Hope AR is most famous for being the birthplace of former U.S. President Bill Clinton. It's also been known to produce and showcase some of the world's largest watermelons. Each August, visitors to the Hope AR Watermelon Festival sample slices of ice-cold watermelon and view huge melons grown for competition. Check out our Best Western hotel in Hope.
Things to do in Hope
Clinton Center & Birthplace
This is the first home of President Bill Clinton. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and focuses on the 1940s and 1950s. A tour includes the gift shop, replica of the Oval Office rug and a timeline. Call 870-777-4455 for more information.
117 South Hervey Street, Hope, AR
Hope Visitor Center & Museum
This information center and museum is housed in the restored Missouri-Pacific Railroad depot; includes exhibits on former President Clinton's life. Call 870-722-2580 for more information.
100 East Division Street, Hope, AR
Kilpsch Auditorium
Host to cultural events that are sponsored by the Southwest Arkansas Arts Council, located at W Avenue and Elm Street. Call 870-777-7500 for more information.
206 W Avenue, Hope, AR
Old Washington Historic State Park
A restoration village preserving the 19th-century town of Washington. Evidence suggests that Sam Houston, Stephen F. Austin and others plotted Texas' revolution for independence from Mexico while staying in the town. Washington also served as the state's Confederate capital after Little Rock was captured by Union troops during the Civil War. Located in nearby Washington Arkansas. Call 870-983-2684 for more information.
Southwest Proving Ground Museum
This museum honors the civilians and military personnel who served at the proving grounds when the WWII facility was used to test bombs, artillery shells and other munitions. Located at the Municipal Airport at US 278. Call 870-777-7500 for more information.
World War II "Sentimental Journey" Plaque
Located at the Hope Municipal Airport Control Tower, this bronze memorial plaque was placed here in 1998 by the Sentimental Journey to Southwestern Proving Ground organization to commemorate the tower's use by the Army Air Corps during World War II for crews involved in bomb testing, The tower is one of nine in the U.S which services that era.