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Subiaco Academy
Things To Do

Explore The Natural State While You're Here

“I chose Subiaco because I really like the outdoors and all the natural landscapes that we have here.”

-Aaron Pineda, Miami FL, Class of 2026

Known as The Natural State, Arkansas offers a stunning backdrop of mountains, rivers, trails, and small-town charm. Whether you are here for a weekend or an extended stay, there is something for every visitor just beyond our campus.

Outdoor Adventures

Ozark mountains in the fall

With mountains, rivers, forests, and lakes just minutes from campus, Subiaco Academy is surrounded by some of the most breathtaking natural landscapes in The Natural State.

  • Mount Magazine State Park – The highest point in Arkansas, perfect for scenic hikes, picnics, and photography.

  • Petit Jean State Park – Famous for its waterfalls, bluff trails, and historic lodge.

  • Ozark National Forest – An ideal escape for hiking, biking, and soaking in the natural beauty of the region.

  • Lake Dardanelle – A peaceful place for fishing, boating, and bird watching, just a short drive from campus.

Arts & Culture

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

Arkansas offers a rich and growing arts scene, from world-class museums to vibrant local traditions. Whether you enjoy fine art, folk music, or architecture, The Natural State invites you to experience creativity woven into everyday life.

  • Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art (Bentonville) – A world-class museum offering iconic American works in an architecturally stunning setting.

  • The Momentary (Bentonville) – A satellite contemporary art space featuring performance, installations, and culinary experiences.

  • Mountain View, AR – The folk music capital of Arkansas, where bluegrass and traditional Ozark music fill the town square every night. Bring your fiddle to jam with local musicians, shop for artisan crafts, and attend a world-class concert at the Ozark Folk Center.

  • P Allen Smith's Moss Mountain Farms (Roland) - Visit the renowned home and gardens of lifestyle expert P. Allen Smith, where formal design meets sustainable living. Nestled above the Arkansas River, this working farm offers guided tours of its breathtaking grounds, heirloom vegetable gardens, and Greek Revival-style home—blending beauty, agriculture, and artistry in one unforgettable experience. (Advance reservations required.)

  • Downtown Fayetteville – A lively college town atmosphere with a creative edge, Downtown Fayetteville offers local restaurants, live music, art galleries, coffee shops, and boutique shopping centered around the historic Fayetteville Square. Home to the University of Arkansas, the area blends youthful energy with rich cultural offerings—perfect for a relaxed day of exploring.

  • U.S. Marshals Museum (Fort Smith) – Step into the story of one of America’s oldest and most storied law enforcement agencies. Located on the banks of the Arkansas River, this state-of-the-art museum features immersive exhibits on justice, frontier history, and the rule of law—making it a fascinating stop for students, history buffs, and families alike.

For the Adventurous

Kayaking at Cove Lake

If you are looking for exploration, Arkansas delivers. Ride world-class mountain biking trails, scale sandstone cliffs, paddle wild rivers, or venture underground into natural caverns. With endless opportunities for challenge and discovery, The Natural State is an open invitation to push your limits and embrace the wild.

  • Mountain Biking Trails – Ride the Monument Trails or explore the award-winning Oz Trails across northwest Arkansas

  • Rock Climbing & Caving – From sandstone cliffs to natural caverns, Arkansas offers terrain for all skill levels

  • Kayaking & Paddleboarding – Paddle the scenic Mulberry River or float one of the many clear-water streams in the region

Food, Wine, and Southern Hospitality

Post Winery in Altus, AR

Enjoy some of the best food and drink that Arkansas has to offer. From family-run vineyards to craft breweries and farm-to-table restaurants, the area surrounding Subiaco delivers small-town charm with big flavor. Pro tip: be sure to check their hours before heading out!

  • Post Winery (Altus) – Arkansas’s oldest and most renowned winery, offering tastings, tours, and a charming retail shop in the heart of Arkansas wine country. Grab lunch at the Trellis Room while you're there.

  • Wiederkehr Wine Cellars (Altus) – A historic winery with German-styled foods, architecture, vineyard views, and award-winning varietals dating back generations.

  • Pridgin Brewery (Scranton) – A local favorite with a casual, rustic vibe and a rotating menu of small-batch craft beers brewed right in the Arkansas River Valley.

  • Prestonrose Farms (Paris) – A farm-to-table experience just 10 minutes from campus, enjoy elevated meals, specialty craft brews, and tour Liz and Mike's certified organic farm.

  • Vinnie’s Pie (Fort Smith) – Handcrafted, NY-styled wood-fired pizzas made with fresh ingredients and authentic technique, this family-run pizzeria is a local favorite for casual dining with serious flavor.

  • Rogerland Diner (Paris) – A classic small-town diner known for home-style plates, made from scratch bread, and a generous side of local hospitality. Perfect for a casual, no-frills meal before or after exploring the area. Be sure to order a side of their famous crispy french fries which are cooked in tallow.

  • The Dinner Bucket (New Blaine) – A local favorite offering daily specials, comfort food, and a welcoming atmosphere. Known for its country cooking, and warm service, it is the kind of place where everyone feels like family.

For the Adventurous

Historic Eureka Springs

Spend the day exploring historic towns, hiking national parks, touring scenic vineyards, or discovering vibrant arts districts, all within a few hours’ drive. Whether you are seeking quiet beauty or cultural exploration, the perfect day trip is just down the road.

  • Hot Springs National Park – Enjoy historic bathhouses, mountain views, and charming downtown shops (2.5 hours)

  • Eureka Springs – Known for its Victorian architecture, arts scene, and winding mountain streets (2.5 hours)

  • Buffalo National River – One of the country’s first national rivers, perfect for hiking, floating, or scenic drives (2–3 hours)

  • Little Rock – Arkansas’s capital city offers museums, cultural attractions, and the Clinton Presidential Library (2 hours)

  • Devil’s Den State Park – A beautiful spot for hiking, camping, and exploring caves and creeks (2 hours)

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Discover Subiaco

Come see Subiaco for yourself and make a weekend of exploring Arkansas. 

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