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I love it when a random day outing turns into a treasure trove of hidden gems in a smaller Arkansas town. That’s what happened when we stumbled upon Gravette. It’s the perfect day outing with grandparents, cousins, or out-of-town friends or for a low-key summer kiddo birthday experience.
If you plan to visit Bentonville or live in the Northwest Arkansas area, a day trip to Gravette should be on your agenda!
- Gravette is the perfect destination for a mom and kids outing. It is manageable to do on your own with kids.
- It is low-key fun.
- It includes foods most kids will consume.
- The town feels safe, and Main Street is easily walkable.
- It covers a variety of interests.
Children who love pirates, playing outside, trains, candy, mystery, and Legos will enjoy this outing. Don’t let me overhype the situation, but when I think of a fun random day trip in Arkansas, Gravette climbs to the top of my mental list.
The Town of Gravette
In the 1830s, European Americans, lured by the promise of fertile land and untapped opportunities, began to settle in the area. Among them was Captain William Gravette, a seasoned veteran of the Mexican-American War. In 1859, he played a pivotal role in the town’s official founding and left an indelible mark by lending his name to the burgeoning community.
The late 19th and early 20th centuries witnessed Gravette’s remarkable growth and prosperity. Agriculture flourished as farmers tilled the rich soil, cultivating bountiful harvests. Transportation routes intersected in Gravette, connecting it to neighboring towns and cities and facilitating the movement of goods and people. The town’s strategic location attracted entrepreneurs who established thriving businesses, transforming Gravette into a vibrant economic hub.
Nature enthusiasts and tourists flocked to the town, drawn by its scenic beauty and captivating attractions. Shrouded in legend and mystery, the Old Spanish Treasure Cave enticed visitors as early as 1908 with tales of hidden treasures and ancient civilizations.
Gravette’s economy declined in the mid-20th century, leading to population loss. Yet, like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Gravette has experienced a remarkable resurgence in recent years. A renewed spirit of entrepreneurship has led to the establishment of diverse businesses, including charming restaurants, unique shops and art galleries.
A Day of Fun in Gravette
While it may not be worth a full-blown overnight destination, Gravette is a perfect day trip if you visit Bentonville or another Northwest Arkansas town.
- Start your day with a cup of coffee at Grumpy’s or a cookie from Granny’s.
- Visit the Old Spanish Treasure Cave in nearby Sulphur Springs
- Grab lunch at the food truck food court in Centennial Park
- Pop into the Can Do Hardware Store and Pet Pop for candy and toys.
- Finish the Day at Kindley Park or Old Town Park and let the kids run off all their energy.
Other highlight attractions in Gravette:
- Gravette Historical Museum is a treasure trove of local history and culture. The Kindley House, built in 1893, is a beautiful example of Victorian architecture, filled with late 19th-century home furnishings. The museum’s exhibits showcase the history of Gravette from its early days as a frontier settlement to its present-day status as a thriving community. Visitors can learn about the town’s founders, its role in the Civil War and industrial development. The museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- City Pool and Splashpad – This seasonal attraction opens on Memorial Day through Labor Day. The 3,000-square-foot splash park, which features waterslides, spray stations and splash buckets, entertains children of all ages. Season passes or single-entrance fares are available.
- Wildlife Observation Trail is a 1.5-mile loop trail located in Gravette, Arkansas. The trail winds through various habitats, including forest, meadow and wetland, and offers opportunities to observe a wide range of wildlife. Deer, turkey, squirrels, rabbits, and various birds can be seen from the trail and several plant species.
- The original railroad plot and historical marker mark the most significant economic growth in Gravette Frisco line expansion, adding two depots and the opportunity for local production of fruit to join the mass distribution from Benton County in the early 20th century. Today, a portion of the original railroad track remains a reminder of the town’s history.
- Airplane at Kindley Park – On loan from the United States Air Force, this antique aircraft serves as a reminder of Gravette’s rich history and connection to aviation pioneers and daring adventures.
What can you do in Gravette?
There’s something about having an accessible space to let your kid run free! Gravette has multiple options with different playground styles and sites to see, a walkable Main Street, local diners with fantastic cuisine, and an easy, unrushed feel to enjoy yourself!
Play in Gravette
- Old Town Park is my favorite. It has a covered playground, a multi-advantageous play area, a covered pavilion, picnic tables and a disc golf course.
- Centennial Park is not a “park” in the sense of a play area. It is a gathering place and has a historic railcar representing the Kansas City Southern Railroad and hosts the food truck food court
- Kindley Park is a kid favorite because of the shady playground and multiple types of play equipment. The park includes a paved walking trail, basketball court, pickleball court, and an antique airplane on loan from the U.S. Air Force.
- Pop Allum Park is more like a city park with ball fields in a residential area. However, it does have a skateboard park and connects to the city walking trail.
Eat in Gravette
- 59 Diner – right on the main road and an easy drive from the treasure cave with typical diner food, including home-cooked lunch plates, burgers and grilled sandwiches. But the desserts are the real reason to go. Just ask for your slice of pie when you order your food so you get to enjoy it before it sells out!
- A Little Bit of Sugar Cafe and Food Truck – my favorite bite in Gravette is opening as a Main Street Cafe – and as crazy as the menu looks, every bite is incredible – burgers, fried rice and rolls, yes, cheeseburger egg rolls and rattlesnake bites. It’s worth the drive alone!
- Food truck court – located in Centennial Park with tricky parking, but find a spot and get out and sit at the tables. Smith and Betts Barbecue does not disappoint or walk to Steve’s Kitchen for American bites or nearby TC Asian Food for noodles and rice lunch plates.
- Grumpy’s Peace, Love and Coffee – every town needs an unassuming dive and this is theirs – Italian sodas, bagel sandwiches, energy drinks and caffeine!
- Granny’s Simple Blessings – a must-stop before you leave town. Grab a plate of cookies or a plate of cinnamon rolls and a casserole to go.
- El Bohemio offers a reliable bite of authentic Mexican food. T-bones to tacos, they have it all.
- Super Donuts – a hometown doughnut shop
Shop in Gravette
- Hiwassee Mercantile – a few years ago, Gravette annexed Hiwassee, and pulling in this mercantile with a modern general store vibe was a highlight. It is a perfect shopping destination, with various gift items from kid’s toys to teacher gifts, Razorback finds, seasonings and salsa, and even a meat case full of beef! The North Side of the store commemorates days gone by where patrons can sit and visit and view antiques reminiscent of the original 1898 Banks General Store.
- Local Bliss Collective is the perfect boutique for Main Street, offering children’s clothing and teen accessories, ladies’ wear and food gifts.
- Hometown Mercantile – a Main Street shop with a little bit of everything
- Little Black Boutique – trendy threads and accessories on Main Street
- Hammer & Stain – DIY art studio
- MIRAhome – fine art, home decor, and antiques in a beautifully designed store – might be for the girl’s day and not the kid’s day!
- Austin Drug Store – seasonal gift items and medical supplies
- Teasley Drug Store – seasonal gift items and medical supplies
- Freeze-dried Factory – 30 varieties of freeze-dried candies, fruits and vegetables
- The Botanica – hair, beauty and skin care products
For more information, follow the Gravette Regional Chamber of Commerce on Facebook.
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2 responses to “Hidden Gem: A Perfect Day Trip to Gravette”
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Next time you’re in Gravette you must check out Henzies Art Studio. They do classes in all sorts of arts and even have classes at our local senior center where a lot of folks go for lunch and to meat up with friends. And if you need anything hair related you have to check out Blended Ends Salon, the owner Hilarie Bower is amazing with any style or color you would love.
Thank you so much for the suggestions! We always love hearing from locals.