs.

The history pavilion in Riverfront Park is a great place to learn more about the area’s history. The early explorers wrote about the area in maps and drawings, noting the natural landmarks they came across. The pavilion is an excellent way to take a look back in time, and it features an Indian Head sculpture carved by Peter Toth in 1975. The sculpture represents a tribute to Native Americans and their culture.

Several restaurants and shops are located near the park. You can also take a stroll along the park’s river trail. This scenic spot is also close to the Fort Smith National Historic Site and Miss Laura’s Visitors Center.

Quigley’s Castle

If you love historic houses, you’ll love Quigley’s Castle, which you can visit just south of Eureka Springs. It is located at 274 Quigley Castle Road, off of Arkansas Highway 23, and is one of the most unusual houses in northwestern Arkansas.

You can tour this unusual house and explore the odd rock sculptures in the courtyard. It’s aptly named the “Ozarks’ Strangest Dwelling”. Although it is more of a stone house than a castle, it is fascinating nonetheless. It was built by Mrs. Quigley while her husband was away working. She covered the castle with her rock sculptures, and even grew trees inside of the large windows.

You can tour the castle on your own, and children under 14 are free of charge. Adults pay $7 for admission. The museum is open from April to October, Monday through Friday. However, the castle is closed on Sundays and Thursdays. The castle is also closed on some days in November. Be sure to call ahead to confirm hours.

Elise Quigley collected rocks when she was a child and used them for decorating her garden. She also collected plants and other natural objects. She lived at the castle until the 1980s, when she died. Quigley’s Castle also features rock formations and historical details, including her collection of arrowheads and butterflies.

Fordyce Bathhouse

Grand and historical, the Fordyce Bathhouse in Arkansas City features marble and stained glass, as well as exhibits and films. You can spend the day relaxing in the bathtub or watching one of the films. While you’re there, you can learn about local history. The museum is open from May through September.

Today, Fordyce Bathhouse is a historic museum and the National Park Visitor Center. The museum is free to visit and offers a great look at how a traditional bathhouse worked. The Superior Bathhouse was once a spa where you could enjoy hydrotherapy massages for a modest fee. It now serves beer made from hot spring water, as well as a menu of local food.

The Fordyce Bathhouse was a three-story building that was part of a booming bathhouse movement across America. The bathhouse provided bathing facilities for men and women, including full bath halls and hydrotherapy rooms. The facility was a model for holistic health, and was not only bathed, but also featured a gym, bowling alleys, billiards tables, and Native American relics. It even had state rooms.

While you’re at the Fordyce Bathhouse, you may also enjoy a stroll along Bathhouse Row. The neighborhood is also home to several restaurants and lodgings. The area is easy to navigate, making it the perfect destination for a day or weekend getaway. Whatever you choose to do, make sure to add this experience to your summer bucket list.