Discover the Wonders of Arkansas with iBestTravel

Arkansas threads together the hospitality of the Midwest and the South with a mountain backdrop that wows with high-altitude beauty – an aggressively unique landscape that manifests in a matchless tableau of karst cliffs, dark forests, and foaming white waterfalls.

This setting is the soil from which a distinctive folk culture grows, one that has been, in turn, mythologized and satirized by outsiders. Exploring here affords you a chance to engage with both facets, creating a state with a truly singular sense of place.

Let Loose in Little Rock

The capital of Arkansas is the natural entry point to the state for most visitors. With a population of around 200,000 spread across the Arkansas River and the Ouachita foothills, Little Rock is an accessible introduction to the state that will whet your appetite for more of what Arkansas has to offer – namely, a myriad of outdoor activities.

Before lacing up your hiking boots, consider visiting the National Park Service visitor center at Little Rock Central High School, where the struggle for school integration became a showdown between a mob and nine students. Alternatively, explore the William J Clinton Presidential Center, a fascinating window into the life of an Arkansas native who went on to lead the US in the 1990s.

Get Soaked in Hot Springs

Drive an hour southwest of Little Rock into the front ranges of the Ouachita mountains, and you’ll arrive in Hot Springs, one of the oldest resort towns in the US – a place known for relaxation long before the country was even founded.

Hot Springs takes its name from actual hot springs flowing down nearby mountains. Some of these springs terminate in natural pools, while others are pumped into old-timey bathhouses that once hosted everyone from gangsters to politicians – all within Hot Springs National Park.

If soaking in mineral water isn’t your style, there’s still plenty of fun to be had in wandering the city’s well-preserved historical core, or exploring a unique Star Wars museum.

Float Out of Time and Mind on the Buffalo River

Imagine days spent on the Buffalo National River, where you measure time by the height of the sun and nights by the stars in the sky – assuming, of course, that you left your smartphone behind.

Float trips down the Buffalo are often the highlight of an Arkansas adventure, showcasing one of the great outdoor experiences in the American South. With 138 miles of waterway to explore, the upper Buffalo by Ponca, in particular, is framed by rock formations reminiscent of smiling stone giants.

There are also excellent biking opportunities, such as the 40-mile Upper Buffalo Mountain Biking Trail, which deserves more recognition for its superb route.

Hear Traditional Music in Mountain View

You might expect little Mountain View (population about 3000) to be merely a staging point for adventure tourism into nearby valleys, and while there are some great activities available like Loco Ropes, an aerial adventure park, the real draw is the music.

The area’s Scots, Irish, English, Germans, and Native Americans have all left their mark, ultimately giving rise to one of the nation’s distinct folk-music genres. Experience mountain music in the town square, where free concerts frequently occur, or visit the Ozark Folk Center State Park.

Cross Bridges in Bentonville

Bentonville is a charming small town, known for its picturesque square, interesting shops, and fine dining. This setting, home to Walmart’s origin, has recently blossomed into a vibrant community.

While world-class mountain biking awaits here, Bentonville’s most unexpected gem is the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Enormous, airy pavilions connected by glass walkways showcase art spanning every visual milestone in American history.

Once you finish exploring the museum, get lost in the surrounding woods, or take a look at the 21c Museum Hotel, which doubles as a gallery space, enhancing your experience of this artistic hub.

Find Fun in Fayetteville

Fayetteville is a vibrant city that boasts natural beauty in the surrounding Ozarks. A plethora of hiking trails weave throughout the mountains, inviting exploration. Beyond nature, you will discover an abundance of theater and live music options, enriching the cultural atmosphere of the city.

Moreover, this college town buzzes with energy, where dynamic individuals enjoy dining, nightlife, and a host of exciting activities.

Do a Bit of Everything in Eureka Springs

A narrow valley runs through Eureka Springs, flanked by historical buildings and residents of diverse backgrounds. This town has a history of advocating for the rights of its citizens while also embracing visitors from all walks of life.

Eureka Springs invites exploration. Stroll around the Historic Loop to appreciate the town’s classical early-20th-century architecture. Reconnect with nature and spirituality at Thorncrown Chapel, a beautiful structure that harmoniously integrates with the Ozark landscape.

Spend a day on the trails surrounding Lake Leatherwood City Park, or simply wander Eureka Springs’ main street at sunset, soaking in the lively atmosphere and the fascinating characters that reflect the state’s spirited independence.