Things to do in Arkansas, United States: The Best Museums

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art welcomes all to celebrate the American spirit in a setting that unites the power of art with the beauty of nature.

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

Old Independence Regional Museum, located in Batesville, Arkanasas, provides prehistorical and historical information about the 12-counties that made up Old Independence County.

The Gallery, as called by locals, has the finest in Southern Art. Paintings, watercolors, Wood Arts, incredible carvings, eloquent glass pieces , pottery crafts and metal works of Art. 1894 Gallery is located inside the historic 1894 City Market. The place for local and regional art. Lookers and buyers are welcome. The historic setting and the floating walls of art makes this truly a must stop for art lovers and architectural appreciation. The gallery is located in the Historic 1894 built Texas Produce/ Ritchie Grocery. A distribution building for the long gone neighborhood grocery stores. On the National Register for Historic Buildings, it has rose from the ashes to become 1894 City Market. Come by an enjoy the beauty of the building and the art.

An artistic vortex drawing skilled artists and art lovers alike, the 3,000 sq. ft. gallery not only showcases the works of internationally acclaimed artists in every medium, it transforms art into a living, breathing thing. It's a symphony of artwork that touches the heart and inspires the mind. A gallery, classroom and lecture hall all under one roof!

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.

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

Scenic mountains covered with pine trees.

Recalling Arkansas' frontier days with restored pre-Civil War houses plus a museum center featuring full-scale galleries, interactive exhibits and more.

The mission of Mid-America Science Museum is to stimulate interest in science, to promote public understanding of the sciences, and to encourage life-long science education through interactive exhibits and programs. The Museum also serves as a premier tourism attraction in Arkansas. The purpose of Mid-America Science Museum is to explain scientific knowledge and concepts to the public through interactive exhibits, activities, workshops, and educational programs. The Museum seeks to stimulate a lifelong interest in science, spark curiosity, reshape attitudes and stir the imagination. Our goal is informal science education that encourages learning in ways not ordinarily found in the workplace, classroom, or home. To achieve this purpose, the Museum will maintain the highest standards in providing quality exhibits, programs, and services for students, citizens, and visitors to Arkansas.