Saline County offers a wide variety of activities, and the local community members are all warm and welcoming.
The active salt production industry inspired the county’s extraordinary name in the area back in the day.
The county provides many opportunities for outdoor leisure and scenic sights with its mountainous terrain in its northern portion and sloping hills in its southern area.
Saline County is a terrific spot for anyone seeking an outdoor adventure or soaking up some history and culture.
Here are the 15 best things to do in Saline County, Arkansas:
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The current Saline County Courthouse, which cost $32,000 to build, was finished in 1902 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.
The courthouse square is the third courthouse to be constructed.
Many people believe it to be the most beautiful structure in the county.
Architect Charles L. Thompson created the structure in the Romanesque Revival style, which is unusual for Arkansas.
Svomike, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
This Courthouse in Benton, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is one of the great treasures of the county.
If you’re an architecture buff, visiting this courthouse is a must!
This place is an Instagramable location because of its unique structure and design.
Share the beauty of Saline County Courthouse with your loved ones by taking numerous photos!
The Saline County Gann Museum in Benton is an excellent resource for learning about Saline County’s past and present; it plays a crucial role in the county by forging a physical connection to its history.
Dr. Dewell Gann, Sr.’s office building was constructed in 1893 and is considered an architectural landmark since it is the only known bauxite structure.
Saline County Gann Museum houses the Gann Medical Office until 1946, when Dr. Dewell Gann, Jr. donated it to the City of Benton for a library and a museum, respectively.
You can find Niloak, other ceramics, and Indian artifacts and discover stories about the county’s history, memorabilia, and souvenirs of Dr. Gann Sr. and Jr.
You can also explore a Civil War exhibit, which depicts the county’s role in the civil rights movement, and an exhibit on Native American heritage.
In 1975, the structure was added to the National Register of Historic Places, becoming the 138th structure in the state to receive this honor.
Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park in Benton is the ideal location to let loose and have an excellent time.
This family-friendly indoor playground features a foam pit, dodgeball courts, and places to climb and bounce.
Kids and kids at heart will be drawn to this ultimate indoor adventure park where they can discover exhilarating attractions, test their bodies and minds, and, most importantly, have a blast.
Check out Leap of Faith, where you can climb to the top of a platform before plunging into the leap like a superhero and grabbing onto the monkey bars.
If you want to drive, they have the Laser Fury, where you can go and bump into other players’ cars.
The custom lights attached to your vehicle will make it more amusing to bump into others!
On the other hand, if you don’t feel like jumping around, they also have mini golf, go-karts, laser tags, bowling, sky diving and riding, and more for you to enjoy.
When you feel like taking a break from playing, go to their cafe and rest while eating snacks.
At the intersection of Hurricane Creek and Little Hurricane Creek near Benton, check out a 332-acre artificial lake called Hurricane Lake.
To flood the area, Alcoa Mining Company erected the Hurricane Creek Dam in 1942, which marked the start of the lake’s construction.
Hurricane Lake’s primary purpose was to serve as a water supply for Alcoa’s Hurricane Creek aluminum factory.
However, as time passed, the lake became a hub for recreational and leisure activities for tourists and locals.
You can swim or ride on a boat here and go fishing on the side banks of the lake.
Take your time enjoying the beauty of this lake located in Benton.
The Bauxite Historical Association and Museum (BHAM) in Bauxite promotes the preservation of the Bauxite town, which a Saline County corporation holds.
It features three decades of history, from the 1920s to the 1950s.
The most expensive display at Bauxite Historical Association and Museum is an evening gown made of woven metal thread that costs more than $20,000 and is one of the only two metal apparel created by Parisian designer Jean Desses.
Roam around a hallway displaying the ethnic diversity of Bauxite, including Mexico Camp, Little Africa, and Little Italy.
You can also check out military memorabilia, pictures of previous graduating classes and other school items, sports highlights, and pen and ink drawings of historical landmarks in the community section.
The local miners’ memories are honored by a life-size bronze statue of a miner, which you can pose next to and snap pictures with.
Additionally, displays of images, papers, and artifacts show how this old mine community developed.
The 24.52-acre Tyndall Park in Benton is perfect for indulging in outdoor activities with friends and family.
The park features the Gene Moss Building, a concession stand, seven pavilions, and two gazebos.
If you’re a sporty person, this park also has five youth softball fields, four tennis courts, three pickleball courts, batting cages, a junior disc golf course, and two basketball courts where you can play and break a sweat.
Furthermore, it also has the Juli Busken Memorial Amphitheater with 500 seats, a skate park, a splash pad, and a walking track.
You can also go fishing here, making Tyndall Park an all-around outdoor recreation area.
The best miniature golf and entertainment park in Saline County is the Salty Harbor Mini Golf & Fun Park.
It’s a popular destination for recreation in Benton, and in addition to mini golf, they also provide food and video games.
Enjoy a snow cone or some ice cream while you watch others play.
The Harbor Mini Golf & Fun Park facilities can be rented and are perfect for family gatherings and birthday parties.
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The Royal Theatre is a fantastic spot to watch a live performance or a movie.
This theater in Benton has been running since 1946 and only screens second-run films.
From 1948 to 1949, the Royal Theatre underwent renovations and expansions after being constructed in 1920 as the IMP or Independent Motion Pictures.
The neon-trimmed marquee and the vertical Royal sign, the Royal Theatre’s most distinctive elements, were taken from the Little Rock theater, which was then renovated to become the Center Theater before becoming obsolete.
Three generations of the Kauffman family owned The Royal, which was a movie theater for many years.
In the early 1990s, Jerry Van Dyke purchased it and managed the venue’s movies, talent performances, and other events.
With various shows running simultaneously, you can take your pick and choose your favorite!
Have a great time relaxing and watching great shows at the Royal Theatre!
To offer local families a range of entertainment opportunities, the Benton Event Center was constructed.
The 29,000-square-foot Benton Event Center is a venue for various tonal and special events.
Previous occasions have featured live musical and theatrical productions, art exhibitions, a knife and gun display, and a sizable flea market.
Schedule your visit to the center by checking out which future event would interest you the most!
Numerous community activities are fundraisers for nearby charities, including the Boys & Girls Club and Habitat for Humanity.
You’ll have fun, aid the less fortunate, and support the local economy when you visit the Benton Event Center.
Bryant Bishop Park is the top park in Bryant.
Whether you’re an athlete or just a regular sports enthusiast who wants to break a sweat, this park has something you’ll enjoy!
If you’re looking for fun and recreation, the center has three multipurpose courts available for basketball, pickleball, or volleyball matches.
In addition to a large indoor walking path, the facility offers aerobics, fitness rooms, and event spaces with audio and projectors.
There is also a heated therapeutic pool; this pool ranges from two and a half feet to five feet deep with bench seating.
The pool house also has an eight-lane and a 25-yard competition pool.
Moreover, the building has bathrooms, shower rooms, and a birthday party space.
Make sure to bring your friends when you stop by Bryant Bishop Park so you can have fun engaging in friendly sports competitions.
In Saline County, Arkansas, close to Benton, there is a historic bridge known as the Old River Bridge that crosses the Saline River.
It used to span the river near Benton, south of the city, carrying River Street, but it is now blocked.
This bridge is one of the state’s oldest examples of its type that still stands today.
The 260-foot-long Old River Bridge is made of iron beams, two substantial trusses, and a wooden platform supported by iron columns.
The bridge is now a fantastic location for a stroll in the countryside.
Here, you can relax and unwind as you walk and appreciate the scenic environment.
The former train bridge has been transformed into a walking path with lovely river views.
The Cotton Shed Vintage Market is a not-to-be-missed stop on any Saline County, Arkansas, visit.
This charming market is located in Bryant in an old cotton shed packed with treasures you will love.
Visitors can find vintage books and furniture, antique dishes, and textiles.
The market also features several handcrafted items, including quilts, jewelry, and pottery.
The friendly staff is always on hand to help shoppers find the perfect item, and the relaxed atmosphere makes browsing the shelves a pleasure.
Whether you are looking for a unique gift or a particular piece for your home, the Cotton Shed Vintage Market is sure to have something to suit your needs.
Located in the heart of downtown Benton, Verona Italian Restaurant has been a local favorite for over 20 years.
Known for its authentic Italian cuisine and welcoming atmosphere, Verona is the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely meal with family and friends.
From classic dishes like spaghetti and meatballs to unique fare like Tuscan-style steak, there is something on the menu to suit every taste.
And, of course, no visit to Verona would be complete without indulging in a slice of their famous tiramisu.
Whether you’re in the mood for a romantic dinner for two or a fun night out with friends, Verona Italian Restaurant is an excellent place with good food.
A group of businessmen and restaurateurs combined more than 60 years of their successful restaurant and real estate expertise for the concept of Colton’s Steak House & Grill in 1996.
Their goal was to create a steakhouse where anyone could enter and instantly feel comfortable, enjoy themselves, eat delectable food, and receive first-rate service in a setting that evoked the “American West.”
The restaurant is the best steakhouse in the South and a significant cornerstone in the county!
They take great pleasure in their superior customer service, premium ingredients, and welcoming environment for families.
Colton’s is a full-service restaurant with casual dining.
It provides a variety of hand-cut, freshly prepared, and mesquite-grilled steaks that have matured and are adequately seasoned.
It also offers chicken, pork chops, ribs, fish, hamburgers, and more.
You’ll enjoy every bite of your steak and dishes at Colton’s Steak House & Grill.
Tulada, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Immerse yourself in exciting recreational activities, like thrilling water sports, at Lake Norell.
The 280-acre lake is in Alexander, 35 minutes west of Little Rock.
This is the best place to enjoy boating, fishing, scuba diving, and jet skiing.
The lake’s surface area is about 2.5 billion gallons, and its shoreline is 12 miles long.
The City of Benton owns Lake Norrell, less than three miles from the border with Pulaski County.
It also has a public swimming area and boat ramp in Northern Saline County.
Lake Norell is a beautiful site to spend the day with family and friends because it also features a picnic area, playground, and grills.
Drop by this gorgeous lake and bond with your loved ones through the water sport of your choice!
Saline County in Arkansas is a great place to vacation, with its host of fun attractions.
Here, you can have unique experiences, enjoy various activities, and explore outdoor areas.
Whether you’re looking for a fun activity or a delicious meal, you’ll be sure to find it here.
Don’t forget to try these best things to do in Saline County, Arkansas, when you visit!
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