Explore the History of the Ozarks in Springdale

When we think of an enriching family activity that most people enjoy, visiting a museum comes to mind, especially when the kids are out on school break. There are many good reasons to visit museums, from learning something fascinating and new to supporting your local historical societies. Here in Springdale AR, we are lucky to have several well-maintained museum spaces for learning about our area. Here are just a few of our favorites. more 1. Reilly P. McCarren Railroad Museum The Reilly P. McCarren Railroad Museum opened in 2016 to share the knowledge and history of the Arkansas and Missouri Railroad. Located in Springdale at 306 E. Emma Ave, this railroad museum offers an in-depth look at local railroad history and allows visitors to hang out inside real-life vintage train cars. The Reilly P. McCarren Railroad Museum offers free entry and is open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm. 2. Clinton House Museum The Clinton House Museum is located only a short drive away in Fayetteville. Clinton House is a historic house museum built in 1931 and is the first home of former President Bill Clinton and Hillary Rodham Clinton. Inside the charming Tudor Revival home, you can see exhibitions on the life of the Clintons during their time teaching at the University of Arkansas. The Clinton House Museum is located at 930 W. Clinton Dr. and is open Thursday through Saturday. 3. Shiloh Museum of Ozark History Located in the heart of Springdale at 118 W. Johnson Ave, the Shiloh Museum of Ozark History aims to share and preserve the stories of Arkansas Ozark life. The Shiloh Museum presents curated exhibits depicting the everyday lives of early area settlers to the present day. So, why not load the family into your Mitsubishi Outlander for a day at the museum? The Shiloh Museum of Ozark History is open Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm. 4. Rogers Historical Museum If you take just a short drive up to nearby Rogers, you will find the Rogers Historical Museum at 313 2nd St., open Tuesday through Saturday. The Rogers Historical Museum is dedicated to sharing the rich heritage of Northwest Arkansas and its inhabitants. The Rogers museum has a wonderful children's section to keep the kiddos busy, but the entire family is sure to enjoy their day. After a fun-filled day learning about our local history, visit us at Rath Mitsubishi to look at our superior inventory of new and used vehicles. At Rath Mitsubishi, you can count on us to help you find the perfect car suited to your lifestyle, and we look forward to meeting you soon.

Need to plan a day out that will be both fun for the whole family and educational? Well, you won't have to go very far. Take a ride down to the Shiloh Museum of Ozark History and learn the rich history that has occurred right here in the Arkansas Ozarks. Let's take a closer look at some of this history and show you exactly what you can expect to find on your visit to the museum. Prehistoric Ozarks It can be easy to take for granted the fact that people have lived in this same land for thousands of years. You'll be astounded by artifacts left by Ice Age nomads as much as 15,000 years ago. You'll see the hunting tools they used to take down mighty beasts such as the mastodon and the musk ox, as well as examples of the cave art these prehistoric people left behind in their travels. more As the climate in the Ozarks became warmer after the end of the Ice Age, these nomadic hunters began to settle down in one place, and their lifestyle changed accordingly. You can see the implements they used to gather nuts and berries, and the fishing tools they used to make a living off the rivers. This area was left almost entirely depopulated by disease by the time European settlers arrived here, leaving many questions that remain a mystery today. From Early Settlers to the Civil War As European settlers arrived along the eastern coast and in the Cherokee heartlands, Osage Indian settlers moved into the Ozarks to find new land to work. They established the area's first farmsteads, orchards, and mills, and you'll see tools and other artifacts leftover from this first agricultural society to dwell in our region. In 1828 the Arkansas Territory was officially opened for settlement, driving the Osage further west. Less than half a century later, the Civil War came to Arkansas. This time period is also around when early cameras came in to use, and some of the museum's impressive 500,000 photographs in the Mary D. Parsons Photograph Collection document the people who lived right here where our neighborhoods stand today. Modern Times That collection of photographs continues to document life in the Ozarks right up until the present day. There are great examples of memorabilia from earlier 20th century residents of the region, like a jigsaw puzzle from the 1930s or a vintage camera that long predates digital technology. There are also fascinating war relics, such as a World War I poster and a “Patriot” radio used to get the latest news from the front in World War II. Learning this local history will show you the deep roots our community is founded upon. We try to keep that sense of community alive with how we do business. Come on in and see what difference that makes in your dealership experience. Stop by at Rath Mitsubishi today and let us help you!

Gorgeous parks, tranquil recreation spots, and interesting aquatic centers: Northwest Arkansas is home to many interesting sites. However, nothing beats a day with the family at several intriguing museums in Springdale and the nearby Bentonville. These museums are also great places to check out with your friends. 1. Shiloh Museum of Ozark History The Shiloh Museum of Ozark History is at 118 W. Johnson Ave. in Springdale. Every Monday through Saturday, the staff welcomes visitors who want to learn more about the area. While admission to the museum is free, you'll enjoy exhibits that showcase the region from prehistoric times to the present. During your visit, you'll learn how the climate conditions in ancient times led to life changes for the people of the time, including what they hunted such as various dinosaurs and small game animals. There are clothes to try-on at the Shiloh Museum as well as music and photographs from different periods. more After you finish the exhibits in the main building, you can tour six different historic buildings on the grounds. And if you are researching something, there is a research library with over 50,000 photographs at the museum. 2. Crystal Bridges Museum Make the short trip to Bentonville to check out the Crystal Bridges Museum. The staff warmly welcomes you to 600 Museum Way every day except Tuesday. There is no admission fee; still, you can reserve timed tickets if you have a specific time in mind to visit the grounds. As you explore the different interpretations of art, you'll find photographs, paintings, and other mediums that bring the subjects to life. You can also observe different types of architecture, including a Frank Lloyd Wright property. Outside, there is a 50-foot diameter Fly's Eye Dome, which Buckminster Fuller designed, that catches your attention. Also, reconnect with nature as you enjoy more than 4 miles of trails. The trails showcase some of the Ozark's natural beauty and the museum's outdoor art installations. The shortest path is a quarter-mile loop, while the longest is a 1.1-mile loop. 3. Museum of Native American History The Museum of Native American History in Bentonville is ready to immerse you in America's pasts. It is open Monday through Saturday at 202 SW. O St, just blocks from the Crystal Bridges Museum. There is no admission fee, but they appreciate donations. Explore the exhibits at your pace with the free audio tour, which is available in English and Spanish. The audio will detail about six different time periods —such as the Paleo-Indian Period — covering mammoth hunting and the Clovis inventions, which were fluted objects that resemble modern arrowheads. You'll also learn about life before Columbus arrived, including exhibits that showcase the work of the Aztec, Maya, and Inca people. The museum hosts several interactive programs a year. Some let you create artwork alongside native artists, who can teach you. Children enjoy storytime and learn some crafts on the second Saturday of every month. Fun abound in these museums in and around Springdale. Check them out and recommend your favorites to friends and family in the future. Image via ShilohMuseum.org