Best Things to do in Arkansas

17/02/2023

Fort Smith National Historic Site

Once an important outpost established deep in Indian Territory, Fort Smith is now preserved as part of a National Historic Site. Set in a strategic spot overlooking the Arkansas River and Oklahoma, its complex covers law and order in the Old West and the forced displacement of local Indian tribes.

From 1817 to 1871, the US Army operated two frontier forts here in western Arkansas with a small town eventually springing up around them. They played a key role in the young country’s westward expansion and also sadly later served as a major stop for the Choctaw and Cherokee peoples along the Trail of Tears.

In its visitor center, you can learn all about the forts’ fascinating past and the lives of local lawmen, soldiers, Indians and settlers. While strolling around the sprawling site, you can see the foundations of the earliest fort and the reconstructed courtroom of the renowned ‘Hanging Judge’ Isaac Parker.

17/02/2023

Mount Magazine State Park

Certain to delight both nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike, Mount Magazine State Park lies in the northwest of Arkansas, amidst the endless Ozark National Forest. Home to the state’s highest peak, its rambling forests, hills and valleys have all kinds of fun activities for you to enjoy.

Dominating and defining the park is the massive Mount Magazine which towers 2,753 feet in height with precipitous cliffs and steep drop-offs lining the mesa. Other than rock climbing and rappelling up and down its sheer sides, you can hike and hang glide about its upper reaches while enjoying all the commanding views over the Arkansas River Valley.

To make the most of its picturesque nature and wildlife, you can either camp or stay in The Lodge; a rustic, upscale mountain resort. The park’s visitor center also has more information on the region’s fauna and flora while some superb swimming and fishing can be had in its many glittering lakes.

15/02/2023

Downtown Eureka Springs

As it is so remarkably well-preserved, a trip to the Victorian resort town of Eureka Springs really is like stepping back in time. Coating the sides of a steep valley in the Ozarks, its mess of meandering cobbled streets are lined by hundreds of cute little stone cottages and amazing old manor houses.

Just a year after being founded in 1879, the rural spa village had already expanded into a major city and tourist destination thanks to the healing nature of its cold-water springs. Its European look, feel and architecture saw it nicknamed the ‘Little Switzerland of the Ozarks’ with all the quaint city now protected as part of the Eureka Springs Historic District.

As you stroll about downtown or climb up its steep flights of steps, you can take in the impressive mansions and mountain views all around you. Studding its streets are some outstanding art galleries and restaurants with there of course being several spas and stately hotels to stay at should you want some pampering.

13/02/2023

Wegner Quartz Crystal Mines

Guaranteed fun for all the family, the Wegner Quartz Crystal Mines have numerous different areas where you either dig for glittering crystals or sluice for shiny gemstones. Located in an isolated yet idyllic spot amongst the Ouachita Mountains, it also has a great gift shop for you to stop by before heading home with all your precious finds.

In 1979, Richard J. Wegner moved to this picturesque part of west-central Arkansas after falling in love with the alluring beauty of the mountains. He soon unearthed seams of sparkling stones in his garden and so his successful business mining quartz crystals began.

Nowadays, his productive mines are visited by thousands of people each year, come to dig its open pits or chip away at exposed veins in the rock. As you take home all the valuable crystals you find, the tourist attraction is a fantastic place to pick up hard-won souvenirs while having fun at the same time.

11/02/2023

Botanical Gardens of the Ozarks

Home to loads of colourful plants, flowers, trees and shrubs are the Botanical Gardens of the Ozarks on the north-eastern outskirts of Fayetteville. Very lovingly landscaped, it has plenty of tranquil trails for you to wander along and the state’s only butterfly house to see.

Since being opened to the public in 2007, the gorgeous gardens have grown and grown with twelve scenic sections now lining its winding paths. While some parts contain fragrant lavender and lemon balm, others sport roses, perennials and herbs with much of its flora and fauna thriving throughout the four seasons.

There is also a wonderful Japanese Garden replete with calming rock and water features for visitors to amble about peacefully and a fun Children’s Garden for kids to run around. Countless community events and small festivals are also held at the serene site over the course of the year

11/02/2023

09/02/2023

Petit Jean State Park

A very pretty and peaceful place to explore, Petit Jean State Park lies in the centre of Arkansas, only an hour’s drive northwest of Little Rock. Asides from basking in all its stunning scenery and nature, you can also enjoy all kinds of exciting outdoor activities amidst its wild and rugged reaches.

Founded in 1923, the attractive mountaintop park is supposedly named after a young French woman who died whilst exploring the area back in the eighteenth century. As the legend goes, she disguised herself as a boy so she could accompany her fiance on the expedition, only tragically revealing her true identity on her deathbed.