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Arkansas travel guide
Destination Guide

Arkansas

United States

Farm-Fresh Cuisine, The Great Outdoors, Hiking, Fishing, Kayaking, Mountain Biking, Johnny Cash, Bill Clinton, Blues Music, Southern Hospitality, Quartz Crystal & Diamond Mines

Capital
Little Rock
Currency
US Dollar

Top Reasons to Visit Arkansas

1. Natural Beauty and Outdoor Adventures:

Arkansas, known as "The Natural State," offers stunning landscapes and diverse outdoor activities. Visitors can explore the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains, hike through lush forests, and enjoy the picturesque views of the Buffalo National River. The state's numerous lakes and rivers provide excellent opportunities for fishing, boating, and kayaking.

2. Hot Springs National Park:

One of the oldest national parks in the United States, Hot Springs National Park is famous for its thermal springs. Visitors can soak in the historic bathhouses, hike scenic trails, and learn about the park's history and geology. The charming town of Hot Springs offers a variety of dining, shopping, and entertainment options.

3. Rich Cultural and Historical Heritage:

Arkansas boasts a rich cultural and historical heritage. The Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville features an impressive collection of American art, set in a beautiful natural landscape. Little Rock, the state capital, offers significant historical sites such as the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site, which played a pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement.

4. Charming Small Towns and Local Festivals:

Arkansas is home to many charming small towns, each with its unique character and attractions. Eureka Springs, with its Victorian architecture and vibrant arts scene, is a popular destination. The state's numerous local festivals, such as the Arkansas Folk Festival in Mountain View and the Bentonville Film Festival, provide visitors with a taste of local culture and community spirit.

5. Outdoor Sports and Recreation:

Arkansas is a haven for outdoor sports enthusiasts. The state's varied terrain offers excellent opportunities for mountain biking, rock climbing, and horseback riding. The Arkansas River Valley and the Ozark National Forest are particularly popular for their scenic trails and challenging outdoor activities.

Explore Regional Arkansas

Known as The Natural State for its stunning scenery and abundance of outdoor adventures, harmony meets nature in Arkansas. With Missouri to the North, Tennessee and Mississippi to the east, and Louisiana to the south, Arkansas is the ideal destination as part of a Southern road trip. The state’s landscape is diverse, spanning the historic Ouachita and Ozark Mountains and the Delta Flatlands, next to the majestic Mississippi River.

Arkansas has an offering to suit everyone. Cities such as Little Rock and Bentonville provide an urban feel whereas a trip to Hot Springs will soothe your soul. 47 thermal springs flow from Hot Springs Mountain to create the ultimate spa and the Hot Springs National Park features more than 30 miles of hiking trails through the Ouachita Mountains, along with many picnic spots and scenic drives along the way. Visit Superior Bathhouse Brewery where you can try a beer that utilises the thermal spring water of the area as its main ingredient. This is a world-first!

The blues originated in the Delta region and many musicians including Johnny Cash made their mark here. Bill Clinton lived and served in Little Rock for more than 12 years as Arkansas Governor; you can tour important sites commemorating the legacies of Clinton. 

Fancy yourself a bit of an explorer? One thing you might not know is that Arkansas is home to some of the world’s largest volcanic craters. At the Crater of Diamonds State Park, a unique experience allows visitors to search a 37-acre ploughed field and volcanic crater for a variety of rocks, gemstones and minerals. You can then have your diamond certified at the park’s Diamond Discovery Centre.

Art and history combine at museums across The Natural State. From the Gangster Museum of America in Hot Springs, The Walmart Museum (its Headquarters are based here!), the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site, to the Sultana Disaster Museum (small in museum size, but large scale when it comes to ship-sinking disasters, even larger than the Titanic) – there’s a museum to suit every interest. Arkansas is also home to a vast array of public art, sculpture and murals.

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