Overview
- Crenshaw Springs Water Park
- Arkansas Railroad Museum
- Delta Rivers Nature Center
- Harbor Oaks Golf Club
- The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas
- Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame
- The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
- Bauxite Historical Association Museum
- Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site
- Old State House Museum
- Historic Arkansas Museum
- William J. Clinton Presidential Library
- Cadron Settlement Park
- Baum Gallery at UCA
The town of White Hall is situated in Washington Township within Jefferson County, Arkansas.
As a suburb of the more extensive Pine Bluff city, the town recorded a population slightly exceeding 5,000 at the time of the last census.
Despite its modest size and small-town appeal, it has become the county’s most rapidly growing area.
Located a short drive from the capital of Little Rock via Interstate 530, White Hall offers easy access to the capital’s attractions, ideal for brief day excursions.
Below are fifteen essential activities and sights to explore in and around White Hall.
1. Crenshaw Springs Water Park
Situated on Dollarway Road in White Hall, Crenshaw Springs Water Park offers a range of aquatic recreational activities for southeastern Arkansas residents aiming to escape the oppressive summer heat and humidity.
The facility features various pools, diving boards, slides, and splash pads. Additionally, there are numerous shaded seating options in view of the water, providing parents with an opportunity to relax while monitoring their children from a safe distance.
The admission fee is affordable, allowing visitors access for the entire day. However, the park does not operate year-round, so it is advisable to check online or call ahead before planning a visit.
2. Arkansas Railroad Museum
Railroads have significantly contributed to the development of Arkansas, primarily in transporting the state’s natural resources such as cotton and timber to manufacturing hubs in the Midwest and Northeast.
The Arkansas Railroad Museum, located in Pine Bluff, serves as an excellent venue for gaining a comprehensive understanding of the railroads and the individuals involved in their construction and operation.
The exhibits include a workshop where locomotives were historically built, passenger cars, a caboose, and various tools and items used by railroad workers throughout the years.
Group tours are available upon request, necessitating a phone call in advance; the museum operates every day except Sunday.
3. Delta Rivers Nature Center
Positioned on Black Dog Road in Pine Bluff, the Delta Rivers Nature Center stands as the region’s most comprehensive collection of exhibits and displays showcasing the remarkable natural environment surrounding White Hall.
The facility features a small zoo that delights children, along with a playground and an extensive network of trails throughout the grounds.
Many exhibits are specifically designed for children, incorporating engaging, hands-on activities that stimulate interest and impart knowledge about local flora and fauna.
A brief documentary is available for viewing, serving as an excellent introduction before embarking on an independent exploration.
4. Harbor Oaks Golf Club
White Hall and its vicinity boast several acclaimed golf courses, and one notable gem is Harbor Oaks Golf Club.
Recognized as one of the top ten courses in the state, it ranges from 5,400 to 7,000 yards in length, depending on the tee selected.
Previous visitors have highlighted its well-maintained landscape, presenting a delightful combination of tree-lined fairways, sand traps, and water hazards that enhance both the beauty and challenge of the course.
Green fees are competitive, but reservations tend to fill up quickly during peak periods, so early booking is recommended if you plan to play during those times.
5. The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas
Situated on Main Street in Pine Bluff, the Arts and Science Center for Southeast Arkansas is a contemporary establishment dedicated to showcasing the diverse world of modern art.
Throughout the year, the center hosts a variety of live performances encompassing music, recitals, and theater, with reasonable admission fees.
The vast majority of the performances feature local talent, and the center also offers instructional courses, guest speaker events, and traveling exhibitions from other regional institutions.
To stay updated on upcoming events, it is beneficial to review their event calendar regularly on their website.
6. Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame
Numerous individuals from Arkansas have ascended from modest origins to achieve fame, including actors, musicians, and athletes.
Pine Bluff’s Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame presents a unique collection of exhibits honoring notable talents who originated in the state, such as Johnny Cash and John Grisham.
Located inside the Pine Bluff Convention Center, it is advisable to verify its opening hours before planning a visit.
Many highlighted figures are musicians, offering intriguing and significant stories, even if they are lesser-known.
7. The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
Exploring college and university campuses can be a rewarding endeavor when visiting a new location. They typically feature attractive grounds, libraries, and bookstores filled with unique merchandise.
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, established in the 1870s, holds the distinction of being the second oldest public university in the state.
Commonly referred to as ‘The Flagship of the Delta,’ the university frequently hosts various athletic events and numerous affordable activities, such as performing arts presentations, educational courses, and guest lectures.
To learn about forthcoming events, refer to their official website.
8. Bauxite Historical Association Museum
Conveniently located just a short drive from White Hall off Interstate 30, the Bauxite Historical Association Museum is often a hidden treasure that visitors frequently overlook, yet it captivates those who take the time to visit.
Historically, the town’s development was primarily driven by nearby mining activities that produced the ore used in aluminum manufacturing; the museum’s displays provide fascinating insight into the town’s economic and historical background.
Many artifacts on exhibit have been contributed by local residents and encompass photographs, memorabilia, and personal narratives recounting life in earlier times.
9. Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site
When the federal desegregation mandate was issued from the White House during the mid-1950s, it sparked considerable upheaval across the nation, particularly in the South, where segregation had been deeply entrenched.
Little Rock’s Central High School was the focal point and gained national attention when the ‘Little Rock 9’ bravely walked past the National Guard troops summoned by the governor to obstruct the enforcement of the order.
Today, the high school functions as a national historic site managed by the National Parks Department. To gain the most comprehensive experience, it is advisable to participate in a guided tour led by a park ranger.
10. Old State House Museum
Located in Little Rock, the Old State House Museum served as the state’s first capital building, constructed in the 1830s.
This museum has been an integral part of the state’s pivotal events, including its formal admission into the union and the declaration by its representatives to secede from that same union in the lead-up to the Civil War.
Guides are available to answer questions and provide tours, with free entry accessible at any time.
Some exhibits are permanent while others rotate, so it is beneficial to visit their website for information on current displays when in the area.
11. Historic Arkansas Museum
Historically, Arkansas was perceived as a territory, and in its early years, it lay along the frontier between civilized and uncivilized territories.
The frontiersman’s and Civil War periods are particularly notable, and the Historic Arkansas Museum in Little Rock is replete with galleries and interactive exhibits appealing to both adults and children.
Self-guided tours are available, but for a more enriching experience, guided tours led by knowledgeable docents are recommended, often enhancing understanding through unique insights.
The museum grounds also contain several historic buildings.
12. William J. Clinton Presidential Library
Officially opened in 2004, the William J. Clinton Presidential Center and Park overlooks a scenic area along the banks of the Arkansas River in Little Rock.
Attracting tens of thousands of visitors each year, including many from international locations, the library and center represent a lavish example of its kind.
Regardless of personal opinions about Bill Clinton, the museum offers a worthwhile experience, showcasing the president’s early life and impactful legacy. It is situated near the city’s River District, known for its vibrant shops and restaurants, which are worth exploring.
13. Cadron Settlement Park
Cadron Settlement Park in Conway is a location of historical significance, ideal for amateur historians interested in the native history of the region.
Much of the exhibited material focuses on the ‘Trail of Tears,’ describing the mandated displacement of Native Americans from their ancestral homelands, enforced by the federal government.
The journey extended from South Carolina to Oklahoma and predominantly involved Cherokee Indians, many of whom were relocated via the Mississippi and Arkansas Rivers.
The park also features several skillfully reconstructed historical forts along with stunning views of the river.
14. Baum Gallery at UCA
The University of Central Arkansas campus features the Baum Gallery, a large and modern facility displaying a diverse collection of contemporary art from both local and national artists across various mediums.
The gallery consists of three separate sections, including permanent exhibitions as well as temporary showcases.
Visiting artists’ works are often exhibited for free, and the venue frequently hosts live performances and theater events in the Reynolds Performance Hall, providing an entertaining environment suitable for extended visits.
To stay informed about upcoming showcases and events, review the calendar available on their website.