Arkansas is a state of extremes. It’s beautiful and small, but isolated. It’s incredibly warm and welcoming, but harsh in the winter. Whether you’re looking for a low-key getaway or you want to do as much as possible in one of the most underrated states, these ten vacation spots should give you a good jump-off point to plan your next trip.
Whether you’re looking for a vacation in the mountains, the beaches, or the heart of the city, Arkansas vacation spots have many different choises. Here are just a few of them.
Eureka Springs
Eureka Springs is a Victorian-era resort located in the Northwest Arkansas area with a thriving art scene. It is also home to one of the country’s most famous prominent cat sanctuaries. The Ozark Mountains provide a beautiful backdrop to the area, which is why it is a popular vacation destination.
The historic district in downtown Eureka Springs is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features some of the best Victorian architecture in the country. There are also many funky art galleries to explore. The city has many historic hotels and bed and breakfasts.
Hot Springs
Located in central Arkansas, Hot Springs is a small city with a lot to offer. The town is home to many attractions, including the Hot Springs National Park. The town is also home to some beautiful architecture. The area is full of spas, museums, and shops. The town is also known for its natural hot springs. Located in the Ouachita Mountains, Hot Springs boasts a variety of natural springs.
Hot Springs is a great place to visit with the whole family. You can enjoy hiking, boating, fishing, and horseback riding in the Ouachita National Forest. The town also features an outdoor water park.
Blanchard Springs Caverns
Located near Mountain View, Arkansas, Blanchard Springs Caverns is an impressive underground formation. The limestone bedrock has been dissolved by groundwater for thousands of years. This creates an underground environment full of incredible caves, disappearing streams, and sinkholes.
Blanchard Springs Caverns is a three-level system. The upper level is accessible for guided tours. The lower levels are not as impressive. The cave temperature remains at fifty-eight degrees Fahrenheit.
The upper levels of the cave are lit by natural light and have plenty of crystalline formations. Stalagmites and columns are a few examples of formations. The lower levels also feature an underground stream.
Thorncrown Chapel
You can’t pass up a visit to Thorncrown Chapel during your visit to the Ozarks. This glass-enclosed chapel sits 48 feet high above the forest. It features 425 windows and a canopy of trees.
Thorncrown Chapel is also an excellent venue for weddings. You can hold your wedding in the chapel, or have a ceremony outside in the woods. There are also wedding services for people who prefer to have a wedding indoors.
Thorncrown Chapel has become a favorite wedding venue among people from all over the world. The chapel features a variety of facilities, including a first-class sound system, a changing room, and a piano. You can also bring a live band to perform at your wedding.
Garvan Woodland Gardens
Garvan Woodland Gardens is a lush botanical garden located in Hot Springs, Arkansas. This 210-acre property features architectural masterpieces, waterfalls, and a stunning landscape. Garvan Woodland Gardens also has a range of special events. You can enjoy a day trip or attend one of their many weddings.
One of the top attractions at Garvan Woodland Gardens is Anthony’s Chapel. Maurice Jennings and David McKee designed the chapel. It is one of three glass chapels in the state. This chapel is also known for its latticework of wood.
Another great attraction is the Millsap Canopy Bridge. This bridge is a two-story canopy bridge that floats over the forest floor. It features cascades, dogwoods, and cinnamon ferns.
Quigley’s Castle
Located south of Eureka Springs in the Ozarks, Quigley’s Castle is an odd stone house and one of the most unique homes in the state. Elise Quigley, an Italian immigrant, in 1943 built it. She was a nature lover who wanted to bring nature to her home. A lush garden with flowers and plants surrounds the house.
Quigley’s Castle is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is a fascinating place to visit and is open for tours between April and October. The castle is closed on Sundays and Thursdays.
Bentonville
Located in Northwest Arkansas, Bentonville is a great place to vacation. There are several museums, parks, and historic buildings in the area. The city is also known for its southern hospitality and safe art experiences.
The Museum of Native American History in Bentonville educates visitors about early North America. It features artifacts from various Native American tribes. This museum has welcomed more than 35,000 visitors to date. The museum is also home to several exhibits, including a mammoth skeleton. The museum offers guided tours and musical events.
The Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville is the crown jewel of the NWA art scene. This museum has a collection of over 50,000 works of art. The museum also has a permanent collection of modern and contemporary art and an extensive collection of colonial art. The museum is free to visit and features a large creek-fed pond.
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