Conway Travel Guide : Discover the Best of Conway, Arkansas – Universities, Parks, and Festivals (2024)

Conway is a beautiful city located in the State of Arkansas. Conway’s beautiful parks and outdoor recreation areas make it a popular tourist destination. It is easy to find nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts frequenting this city. The city is also home to several historic sites and museums and is also a popular destination for those seeking a unique shopping experience.

In addition to its natural beauty and history, the downtown Conway area is quite an interesting place to check out. It is lined with unique shops and boutiques, offering everything from handmade crafts to vintage finds. In addition, the diverse dining scene, with a range of options from local favorites to international cuisine, also attracts a lot of food lovers here. Conway is also a popular location for events and festivals. Besides that, the city also boasts several top-rated golf courses and a well-regarded conference center. Overall, Conway is a vibrant and diverse city that caters to different individuals making them all come together. Here is all about ‘Most Popular Things You Can Do In Conway. Have a look:

Conway Travel Guide: Discover the Best of Conway, Arkansas – Universities, Parks, and Festivals

1. University of Central Arkansas

The University of Central Arkansas (UCA) in Conway is where people from all across the State wish to study. It offers a range of courses and is one of Arkansas’s most popular educational institutions. In addition to educational interests, UCA offers various activities and attractions for students, visitors, and locals alike. Here are a few things to do at UCA:

Attend a sporting event – UCA field teams in several sports, including football, basketball, and volleyball. Attending a game is a great way to get involved with campus life and show support for the Bearcats.

Visit the Baum Gallery:UCA is home to the Baum Gallery. It showcases works of art from local, national, and international artists. The gallery is free and open to the public.

Explore the UCA campus:UCA’s admirable campus is filled with historic buildings, beautiful gardens, and walking trails. Take a self-guided tour to see everything the campus has to offer.

Enjoy the Donald W. Reynolds Performance Hall:This performing arts center is home to concerts, plays, and other cultural events. It is also the home of the UCA Wind Ensemble and the UCA Opera Theater.

Take advantage of recreational opportunities:UCA has a well-equipped recreation center that offers everything from weightlifting and cardio equipment to racquetball and basketball courts. There are also several parks and nature trails in the surrounding area.

2. Hendrix College

Hendrix College is a liberal arts college located in Conway. In addition to educational possibilities, the college campus also offers:

Visit the Art Galleries:Hendrix College has two art galleries. The Johnson Museum of Fine Arts and the Millsaps-Foster Student Life and Technology Center Art Gallery are popular places to check out. These art galleries showcase works from local, national, and international artists.

Take a campus tour:Hendrix College has a beautiful and historic campus worth exploring. Take a guided tour to learn about the history of the college and see its buildings, gardens, and walkways.

Explore the Library:Hendrix College has a well-equipped library that offers a range of resources and services to students, staff, and visitors. Take some time to browse the shelves or check out a book.

Participate in outdoor recreation:Hendrix College has a large outdoor recreation area with hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, and a lake. It’s a great place to spend an afternoon or take a break from studying.

3. Central Baptist College

Central Baptist College is a private college located in Conway. Here are a few things to do on campus:

Attend a chapel service:Central Baptist College is a Christian college, and chapel services are a central part of the campus community. Attend a service to experience the spiritual life of the college.

Visit the CBC Museum:Central Baptist College has a museum that showcases the history of the college and its students, staff, and alumni.

Explore the campus:Central Baptist College has a beautiful, well-maintained campus with several walking trails and outdoor spaces. Take a walk to see everything the campus has to offer.

4. Cadron Settlement Park

Cadron Settlement Park is a historic park and a popular outdoor landmark to explore when in Conway. The public park is nestled along Cadron Creek and is surrounded by forested hills. It was once a thriving settlement and trading post and thus boasts a rich history dating back to the 1820s. Visitors can learn about this history by exploring the park’s several historical markers and interpretive signs.

The park offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and picnicking. The park’s trails meander through the forest creek, offering visitors the chance to experience the area’s natural beauty. The most iconic feature here is the Cadron Creek Bridge, a historic covered bridge that spans the creek. The park also has several picnic areas where visitors can relax and enjoy a picnic. Cadron Settlement Park is a great place to spend a day exploring the outdoors. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or just looking for a peaceful place to relax, Cadron Settlement Park has something for everyone.

5. Beaverfork Lake Park

Another popular public park and recreational landmark in Conway is Beaverfork Lake Park. The park is situated around a picturesque lake and offers a range of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. The lake is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and kayaking, and the park has several boat launches and fishing piers.

The park also has several hiking trails that wind through the forested hills surrounding the lake, providing visitors with a unique perspective of the area. There are also several picnic areas throughout the park. Besides that, playgrounds and open grassy areas make this outdoor landscape a great place to spend the day with family and friends. In addition, the park offers rental opportunities for paddle boats, kayaks, and bicycles.

6. Woolly Hollow State Park

Woolly Hollow State Park is a scenic park located near Greenbrier, half an hour’s drive away from Conway. The park is situated around a picturesque lake, and roaming around its natural setting brings a sense of peace and rejuvenation. Park’s lake popularly facilitates fishing, boating, and kayaking. The several boat launches and fishing piers here ensure opportunities for one and all.

In addition to the lake, Woolly Hollow State Park has several hiking trails that are ideal for hikers of all ages and experiences. These trails provide visitors with a unique perspective of the area. Hiking here or indulging in nature walking is a great way to experience the park’s natural beauty. The park also has a beach area and swim dock. Locals often gather here to cool off on a hot summer day.

7. Toad Suck Daze

Another popular annual event you can attend in Conway is the Toad Suck Daze. The festival organizes every year in the month of May. It features a wide range of activities and events, including live music, food vendors, a craft fair, and various other attractions. Toad Suck Daze is a family-friendly event enjoyed by people of all ages. Attending it is a great way to experience the culture and community of Conway.

In addition to the festival, Toad Suck Daze also features several races, including a 10K run and a 5K walk. There are also a variety of contests and games ranging from a talent show, and a frog-jumping contest, to a duck-calling contest. It, in fact, is one of the largest and most popular events in Conway. Whether you’re a local resident or just passing through if in Conway during May, do check out Toad Suck Daze.

8. Arkansas Shakespeare Theater Festival

The Arkansas Shakespeare Theater Festival is an annual event held in Conway, Arkansas. The festival takes place in June and features live performances of some of William Shakespeare’s most famous plays. The festival is held outdoors and provides audience members with a unique and intimate experience. An event is a family-friendly event that people of all ages enjoy. In addition to the live performances, the festival also features food vendors, a craft fair, and a variety of other activities. It provides an opportunity for visitors to experience Conway’s culture and community and learn more about Shakespeare’s plays.

The Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre Festival is a must-attend event for theater enthusiasts and fans of Shakespeare’s work. With its beautiful setting, talented actors, and family-friendly atmosphere, this event will surely be a memorable experience for all who attend.

9. Christmas on the Square

Christmas on the Square is an annual holiday event held in Conway. If you are in Conway during year-end, never miss a chance to give Christmas on the Square a chance. The event takes place in December. It features a variety of festive activities and events, including holiday music, food vendors, and a lighting ceremony. With its beautiful setting, festive atmosphere, and family-friendly activities, Christmas on the Square makes the holiday season a memorable one.

Christmas on the Square is a family-friendly event that people of all ages enjoy. The event allows visitors to experience the holiday spirit in a beautiful and historic setting. It also features several unique and exciting activities. Participants can enjoy various activities, including horse-drawn carriage rides, a visit from Santa Claus, and a holiday market.

10. Harvest Fest

Last but not least is the Harvest Fest. This annual festival is held in Conway in October. The event is about live music, food vendors, and a chili cook-off. Harvest Fest is a family-friendly event that people of all ages enjoy. Being here is a great way to experience the culture and community of Conway.

In addition to the usual fair things, Harvest Fest also features several contests and games. Visitors can participate in a pumpkin-decorating contest, a hay bale toss, and a cornhole tournament. Or if you have kids along, make them participate in children’s activities, including face painting and pumpkin painting. Do give Harvest Fest a try for a fun and engaging day in Conway.