7 Little Known Museums In Arkansas Where Admission Is Free
The best things in life are free – including some Arkansas museums! That’s right; there are several spectacular museums in the Natural State that don’t charge a dime for admission. (Of course, donations are accepted and appreciated.) Read on for a few little-known museums in Arkansas where admission is free.
During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
Museum of Native American History, 202 SW O St, Bentonville, AR 72712, USA
The Museum of Native American History (MONAH) was opened in 2006 by David Bogle, a registered member of the Cherokee Nation. A hit right from the start, it quickly outgrew its original space and moved to its current location in 2008. Today, it houses more than 10,000 of the “finest Native American artifacts.” For more info on MONAH, click here.
Fordyce Bathhouse, 369 Central Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71901, USA
The Fordyce isn’t just the largest bathhouse on Hot Springs’ iconic Bathhouse Row; it’s also an incredible museum. As if frozen in time, the museum is historically furnished, giving visitors a unique peek into the past. Learn more here.
Historic Arkansas Museum, 200 E 3rd St, Little Rock, AR 72201, USA
A must-visit for all residents, the Historic Arkansas Museum boasts an entire city block of state history! In addition to the oldest building in Little Rock and an 1850s farmstead, the museum includes galleries of Arkansas-made art as well as exhibits on history, ranging from indigenous Arkansans to contemporary artists. Admission to the galleries is free, while grounds tours are $2.50 for adults, $1 for those under 18, and $1.50 for those 65 and up. For more info, click here.
MacArthur Museum of Arkansas, MacArthur Park Historic District, 503 E 9th St, Little Rock, AR 72202, USA
Located in the historic Tower Building of the Little Rock Arsenal, the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History houses a wealth of info on the state’s military heritage, from its territorial period to present-day. Bringing Arkansas' military history to life, the exhibits feature photos, weapons, documents, uniforms, and other military items. Learn more about the museum here.
AGFC Hillary Jones Wildlife Museum, 601 Court St, Jasper, AR 72641, USA
A wildly good time awaits at the AGFC Hilary Jones Wildlife Museum! Through exhibits and video presentations visitors learn all about elk and other wildlife in northwest Arkansas. Make sure to check out the gift shop, which features everything from wooden toys to wildlife prints. Click here for more info.
1601 Batesville Blvd, Batesville, AR 72501, USA
If you like to live life in the fast lane, you’ll love this museum, which is dedicated to racing legend and Batesville native, Mark Martin. Visitors will learn all about Martin and his career via interactive videos, exhibits, and displays, which include eight of Martin’s race cars, actual race notebooks, newspaper clippings, trophies, and more. Die-hard race fans will want to make it a point to visit the gift shop, which carries genuine autographed merchandise. For more info, click here.
Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources, 4087 Smackover Hwy, Smackover, AR 71762, USA
The next best thing to going back in time is a visit to the Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources, which aims to tell the story of the 1920s oil boom. Inside the museum, there’s a reproduction of a boomtown – complete with an old jail and café. Outside, visitors can see working oil field equipment as well as a replica of a 112-foot derrick and a central power station. Learn more here.
So, did you know about these free museums in Arkansas? Ever visited any of them? Did we miss your favorite free museum? Whatever it is, tell us!
These aren’t the only must-visit museums in Arkansas. Click here to read about a quirky museum in Arkansas that many residents don’t know about.
Address: Museum of Native American History, 202 SW O St, Bentonville, AR 72712, USA
Address: Fordyce Bathhouse, 369 Central Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71901, USA
Address: Historic Arkansas Museum, 200 E 3rd St, Little Rock, AR 72201, USA
Address: MacArthur Museum of Arkansas, MacArthur Park Historic District, 503 E 9th St, Little Rock, AR 72202, USA
Address: AGFC Hillary Jones Wildlife Museum, 601 Court St, Jasper, AR 72641, USA
Address: 1601 Batesville Blvd, Batesville, AR 72501, USA
Address: Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources, 4087 Smackover Hwy, Smackover, AR 71762, USA
