In Washington County, rocky landscapes and historic sites lie side by side. Devil’s Den State Park is one of the county’s historic sites and also features rock formations and caves. Here, nature can be explored as part of the region’s history.
Rocky Landscapes, Trails and Lakes
The trails at Devil’s Den State Park lead into the surrounding Ozark National Forest. They are designated for hiking, trekking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Fishing is the main activity at Lake Devil, an 8-acre lake. The different trail uses and the lake highlight the variety of nature experiences available in the park.
At Lake Wedington Recreation Area, there is a lakeside hiking trail and the 7-mile North Twin Trail for hiking and mountain biking. Lake Wedington itself covers 102 acres; trees, ferns, wildflowers and various wildlife shape its surroundings. These include rabbits, deer, songbirds, wild turkeys and numerous migratory waterfowl. The recreation area also has a boat ramp, a swimming area and a wheelchair-accessible fishing pier. Lake Wedington Historic District is also listed as a historic site in Washington County.
Historic Sites and Local History
Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park commemorates the Battle of Prairie Grove, fought on December 7, 1862. Hindman Hall Museum displays artifacts recovered from the battle. The site connects the memory of this historic event with tangible finds. Cane Hill was the site of the first public school in Arkansas.
The brick building of Cane Hill College, built in 1874, has been preserved; a museum is housed in one of the college’s former buildings. South of Cane Hill are the ruins of the old mill, with a 34-foot overshot waterwheel and reconstructed foundations. In September, Cane Hill holds a festival featuring music, crafts and sorghum syrup making.
In Lincoln, the Arkansas Country Doctor Museum explores the history and heroism of country doctors in Arkansas. Its mission is to preserve and share this heritage. The museum complements the sites dedicated to battles, education and everyday life with the history of rural healthcare in Arkansas.
Fayetteville: Gardens and Historic Trails
In Fayetteville, the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks features twelve themed gardens and a butterfly house. Lake Fayetteville has a 5.5-mile nature trail and 4.3 miles of paved multi-use trails; both run around the lake. Visitors can choose between two different types of trails: a nature trail and paved paths for multiple uses.
The Historic Hike of Fayetteville map shows more than two dozen historic buildings downtown. The Razorback Greenway Historic Hike along the Frisco Trail between Lafayette Street and Martin Luther King Boulevard also offers historical information. Individual stops, route maps and trail conditions may change, so it’s worth checking the latest map and route before setting out.
Festivals Throughout the Year
The Washington County Fair also has its own distinctive character: founded in 1857, it celebrates agriculture, youth and community. Attractions include livestock shows, local vendors, rides, food and family-friendly activities. The program and specific offerings may vary from year to year, so it’s a good idea to check the dates and offerings before visiting. Together with the September festival in Cane Hill, the fair shows how local history and community events take different forms throughout the county.
Discover more destinations: Fayetteville, Johnson, Springdale, Elm Springs, Greene County, Crawford, Faulkner, Boone County.
For the main travel overview: Arkansas.
