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
5 Zoos & Aquariums 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. Barnyard Friends Peting Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 38 reviews
Reviewed By paulahJ7755II
Our family is building memories by going on "adventures." My husband, our 15 year-old son, and our adult son and daughter-in-law decided to visit Petit Jean and go on a trail ride. We started with breakfast at Mather Lodge - which was great - then headed to Barnyard Friends. We were given food so we could feed the animals while waiting our turn. They were so funny! The horses were beautiful, as were the fall colors, on our wonderful trail ride through the woods. We all have zero experience with horses and were a little nervous, but for no reason! We had a wonderful time :)
2. Norfork National Fish Hatchery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By SueFromWinnipeg - Winnipeg, Canada
An amazing working fish hatchery that is teaming with trout in various stages of growth. The outdoor ponds are surprising in size and the number of beautiful fish that they hold. The paved walking surfaces provide excellent access to the edge of every enclosure so the fish can be viewed easily and in great detail. It is surprising how energetic the little fish are and how fast they can move when they get a mind to be somewhere else. We didn't get a chance to see the feeding system in operation but that must be a sight because the fish are so active even when nothing is going on. A compact little visitors' center explains some of the hatchery activities as well as where their little friends go when they leave their first home. There is a nice boardwalk along the adjacent creek but the stairs will limit accessibility for some. There are a number of picnic tables provided along the creek to add to visitors' options. This hatchery is located on the downstream side of a huge dam so there's the extra benefit of being able to view that impressive structure. No matter the age, every visitor we saw was very impressed with the activities at the Norfork National Fish Hatchery. A lovely spot and a real delight to visit.
3. Little Rock Zoo
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 482 reviews
The Little Rock Zoo inspires people to value and conserve our natural world. With more than 500 animals representing 200 different species, many of which are endangered, the Little Rock Zoo is the only zoo in the state of Arkansas accredited by the prestigious Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The Zoo features noted habitats such as the Laura P. Nichols Penguin Pointe exhibit with underwater viewing of African Penguins as well as the Arkansas Heritage Farm with heritage breed animals that can be fed and touched. The Zoo's beautiful Cafe Africa looks like a stone style African lodge and features great food for any pallet. The Zoo's Conservation Education Center is always hosting interesting programs inside the park including shows on the amphitheater stage, animal meet-n-greets throughout the park and other fun activities. Check-out the Zoo website for a full listing of upcoming activities and events!
Reviewed By charlier65 - Marinette, United States
There are so many animals. It’s awesome it’s a must do it has a playground also for kids. A train merry go round it’s a must see
4. National Park Aquarium
Overall Ratings
3.0 based on 171 reviews
Reviewed By kpryor89 - Tishomingo, United States
To preface, my family LOVES zoos and aquariums. We are frequently finding ourselves at all sorts of animal parks and petting zoos more than any other attraction. I was a bit reserved on seeing this attraction after reading some reviews. I am so glad I gave it a try! The outside does not do justice to this place. As soon as we walked in, we were greeted/welcomed and immediately felt as though we were valued for stopping. The gentleman behind the counter explained how the aquarium works and made sure we knew "Slow Poke" was all about the love and attention. We entered the animal area and I watched as my children (9 and 5) bounced from exhibit to exhibit and back again for nearly 45 minutes straight. There were some very cool fish we have never seen before as well as some beautiful specimens you would hope to see. My kids were reluctant to leave and the only real way I talked them into leaving was with lunch! This is for sure a must see if you have little ones or if you just love animals! Give Slow Poke some love from us when you do!
