Make the most of your trip to Arkansas
Arkansas’ state motto is “The Natural State,” and a visit there will tell you that it lives up to its nickname. This mid-western state is home to beautiful state parks and amazing natural attractions like diamond fields, Hot Springs National Park and the Buffalo River.
The state has also played an important role in American history and this importance is reflected in many of the state’s places to see. On a visit to Arkansas visitors who are interested in history can look forward to the Fort Smith National Historic Site and the most extensive and arguably most popular presidential library in the nation.
Mount Magazine
One favorite is Mount Magazine, the state’s tallest mountain. This towering formation is actually a flat-topped plateau with cliffs on all sides and two peaks, one of which is Signal Hill, the highest point in the state. Mount Magazine State Park offers hiking trails, picnic area, pavilion, and visitor center. The park is one of only two parks to offer hang gliding launch areas.
You will also find a lodge, cabins, camping, and a restaurant. The Mount Magazine State Park cabins are spread far apart for privacy and all have wonderful views of the valley below.
Crater of Diamonds State Park
The park has a 37.5-acre diamond field which is the world’s only public accessed bearing site. Diamonds were first discovered in 1906 including the world’s only perfect diamond the Strawn-Wagner Diamond. The Crater of Diamonds volcanic pipe is part of a 95-million-year-old volcano whose magma flow brought diamonds to the surface.
More than 35,000 diamonds have been found by park visitors since the Crater of Diamonds became an Arkansas state park in 1972. At the park’s visitor center, you can view real, uncut diamonds.
Little Rock Zoo
Little Rock Zoo features more than 500 animals with over 33 acres of beautifully landscaped property. Guests can walk through the entire Zoo in about two to three hours or spend more time in one specific area. Experience the majesty of elephants and rhinos.
Marvel at the strength and beauty of lions, tigers and jaguars in our Big Cat Habitat. Monkey around at Spider Monkey or Lemur Islands. Don’t forget to visit the Children’s Farm where you can get up-close to the animals.
Other attractions at this nationally accredited Zoo include special education programs, the Arkansas Diamond Express Train and the Blue & You Nature Playground and Blue & You Sensory Garden.
William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum
One of the most surprising favorites in Arkansas is a public library, but it’s unlike any typical library. The official presidential library of Bill Clinton is one of Little Rock’s biggest attractions. The Presidential Center and Park, created by former President Clinton. Clinton Presidential Library and offices of the Clinton Foundation.
Offers impressive archives containing millions of photographs, emails, documents, and other artifacts from the Clinton presidency. Full scale replicas of the Oval Office and Cabinet room during his presidency.
Buffalo River National Park
The 150-mile-long Buffalo River in northern Arkansas was the first national river in the country. Throughout the length there are access points, bridges, and even ferry crossings. Tourists might be interested in visiting the Buffalo River National Park which is a perfect year-round destination.
At the Buffalo, you can partake of many activities including floating the river, visiting historic homesteads and prehistoric sites, hiking, horseback riding, and camping. Buffalo National River has more than 100 miles of trails to explore.
Hot Springs National Park
This national park before called the Hot Springs Reservation is the smallest in area and the oldest federal reserve in the nation. The thermal water at Hot Springs National Park is 4,000-year-old spring water in its natural state. Within the Park, there are 2 places where you can touch the thermal water. Even though the water comes out of the ground at 147 degrees F, it is cool enough to touch by the time it reaches the pools.
Visitors to Hot Springs National Park can hike, camp, and bathe in the spring water in approved facilities. Learn about what is available in each of the bathhouses today. The Bathhouse Row consists of eight bathhouse buildings that were constructed between the years of 1892 and 1923.
Blanchard Spring Caverns
This three-level cave system considered “living” because change is still happening due to dripping water leaving mineral deposits. The caves known to locals since the 1930s. In 1955, a 1,000-year-old Native American skeleton found inside.
Located in Ozark National Forest is a favorite of all types. The Blanchard Spring Caverns has two levels open for guided tours for the public. There are many walking trails inside the caves open to the public.
Stroll through large, beautifully lighted rooms with handrails and paved trails for comfortable walking. Climb over rocks, crawl through and slide down red clay mud in an undeveloped section of the Caverns.
Thorncrown Chapel
Thorncrown Chapel located in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, designed by E. Fay Jones, and constructed in 1980. The design recalls the Prairie School of architecture popularized by Frank Lloyd Wright.
Though it looks like an open-air structure, the chapel is a glass-enclosed, conditioned space. They enlarged the skylight to have a natural ornamentation lighting effect throughout. This unique wooden structure contains 425 windows and over 6,000 square feet of glass.
Nestled in a woodland setting, Thorncrown Chapel rises forty-eight feet into the Ozark sky. It sits atop over 100 tons of native stone and colored flagstone. The chapel is located on Highway 62 West just outside of Eureka Springs, Arkansas.
Magic Springs Theme and Water Park
People come from all around to visit Magic Springs Theme and Water Park near Hot Springs. The amusement park features a full-days’ worth of fun including five roller coasters, three thrill rides, four family rides, and much more.
Magic Springs offers over 80 attractions including Arkansas Twister roller coaster and thrill rides such as Plummet Summit and The Gauntlet.
The water park included in the ticket price has a variety of slides and a wave simulator. This combination amusement park and water park voted as one of Arkansas top tourist attraction.
Garvan Woodland Gardens
Garvan Woodland Gardens, the botanical garden of the University of Arkansas, nestled in the picturesque Ouachita Mountains of Southwest Arkansas.
Many attractions are on the grounds including architectural structures like the Anthony Chapel, the Bob and Sunny Evans Treehouse, and botanical landscapes offering breathtaking sights and great photo opportunities. Most trails are ADA accessible and pets allowed with a fee.
The Joy Manning Scott Bridge of the Full Moon, one of the most photographed features within the gardens. Explore natural areas, including the bonsai garden and woodland walk.
Things to do in Arkansas
The “Natural State,” naturally has something for every interest and vacation type. From amusement parks and diamond fields, to rushing rivers and army forts, Arkansas will keep the whole family entertained.