Diamond Mining
For first-time diamond miners, there are often lots of questions. This YouTube playlist by The Arkansas Diamond Miner is very helpful, as is this overview of the park from Crater of Diamonds park staff. Mining requires purchase of a ticket to enter the mine, though reservations are unnecessary. Mining is possible year-round (check the park's website for holidays). Equipment may be rented from the park itself or from local outfitters.
Festivals and Events
Nashville's signature summer event is Stand Up for America. This Fourth of July festival--which has been running for over thirty years--features local musical talent, a patriotic tribute, a fireworks show, and a headlining musical act. Previous headliners include Neal McCoy, Ronnie Milsap, Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers, and Pat Green. The First Saturday in May brings the Peach Blossom Festival, celebrating Nashville's history as a center for peach-growing. This festival features tractors, vendors, and peach ice cream in Historic Downtown Nashville. The Howard County Fair in late summer and October's Golden Gathering event for seniors are other notable dates on the calendar.
National Park Service Sites
Hot Springs National Park in Hot Springs is an easy day trip from Nashville. This park, which entered federal management earlier than any other part of the National Park Service system, features the iconic Bathhouse Row, where one can still get a traditional bath, alongside rugged trails, gangster history, and baseball lore. William Jefferson Clinton Birthplace Home National Historic Site in Hope depicts the home as it would have looked during the future president's early boyhood. Daily tours and frequent events are offered at the National Historic Site.
Howard County Historical Society Museum
Fun on the Water
More Fun
Located in five buildings spread across two campuses in downtown Nashville, the Howard County Historical Society Museum provides a fun day for visitors of all ages. Tours begin at the Museum Office in the Old Fire Station at 117 W Sypert Street before continuing to the E.A. Williams Chapel & Museum on W 2nd St. Dinosaurs, fire trucks, and dinosaur tracks and fossils are highlights of its expansive collection.
With an abundance of lakes and rivers nearby, there is always fun to be had on the water in the Nashville area! Largemouth bass, crappie, and channel catfish are the targets of fishermen on Dierks Lake, Lake Greeson, and Lake Millwood. Champion rainbow trout can be found on the Little Missouri River. Lake Greeson and Dierks Lake are popular spots for family lake outings. The Caddo River is an easy floating experience, while the Cossatot River provides rapids that challenge the most experienced kayakers.
A small water park (Diamond Springs) is available at Crater of Diamonds State Park, while a much larger water park (Big Dam Water Park) is located in Texarkana, Arkansas. Nashville City Park hosts baseball and softball tournaments, tennis matches, and car shows. Historic Washington State Park hosts tours daily. Its Jonquil Festival and Christmas and Candlelight events are marquee events.