If you find yourself in Harrison, Arkansas, there are plenty of the best things to do to keep you busy. From hiking and fishing to visiting historical sites, there is something for everyone in this small town. Here are the top 16 things to do in Harrison, Ar.
Harrison Arkansas is located in the north-central portion of the state, just a few miles south of the border with Missouri.
Things to do in Harrison ar
Here are the top 16 things to do in Harrison, Ar:
1- Learn local history at Boone county heritage museum
You won’t find history as unique and exciting as the Ozarks anywhere else.
The best place to learn about Harrison’s history is the Boone County Heritage Museum.
The place features exhibits detailing the story of the earliest settlers in the area, as well as the challenges they faced.
The forebearers of the Ozarks built their homes in the mountains of Arkansas and lived a simple life.
You’ll find something new and wonderful around every corner of this establishment.
You will have gained a unique perspective of Harrison by the time you finish learning.
The Boone County Heritage Museum offers a wealth of historical services, from local publications and artifacts to lectures.
The Boone County Historical & Railroad Society does a great job of preserving the museum and keeping it a local treasure.
2- Buffalo national river
The Buffalo National River is one of the country’s most underrated parks.
To this day, the title still holds true.
The Buffalo River is one of the last remaining unpolluted and free-flowing rivers in the lower 48 states.
The river’s source can be found within the park.
The water meanders through massive limestones, eventually making its way eastward into the Ozarks and ending up in the white river.
Witnessing something so vast can make you feel both small and large simultaneously.
See the world through your own eyes and realize your place and importance in it.
Visit the place and express your appreciation.
This park is a gem and deserves all the love it can get.
3- Lyric Theater
The Lyric Theater is a historic site that has been around since 1929.
The “talkies” replaced silent movies and this was one of the first movie theaters in the area that could screen them.
The place has been one of the best places for cultural performances in Harrison.
The place is a hotbed of activity, with films, plays, and a wide variety of other events.
If you’re lucky, you can even see some concerts there.
If you have the opportunity, go see a show – you won’t regret it!
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4- Mystic caverns
Mystic Caverns, located on Caverns Drive in Harrison, is a great destination if you want to escape the outdoor elements and get a fascinating glimpse into Arkansas’ geological past.
Guided tours are a great way to learn about a new place; they are usually very affordable, and your guide will give you fascinating tidbits of local lore, and legend, and learn about history and geology at the same time with this crash course.
The caves offer a refreshing escape from the sweltering days of summer.
Plan ahead for your tour of the ancient ruins- during the summer months, tours can fill up quickly as many people flock to see the historical site.
5- Baker Prairie Natural Area
The Baker Prairie, a natural area that also serves as one of the finest educational sites in the entire state, is next to the local middle school and high school.
You’ll find over 200 species of plants and animals when you visit that place.
Be sure to take a look at the few rare florae like the prairie violet and downy gentian, as well as other kinds of flowers.
You can also find some willow flycatchers and grasshopper sparrows in the area, as well as the ornate box turtle and prairie mole cricket.
The caretakers of the Baker Prairie have a mission to protect it and ensure that future generations can enjoy it.
This is one of the best destinations to add to your list if you want to learn more about the environment or bask in the presence of nature.
As you wander through the area, take in the plant life and fresh air.
It’s a great and perfect place to take your kids to have some fun and excitement.
Help them to develop a love and fascination for the environment that will serve them well throughout their lives.
6- Botanical Garden of the Ozarks
Nestled on North Crossover Road next to Lake Fayetteville, the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks is the area’s only botanical garden and definitely worth a visit.
The gardens are each individual and unique (12 individual gardens), with their own special theme. The most popular garden is the butterfly house.
The landscaped grounds are perfect for photo ops, and the facilities can be rented for weddings, birthdays, and other special events that require something extra special.
They offer a wide variety of performances, shows, exhibits, and programs throughout the year, so make sure to check out their website for their calendar of events.
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7- Tyler Bend
The Collier Homestead at Tyler bend is just a short walk away along an easy trail from the parking area.
The cabin is a beautiful example of the type of home built and inhabited by settlers nearly a century ago. It’s easy to get a feel for the lives of the brave, rugged people who faced the elements, hostile Native Americans, and wild animals to carve out lives for themselves.
If you’re ever near Buffalo River, be sure to check out the homestead nearby. You’ll be treated to some of the most stunning views around!
8- Lovejoy collectibles
People have different hobbies.
For many people, having a hobby means collecting interesting and unique items to display in their homes.
If you enjoy traveling, it’s a good habit to form.
Wherever you go, keep your eyes peeled for an interesting knick-knack to bring home.
You will always have a piece of that place with you.
You’ll find a wide variety of items and antiques at Lovejoy Collectibles that are sure to catch your eye.
Who knows?
You may find a rare gem that you’ll carry with you for the rest of your life.
9- Lake Fayetteville
Situated amongst six miles of beautiful shoreline, Lake Fayetteville is one of the area’s most popular outdoor attractions.
The lake’s perimeter is lined with paved trails, perfect for a leisurely stroll, an invigorating bike ride, or a vigorous run. There’s even a tackle shop, playground, and bike rental shop if you want to make the most of your time on and around the water.
Don’t forget, you’ll need a fishing license if you want to fish in Arkansas, so get one before you go!
You can find all the information you need on their website, including a full list of services and hours of operation.
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10- Watch the Fourth of July Fireworks
Harrison hosts an extensive and bombastic event to commemorate the country’s freedom on the Fourth of July.
You won’t want to miss this event!
You’ll see fireworks, visit fairs, eat food and join competitions.
Everything is fun, and there’s never a dull moment!
Mix and mingle with the locals and make some new friends while you’re at it.
After all, what good is freedom if you can’t share it with others?
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11- Neighbor’s Mill Bakery and Cafe
Bread is a food that brings people together and creates happy memories.
Some of your earliest memories might be of the scent and sounds of baking or meals shared with loved ones.
The simple dish has a profound impact on the lives of so many people.
It’s essential to keep those memories close, even when you’re traveling far from home. No matter how far you travel, you always carry your home with you.
The Neighbor’s Mill Bakery and Cafe offer traditional American bread made from scratch and with so much love.
The hypnotic aroma of bread wafting through the air beckons you to visit their shop.
The bakery offers an impressive variety of handcrafted pieces of bread, made with the utmost care and attention to detail to ensure the best results possible.
The place where hospitality and wholesome food intersect.
Visiting the store will make you feel like you have stepped back in time to a simpler time.
12- Bounce Mania
If the little ones you’re traveling with have been good sports during visits to log cabins and antique stores, let them loose for a few hours at Harrison’s Bounce Mania.
Highway 7 is the perfect place to take your kids for a day of fun. With a safe and exhilarating area for all ages, your children will love it.
Admission is cheap, and it’s the perfect indoor activity for when the weather outside is unpleasant.
You can have your birthday party at the facilities, but remember that all jumpers need to have their own socks.
13- Ozark Moonshine Run
Back in the days of Prohibition, Arkansas’ remote hills and hollers were home to daring moonshiners who produced the clear liquor called “white lightning.” This illicit alcohol was sold on the black market and was in high demand.
Following the path of the Ozarks moonshiners will give you a unique insight into the area’s culture and the natural beauty you’ll see all around you.
You’ll need a good map and a set of wheels to enjoy this scenic tour activity. Unlike the moonshiners who tore over the roads at breakneck speed in the middle of the night, this activity is best enjoyed during the day at normal highway speeds.
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14- Mural Tour
The art created by the people of a place can always teach us something about that place.
Art gives you a window into different cultures and histories that you can’t get from just reading or hearing about them.
Downtown Harrison is home to several murals that tell the stories of the people who live there.
Local and nationally prominent artists paint murals, so take a picture of the paintings as a souvenir.
15- Try dishes at New Tokyo of Harrison
Hibachi dining and sushi restaurants in the city were given a modern twist in 2017 with the establishment of the New Tokyo of Harrison.
This is the best place to find exquisite Japanese dishes while on vacation.
The menu at this place is extensive and caters to a variety of different tastes, so you’ll never run out of options.
Appetizers such as calamari tempura, spring rolls, crab meat, and avocado salad are a great way to start your meal.
After you’ve tried the chef’s specials, you’ll get a true taste of what this restaurant has to offer.
The Tokyo salmon wrap is an amazing dish that consists of crab salad wrapped in salmon and avocado and topped with fresh lemon juice and sea salts.
You can also build your own bento box, filling it with your favorite dishes.
Conclusion:
If you’re looking for something fun to do in Harrison, Ar, then be sure to check out this list of the top 15 things to do. From historical sites to outdoor activities, there’s something for everyone in this small town. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and explore all that Harrison has to offer!