10 Things to do in Arkansas That You Shouldn't Miss

Largest of the big lakes of the White River, popular for many recreational activities.

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.

Opened in 1977, the Pinnacle Mountain State Park serves as a center for education, recreation and preservation.

Scenic mountains covered with pine trees.

This National Park Service site encompasses the campus, but Central High is still an active high school. Visitors should park and begin their visit at the National Park Visitor Center, located diagonally across from the campus, at 2120 W. Daisy Gatson Bates Drive. Visitor entrance into the school is via free Ranger-led tours reserved in advance to guarantee participation. Interpreting the Civil Rights Movement with an emphasis on school integration, this National Historic Site focuses on the 1957 desegregation crisis that resulted when Arkansas Governor Orval Faubus ordered National Guard troops to prevent the first African American students, the "Little Rock Nine," from entering formerly all white Little Rock Central High School, leading to federal intervention by order of President Dwight Eisenhower.

This chapel won an architecture award in 1980.

Open to the public hours 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Admission payments by CREDIT CARD or EXACT CASH only. Garvan Woodland Gardens is the 210 acre botanical garden of the University of Arkansas, located in Hot Springs, Arkansas on beautiful Lake Hamilton.

Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge is one of the largest big cat sanctuaries in the United States. The non-profit USDA licensed refuge, founded in 1992, has grown to become one of the Top 10 attractions in Arkansas and the most popular in Eureka Springs. Lions, cougars, leopards, tigers, and bears are displayed in large natural habitats surrounding the main enclosures and gift shop. Each animal has its own story/history plaque for self-guided tours and over night accommodations are available via the Safari Lodge, RV park, and camping facilities. Guided tours are available from 10am until 3pm.

Explore the unique geology, topography, and unusual plant communities of Crowley's Ridge, a landform of rolling hills in eastern Arkansas's Mississippi Alluvial Plain. Crowley's Ridge, a geologic anomaly, is the most unusual of Arkansas's six major physiographic provinces, or natural divisions. It is covered with a lush, mixed hardwood forest including oak, hickory, and uncommon hardwood trees such as American Beech, Sugar Maple, Butternut, Basswood, Cucumbertree, Kentucky Coffeetree, and Tuliptree or Yellow Poplar. Village Creek State Park is one of five Arkansas state parks on Crowley's Ridge. At 6,911 acres, Village Creek is Arkansas's second largest state park in land area. Park interpretive programs and exhibits share the story of the natural and cultural heritage of Crowley's Ridge. Five park trails totaling seven miles allow hikers the opportunity to explore this forest on their own, or on a guided trail walk with a park interpreter. A multi-use trail system within the park offers both mountain biking and hiking. Anglers can fish for bass, bream, catfish, and crappie at the park's two lakes, Lake Austell and Lake Dunn. Launch ramps, boat docks, bait, fishing boats, electric motors, and pedal boats are available late-spring through Labor Day. Visitors can bring their own canoe or kayak for some scenic paddling. The park campground includes 96 campsites [24 Class AAA, five Class A, and 67 Class B sites (for RVs, tents, and horse campers)] around Lake Dunn. Nestled on a nearby ridge are the park's 10 fully-equipped cabins that feature kitchens and wood-burning fireplaces–ready for a comfortable weekend stay. At Lake Austell, picnic sites are near a sandy beach and sun deck. The park also includes four standard pavilions (one is enclosed), playgrounds, baseball and multi-use fields, and a driving range. Horseback riding is a popular activity at this park. Twenty-five miles of multi-use trails wind through the rolling hills of Crowley's Ridge. The horse trails are open throughout the year. Call the park for current trail conditions. The horse camp features 30 campsites with water and electric hookups, an asphalt parking pad, picnic table and grill; a modern bathhouse; horse wash bays; and 66 stalls inside the camping area. The horse stable's 10' x 10' stalls include water, electric, and ceiling fans. The park visitor center includes an A/V theater, store, gift shop, and bicycle rentals. The interpretive center offers a large meeting facility and The Discovery Room featuring exhibits of prehistoric artifacts and information about the wildlife of Crowley's Ridge. Our helpful park interpreters offer education-focused programs, concerts, and special events throughout the year. Golfers will enjoy The Ridges at Village Creek, the park's 27-hole, Andy Dye signature course. This public course features the rolling terrain of Crowley's Ridge, dramatic elevation changes, and the backdrop of the seasonal beauty of the surrounding hardwood forest. These combine with the PGA-caliber championship layout for an aesthetically pleasing and challenging level of play. Since 1923, the Dye family designs of resort and public courses have included world-ranked championship-class courses including 17 of the world’s top 100 courses. Dye designs have a worldwide reputation for their creative, unique designs, and environmentally sensitive integrity. Depending on the configuration of the two nines you choose to play, the yardage could stretch to over 7,400 yards. The course features MiniVerde Bermuda greens and Tiff 419 Bermuda tees and fairways. Four teeing areas make the course accessible for golfers of any skill level. Three distinct nines offer outstanding golf opportunities. Water comes into play on 12 holes. The course is open daily and includes a full-service clubhouse with pro shop, dressing rooms, snack bar, and full driving range. Golf carts are included with greens fee.