Thursday, March 26, 2015

Hidden Gems {Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources}

On a trip to the Crater of Diamonds State Park last year, we spent the night in El Dorado. The next morning we stopped at the Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources before heading down the road. I had decided to visit the museum because it was on our route and it was free to visit.

We arrived before the doors opened and ate our Spudnut Shoppe donuts while we waited. The new building looked pretty generic, but we could see oil derricks outside. The staff was very friendly and welcoming. They gave us instructions about where to head first and the special exhibits. 

The first stop was a special exhibit on the early settlers. There were dress-up clothes, a pirogue for photo ops, and lots of interactive exhibits designed with kids in mind. 

We walked down the hall to start our journey through time (in an elevator) to learn more about how oil formed in this area of Arkansas. The ride through time takes you to an old-timey saloon town complete with replica buildings and items on display, a two-headed calf, and old cars.
Smackover back in the day

Next you come to an art and exploration area. You can draw spiral doodles, draw your own motion picture, and create marble runs. We spent a while here letting them explore the different areas.

Before leaving we walked around the oil derrick display outside that also included some antique tools and an old-fashioned gas station.
One of the oil derricks

We didn't bump into any other families until we were walking around outside about to leave. It was nice to have the place to ourselves but sad that other people were missing out on this hidden gem.


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