Arkansas, also known as "The Natural State," offers a variety of scenic landscapes, historical landmarks, and outdoor activities that make it one of the best travel destinations in the United States.
Whether you're a history buff, outdoor enthusiast, or just looking for a serene getaway, Arkansas has something for everyone. Below, we highlight the 10 best places to visit in Arkansas, ensuring you don’t miss out on its unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
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1. Little Rock
Little Rock, the state's capital and largest city, is located on the banks of the Arkansas River nearly exactly in the middle of the state. Taking its name from a rock formation that served as a landmark and crossing point in the past, it currently serves as a major hub for transportation, commerce, and culture in the area.
Art galleries, theaters, and cultural centers coexist with spectacular structures and museums in this lively yet relaxed old downtown neighborhood. It also has a few serene and lovely parks, one of which is Riverside Park, which is proud to display the characteristic rocks that gave rise to the city.
Its breathtaking surroundings are perfect for hiking, bicycling, and boating, and it is home to a ton of amazing cafes, restaurants, and bars. Little Rock offers much to keep visitors occupied for days, while feeling somewhat modest and inconspicuous for the state capital. The Ouachita National Forest and the Ozark Mountains are also nearby.
2. Hot Springs
Nestled amidst the Ouachita Mountains, Hot Springs is a breathtaking resort city that derives its name from its therapeutic waters, which have drawn visitors for years. Established in 1832, the town gained popularity as a spa during the late 1800s and early 1900s, when sophisticated baths sprung up around its thermal springs.
Mob figures like Al Capone and Lucky Luciano used to come here for vacations and perhaps for business, as gambling and bootlegging also flourished.
These days, Hot Springs is renowned for its lovely architecture, showcasing exquisite buildings and bathhouses designed in the Art Deco, Neoclassical, and Mission-Revival styles. Even now, visitors can unwind in Bathhouse Row's warm, inviting waters, which are preserved as a component of Hot Springs National Park. In addition to having restored baths and a number of museums and displays honoring its history and legacy, the town offers visitors plenty of beautiful mountain views and unspoiled nature.
3. Ozark National Forest
Extending over a sizable portion of Arkansas, the Ozark National Forest is known for its stunning scenery and landscapes. It is typically situated next to the considerably smaller St. Francis National Forest. The latter is one of the smallest but most varied woods in the nation, while the former has the state's tallest mountains.
Combined, they offer over 630 kilometers of hiking paths, nine swimming holes, twenty-three campsites, and a plethora of picturesque drives and picnic spots for guests to enjoy. They are incredibly rugged and mountainous, with 600 kilometers of bubbling rivers and streams winding through the thick underbrush. They are also home to beautiful old-growth forests.
The Ozark National Forest is an excellent location for hiking and mountain biking because of its pristine natural surroundings. Enjoy boating, fishing, and swimming on its lovely rivers. In order to wake up to the stunning trees and surrounding natural splendor, many people camp in the forest.
4. Eureka Springs
Visiting Eureka Springs is like traveling back in time because of its abundance of exquisitely maintained Victorian-style mansions, manor houses, and cottages. Its captivating maze of meandering cobblestone alleys, with many striking streetscapes on display, are a treat to explore. It is situated over the steep slopes of a valley tucked away in the Ozarks.
Established in 1879, the town gained popularity as a vacation destination because of its many cold-water springs, which were thought to have therapeutic qualities. The entire city has been included to the National Register of Historic Places in order to maintain its charmingly unique appearance and personality, even if its heyday has long since passed.
In addition to exploring the town, guests can engage in mountain and forest biking, hiking, and horseback riding. Eureka Springs, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Arkansas, is worth visiting because of its distinctive architecture and history.
5. Buffalo National River
The Buffalo River, the country's first officially recognized national river, flows enchantedly through the sublime Ozark Mountain scenery. It is blissfully untouched, undammed, and unpolluted, with its fresh, free-flowing streams passing by stunning surroundings. It has been protected since 1972.
Enormous limestone bluffs, breathtaking rock formations, and lush forests can all be found along its picturesque banks. There are also beautiful waterfalls. In the region, there are even more than three hundred caves. In addition to its exceptional natural beauty and the multitude of habitats it protects, Buffalo National River provides an abundance of outdoor recreational options.
While canoeing or kayaking down the river is the greatest way to experience all the breathtaking scenery up close, hiking and horseback riding along its banks are other delightful options. In addition, the region has numerous fascinating historical sites, including old cabins that were inhabited by early settlers and terrace village locations that were formerly inhabited by Archaic Indians.
6. Fayetteville
Fayetteville, located in the Boston Mountains in the heart of the Ozark Mountains, is the third-biggest city in the state, behind Little Rock and Fort Smith. There are many of pubs, eateries, and stores to explore, and the town has a vibrant, youthful vibe due to its location as the home of the University of Arkansas' main campus.
Its sizable student base contributes to its vibrant arts and cultural scene, which features entertaining festivals, live music, and theatrical productions. Beautiful historical buildings and gorgeous groomed gardens may be seen in the historic downtown square, though it can get overrun by people during college football games.
It is the hub of the city, together with Dickson Street, where public buildings and shops coexist with nightclubs, historic sites, and a weekly farmers' market. When game day arrives, there are plenty of excellent hiking and cycling routes in the vicinity of Fayetteville if you want to get away from the city.
7. Crater of Diamonds State Park
The only area in the world where you can dig for your own diamonds is Crater of Diamonds State Park, which is located in the southwest of the state. The region has drawn prospectors since John Huddlestone discovered two shimmering crystals back in 1906, and the most recent "diamond rush" of visitors has come to try their luck.
A staggering 29,000 jewels have been discovered by tourists throughout the years, and they are free to keep whatever they uncover. Although the primary draw is gemstone searching, visitors can also explore the Diamond Discovery Center, which provides an intriguing glimpse into the history of prospecting.
There are also several old buildings to explore, a shop, a cafe, and an aquatic playground on the property. The Strawn-Wagner Diamond, discovered by Shirley Strawn in 1990, is still regarded as the sole flawless diamond ever found, despite tourists finding an amazing two stones a day on average.
8. Mount Magazine State Park
Mount Magazine, the highest peak in Arkansas, is a massive feature that dominates and defines the state park of the same name. Reaching a height of 839 meters, the majestic mountain overlooks the surrounding area, which includes hills, forests, and the breathtaking Arkansas River Valley below.
Numerous hiking routes and bike lanes wind around the park's slopes, offering visitors a chance to explore and enjoy activities like rock climbing, rappelling, and hang gliding in the park's upper regions. The park's pure environment and protected species are showcased in fascinating and engaging exhibits at the visitor center, which also offers camping and BBQ areas for visitors to enjoy.
There are also other shimmering lakes scattered around, offering opportunities for swimming and fishing. Mount Magazine State Park has a lot of recreational options, beautiful scenery, and amazing vistas, which make it a very popular destination.
9. Petit Jean State Park
The charming Petit Jean State Park is located north of Arkansas, not far from Morrilton, and is home to amazing wildness. The park is named after a young French woman from the eighteenth century who unfortunately perished while exploring the area, according to local folklore.
According to legend, she pretended to be a man in order to go on the voyage with her sweetheart, and she only revealed who she really was when she was close to death. Her cemetery is still visible, situated amidst some stunning surroundings, atop the spectacular mount that sits at the center of the park. Visitors can take in breathtaking views of the Arkansas River Valley, which is filled with amazing caverns, canyons, and woodlands on its lower slopes, from the peak.
The park offers excellent hiking, kayaking, and fishing on Lake Bailey, but its most captivating feature is the glistening Cedar Falls, which cascades 29 meters over a craggy rock face.
10. Bentonville
Tucked away in the state's northwest, Bentonville is most recognized for being the home and founding place of Walmart, the world's largest retailer. Its thriving economy has turned the once-sleepy village into a quaint and somewhat cosmopolitan metropolis over the years.
Its endless urban sprawl and large number of corporate offices are commonplace, yet the core is full of independent eateries, cozy cafes, and artisanal shops. There are also a few lovely parks and fascinating institutions strewn around, the best of which is the cutting-edge Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.
Bentonville is a warm and inviting place that receives a lot of business travelers during the week and is quite calm and laid back on the weekends. In addition, the charming Buffalo River and the Ozark Mountains are close by, making the small city a great starting point for trips to surrounding attractions like Branson and Eureka Springs.
