Extraordinary things to do in Arkansas

Top Tourist Attractions in Arkansas USA

Arkansas has magnificent scenery and wonderful old buildings for lovers and adventure seekers.

Whether you’re looking for indoor fun or outdoor activities, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Arkansas.

The state has many national parks and forests, including Crater of Diamonds State Park, Ozark National Forest, Buffalo National River, and Ouachita National Forest.

Most of the state’s national parks allow visitors to go camping, hiking, and fishing.

In addition, Arkansas has plenty of other attractions that will keep you busy during your stay in this scenic state.

While “The Natural State” is known for its natural attractions, it has several historical sites and museums that will educate and entertain you.

10 best places to visit in Arkansas for your next vacation

1. Hot Springs National Park
2. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
3. Crater of Diamonds State Park
4. Petit Jean State Park
5. Garvan Woodland Gardens
6. Hot Springs Mountain Tower
7. Little Rock Zoo
8. Eureka Springs Downtown
9. Mammoth Spring State Park
10. The Walmart Museum

The Natural State is a veritable playground of beautiful mountains, lakes, rivers, and streams.

With its history rooted in the Civil Rights Movement and its capital of Little Rock, home to one of the most famous presidential homes in the U.S., the Clinton Presidential Library and Museum, Arkansas, offers visitors a rich experience.

What to do for fun in Arkansas?

With its 52 state and seven national parks, an Arkansas vacation entails much more than just exploring its cities; it’s also about exploring nature.

A visit to Hot Springs National Park is akin to the world’s largest outdoor bathhouse, where you can bathe in thermal waters that many believe have healing powers.

Another must-see destination is Crater of Diamonds State Park. Here, you can dig for diamonds and possibly uncover other semi-precious gems like amethyst or jasper.

Arkansas has excellent urban centers for lively nightlife, great restaurants serving delicious Southern cuisine, historical sites, museums, shopping, and more.

Don’t miss out on these attractions in Arkansas: a visit to the Big Dam Bridge, a tour of Hemingway-Pfeiffer Museum & Educational Center, hiking at Mount Magazine State Park, and Hot Springs National.

Arkansas is a unique blend of natural beauty, adventurous outdoor activities, and culturally prosperous cities and towns.

Fort Smith National Historic Site

At Fort Smith National Historic Site, you can learn about America’s western expansion during the 1800s. This park comprises two sites: Belle Point and The Fort Smith Site.

On Belle Point, you will find an exhibit on the Trail of Tears, where Native Americans were forced to leave their homelands and march westward to Oklahoma and other parts of the Indian Territory by President Andrew Jackson.

At The Fort Smith Site, you can take a guided tour through reconstructed barracks, guardhouses, and gallows used in 1873 to hang outlaws like Belle Starr and Cherokee Bill.

Ozark Mountains

On the state’s eastern side, you’ll find the Ozark Mountains—ancient mountains formed by the same tectonic forces that created the Appalachian range.

The Ozarks are known for beautiful scenery and great fishing, but they’re also home to some of the best hiking trails in the United States. There’s also a rich history here dating back to before Arkansas became a state in 1836.

On an Ozark mountaintop, outlaw Jesse James met his end in 1882 (he was killed by one of his gang members).

Here, poet Laura Ingalls Wilder wrote about her adventures on the frontier (her house still stands at Rocky Ridge Farm). And it was here that former President Bill Clinton grew up and still comes back to see family when he can.

Little Rock

The capital city of Little Rock has several fascinating museums and galleries, including the Old State House Museum and the Clinton Presidential Library.

Eureka Springs is a picturesque town near the Arkansas Ozark Mountains with Victorian architecture and is considered one of America’s best-preserved Victorian towns.

Little Rock Central High School

You’ll find the Little Rock Central High School Historic Site in Little Rock. In 1957 President Eisenhower sent in federal troops to ensure the safety of nine African-American students enrolling in this formerly all-white high school.

The site includes the preserved high school and surrounding grounds and a visitor center with exhibits that tell the story of the desegregation of Central High School.

Visitors can take a guided or self-guided tour of the historic high school and view photographs and artifacts from the pivotal year in American history when nine teenage students challenged segregation in education and changed our nation’s history forever.

Summary

The Natural State is the perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts. The Ozarks Mountains are home to miles of winding trails perfect for hiking or mountain biking.

If you’re looking for things to do in Arkansas with kids, consider visiting Hot Springs National Park. It’s the oldest park in the U.S., and kids will love exploring the many trails and waterfalls in the area.

The state’s rich history and culture are showcased in its museums, historic homes, and sites. Arkansas’ food scene is thriving, and its abundance of festivals celebrates music, food, art, and heritage.

Arkansas is a great place to visit, whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, nightlife, or relaxation. Its cities boast top restaurants and attractions, while wide-open spaces offer plenty of room for outdoor lovers. So why not plan a trip to the Natural State today?

Arkansas Frequently Asked Questions

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