Discover the Adventures of Arkansas with iBestTravel

Geographically, Arkansas straddles the space between the pancake flatlands of the Mississippi Delta and the US Interior Highlands, an upland region that spreads across four states. However, the hybrid character of this state reveals itself in more than just topography.

Culturally, Arkansas encompasses both the South and the Midwest. This state expresses its faith openly while rejecting perceived elitism; it’s also a place where a warm sense of hospitality is typically extended to guests, and deep reserves of folk culture arise at often unexpected times.

Mountain Biking in Northwest Arkansas

You can experience a myriad of adventures on two wheels in the Natural State. Three cities in Arkansas—Fayetteville, Bentonville, and Hot Springs—have earned the Ride Center designation from the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA). Notably, Northwest Arkansas became the first IMBA Regional Ride Center in the country, showcasing its unique honor.

A world-class mountain biking destination, Arkansas combines two crucial qualities: four seasons with long stretches of moderate weather, especially in the fall, and a wealth of mountains. The Arkansas mountains are particularly suitable for mountain biking trails, featuring abundant leafy cover, numerous dirt trails, and easy access from larger towns. A prime example is Lake Leatherwood in Eureka Springs, a municipal park with dedicated, top-tier mountain biking infrastructure.

Float Down the Buffalo River

Moreover, we’d be remiss not to mention a float down the Buffalo National River. As the country’s first designated national river, it weaves through the state’s flinty heart, meandering alongside high canyon walls and sandy beaches, adjacent to campsites ideal for a night under the stars.

A float trip on the Buffalo can be as adventurous or as casual as you prefer; therefore, ensure to contact the right outdoor center before planning your expedition.

Learn About Little Rock Central High School

In the heart of the state capital, Little Rock Central High School stands as a functioning school and a pivotal site in the Civil Rights movement. In 1954, the Supreme Court ordered the integration of public schools, yet that effort wasn’t realized in segregated Arkansas until 1957, at this school where nine students had to be escorted past a jeering crowd by National Guard soldiers.

Today, a National Park Service museum exists at the site. However, it’s essential to note that following integration, many white families either left Little Rock or sought private schooling for their children. Thus, Little Rock Central High represents merely a chapter in a complex legacy.

Soak up the Beauty in Petit Jean

Petit Jean State Park holds the title of the oldest state park in Arkansas, and it boasts stunning scenery, ranging from canyons to lush forests.

Eight official trails wind through the green heart of the park; we particularly recommend the Seven Hollows trail, which navigates through a sequence of forested canyons, and Bear Cave, celebrated for its massive and intriguingly shaped sandstone boulders (though it’s not replete with traditional cave features). For a view worth capturing, catch a sunrise from the 1120ft peak of Petit Jean Mountain, offering breathtaking views over the Arkansas River Valley.

Enjoy Music in Mountain View

Situated in the middle of Arkansas, Mountain View lies at the intersection of Ozark folk traditions. The European settlers here were skilled at living off the land, removed from urban centers of wealth and influence. Consequently, they thrived, developing a distinctive Ozark folk culture, most prominently recognized in music.

To indulge in these sounds, visit Ozark Folk Center State Park, where performances occur regularly, or simply stroll through Mountain View’s town square, which hosts weekly jam sessions led by local musicians. Besides its musical offerings, Mountain View is also an excellent spot for outdoor adventures, including the zip lines and canopies at Loco Ropes.

Relax in Hot Springs

Arkansas is home to two significant federal firsts: the first national river and the first federally protected space, Hot Springs National Park. Although the springs didn’t receive official park status until the early 20th century, its public baths and casinos established Hot Springs as one of the wealthiest cities in the nation during that time.

Gangsters like Al Capone frequently visited Hot Springs during Prohibition, and the influx of tourists helped fund lavish early 20th-century architectural developments in the downtown area. Now, visitors can stay at some of these historic spas—a wonderful way to unwind after an adventurous hike.

Relive History in Little Rock

Regardless of one’s opinion on him, Bill Clinton undeniably shaped the American political landscape in the 1990s. Notably, he served as governor of Arkansas before ascending to the presidency.

In Little Rock, the William J. Clinton Presidential Center stands as a unique archive of the ’90s and its geopolitical events, housing around 80 million documents, including presidential itineraries. The center itself also serves as a family-friendly museum, featuring a contemporary architectural style that overlooks the river, adding to its allure.

Experience Art at Crystal Bridges

Bentonville, where Walmart originated, remains its corporate headquarters. Consequently, this small town nestled in the hills is notably prosperous, tidy, and diverse, hosting employees from around the globe.

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art surprises visitors with its outstanding collection, rivaling museums in cities five times its size. Architecturally, the museum features interconnected gallery spaces through soaring bridges, creating a floating islands experience amidst the Ozarks.

Explore the Historic Loop

Eureka Springs is a delightful town where distinct cultures coexist harmoniously. This charming settlement, with a wealth of historic buildings, invites you to embark on a self-guided tour of the Historic Loop. You won’t just be learning; you will immerse yourself in one of the South’s most eclectic small towns.