Take Your GMC or Buick and Visit These 4 Historical Attractions Near Springdale, AR

First established in 1840 as a pioneer community named Shiloh, Springdale, AR has a keen awareness of its heritage and a commitment to honoring the experiences of the people who have lived there. If you’re someone who loves to connect to the past, you’ll find a treasure trove of historical attractions in Springdale and the surrounding area, so be sure to take a drive out to our top four sites.

Take Your GMC or Buick and Visit These 4 Historical Attractions Near Springdale, AR 

1. Shiloh Museum of Ozark History

Named after the original settlement at Springdale, the Shiloh Museum has a wealth of resources to help you explore the history and pre-history of the Ozarks of Northwest Arkansas. As well as visiting the six historic buildings on its grounds, you can browse the informative displays to get a true sense of everyday life as it was for the men, women, and children who built the town. 
The Museum boasts a vast collection of artifacts, including over 500 000 authentic photographs, so there are plenty of research opportunities for the serious local historian. However, it also welcomes youngsters and has plenty of child-friendly exhibits, with hands-on opportunities to hold and play with items from the past. It’s the perfect opportunity to load the family into the Buick Encore for a day out that’s both enjoyable and educational.

2. J Reilly McCarren Transportation Museum

Located in downtown Springdale next to the railroad depot, this museum is dedicated to the history and culture of the railroads that played such a crucial role in the development of Northwest Arkansas. Crammed with artifacts of the railroad, from lanterns to telegraph equipment, the museum also offers the chance to visit restored train cars outside the museum buildings.
To make the most of your trip, you could also book an excursion ride on the Arkansas & Missouri Railroad. Whether you want the chance to ride in beautifully-restored vintage cars, soak up the spectacular Ozark scenery, or hear about the history of the local area from friendly and knowledgeable conductors, this is an awesome way to fully experience the history of the area.  

3. Springdale Bluff Cemetary

A visit here is a good way to peacefully browse and reflect on the heritage of the area. The cemetery has memorials dating back to 1841 and includes the graves of Shiloh Church, which were relocated here in 1895. 
As a result, this site provides fascinating insights into some of the earliest residents of the settlement. The resting place of Springdale founder John Holcombe can be found in these scenic surroundings, alongside his wife Dorothy.    

4. Headquarters House Museum

Civil War buffs won’t want to miss a trip to the Headquarters House Museum in nearby Fayetteville. Also known as “Colonel Tebbetts Place”, it was both a Union and Confederacy command post during Arkansas’ turbulent Civil War era and even features bullet holes!  Authentic furnishings and costumed re-enactors will give you the sense of actually living the events of the Civil War, while knowledgeable tour guides explain the full significance of the site.   However you prefer to experience the past, you’re sure to find something to spark your interest in Springdale and the surrounding area. And while you’re out and about, remember to visit Crain Buick GMC of Springdale to find the right car to take you to explore the rich history of the Ozarks.

Image via Pixabay.com by tdhomecentermarketing

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