Craving waterfalls, hiking trails, and Southern charm? Head to Arkansas! Known as "The Natural State," Arkansas is filled with scenic mountains, thermal springs, caves, rivers, and rich history. Whether you're looking for outdoor adventure in the Ozarks or a cultural stroll through Little Rock, Arkansas offers something for every traveler in every season.
Arkansas Highlights:
- For Nature Enthusiasts: Explore the Buffalo National River – One of the last free-flowing rivers in the U.S. with kayaking, hiking, and camping amid towering bluffs.
- For Spa Seekers: Soak in Hot Springs National Park – Enjoy natural thermal baths and historic bathhouses in a mountain town setting.
- For Mountain Lovers: Hike Mount Magazine – Arkansas’ highest point offers stunning vistas, wildflower meadows, and scenic drives.
- For Culture Buffs: Visit the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art – A world-class collection set in the forested hills of Bentonville.
- For History Lovers: Tour Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site – Learn about the Civil Rights Movement at this pivotal landmark.
Best Time to Visit Arkansas
The best time to visit Arkansas is during the spring (March–May) and fall (September–November), when the weather is mild and ideal for outdoor activities. Spring brings wildflowers and waterfalls, while fall showcases brilliant foliage across the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains.
How to Get to Arkansas
- By Car: Arkansas is accessible by interstates including I-40, I-30, I-55, and I-49. Major routes connect cities like Little Rock, Fayetteville, and Hot Springs.
- By Air: Little Rock’s Clinton National Airport (LIT) and Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA) are the state’s main commercial hubs.
- By Train/Bus: Amtrak’s Texas Eagle stops in Little Rock, Malvern, and Walnut Ridge. Greyhound and Jefferson Lines also offer statewide bus service.
Where to Stay in Arkansas
- Recommended for Families: Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa (Hot Springs) – Historic, family-friendly with pools and easy access to the national park.
- For Couples: The Crescent Hotel & Spa (Eureka Springs) – A romantic Victorian-style hilltop inn with history and ghost tours.
- For Nature Escapes: Mount Magazine Lodge – Rustic yet upscale lodge with panoramic views and easy trail access.
Best Things to Do in Arkansas
⮕ For Art Lovers: Admire five centuries of American art at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
Explore American masterpieces surrounded by nature at this world-class Bentonville art museum.
The Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art celebrates the American spirit in a setting that harmoniously blends art and nature. Designed by internationally acclaimed architect Moshe Safdie, the museum’s architecture features galleries, meeting spaces, and a glass-enclosed hall centered around two serene ponds.
The museum’s collection spans five centuries of American art, including major works by Norman Rockwell, Andy Warhol, and James Turrell. Set on 120 wooded acres in the Ozarks, Crystal Bridges offers over 3.5 miles of nature trails for a truly immersive experience. Programming includes lectures, performances, and continuing education for all ages.
Highlights:
- Architectural design by Moshe Safdie
- Works by Rockwell, Warhol, Turrell, and more
- 3.5 miles of forested trails
- Family-friendly programming and events
- On-site dining and gift shop
Address:
600 Museum Way,
Bentonville, AR 72712
Phone: 479-418-5700
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⮕ For Romantics: Enjoy the beautiful woodland setting of Thorncrown Chapel
Marvel at this stunning glass chapel set in the Ozark Mountains’ peaceful woods.
A 48-foot-high wooden chapel featuring 425 windows and over 6,000 square feet of glass, Rush Thorncrown Chapel is a stunning architectural marvel nestled in a serene woodland setting.
Tour groups are treated to a brief presentation about the chapel’s history and construction before exploring the structure and its natural surroundings. Available for ceremonies, the chapel is especially known for its exceptional acoustics, making it an unforgettable venue for weddings and musical performances.
Highlights:
- Iconic glass-and-wood design by architect E. Fay Jones
- Over 6,000 sq ft of glass and 425 windows
- Guided presentations for visitors
- Available for wedding ceremonies and events
- World-renowned acoustics and natural surroundings
Address:
12968 Hwy 62 West, Eureka Springs, AR 72632
Phone: 479-253-7401
⮕ For Garden Lovers: Stroll through Garvan Woodland Gardens
Wander scenic trails, waterfalls, and blooms in these lush botanical gardens near Hot Springs.
Functioning as the botanical gardens for the University of Arkansas, Garvan Woodland Gardens offers visitors the chance to explore the unique flora and fauna of the Ouachita Mountains in southwest Arkansas. Spanning 4.5 miles of wooded shoreline, the gardens serve to preserve the region’s natural environment while supporting education, research, and cultural enrichment.
Covering 210 acres, guests can enjoy a self-guided tour or, for groups of 10 or more, a docent-guided experience. Reservations are required for groups of 20+ and must be made at least two weeks in advance. A minimum of 2.5 hours is recommended to fully enjoy the gardens.
Highlights:
- Botanical gardens of the University of Arkansas
- 210 acres of native plants, trails, and scenic shoreline
- Self-guided and docent-guided tours available
- Group reservations required two weeks in advance
- Educational and cultural programming throughout the year
Address:
Garvan Woodland Gardens, 550 Arkridge Road, Hot Springs National Park, AR 71913
Phone: 501-262-9300
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Recommended Activities for Families
⮕ For History Buffs: Visit the Museum of Native American History
Discover ancient artifacts and indigenous stories at this immersive Bentonville museum.
The Museum of Native American History tells the story of America’s First Peoples through thousands of years of history. Exhibits are organized into key time periods—Paleo, Archaic, Woodland, Mississippian, Pre-Historic, and Columbian—showcasing the rich legacy of Native American cultures.
Highlights:
- Artifacts spanning 14,000 years of history
- Permanent collection with cultural and daily life items
- Interactive and educational exhibits for all ages
- Six historical periods from Paleo to Columbian
- Insight into pre-Columbian civilizations in North America
Address:
Museum of Native American History, 202 SW 'O' Street, Bentonville, AR 72712
Phone: 479-273-2456
⮕ For Families: Take a tour of the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge
Encounter rescued big cats and learn about wildlife conservation in the Ozarks.
Nestled in the Ozarks, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge spans 459 acres and provides a safe, natural home for a variety of rescued animals including tigers, lions, ligers, leopards, cougars, servals, bobcats, bears, and several other species. Dedicated to rescue, rehabilitation, and education, TCWR offers immersive and educational visitor experiences.
Highlights:
- Home to big cats, bears, and other rescued wildlife
- Guided walking tours led by trained interns
- Educational Keeper Talks on weekends
- Mission-focused on wildlife rescue and advocacy
- Natural, sanctuary-style enclosures for the animals
Address:
Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, 239 Turpentine Creek Lane, Eureka Springs, AR 72632
Phone: 479-253-5841
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Unique Attractions
⮕ For Spa Fans: Explore Fordyce Bathhouse
Step back in time at this restored Hot Springs bathhouse turned national park museum.
Replete with marble, stained glass, and Gilded Age grandeur, visitors can revel in the opulence that made the Fordyce Bathhouse the most luxurious and acclaimed bathhouse in Hot Springs. In operation from 1915 to 1962, the Fordyce reopened in 1989 as the visitor center for Hot Springs National Park.
Highlights:
- Original early 20th-century bathhouse architecture
- Self-guided tours through restored rooms and facilities
- Short film detailing the bathhouse's historical role
- Historic elevator and unique basement bowling alley
- Bookstore with history-focused selections
Address:
Fordyce Bathhouse, 369 Central Avenue, Hot Springs, AR 71901
Phone: 501-620-6715
⮕ For Socially Conscious Travelers: Take a guided tour of Little Rock Central High School
Reflect on civil rights history at this powerful and preserved national historic site.
Little Rock Central High School was the site of a defining moment in the desegregation of American public schools. In 1957, nine African-American students—later known as the Little Rock Nine—bravely enrolled at this all-white high school, facing intense hostility and national controversy during what became known as the Little Rock Crisis.
Highlights:
- Site of the 1957 Little Rock Crisis
- Guided 1-hour historical tours by appointment
- Educational focus on civil rights and desegregation
- Powerful storytelling and historical interpretation
- Part of the U.S. National Park Service
Address:
Little Rock Central High School, 2120 W Daisy L Gatson Bates Dr., Little Rock, AR 72205
Phone: 501-374-1957
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⮕ For Photographers: See the historical artifacts at The Old Mill
Snap photos at this scenic, film-famous mill featured in Gone with the Wind.
Completed in 1933, The Old Mill is a replica of an 1880s hydro-powered grist mill, located in T.R. Pugh Memorial Park. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this iconic site was famously featured in the opening scenes of the classic film Gone with the Wind.
Highlights:
- Replica of an 1880s grist mill
- Listed on the National Register of Historic Places
- Featured in Gone with the Wind
- Sculptural work by artist Dionicio Rodriguez
- Guided tours for groups by reservation
Address:
The Old Mill, 3800 Lakeshore Dr., North Little Rock, AR 72116
Phone: 501-758-1424
⮕ For Outdoor Enthusiasts: See the exhibits at Fort Smith National Historic Site
Dive into frontier history with gallows, jails, and exhibits from the Old West.
Fort Smith National Historic Site tells the story of life on the frontier, covering the fort’s history from its founding in 1817 through 1896, when its judicial jurisdiction ended. Exhibits explore the experiences of soldiers, lawmen, outlaws, and the Cherokee people during the Trail of Tears, offering a multifaceted perspective on a pivotal chapter in American history.
Highlights:
- Historic buildings and gallows from the frontier era
- Exhibits on lawmen, outlaws, and Native American history
- Trail of Tears perspectives and educational programming
- Ranger-led tours of buildings and grounds
- Junior Ranger program for kids
Address:
Fort Smith National Historic Site, 301 Parker Ave, Fort Smith, AR 72901
Phone: 479-783-3961
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⮕ For Theater Fans: Watch a performance at TheatreSquared
Catch bold plays and local talent at this acclaimed performing arts venue in Fayetteville.
TheatreSquared is Northwest Arkansas’s only professional theater company, entertaining approximately 40,000 guests annually with over 220 performances throughout the year. Located in a 175-seat venue at Walton Arts Center’s Nadine Baum Studios, the theater provides an intimate, high-quality live performance experience.
Highlights:
- Northwest Arkansas’s only year-round professional theater
- More than 220 annual performances in a 175-seat venue
- Student-focused arts learning programs
- World premiere plays and new script development
- Home of the Arkansas New Play Festival
Address:
TheatreSquared, 477 W Spring St, Fayetteville, AR 72701
Phone: 479-445-6333
Where to Eat in Arkansas
- Recommended for Families: The Pancake Shop (Hot Springs) – A classic breakfast spot with hearty portions and nostalgic vibes.
- For Southern Fare: McClard’s Bar-B-Q (Hot Springs) – A century-old BBQ joint with legendary ribs and tamales.
- For Farm-to-Table Dining: The Hive (Bentonville) – Located in 21c Museum Hotel, offering refined Southern dishes and artistic flair.
If you are interested in local events:
- For Music Fans: King Biscuit Blues Festival (October, Helena) – One of the South’s top blues festivals along the Mississippi River.
- For Racing Fans: Oaklawn Racing Festival (March–May, Hot Springs) – Live horse racing and entertainment at a historic track.
- For Spring Color: Garvan Woodland Gardens Tulip Extravaganza (March–April, Hot Springs) – A floral spectacle with thousands of tulips and blooms.
Day Trip Itineraries Within 30–90 Minutes of Major Cities:
- From Little Rock: Pinnacle Mountain State Park (30 min) – Hike to panoramic views and paddle along the Arkansas River.
- From Fayetteville: Devil’s Den State Park (1 hr) – Caves, bluffs, and forest trails highlight this iconic Ozark location.
- From Hot Springs: Lake Ouachita (45 min) – Clear waters perfect for boating, fishing, and houseboat rentals.
- From Bentonville: Hobbs State Park (40 min) – Scenic drives, hiking, and lake views in northwest Arkansas' largest state park.
- From Fort Smith: Mount Magazine State Park (90 min) – Great for picnics, hikes, and the highest peak in the state.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Q: Why is Arkansas a great outdoor vacation destination?
- A: Arkansas is replete with a moderate climate, lush terrain, mountains, and lakes and rivers required for a vacation in the Great Outdoors.
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Q: Is Arkansas an affordable travel destination?
- A: Arkansas is also an affordable destination, with thousands of free events offered throughout the year, including festivals, art exhibitions, and craft fairs in Eureka Springs, Fayetteville, and Hot Springs.
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Q: What cultural and historical activities does Arkansas offer?
- A: From concerts in Little Rock, art walks and galleries in the evening to mouthwatering local cuisine and historic buildings, Arkansas has plenty of activities for culture, history, and nature lovers alike.
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