Map Of Garland County Arkansas
Introduction
Welcome to Garland County, Arkansas – a hidden gem in the heart of the United States. Located in the Ouachita Mountains, Garland County is home to beautiful lakes, hiking trails, and scenic drives. This comprehensive travel guide will help you explore the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders, vibrant nightlife, local markets, beaches and mountains, cultural immersion, art and music scene, walking tours, architectural marvels, historical sites, biking routes, wellness retreats, and adventure sports that this beautiful county has to offer.
Top Attractions
Hot Springs National Park
Hot Springs National Park is the most famous attraction in Garland County. This park is home to natural hot springs that have been used for centuries for their healing properties. Visitors can take a bath in one of the historic bathhouses or hike one of the many trails in the park.
Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort
Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort is a top attraction in Garland County for those who enjoy gambling. This resort has a casino, horse racing track, and several restaurants and bars.
Hidden Gems
Garvan Woodland Gardens
Garvan Woodland Gardens is a hidden gem in Garland County. These gardens cover over 200 acres and are home to over 5 miles of walking trails, several waterfalls, and a beautiful Japanese garden.
Crystal Falls
Crystal Falls is a hidden gem in Garland County that is perfect for those who love to hike. This waterfall is located in a secluded area and is surrounded by beautiful rock formations.
Food Scene
Kollective Coffee+Tea
Kollective Coffee+Tea is a top spot in Garland County for coffee lovers. This coffee shop offers a wide selection of coffee and tea drinks as well as a small food menu with sandwiches and pastries.
Mexico Chiquito
Mexico Chiquito is a popular Mexican restaurant in Garland County. This restaurant offers a wide selection of Mexican dishes including tacos, burritos, and enchiladas.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Visit Hot Springs National Park
Visiting Hot Springs National Park is a budget-friendly way to explore Garland County. Entrance to the park is free and visitors can hike one of the many trails in the park for free as well.
Take a Scenic Drive
Taking a scenic drive is a great way to explore Garland County without spending a lot of money. The county has several scenic drives including the Ouachita National Forest Scenic Byway and the Lake Ouachita Vista Trail Scenic Byway.
Outdoor Adventures
Lake Ouachita
Lake Ouachita is a top spot in Garland County for outdoor adventures. This lake covers over 40,000 acres and is perfect for fishing, boating, and swimming.
Ouachita National Forest
Ouachita National Forest is a beautiful forest in Garland County that is perfect for hiking, camping, and picnicking. The forest covers over 1.8 million acres and has several trails for visitors to explore.
Historical Landmarks
Fordyce Bathhouse
The Fordyce Bathhouse is a historic bathhouse in Hot Springs National Park. This bathhouse was built in 1915 and now serves as a museum.
Garland County Courthouse
The Garland County Courthouse is a historic courthouse in Hot Springs. This courthouse was built in 1908 and is now home to several offices and businesses.
Family-Friendly Activities
Magic Springs Theme and Water Park
Magic Springs Theme and Water Park is a top spot in Garland County for families. This park has several rides and attractions for all ages as well as a water park.
Mid-America Science Museum
The Mid-America Science Museum is a great spot in Garland County for families with children. This museum has several interactive exhibits and hands-on activities.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
Cedar Glades Park
Cedar Glades Park is a hidden gem in Garland County that is perfect for those who love nature. This park has several trails and is home to several unique plant and animal species.
Arkansas Alligator Farm and Petting Zoo
The Arkansas Alligator Farm and Petting Zoo is a unique attraction in Garland County. This farm is home to several alligators as well as other animals like monkeys and parrots.
Natural Wonders
Hot Springs Mountain Tower
The Hot Springs Mountain Tower is a popular spot in Garland County for those who love natural wonders. This tower offers stunning views of the Ouachita Mountains and the surrounding area.
Blakely Mountain Dam
Blakely Mountain Dam is a beautiful structure in Garland County that is perfect for those who love to admire natural wonders. This dam is located on Lake Ouachita and offers stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
Vibrant Nightlife
Maxine’s Live
Maxine’s Live is a popular spot in Garland County for those who love live music. This bar has live music several nights a week and serves a wide selection of drinks.
The Ohio Club
The Ohio Club is a historic bar in Hot Springs that is perfect for those who want to experience the city’s vibrant nightlife. This bar has a wide selection of drinks and often has live music.
Local Markets
Hot Springs Farmers Market
The Hot Springs Farmers Market is a great spot in Garland County for those who love fresh produce. This market is open on Saturdays and has a wide selection of fruits, vegetables, and other local products.
The Bath Factory
The Bath Factory is a local shop in Hot Springs that sells handmade bath products. This shop is perfect for those who want to take home a unique souvenir.
Beaches and Mountains
Lake Ouachita
Lake Ouachita is a top spot in Garland County for those who love beaches. This lake has several beaches and is perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
Ouachita Mountains
The Ouachita Mountains are a top spot in Garland County for those who love mountains. This mountain range offers several hiking trails and stunning views of the surrounding area.
Cultural Immersion
Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival
The Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival is a great spot in Garland County for those who love film. This festival is held every October and features several documentary films from around the world.
Arkansas Symphony Orchestra
The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra is a top spot in Garland County for those who love classical music. This orchestra performs several times a year in Hot Springs.
Art and Music Scene
The Fine Arts Center of Hot Springs
The Fine Arts Center of Hot Springs is a great spot in Garland County for those who love art. This center has several galleries and often hosts art shows and events.
Low Key Arts
Low Key Arts is a non-profit organization in Hot Springs that promotes the arts. This organization hosts several music and art events throughout the year.
Walking Tours
Hot Springs National Park Walking Tour
The Hot Springs National Park Walking Tour is a great way to explore the park. This tour takes visitors on a 1.5-mile walk through the park and includes several historic sites.
Historic Downtown Hot Springs Walking Tour
The Historic Downtown Hot Springs Walking Tour is a great way to explore the city. This tour takes visitors on a 1.5-mile walk through the city’s historic district and includes several historic sites.
Architectural Marvels
The Arlington Resort Hotel and Spa
The Arlington Resort Hotel and Spa is a historic hotel in Hot Springs that is perfect for those who love architecture. This hotel was built in 1875 and has several unique architectural features.
The Bathhouse Row
The Bathhouse Row is a row of historic bathhouses in Hot Springs National Park. These bathhouses were built in the early 1900s and are now used as museums and other businesses.
Historical Sites
The Gangster Museum of America
The Gangster Museum of America is a unique museum in Hot Springs that explores the city’s history with organized crime. This museum is located in a historic building that was once used by gangsters.