Top Things to do in Arkansas
Top Hotels in Arkansas
- 1. Best Western Winners Circle
- 2. Best Western Inn Of The Ozarks
- 3. Graduate Fayetteville
- 4. Capital Hotel
- 5. 1905 Basin Park Hotel
- 6. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Little Rock - Bryant
- 7. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Hot Springs
- 8. Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Bentonville South - Rogers, AR
- 9. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham West Memphis
- 10. The Waters Hot Springs, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Countries
10 Hidden Gems Things to do in Arkansas That You Shouldn't Miss
Living up to its billing as “The Natural State”, the state is a nature wonderland with three national forests, nearly 9,000 miles of pristine streams and rivers, awe-inspiring settings in the Ozark and Quachita mountains and sparkling lakes.
The menu of vacation experiences is an exciting one. For great golf, spas, horse racing and the Hot Springs National Park, Hot Springs is the place to go. Outdoor enthusiasts love the Ozark Mountains where activities like canoeing, rafting, kayaking, fishing, hiking and rock climbing are popular. The mountain village of Eureka Springs, with its streets lined with Victorian homes, is brimming with boutiques, antique shops and art galleries. Wine enthusiasts love the Arkansas Wine Country, encompassing the towns of Paris, Ozark and Altus, where German style wines are produced. From its ancient mountains to the Delta flatlands leveled by the Mississippi River, the state has a diverse topography with numerous scenic drives. Try the Pig Trail, Ozark Highlands and Sylamore scenic byways in the Ozark National Forest designated by the U.S. Forest Service. Golfers love the state because greens fees are extremely affordable for great courses. A few excellent public access courses are Sage Meadows in Jonesboro, Stonebridge Meadows in Fayetteville and the Mountain Ranch Course in Fairfield Bay.
Restaurants in Arkansas
1. Blanchard Springs Caverns
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 865 reviews
Reviewed By livetoannoy - New Paltz, United States
We enjoyed this cavern tour very much. The cave "decorations" (stalactites, stalagmites, curtain formations and so much more!) are truly spectacular, well worth seeing. Not to knock Mammoth Cave national park, but the decorative features are better here at Blanchard Springs. We had a clever, well informed and humorous tour guide, he was good with kids too. Some interesting crickets and salamanders in the cave. I think there are some nice hiking trails, but it was raining so we didn't see those. (Caverns are great rainy day activities.) The cavern park is close to the Ozark Folk Center state park, which is great. And it's a lovely short drive from Mountain View, Arkansas which is a fun place to visit, eat barbecue, and hear some music. So a great cavern trip in a fun area.
2. Buffalo National River Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 285 reviews
Scenic park along the Buffalo River.
Reviewed By raybyerley - Mandeville, United States
We took several hikes throughout the park over three to four days, some more strenuous thsn others. One day we started by Steel Creek boat launch went up the Buffalo river trail for about 4 miles and back along the old river trail ( a few pictures from that hike are attached, one looking diwn at the Steel creek launch and parking area). ~8 miles total that day. Another day we started at Compton trailhead, made a big loop on Sneeds creek trail by Henderson house then on the old river trail to Hemmed-in Hallow and back up a fairly difficult trail from California point to where we parked. This is a beautiful place and with leaves ???? changing color in mid-October even more so.
3. Petit Jean State Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 703 reviews
The beauty of Petit Jean Mountain and the surrounding area led to the formation of a state park system in Arkansas in 1923.
Reviewed By laurief244 - Hamburg, United States
We spent the weekend at Petit Jean State Park and will definitely return! We stayed in a duplex cabin with a full kitchen and fireplace. Wish we’d brought more firewood, however you could purchase a small bundle for $5. Cabin 12 A is located at the back of the property and overlooks a beautiful waterfall. It also has a screened porch, swing and a deck with a grill. We hiked to Cedar Creek falls and got some gorgeous photos. Remember to take water with you. The Mather Lodge restaurant serves good food with friendly service. You can also call ahead to pick up your food. This was a great last minute trip with very friendly service.
4. Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 301 reviews
Reviewed By jijij781 - Baton Rouge, United States
This is a quiet and beautiful place to visit. It is located down a short trail in the wood and was built by a student of Frank Lloyd Wright. Must see.
5. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4,431 reviews
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art welcomes all to celebrate the American spirit in a setting that unites the power of art with the beauty of nature.
Reviewed By LisaB157 - La Jolla, United States
We made the trek to Bentonville specifically to visit Crystal Bridges and were not disappointed. It is truly spectacular and is surrounded by trails through the forest, with sculptures beautifully interspersed. Since it was spring, we were treated to nature’s offering of dogwood trees in bloom and assorted other flowers. The museum itself is an architectural marvel designed by Moshe Safdie and is the brainchild of Alice Walton, daughter of Walmart founder Sam Walton, bestowed as a gift to her community. She built the museum to expose the people of the region to art, many of whom would never have the opportunity to visit an art museum. Admission is free. The collection spans the history of American art and has a good array of pieces of well-known artists including some outstanding contemporary pieces by Do-Ho Suh, Buckminster Fuller, James Turrell, and Dale Chihuily. In addition to the permanent collection which is still growing, they have frequent special exhibits. Also, on site is a reconstructed Frank Lloyd house and it’s worth it to pre-reserve a tour. We had an excellent guide named Pat; though she told us it was her third tour of the day, we would never have guessed. Although we didn’t have time to rides bikes through the area, this appeared to be a great activity on the plentiful trails.
6. Intrigue Theater
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 676 reviews
Now in our 11th Must-See Season in Eureka Springs, AR! Sean-Paul and Juliana Fay have been seen on National TV shows like Penn & Teller Fool Us, Masters of Illusion, and America's Got Talent. They have also performed at the Magic Castle in Hollywood. During the Covid 19 Pandemic, the Intrigue Experience was restructured to provide a blend of Magic compliant with restrictions. From stage illusions to sleight of hand, the mystery and intrigue continues. Proven masters of the craft, Sean-Paul and Juliana will leave you PERPLEXED! Although the Covid-19 restrictions and the mask mandate have been lifted in the state of Arkansas, we continue to encourage masks and sanitize the theater between shows.
Reviewed By judylQ2846WD - Gurdon, United States
A great magic show, loved the up close and personal relationship with the audience! We've seen several magicians and Sean-Paul does an amazing job! Looking forward to taking our 7 year old granddaughter next week, she wants to see him cut his arm off and cut the woman in half! She's hoping the ghost talker will read her mind-good luck on that one!
7. TheatreSquared
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 346 reviews
TheatreSquared’s locally produced and nationally acclaimed productions reach more than 50,000 patrons each year. The company is Northwest Arkansas’s year-round professional resident theatre, offering a unique audience experience in an intimate setting. In 2011, TheatreSquared was recognized by the American Theatre Wing, founder of the Tony Awards, as one of the nation’s ten most promising emerging theatres. A professional company, TheatreSquared employs trained artists from across the country to create its 320 annual performances and is contracted with Actors' Equity Association. The theatre is also Arkansas’s home for professional playwrights. The company's 50,000 square-foot home is an architectural and cultural landmark, uniting two intimate theatres, rehearsal space, a three-level commons and open-all-day bar/cafe, outdoor gathering spaces, production workshops, offices, and artists’ apartments.
Reviewed By robertlI3108CZ - Tahlequah, United States
What a outstanding experience! We’d been here a couple of times before and the plays were very well done, but familiarity with the movies done of A Christmas Carol left me wondering how they’d do it. Well, walking and seeing the set was impressive, it seemed no expense was spared to pull this off, and they did! A fantastic adaptation and creative presentation with outstanding performances by all the cast. I could not have been more impressed. I’m writing this now since we’re going back in a couple of days for another performance of a play and I’m looking forward to another outstanding experience!
8. Hawksbill Crag
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 207 reviews
Reviewed By DebV20 - Dallas, United States
The early morning fog created an eerie setting for our 6 mile drive along the gravel road to the trailhead. The fog coupled with the fallen autumn leaves and exposed tree branches, begged us to pull over and briefly enjoy our surroundings before continuing on with our bumpy ascent. By the time we began our hike, the fog had subsided and made way for a perfect day to be outdoors. The changing colors of the leaves created some stunning views along the moderately rated trail. We knew when we had reached the unique view of Whitaker Point and it did not disappoint. As we sat and enjoyed the outlook before us, it was easy to see why this crag was one of the most photograped and recognizable features in Arkansas.
9. Craighead Forest Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 146 reviews
Reviewed By AdrianRRodgers - Jonesboro, United States
I've seen this park get more and more amazing over the last 25 years. A fantastic lake, more bike trails and walking lanes. Great play areas and really nice rest rooms.
10. Anthony Chapel
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 551 reviews
The Anthony Chapel Complex is a part of Garvan Woodland Gardens, the 210 acre botanical garden of the University of Arkansas located on Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Visitors may park near the lovely glass chapel in the woods and take a short walkway to the Chapel. The Chapel is open during normal business hours, UNLESS it is rented for a private wedding or event. Visitors are not allowed in the Chapel when it is rented for a private event. The Chapel is currently a free area of Garvan Woodland Gardens. Visitors to the Gardens enter at the Welcome Center and pay admission.
Reviewed By charlieb692 - Roseville, United States
Located in the woods by Garvan Woodland Gardens, the Anthony Chapel is an amazing structure of glass and wood. One of several scattered around the country, it's clear glass walls and soaring ceiling make it seem much larger.
