Arkansas State Parks Old Washington-Park Ranger of

First time visitor today. I spent four hours, but could have stayed longer. I began my adventure at the visitor center in the restored 1874 Hempstead County Court House. There are several exhibits inside this building, including a large court room upstairs. There is a gift shop operated by the parks service. If you want to tour any of the several historic buildings inside the park boundaries, then you have to purchase a tour pass/​ticket at the visitor’s center. My ticket cost $ 8.00. Also, be sure to grab a map.
After the visitor’s center, I decided I was hungry and went to the Williams Tavern. This is the only restaurant within the park and probably the only one in the small town of 100+ citizens. There are daily lunch specials, sandwiches, and items like country fried steak, chicken tenders, hamburger steak, etc. and many sides and desserts. I must say the food was GREAT, as was the service, and very affordable prices.
After lunch, I began my walking tour of the historic area. There are around 30 buildings/​structures in the historic area dating from 1824 to 1889, which is the time frame the parks focuses on. These are intersperced with newer buildings not belonging to that period. Some of the buildings are original and restored, some were rebuilt on the original location, and at least one or two were moved here from neighboring areas, including a log home that is open as part of the tour and a cotton gin that is not open. One of the highlights is the original and restored 1836 court house (not to be confused with the court house where the visitor’s center is located). This 1836 court house served as the Arkansas capitol for about 2 years after union forces seized Little Rock in 1863. Several period homes are open for touring. They contain period furnishings, although those particular furnishings may not have actually belonged in those homes. There are at least three period churches also, as well as two cemeteries. Horse and buggy tours are also available.
Most of the streets are unpaved. Signing and lamp posts are of historic appearance. The historic area is somewhat reminiscent of Colonial Williamsburg, but on a significantly smaller scale and with less attention to detail. For example, there are still utility poles and utility lines overhead, and vehicular traffic is also permitted throughout the entire area.
Park staff are very friendly and knowledgeable. Interpreters wear period costumes. In addition to State Parks Rangers, the Washington Town Marshal was also seen throughout the area.
I enjoyed my visit immensely and will return again. Even as wonderful as the park is now, it could be made even better with some modifications, such as trenching and burying all the utility lines. This would give it an even more historical look and feel.

Review is for the Tavern!
They accommodated 45 of us for lunch on a family reunion. They were so fantastic! Though they were overwhelmed at our group sized, we were all seated within 15 mns.
Food is comfort food and delicious! They give you complimentary rolls and cornbread (incredibly fresh and delish). Main entrees: chicken strips, chicken fried steak, spaghetti, hamburgers… all come with awesome sides: green beans, peas, mashed taters, fried okra, fried pickles, etc.
the desserts aren’t as great but still okay– cobblers, cake.
5 people ate for $ 45… sweet, sweet employees too.

EAT LUNCH AT THE TAVERN!!! It is open 11 Am to 3 PM daily, and the food is amazing! We tried the chicken tenders and chicken fried steak, and everything was wonderful! The jalapeño cheese cornbread was absolutely amazing, and the homemade cobblers for dessert are a must. Oh, lunch for 3 people with dessert was under $ 30!
After lunch, we found the 1847 Magnolia Tree, which is gigantic and beautiful!

GO… GO…GO!!! This is a fantasic experience that you will not forget. This is a kid’s paradise of history. Old Washington was once the Arkansas state capitol for a short period of time. This is a step back into time where the town has not changed. Get a chance to see blacksmiths, a gun museum, historic homes, people in period-​style clothing, surry rides, and much more. This is not only a day at Old Washington but a day to make memories as well.

We had a good time fun historical place to take the kid or just go yourself.
learn something about the old south. and it is a lovely place as will.
would like to go back agaim sometime.