Things to Do in Arkansas

Arkansas

Updated with new information since originally published.

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Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Admire five centuries of American art at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Museums & Culture

2. Enjoy the beautiful woodland setting of Thorncrown Chapel ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

3. Stroll through Garvan Woodland Gardens

Category: Activities

4. Visit the Museum of Native American History

Category: Museums & Culture

5. Take a tour of the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge

Tours

6. Explore Fordyce Bathhouse

7. Take a guided tour of Little Rock Central High School

Tours

8. See the historical artifacts at The Old Mill

Category: Attractions

9. See the exhibits at Fort Smith National Historic Site

Category: Activities

10. Watch a performance at TheatreSquared

Category: Entertainment

11. See a replica of the Oval Office at the William J Clinton Library and Museum

Category: Kids & Family

12. Enjoy the view from Hot Springs Mountain Tower

Category: Activities

13. Learn about the history of Walmart at The Walmart Museum

Category: Attractions

14. Take a self-guided tour of the Old State House Museum

Tours

15. See the exhibits at the President William Jefferson Clinton Birthplace Home

16. Tour the Clinton House Museum

Tours

17. Book a tour of the Arkansas Governor's Mansion

Tours

18. Have fun at Magic Springs Water and Theme Park

Category: Kids & Family

19. See rare flora and fauna at South Arkansas Arboretum

Category: Activities

20. Walk along the trails at Compton Gardens

Category: Activities

21. Step back in time at the Rush Historic District (Rush Ghost Town)

Category: Attractions

22. See a collection of military vehicles at the Arkansas Air Museum

Category: Museums & Culture

23. Visit the Hemingway-Pfeiffer Museum and Educational Center

Category: Attractions

Summary and Frequenly Asked Questions:

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.
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.
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.

Arkansas Events and Festivals:

Little Rock events:
- Arkansas State Fair
- World Cheese Dip Championship - FECHA
- Pops on the River - Fourth of July
- Main Street Food Truck Festival - Every September
- Little RocktoberFest - End of September
- SoMardi Gras - March 4, 2025
- Jazz in the Park - Each Wednesday in April and September
- Wildwood Park Lanterns Festival - April 10-13, 2025

Fayetteville events:
- Lights of the Ozarks - November 22, 2025-January 1, 2025
- Bikes, Blues & BBQ - Late September
- Joe Martin Stage Race - Usually in Spring

Hot Springs events:
- Hot Springs Music Festival - Every June
- World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade - Each year on March 17
- Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival

Eureka Springs events:
- Ozark Mountain Music Festival - January 16-19, 2025
- Eureka Springs Mardi Gras - Feb-Mar
- Chocolate Lovers Festival - Valentine's Day weekend

Other annual AR Events:
- Hope Watermelon Festival - Hope, Every August
- Arkansas Apple Festival - Lincoln, First weekend in October
- Fordyce on the Cotton Belt Festival - Fordyce, Every 4th Saturday in April
- Arkansas Folk Festival - Mountain View, Third weekend in April
- Bentonville Running Festival - Bentonville, April 5, 2025
- Cleburne County Fair - Heber Springs, Every September

Things to Do in Arkansas

1. Admire five centuries of American art at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

2. Enjoy the beautiful woodland setting of Thorncrown Chapel ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

3. Stroll through Garvan Woodland Gardens

4. Visit the Museum of Native American History

5. Take a tour of the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge

6. Explore Fordyce Bathhouse

7. Take a guided tour of Little Rock Central High School

8. See the historical artifacts at The Old Mill

9. See the exhibits at Fort Smith National Historic Site

10. Watch a performance at TheatreSquared

11. See a replica of the Oval Office at the William J Clinton Library and Museum

12. Enjoy the view from Hot Springs Mountain Tower

13. Learn about the history of Walmart at The Walmart Museum

14. Take a self-guided tour of the Old State House Museum

15. See the exhibits at the President William Jefferson Clinton Birthplace Home

16. Tour the Clinton House Museum

17. Book a tour of the Arkansas Governor's Mansion

18. Have fun at Magic Springs Water and Theme Park

19. See rare flora and fauna at South Arkansas Arboretum

20. Walk along the trails at Compton Gardens

21. Step back in time at the Rush Historic District (Rush Ghost Town)

22. See a collection of military vehicles at the Arkansas Air Museum

23. Visit the Hemingway-Pfeiffer Museum and Educational Center

Summary and Frequenly Asked Questions:

Plan Your Trip

Get Ready to Go!

Need some more help?

Things to Do in Arkansas

1. Admire five centuries of American art at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

2. Enjoy the beautiful woodland setting of Thorncrown Chapel ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

3. Stroll through Garvan Woodland Gardens

4. Visit the Museum of Native American History

5. Take a tour of the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge

6. Explore Fordyce Bathhouse

7. Take a guided tour of Little Rock Central High School

8. See the historical artifacts at The Old Mill

9. See the exhibits at Fort Smith National Historic Site

10. Watch a performance at TheatreSquared

11. See a replica of the Oval Office at the William J Clinton Library and Museum

12. Enjoy the view from Hot Springs Mountain Tower

13. Learn about the history of Walmart at The Walmart Museum

14. Take a self-guided tour of the Old State House Museum

15. See the exhibits at the President William Jefferson Clinton Birthplace Home

16. Tour the Clinton House Museum

17. Book a tour of the Arkansas Governor's Mansion

18. Have fun at Magic Springs Water and Theme Park

19. See rare flora and fauna at South Arkansas Arboretum

20. Walk along the trails at Compton Gardens

21. Step back in time at the Rush Historic District (Rush Ghost Town)

22. See a collection of military vehicles at the Arkansas Air Museum

23. Visit the Hemingway-Pfeiffer Museum and Educational Center

Summary and Frequenly Asked Questions:

Plan Your Trip

Get Ready to Go!

Need some more help?

Subscribe