The great state of Arkansas, USA, has been an incredible vacation destination for tons of tourists for a long time now. Filled with beautiful parks and forests, this state promises a great time to anyone who is interested in outdoorsy activities. However, at the same time, there is a hidden undercurrent of more urban attractions for tourists throughout the state, making it an ideal destination for even the most introverted travellers out there. From exploring beautiful museums and gardens that are a trip to the past themselves, to enjoying some delicious classic American fare, we bring you the best that Arkansas has to offer to its tourists. So keep scrolling and discover some of the most awesome things to do in Arkansas, USA!
1. Tour the remarkable Fort Smith National Historic Site
It's that time of the year! Heat advisories have been in effect the last two days in Fort Smith - with undoubtedly many...
Posted by Fort Smith National Historic Site on Wednesday, 10 July 2019
If you love learning about history but aren’t interested in spending a whole afternoon in a museum, then this site is the perfect outdoorsy historic place for you. Once a site to the American civil war, the premises here have since been converted into a beautiful garden area with the historic landmarks displayed very elegantly. Learn about the dark history of Native Americans and how they were abused by the government of the time, and the significance of the armed forces.
Fort Smith National Historic Site
Address: 301 Parker Ave, Fort Smith, AR 72901, USA
Website: Fort Smith National Historic Site
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
2. Explore President William Jefferson Clinton's birthplace home
Posted by President William Jefferson Clinton Birthplace Home National Historic Site on Wednesday, 17 April 2019
President William J. Clinton, or Bill Clinton as he is more commonly known, became the 42nd President of the United States and has a memorial in his birthplace where you can visit and learn about his and Hillary Clinton’s inspirational life journey. Check out the visitor’s centre that has interesting artefacts and exhibits displaying the president’s childhood home, and you can even hire your own private guide who will show you around the beautiful home.
President William Jefferson Clinton Birthplace Home National Historic Site
Address: 117 S Hervey St, Hope, AR 71801, USA
Website: President William Jefferson Clinton Birthplace Home
Opening hours: 9am - 4:30pm (daily)
3. Marvel at the beauty of Garvan Woodland Gardens
Southern Inspiration Garden
Posted by Garvan Woodland Gardens on Thursday, 1 August 2019
Situated in the University of Arkansas, which is near the beautiful Ouachita Mountains, this garden is a popular must-visit landmark. Known for its beauty, especially in the summer months, this garden is truly a spectacle of romance in and of itself. If you are planning a proposal or simply wish to spend some quality time with your spouse, this is the ultimate place to be.
Garvan Woodland Gardens
Address: 550 Arkridge Rd, Hot Springs, AR 71913, USA
Website: Garvan Woodland Gardens
Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)
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4. Head to the Old State House Museum
Posted by Old State House Museum on Wednesday, 19 March 2014
Another lovely treat for the history buff in you is a visit to this historical site while in Arkansas. Once the capitol of the state, this building is unparallel in architecture and today, is a famous museum that hosts incredible artefacts of tremendous significance to American history. In addition, there is also a quaint souvenir shop where you can buy little souvenirs to take back home.
Old State House Museum
Address: 300 W Markham St, Little Rock, AR 72201, USA
Website: Old State House Museum
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 5pm; Sun: 1pm - 5pm
5. Learn about animals at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge
Posted by Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge on Friday, 16 August 2019
If you are interested in exploring the rich flora and fauna in Arkansas, head on down to Turpentine Creek Refuge, where you will be greeted by one of the largest collection of cat species on display, from big cats like tigers and leopards to smaller ones like the wild cat. There are also bears and other interesting species, and once you are done, you can head over to the gift shop to get some cool animal-themed souvenirs!
Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge
Address: 239 Turpentine Creek Ln, Eureka Springs, AR 72632, USA
Website: Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge
Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)
6. Discover the wonderful Walmart Museum
Posted by The Walmart Museum on Friday, 11 January 2019
Built to honour the history and legacy of one of the biggest retail conglomerates in the world, The Walmart Museum offers a well-rounded and fun experience as it takes you through the history and significance of this huge corporation. There are tons of displays and artefacts that are sure to fascinate you, and you will also be shown a clip that highlights how Walmart grew to be such a huge giant in retail.
The Walmart Museum
Address: 105 N Main St, Bentonville, AR 72712, USA
Website: The Walmart Museum
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 8am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 8am - 10pm; Sun: 12pm - 9pm
7. Admire the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
? CB Insight ? Crystal Bridges takes its name from Crystal Spring—a natural spring on the museum’s wooded site that...
Posted by Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art on Wednesday, 10 July 2019
Sponsored by Walmart, this beautiful museum is another must-visit destination in North Arkansas for any historically oriented traveller. If you are lucky, you might even catch one of the special events hosted here. Otherwise, just take your time strolling through the museum’s artefacts and art galleries and marvelling at the amazing architecture of the building.
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
Address: 600 Museum Way, Bentonville, AR 72712, USA
Website: Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
Opening hours: Mon: 11am - 6pm; Wed - Fri: 11am - 9pm; Sat - Sun: 10am - 6pm (closed on Tue)
8. Explore The Old Mill
This singular and interesting attraction is the highlight of a trip to Arkansas, and you will surely take home unforgettable memories. Straight out of a fairytale, the Old Mill is a facsimile of an old-school water-powered mill and is a striking building that makes for amazing photogenic shots. If you love watching classic movies, you will surely recognise this building from Gone With The Wind. If you are planning a photoshoot of any kind, why not pick this special spot to make your mark? Situated in the midst of a picturesque setting that looks like a painting, your pictures are sure to come out as unique and beautiful as they can.
The Old Mill
Address: 3800 Lakeshore Dr, North Little Rock, AR 72116, USA
Website: The Old Mill
Opening hours: 8am - 7pm (daily)
9. Hike the Hot Springs Mountain Tower
Posted by Hot Springs Mountain Tower on Thursday, 30 May 2019
Situated in the Hot Springs area, this beautiful tower is a picturesque location with a vibrant and deep historical significance. The surrounding area is perfect for a wedding photoshoot or just a good picture for Instagram. This tower has a gift and souvenir shop where you can buy little memorabilia to take home, as well as a small cafe where you can enjoy a warm beverage. The highlight of this place, however, is the incredible view you can see from the top of the tower.
Hot Springs Mountain Tower
Address: 401 Hot Springs Mountain Dr, Hot Springs, AR 71901, USA
Website: Hot Springs Mountain Tower
Opening hours: 9am - 8pm (daily)
10. Catch a show at TheatreSquared
Posted by TheatreSquared on Tuesday, 23 July 2019
The theatre is a testament to one of the longest standing entertainment services, that have been around from before there was literature. Pay homage to this amazing art form by checking out TheatreSquared, an establishment that hosts 320 plays annually, and has been widely recognised for its efforts all over America. The establishment includes two intimate settings for guests where you can enjoy the performances up close.
TheatreSquared
Address: 477 W Spring St, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
Website: TheatreSquared
11. Tour the Clinton House Museum
Rudyard Kipling said, “If history were taught in the form of stories, it would never be forgotten.” That's what we do at...
Posted by Clinton House Museum on Tuesday, 27 November 2018
This beautiful museum is originally the home of Bill and Hillary Clinton, from when they got married and has been opened to the public with an interesting range of exhibits on display. The exhibits range from Bill Clinton’s memorabilia from his early career to special artefacts from their marriage. This is a great opportunity to delve deeper into the lives of this power couple.
Clinton House Museum
Address: 930 W Clinton Dr, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
Website: Clinton House Museum
Opening hours: Mon - Tue: 10am - 5pm; Thu - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 1pm - 5pm (closed on Wed)
12. Visit the historic Thorncrown Chapel
Combing the modern with the historical, this gorgeous church is a testament to the epitome of architectural wonders. Built entirely of glass and native flagstone, it is minimalistic and ornate at the same time, and it truly will blow your mind. Like all churches, entry is free and you can even host weddings and special religious ceremonies here.
Thorncrown Chapel
Address: 12968 US-62, Eureka Springs, AR 72632, USA
Website: Thorncrown Chapel
Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 9am - 5pm; Fri - Mon: 9am - 5:30pm
13. Enjoy with kids at Magic Springs Water and Theme Park
Going up! Have you been on the Arkansas Twister this season? It's not too late! #MagicSprings
Posted by Magic Springs Theme and Water Park on Wednesday, 7 August 2019
One of the highlights of everyone’s childhoods has to be a trip to an amusement park or a water park. There are few things that immediately make you think of unparalleled fun, after all. So if you have little ones along with you on your vacation to Arkansas, why not give them the time of their lives at this theme park? You need to pay a one-time all-inclusive fee, in order to have unlimited fun!
Magic Springs Water and Theme Park
Address: 1701 E Grand Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71901, USA
Website: Magic Springs Water and Theme Park
Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 11am - 6pm (closed from Mon - Fri)
14. Drop by Fordyce Bathhouse
Posted by Rhonda Sykes Wolfe on Saturday, 24 August 2019
Built in early 1915, this lovely bathhouse brings a bit of the past into your travels. Currently refurbished as a museum open to the public, Fordyce Bathhouse is another unique attraction to visit in Arkansas. With lovely stained glass ceilings overlooking tens of thousands of square feet bath area, where people would come to relax and cure their aches and diseases. Finally, there is a gift shop where you can buy little souvenirs for yourself or a friend.
Fordyce Bathhouse
Address: 101 Reserve St, Hot Springs, AR 71901, USA
Website: Fordyce Bathhouse
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
15. Explore the Museum of Native American History
It would be remiss to visit Arkansas and miss out on Native American history on a tour of museums around the place. This huge museum holds over 14000 years of the history of the Americas and is laid out in order of the time period for your convenience. This museum, like a lot of them, hosts a ton of events and workshops for the public to raise awareness about different cultural aspects of Native American history.
Museum of Native American History
Address: Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20560, USA
Website: Museum of Native American History
Opening hours: 10am - 5:30pm (daily)
16. Visit the William J Clinton Library and Museum
One of our more popular exhibits is the Foreign Head of State gifts. Accepting gifts is an important part of diplomacy,...
Posted by William J. Clinton Presidential Library on Thursday, 11 July 2019
Bill Clinton has been one of the most influential presidents that served the United States, and one of the most popular American politicians around the world. In honour of this his life, this library and museum were built to hold a range of exhibits and displays that teach you about his and Hillary Rodham Clinton’s lives over the decades. From unique home decor elements that have been used in their house, to special memorabilia and utensils that they used every day, you can truly get a sense of how this power couple lived out their lives together. Their journeys are both individually and together, inspirational.
William J Clinton Library and Museum
Address: 1200 President Clinton Ave, Little Rock, AR 72201, USA
Website: William J Clinton Library and Museum
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 5pm; Sun: 1pm - 5pm
17. Tour the Arkansas Governor's Mansion
Posted by Arkansas Governors Mansion on Thursday, 19 March 2015
The Governor’s Mansion in Arkansas is home to the current governor and is a beautiful and opulent mansion provided to the state’s first family. For this reason, the interior of the mansion is not open to the general public, unless you have a special appointment. However, you can still take a stroll around the area and click pictures of the picturesque scenery, and just enjoy the peaceful neighbourhood.
Arkansas Governor's Mansion
Address: 1800 Center St, Little Rock, AR 72206, USA
Website: Arkansas Governor’s Mansion
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
18. Admire the beauty of South Arkansas Arboretum
Posted by South Arkansas Arboretum on Monday, 25 March 2019
Arboretums have been around for centuries, and for good reason too. They are a wonderful place to spend some peaceful time amongst nature, without having to get away from the city. The South Arkansas Arboretum features a wide variety of beautiful and exotic plants from both local and national species. You can come here for a nice drive or just to take a walk between the greenery.
South Arkansas Arboretum
Address: 1506 Mt Holly Rd, El Dorado, AR 71730, USA
Website: South Arkansas Arboretum
Opening hours: 8am - 7pm (daily)
19. Go on a shopping spree at Northwest Arkansas Mall
Posted by Northwest Arkansas Mall on Thursday, 14 January 2016
Malls are a classic American staple when it comes to fun experiences. Check out what a true American mall day should be like at the Northwestern Arkansas mall, where you can do everything your heart desires, from shopping till you drop to going bowling to eating a variety of dishes at the food court. With a wide variety of stores, you will never run out of more shopping to do! Buy some unique souvenirs to take home to your family and friends, purchase some jewellery for the special person in your life or just treat yourself to an indoor day at the mall and buy yourself a little treat. After all, vacations are for indulging your heart’s desires!
Northwest Arkansas Mall
Address: 4201 N Shiloh Dr, Fayetteville, AR 72703, USA
Website: Northwest Arkansas Mall
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 9pm; Sun: 12pm - 6pm
20. Explore the Hemingway-Pfeiffer Museum and Educational Center
The Hemingway-Pfeiffer Museum and Educational Center was built to honour Earnest Hemingway and the Pfeiffer family, and it is truly a work of art in and of itself. Standing in the midst of a lush green meadow sprinkled with trees and bushes, this lovely old-timey building holds exhibits and artefacts from Hemingway’s life, and the tour guides here will educate you about the history of this great American novelist. You would be excited to know that Hemingway finished his world-famous book, A Farewell To Arms, right here in this building!
Hemingway-Pfeiffer Museum and Educational Center
Address: 1021 W Cherry St, Piggott, AR 72454, USA
Website: Hemingway-Pfeiffer Museum and Educational Center
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 3pm; Sat: 1pm - 3pm (closed on Sun)
21. Soak in the freshness of nature at Compton Gardens
Step in the midst of nature, without leaving the city at all, with greenery surrounding you for as far as the eye can see. This huge sprawling garden takes up a whopping 6.5 acres (2.6 hectares) of land and is definitely worth a visit. With cobblestone paths surrounded by trees and bushes on either side and flowering plants to soothe your eyes, this is a beautiful little corner of the city to escape into for a while. Bring along a book and just settle in with a cosy blanket. You can also host a special event in this beautiful garden such as an intimate proposal, a full-fledged wedding, a private event, or just have a lowkey family picnic, the choice is yours.
Compton Gardens
Address: 312 N Main St, Bentonville, AR 72712, USA
Website: Compton Gardens
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 4pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
22. See vintage aircrafts at Arkansas Air and Military Museum
For #WarbirdWednesday today, we wanted to hear from you to see if your favorite warbirds are rotary winged or fixed winged?
Posted by Arkansas Air and Military Museum on Wednesday, 21 August 2019
The American armed forces have been a pioneer in defence establishments around the world. With the Arkansas Air Museum, you can get a glimpse into the historical achievements and exhibits, as well as check out some of the most influential fighter planes that have been used by the air force in the past. If you wish to, you can opt for a tour guide who will take you through military technology and explain how it advanced throughout both the world wars and in later years too. This is truly a fascinating and unique museum, and you are sure to learn a lot from this tour.
Arkansas Air and Military Museum
Address: 4290 S School Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
Website: Arkansas Air and Military Museum
Opening hours: Sun - Fri: 11am - 4:30pm; Sat: 10am - 4:30pm
23. Pay a visit to Josephine Tussaud Wax Museum
Posted by Josephine Tussaud Wax Museum on Wednesday, 19 June 2019
Now while it is quite unlikely that you’d see a celebrity walking through the streets of Arkansas, you could get your Hollywood fix by heading to this wax museum, that hosts a ton of incredibly realistic wax figures of the most popular celebrities out there. In addition to movie actors, you can also see some fictional characters as well as the Royal Family! To top it off, there is a live VR show that is really thrilling, so don’t miss that.
Josephine Tussaud Wax Museum
Address: 250 Central Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71901, USA
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 9am - 8pm; Fri - Sat: 9am - 11pm; Sun: 9am - 8pm
24. Bring your family to the Hampson Museum
Visited the Hampson Museum State Park in Wilson, AR this afternoon. Very interesting and they have done a great job creating a great educational and entertaining experience.
Posted by Bruce Poleet on Wednesday, 7 August 2019
Located in Wilson, Arkansas, this is one more unique and extraordinary museum that once used to be a well-fortified village located in the then Mississippi County. The artefacts located here, therefore, range from that time and are truly interesting and bound to fascinate you. In addition to this museum, there is also a virtual museum experience and a picnic spot on the premises. So bring along a blanket and some snacks, and you can enjoy a nice morning picnic right on the premises. The best part is that entry is completely free.
Hampson Museum
Address: 33 Park St, Wilson, AR 72395, USA
Website: Hampson Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 8am - 5pm; Sun: 1pm - 5pm (closed on Mon)
25. Explore the creepy remnants of Dogpatch USA
Posted by Dogpatch USA on Monday, 12 August 2019
In a true Arkansas style, the old hillbilly theme park of Dogpatch USA was shut in 1993, only to be replaced by growing vine and peeling paint. For some reason, however, this still seems to be frequented by visitors and tourists, a quick Google search shows that people are still curious about this abandoned park, and it still has an active Facebook account! Perhaps attracted to the creepy vibes this place gives, some people have even decided to go primitive camping here. So if you are one of those adventurous spirits, head on down to Dogpatch and take a walk through this dilapidated spooky site. Perhaps you might come back with a ghost story of your own!
Dogpatch USA
Address: Dogpatch, Arkansas 72601, USA
Website: Dogpatch USA
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
26. Get dazzled by Maxwell Blade’s Odditorium and Curiosities Museum
Posted by Kirsten Stapleton on Tuesday, 25 June 2019
With over 300 items on display that are sure to confuse, baffle and bamboozle you, this funky museum is a must-visit on your trip to Arkansas. Like one reviewer mentioned, it is like checking out the attic of your weird uncle who worked in a circus. Weird taxidermied animals, unsettling masks and creepy voodoo figurines are just some of the strange exhibits you can check out here. So you if you are interested in the spooky, then head on over to this museum and you are sure to not regret it.
Maxwell Blade’s Odditorium and Curiosities Museum
Address: 817 Central Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71901, USA
Website: Maxwell Blade’s Odditorium and Curiosities Museum
Opening hours: 10am - 10pm (daily)
27. Head to Quigley's Castle
Still green in August and more rainfall today. It’s a great year for gardens.
Posted by Quigley's Castle on Friday, 16 August 2019
Deep in the heart of Arkansas lies this amazing castle in which stays the granddaughter of Elise Quigley. The home is so breathtakingly beautiful that you are sure to lose track of time just exploring the premises. Built completely from an artist’s point of view, you can see that the owners are truly in love with the place and have maintained it very lovingly. So if you love folk art and are tired of the typical tourist destinations, head on to this lovely castle, that look like it’s right out of a fairytale.
Quigley's Castle
Address: 274 Quigley Castle Rd, Eureka Springs, AR 72632, USA
Website: Quigley’s Castle
Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 8:30am - 4:30pm; Fri - Sat: 8:30am - 4:30pm (closed on Thu & Sun)
28. Admire the gorgeous Castle Rogue's Manor
Castle Tours Available Contact us today to schedule your tour! http://ed.gr/0d4b #eurekasprings #castle #castletours #weddingvenue #meetingvenue
Posted by Castle Rogue's Manor 479 981 6816 on Monday, 5 August 2019
Another gorgeous castle to explore when in Arkansas is Castle Rogue’s Manor, which looks like an old-timey Asian or Arabic styled accommodation, with tall minarets and wooden interiors. You will definitely find the outside area very charming, and be fascinated with the limestone mountains upon which this castle stands. So if you are interested in the tour, definitely stop by and check out the guided tour so you don’t miss anything about this place. In addition, if you are planning a wedding or a pre-wedding photoshoot, or even a bachelor or bachelorette party, this location is extremely picturesque and beautiful.
Castle Rogue's Manor
Address: 2272 State Hwy 187, Beaver, AR 72613, USA
Website: Castle Rogue’s Manor
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 8pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
29. Enjoy an afternoon at Popeye Park
Popeye has been a known and loved cartoon icon since our childhood days. Everyone recognises this spinach-eating sailor who had to keep rescuing his lady love Olive from the various problems she would somehow find herself in. The Popeye statue lies in Popeye park, made of stone and frequented quite commonly by tourists every time they are in Arkansas. You can take a selfie with this large statue, and also check out the mural of the adorable town of Alma next to it. So head over to Popeye Park for a lovely afternoon with your favourite cartoon.
Popeye Park
Address: 801 Fayetteville Ave, Alma, AR 72921
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
30. Get spooked at the Rush Historic District
Similar to Dogpatch, Arkansas has another creepy old town that remains abandoned, but still frequented by people looking for their haunted house fix as adults. Rush is an old mining town that has seen better days, but today it is popular as a ghost town that people dare each other to spend a night in. However, this adventure is not for the faint of hearts! There have been sightings of ghosts in this town, or perhaps it’s just a made-up rumour. To find out, head on to Rush Historic District and you can uncover the truth for yourself! While the mines are barred off to the public, you can still explore the old houses and buildings that remain.
Rush Historic District
Address: Yellville, AR 72687, USA
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Explore the land blessed by mother nature
Whether it’s shopping or star gazing, trekking or dining, Arkansas promises an incredible vacation from start to end. Being a popular vacation destination might have its disadvantages, such as crowds and prices, but there is, after all, a reason why it is so popular every year. So make the most of your next vacation time by booking your tickets to this beautiful state, and immersing yourself in a unique itinerary prepared from this very list!
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