Things to Do

Things to Do in Malvern

The Hot Spring County area is probably most known for its man-made lakes: Catherine and DeGray. DeGray Lake is a beautiful body of water in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains and sprawls between Hot Spring and Clark Counties. Noted for its bass fishing and recreational boating, it is also home for sailboats which dot the lake during most of the year. Lake Catherine is home to summer water skiing and fishing. In addition the beautiful shoreline is filled with homes in many price ranges. Lake Catherine is fed by Lake Hamilton which in turn is fed by Lake Ouachita. This chain of lakes makes up a 20 mile long body of water. Because of the number of lakes, Hot Spring County is part of Arkansas' Diamond Lake Area.

Malvern's history and diversity provide a variety of activities for visitors to Malvern. The city's retail community offers a chance to visit unique gift and antique shops or find a bargain at one of the thrift stores in downtown.

photo of boyle house

The Hot Spring County Museum

302 E. 3rd St., Malvern
The museum is open Wednesday - Friday
12:30 - 4:30 p.m. Admission is free. Donations are accepted.
Group tours may be scheduled at times other than regular hours.

The Hot Spring County Museum in downtown offers visitors a trip back in time to the beginnings of Malvern and Hot Spring County. Caddo Indian pottery, a working antique pump organ, historical war displays and a First Lady Doll Collection are just a few of the many impressive exhibits.

The museum is comprised of three structures, each containing local history:

The Boyle House Museum 1891
The original structure, dedicated in September 1981, is the 1891 Boyle House, donated by the Bank of Malvern.
Hughes House 1876
In 1990, the Hot Spring County Museum Commission accepted an 1876 log cabin from Purity George. This two room cabin with a dog run was moved onto the museum grounds from the Tigre community in Hot Spring County.
Gibbs Cabin 1868
In the spring of 2008, the commission accepted an 1868 one room log cabin from the Arkansas Department of Corrections, Ouachita River Unit. It was originally located on Walco Road and has been restored.

The museum has three employees who rotate as hostesses during regularly scheduled hours. It also employs a landscape caretaker. In addition, the commission is also aided by many volunteers.

Since 1986, the museum has provided educational tours. It also takes part in Arkansas Heritage Month each May with a themed presentation. Every year the museum holds a Christmas Open House.

Malvern City Park – Baseball and softball fields, tennis courts and pavilions. Home of Brickfest, an annual three-day festival the last full weekend in June.

Malvern Country Club – 18- hole regulation length golf course. This medium-length layout has three sets of tee boxes for a fun, but challenging golf experience. 473 Clubhouse Lane. 501 332-1482. Click Here to visit website.

Ouachita River Trail and Whitewater Boating Park – Training grounds of Olympic kayakers and river rescue teams. River Bend Adventures provides river floats and shuttles; kayaks and canoe rentals. 1003 Grigsby Ford Rd. 501 332-0123. Click Here to visit website.

READ Haunted House – Have fun during Halloween and feel good about proceeds going towards literacy. Open Friday and Saturday through October. 501 332-4039. Click Here to visit website.

Ritz Theatre – Since 1938, the movie theatre on Main Street has played first-run movies, and is the second longest running movie theatre in the state. 213 S. Main St. 501 332-2451. Click Here to visit website.

Garvan Woodland Gardens is a 210-acre botanical garden located just outside of Hot Springs, Arkansas. The Gardens feature an amphitheater, Anthony Chapel (designed by the Jennings and McGee firm), a pavilion, a nature preserve, various gardens, bridges and waterfalls. But telling you about it doesn't accomplish much. Click Here to visit website.

Verna Cook Garvan, described as a brilliant businesswoman by those acquainted with her, realized she could not solely succeed in preserving her private woodland garden or provide an accessible place of repose for the people of Arkansas without help.

Brickfest - Celebrate Malvern's annual festival held the last Thursday, Friday and Saturday in June in Malvern's City Park to honor one of the regions oldest industries – brick making. Enjoy live music, food, 5-K race, Brick-B-Que Contest, beauty pageants, brick car derby and best dressed brick. Click Here to visit website.

Hot Spring County Fair and Rodeo - Held annually during the first full week of September.

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