Arkansas Travel Guide

Explore the beauty of Arkansas with our detailed travel guide. Discover the must-visit places, natural attractions, hiking and biking routes, food and drink scene, and more!


Introduction to Arkansas

Located in the southern region of the United States, Arkansas is a state that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and outdoor adventures. The state is known for its diverse landscape, including the Ozark and Ouachita mountains, lush green forests, and the Mississippi Delta. Arkansas also boasts a rich history, with important cultural and historical sites scattered throughout the state. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an action-packed adventure, Arkansas has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Arkansas

Here are some of the top places to visit in Arkansas:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
  • Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site
  • Clinton Presidential Center and Park
  • Hot Springs National Park
  • Old State House Museum
  • Hemingway-Pfeiffer Museum and Educational Center

Natural Attractions of Arkansas: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Buffalo National River
  • Hot Springs National Park
  • Ozark National Forest
  • Petit Jean State Park
  • Garvan Woodland Gardens
  • Blanchard Springs Caverns

Hiking/Biking Routes of Arkansas

Arkansas offers some of the best trails and routes for hiking and biking. Here are some of the top options:

  • Ozark Highlands Trail (165 miles)
  • Womble Trail (36 miles)
  • Ouachita National Recreation Trail (223 miles)
  • Delta Heritage Trail State Park (84.5 miles)
  • Mount Magazine State Park (13 miles)

Best Things to Do in Arkansas: Activities and Tours

From scenic drives to exciting outdoor adventures, Arkansas has a lot to offer for tourists. Here are some of the top things to do:

  • Visit Hot Springs National Park
  • Take a scenic drive along the Pig Trail Scenic Byway
  • Explore the Ozark National Forest
  • Go spelunking in Blanchard Springs Caverns
  • Take a riverboat tour along the Mississippi River
  • Go fishing at Lake Ouachita
  • Visit the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
  • Attend a music festival in Fayetteville or Little Rock

Week-Long Itinerary for Arkansas

Day 1: Little Rock, Clinton Presidential Library Day 2: Hot Springs, Hot Springs National Park Day 3: Ozark National Forest, hiking and camping Day 4: Buffalo National River, canoeing and camping Day 5: Branson, Missouri, Silver Dollar City Theme Park Day 6: Eureka Springs, sightseeing and shopping Day 7: Petit Jean State Park, hiking and camping

Food and Drink Scene of Arkansas

Arkansas is known for its southern cuisine and unique local dishes. Here are some must-try foods and beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Fried Catfish
  • BBQ Ribs
  • Chicken Fried Steak
  • Fried Pickles
  • Pecan Pie

Local Beverages

  • Sweet Tea
  • Cheerwine
  • Ozark Beer
  • Mountain Valley Spring Water

Where to Stay in Arkansas: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

From luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels, Arkansas offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. Some of the top options include:

  • Capital Hotel, Little Rock
  • 21c Museum Hotel, Bentonville
  • The Crescent Hotel and Spa, Eureka Springs
  • Buffalo Outdoor Center, Ponca
  • Little Rock International Hostel, Little Rock

What to Buy in Arkansas: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Some of the best souvenirs and local products to bring home from Arkansas include:

  • Smoked meats and BBQ sauces
  • Moonshine Jelly and Apple Butter
  • Ozark honey and jams
  • Handmade pottery
  • Local crafts and artwork

Local Culture and Customs of Arkansas

Arkansas is known for its southern hospitality and friendly locals. The state also has its own unique culture and customs, including:

  • A love of hunting and fishing
  • A passion for college sports, particularly football
  • A reverence for the state’s history and traditions
  • A love of southern cuisine and BBQ
  • A laid-back, relaxed lifestyle

Best Time to Visit Arkansas

The best time to visit Arkansas is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and pleasant. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters can be cold and snowy. However, each season offers its own unique beauty and attractions.

Do’s and Don’ts of Arkansas

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine, including BBQ and southern favorites
  • Explore the state’s natural beauty and outdoor attractions
  • Attend a college sports game
  • Respect the state’s history and traditions
  • Take a riverboat tour along the Mississippi River

Don’t:

  • Drive over the speed limit on rural roads
  • Skip over the state’s lesser-known attractions
  • Disrespect the locals or their culture
  • Litter or harm the state’s natural beauty

Safety and Health

Safety in Arkansas

Arkansas is generally considered a safe place to visit, but visitors should still take reasonable precautions to ensure their safety. Some tips include:

  • Stay alert and aware of your surroundings at all times
  • Avoid walking alone at night, especially in urban areas
  • Be cautious when driving on rural roads
  • Keep valuables out of sight and secure

Health in Arkansas

Arkansas has a high obesity rate and a range of other health issues. Visitors should take care of their health while visiting the state by:

  • Staying hydrated, especially during the hot summer months
  • Using insect repellent to avoid tick-borne illnesses
  • Using sunscreen to protect against skin damage
  • Being aware of food portions and trying to make healthy choices

Getting to Arkansas: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Arkansas

  • Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (Little Rock)
  • Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport (Bentonville)
  • Fort Smith Regional Airport (Fort Smith)

Bus Stations Near Arkansas

  • Greyhound Bus Station (Little Rock)
  • Jefferson Lines Station (Fort Smith)

Other Options

  • Amtrak (Little Rock station)
  • Rental cars are also available at many airports and other locations throughout the state.

How to Get Around in Arkansas

While renting a car is the easiest way to get around Arkansas, other options include:

  • Greyhound Bus Service
  • Local taxi and shuttle services in urban areas
  • Biking and walking in urban areas

Where to Go Next from Arkansas: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you’re looking to explore more of the southern United States, here are some nearby destinations and excursions to consider:

  • Memphis, Tennessee (2 hours by car)
  • New Orleans, Louisiana (8 hours by car)
  • Branson, Missouri (3 hours by car)
  • Dallas, Texas (5 hours by car)

Conclusion

Arkansas is a hidden gem in the southern United States, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and outdoor adventure. Whether you’re looking to explore the Ozarks or learn about the state’s history and heritage, Arkansas has something for everyone. Use this comprehensive guide to plan your visit and make the most of your time in this beautiful state.

Arkansas Queen riverboat in Little Rock Arkansas Queen riverboat in Little Rock View from the Buffalo River trail View from the Buffalo River trail Old State House in Little Rock Old State House in Little Rock William J. Clinton Presidential Library William J. Clinton Presidential Library Downtown Eureka Springs Downtown Eureka Springs Catfish plate from a restaurant in Hope, Arkansas Catfish plate from a restaurant in Hope, Arkansas Arkansas River Valley from Petit Jean Mountain Arkansas River Valley from Petit Jean Mountain


    Central Arkansas
    Delta
    Ouachitas
    Ozarks
    River Valley
    Timberlands