Best Things To Do In Searcy (Arkansas) – Searcy is the county seat of Arkansas’ White County and is located northeast of Little Rock on Route 167. Though it was first known as Sulphur Springs, the town was renamed Searcy in the late 1830s, just a few years after the county in which it now lies was established.
Searcy and the surrounding countryside are home to some of the area’s most popular rivers, lakes, mountains, and forests, which attract sportsmen, birdwatchers, and nature lovers of all kinds due to their relative seclusion. Guests visiting Searcy will also be able to take advantage of the city’s art, historic, and cultural sites, which are less than an hour away due to its proximity to Little Rock.
Don’t be discouraged by the fact that Searcy isn’t as well-known as other American cities. Searcy is a small, but attractive, open tourist destination that is well worth a visit. You’ll be pleased by some of the fascinating things to do and places to visit at this hidden retreat.
While traveling to Hot Springs or Little Rock, this is a great place to stop for a few hours. You might want to return sometime to Searcy to take a break and unwind.
Continue reading if you are planning a trip to the United States and are unsure whether Searcy should be on your itinerary. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best things to do in and around Searcy.
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Here are the best things to do in Searcy (Arkansas):
1. Searcy Art Gallery
A visit to the Searcy Art Gallery would be a good way to spend an hour or two for fledgling artists, art lovers, or those who are having problems finding the drive and inspiration to create their own masterpieces. The gallery is housed in a historic building, and the exhibits rotate periodically, so you never know what you’ll find.
When the museum is closed or even between exhibitions, tours of the residence are available and well worth the visit; visitors will gain an insightful insight into the history of the area. The gallery is on East Race Avenue, and you should check their website to see what’s on show before going.
2. Harding University
Unlike many other college campuses across the country, visiting Harding University’s campus will not expose your children to intoxicated coeds hanging from dorm windows or streaking across the campus naked. This is because it is a Christian university, and previous visitors have remarked on how kind everyone is.
Apart from that, college campuses are fascinating places to visit. They usually have well-kept grounds, lovely treed sections, and plenty of paved walks — and they frequently organize a variety of free activities and workshops. Stop by and have a peek at the university, which is located on East Market Avenue.
3. Pioneer Village
Knowing the history of a new place you’re visiting can help you get more familiar with it. Pioneer Village is the best spot to visit in Searcy if you want to learn about the city’s history. Pioneer Village is a museum and historic homestead designed to provide visitors with a fascinating peek into the lives of the brave and courageous families who had first explored and lived in the area more than a century ago.
It’s free to visit, and you’ll discover many unique local products for sale, such as honey, blankets, and other arts and crafts, in addition to the wonderful displays, exhibitions, and antiques making it a great addition to your list of best things to do in Searcy (Arkansas).
4. Tailwater Fishing Company
If you’re a serious angler, there’s no better way to spend a day in a new location than getting out in the fresh air and fishing some of the most beautiful lengths of water you’ve ever seen. The Little Red River in Arkansas is one of the best trout rivers in the region, and Tailwater Fishing Company offers guided fishing tours.
They’ll give you all the instructions and equipment you need to wet a line and hopefully catch a few fish, but remember that whether you’re from Arkansas or not, you’ll need a fishing license. Searcy’s West Center Avenue serves as their headquarters.
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5. Old Hippy Antiques
They claim that old hippies don’t die; instead, they fade over time, like tie-dye t-shirts that have been washed too many times. Who knows whether that saying is accurate, but if you’re in Searcy and want to check out some pre-owned treasures, a trip to Old Hippy Antiques is a terrific place to go.
The real deals, as in many antique shops, are frequently located by people who have patience and a keen eye. You might just find that one-of-a-kind thing you’ve been hunting for thanks to their pleasant and educated staff who will steer you in the correct direction and answer your questions.
6. Harding University Theatre
Check online before visiting Harding University’s campus to see whether the university theater has anything on the calendar that would be of interest to you and your travel companions. The theater hosts a wide range of events, from plays and concerts to lectures; they’re best renowned for their fall, spring, and Easter variety shows, which are normally hosted at the Benson Auditorium.
They also have a variety of performances geared primarily toward children, but keep in mind that it is a Christian university, so everything you see will be family-friendly. During the summer, there is also a dinner theater.
7. Hourglass Escape Room
No matter where you go in remote and rural America, it appears that an escape room is never far away. If you’re unfamiliar with the word, spend a few hours at Hourglass Escape Rooms to learn more about it.
Escape rooms are a popular new recreational activity that engages the brain, builds suspense, and encourages friendly rivalry and teamwork. The goal is to understand clues and locate things hidden throughout the room, with the goal of escaping before your opponents, making it a great addition to your list of best things to do in Searcy (Arkansas).
8. Greers Ferry Lake
Greers Ferry Lake is a nearly 40,000-acre body of water nestled in the foothills of Arkansas’ spectacular Ozark Mountains, home to an abundance of wildlife and some of the region’s most gorgeous scenery. The lake was created in the 1960s when the Greers Ferry Dam, which cost over $50 million, was completed.
Many of the bluffs and stunning rocky outcrops around the lake may be reached by hiking or climbing; they’re fantastic spots to snap a few shots and soak in the unhindered views. The lake’s most popular activities include swimming, camping, fishing, and boating.
9. Camp Nelson Confederate Cemetery
Arkansas and neighboring Missouri were considered crucial states in the Civil War battle between Union and Confederate armies. Troops from both sides occupied Arkansas regularly, and there were several engagements as a result.
Nearly 1,500 Confederate troops who died in the area are buried in Camp Nelson Confederate Cemetery in nearby Cabot. It’s a must-see destination for Civil War fans and amateur historians alike. It is free to visit and is on a lovely area of treed terrain. Even if the markings on many of the graves are difficult to read, meandering around them is still okay.
10. Rialto Theatre
The Rialto Theater, conveniently located in downtown Searcy on the intersection of Race and Spring Streets, is a historical homage to the early twentieth-century art-deco movement that swept the country. The historic theater, which was built in the 1920s and has been meticulously repaired multiple times since then, is the outstanding example of period architecture in the region.
Although the architecture isn’t modern, it never goes out of style, and modern shows can still be found within. Look for the classic neon marquee at the front, which will transport you back in time.
11. Jacksonville Museum of Military History
Jacksonville is only a short drive from Searcy, and the Museum of Military History is both entertaining and enlightening. It has an outstanding array of exhibits, displays, and equipment, including a real helicopter and a Vietnam-era F-105 Thunder chief fighter-bomber capable of reaching over 1,500 miles per hour (2,414.01 km/h) at high altitude.
The museum has artifacts from every war and conflict in which the United States has been involved, from the Civil War through Afghanistan and Iraq. There’s also a piece about a Titan II intercontinental ballistic missile incident that killed more than 50 people in the 1960s.
12. Splash Zone Water Park
A trip to the Splash Zone Water Park in Jacksonville would be a terrific way to break the heat for a few morning or afternoon hours for anyone traveling with children in central Arkansas during the extremely hot and humid summer months. The park has all of the expected attractions, such as slides, sprinklers, and dump buckets.
There are plenty of umbrella-covered lounge chairs nearby for those who would rather watch the fun and frolicking from afar. It can get busy during peak hours, so if you want to go when it’s less crowded, go on a weekday. Admission is extremely affordable when you consider all that is included.
13. Cabot City Park
City parks are great places to get away from the crowds, enjoy the outdoors, and do all of the fun things while spending as little money as possible on your vacation. Cabot City Park is located on Richie Road and provides visitors with a variety of amenities and activities aimed at providing a decent workout, making it a great addition to your list of best things to do in Searcy (Arkansas).
Swimming pools, a tennis court, and a walking track are all available at the community center. They frequently provide instructional and educational workshops for children and adults, as do many parks and community centers, so check their website to see what’s coming up.
14. Joyland Skating Center
The weather in Searcy may be quite unpleasant during the dog days of summer and the middle of winter. Finding entertaining indoor activities becomes critical, especially for families traveling with children. On South Second Street in Cabot, there’s a facility called Joyland Skating Center.
It’s the only roller-skating rink in the neighborhood, and the facilities are well-equipped. They will have a pair of rental skates that will fit your shoe size. They have a wonderful music system and a concession stand, and they’re a favorite spot for birthday parties and other special events.
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15. Sandy Beach
Sandy Beach, located in adjacent Heber Springs, is one of the region’s longest segments of lakefront beach and a popular summer hangout. Although the park might be congested at times, guests have remarked on how clean and well-organized everything was.
Visiting throughout the week allows you to avoid the crowds. Hiking routes and woodland areas abound throughout the park, making it ideal for a morning or afternoon stroll. Sandy Beach is located near the town on the eastern edge of Greers Ferry Lake. There are numerous shops and restaurants around that are easy to go to on foot for those who don’t mind hoofing it a bit, making it a great addition to your list of best things to do in Searcy (Arkansas).
Final Thoughts
Searcy may not be as well-known as other American cities, but don’t be fooled. Searcy is a modest, but lovely, up-and-coming tourist location worth visiting. Some of the unique best things to do in Searcy (Arkansas) will astound you.
You don’t have to travel far if you’re looking for the perfect date night. Searcy has a lot of hidden jewels that make staying in town a lot of fun. Enjoy each other’s company with the help of one or more of these local date night ideas, whether you’re looking for a nice meal, an easy night, or a little adventure.
While heading to Sandy Beach or Water Park, this is a great place to stop for a few hours. You might want to return sometime to Searcy to take a break and unwind. You can also enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, swimming, camping.
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