This is a surprisingly very good museum. We stopped here to do some geocaches and saw that it was…read morefree. We were not expecting much but we were blown away at how interesting and how big it was - inside and outside. We had no idea about the oil industry in southern Arkansas so that in itself was fascinating. There was almost too much to take in. The exhibits were well done and covered a wide range of topics related to the 1920's oil boom and life in this area. You could easily spend two hours here. A hidden gem for those who like history and science.

Smackover: the town that God forgot after six o'clock. That sentiment was from Methodist preacher…read moreT.O. Rorie who wrote about Smackover in his 1920s book, 'Hellhole of the World.' The good reverend certainly knew how to craft a catchy title. Was it apt? Well, maybe God forgot about Smackover before six o'clock, too, based on the contents of this great museum that weaves a number of stories and timelines throughout the two-story complex and grounds. Don't let the very State Department of Transportation-looking exterior or dull name keep you away. This museum is a surprisingly good time for adults. Children will like it even more. You'll know that you're in for more than the average visit when you board the elevator. The slow ride to the second floor jump starts a narration with visual displays on two sides of the cab that are quite entertaining. Once off the elevator, take a look over the wood railing to see the town below you. Before you descend the steps, there are some interesting vitrines about oil history. My favorite was the origin of the term 'snake oil.' When you do make it to the first floor, the little town is quite realistic right down to the uneven mud grooves recreated in concrete. Old vehicles, old-timey storefronts filled with artifacts inside each of them, and sound effects add up to give an authentic feel to 1920s Smackover. Kids will run around excitedly to take in all the visuals. Adults can read the many captions and stories at every turn. Some of it is fascinating and some of it is heartbreaking. Life here was incredibly tough. (Even horses died of exhaustion and it wasn't unusual for them to collapse and drown on the rain-soaked mud streets.) Add in lawlessness, gambling, prostitution, and the daily dangers of working in the fledgling oil industry and it's a wonder that anyone survived to tell their tales. There is a lot to see outside on the grounds of museum, too, including a large oil derrick and an assortment of old machines and parts. Still not not sure if you want to visit? Well, there's a two-headed calf on display in a glass case. Still not sure? Well, there's a good gift shop and, yes, it sells Smackover t-shirts. That convinced you, didn't it?