Conway Travel Guide

Plan your ultimate adventure to Conway, Arkansas with our complete travel guide. Discover must-visit attractions, outdoor adventures, food scene, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to Conway

Conway is a charming city located in central Arkansas, United States. It’s a great destination for tourists who want to explore a small-town vibe with access to outdoor adventures, delicious food, and cultural landmarks.

This travel guide will help you plan your ultimate adventure to Conway, Arkansas, with our complete guide. Discover must-visit attractions, outdoor adventures, food scenes, where to stay, and more.

List of Places to Visit in Conway

Conway has something for everyone, from cultural landmarks to natural wonders. Here is our list of the top places to visit in Conway:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Faulkner County Museum: Learn about the history of Faulkner County and explore the exhibits showcasing the county’s achievements, from sports to industry.

  • University of Central Arkansas (UCA) Museum: Discover the history of Arkansas and the region through the UCA Museum’s galleries, collections, and exhibitions.

  • The Historic Downtown District: Take a walk downtown where you can find preserved and renovated buildings. You’ll feel like traveling through time to the early 20th century.

Natural Attractions of Conway: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Cadron Settlement Park: Enjoy the natural scenery and go fishing, camping, or hiking in this beautiful park located west of Conway.

  • Bike Trail: Start at the UCA’s campus and explore a 2.2-mile bike trail that follows through woods and fields.

  • Lake Conway: Kick back and relax at the largest lake located within the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission District.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Conway

Conway has plenty of outdoor activities perfect for nature lovers. Here are some hiking or biking routes that you shouldn’t miss:

  • The Mayor’s Discovery and Fitness Park Trail: A 2-mile concrete trail that winds through beautiful natural scenery, is perfect for running, walking, cycling, and everything in between.

  • Lake Beaverfork Trail: A 2.1-mile trail is a beautiful natural trail that takes the rider around Lake Beaverfork.

  • Cadron Settlement Park’s trails: If you’re looking for a challenge, explore the park’s trails. Featuring steep inclines, this is a haven for experienced hikers.

Best Things to Do in Conway: Activities and Tours

Conway has an ample amount of things to do, so you needn’t worry about being bored. Here are our top picks for exciting activities and tours:

  • Escape room: If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, try the escape room. It’s a perfect outing especially if you’re traveling with kids.

  • Conway Symphony Orchestra: Take in a live music performance from the premier classical music organization in Central Arkansas.

  • Overcup Nature Trail: Take a peaceful walk along a nature trail and enjoy the serene, natural environment.

Week-Long Itinerary for Conway

Wondering how to see everything in Conway in a week? This itinerary will help you maximize your time and experience all that this destination has to offer:

Day Activities
Day 1 Faulkner County Museum, UCA Museum, and the Historic Downtown District
Day 2 Lake Conway, Cadron Settlement Park, and biking trails
Day 3 Overcup Nature Trail, shopping, and dining downtown
Day 4 Pickles Gap Village, Tucker Creek Walking Trail, and Beaverfork Lake
Day 5 Paintball Arkansas, Conway Symphony Orchestra, and shopping
Day 6 Escape room, St. Joseph Catholic Church, and the Antioch Baptist Church Historical Shrine
Day 7 Free day to revisit sites missed and relax

Food and Drink Scene of Conway

The vibrant food scene of Conway serves delicious dishes, café culture, and refreshing drinks. Here are our top picks:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Doe’s Eat Place: This award-winning restaurant serves traditional Southern cuisine and dry-aged steaks.

  • Mike’s Place: This cozy family-friendly restaurant serves a variety of dishes, from burgers to fried chicken and all sorts of cuisine in between.

  • Tacos 4 Life: This quick-service restaurant serves authentic tacos with fresh ingredients, and serve one taco per meal for children in need.

Local Beverages

  • Flyway Brewing: A local favorite brewery at which one can enjoy a beautiful view of downtown and Conway’s unique brews.

  • The Purple Cow: This 1950’s-style diner is a perfect pit stop for milkshakes and floats.

  • ZaZa Fine Salad + Wood-Oven Pizza: This place serves organic salads and wood-fired oven pizzas, with a wine selection and cocktails.

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

Whether you’re looking for cozy bed and breakfasts or full-service hotels, Conway has several options that cater to your needs. Here are our picks for accommodations:

  • Hilton Garden Inn: A modern hotel located near Faulkner County Museum, with indoor and outdoor pools and a fitness center.

  • The Baker House Bed and Breakfast: A charming B&B with a serene garden, hearty breakfast, and cozy accommodations.

  • La Quinta Inn & Suites: A comfortable hotel with beautiful amenities and a fitness center.

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

Take a piece of Conway back home with you by purchasing some of its cultural artifacts, souvenirs, and locally made products. Here’s what you shouldn’t miss:

  • Antique shopping in downtown Conway: Discover antique shops along with the downtown streets.

  • Pickles Gap Village: A quaint shopping destination with an 1890s village atmosphere showcasing an impressive collection of locally made crafts.

Local Culture and Customs of Conway

Conway, like all towns and cities, has a unique local culture, customs, and traditions that you should be aware of and respectfully observe. Some of Conway’s customs include:

  • Friendliness: Conway locals are warm and friendly, so feel free to chat with them.

  • Appreciating Local Culture: Be a part of the community by attending events or listening to local live music.

Best Time to Visit Conway

The best time to visit Conway is between March and May when the weather is mild, and the flowers are in full bloom. Autumn is also an excellent time for outdoor activities with cool temperatures and colorful foliage.

Do’s and Don’ts of Conway

To make the most of your experience in Conway, here are some things to do and avoid:

Do:

  • Respect Local Wildlife: When enjoying outdoor activities, be sure to follow park rules and respect local wildlife.

  • Explore Downtown: Explore the historic downtown that is rich with history and beautiful architecture.

Don’t:

  • Litter: Be sure to keep your trash with you and dispose of it properly.

  • Disrespect Local Customs: Be sure to respect local customs and dress appropriately

Safety and Health

Conway prioritizes safety and health of their tourists. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Safety in Conway

  • Watch Your Belongings: Keep an eye on your personal belongings and ensure that items are not left unattended.

  • Travel with a Companion: Traveling with a companion will reduce the risk of danger.

Health in Conway

  • Stay Hydrated: carry water when embarking on outdoor activities

  • Watch Out for Sunburn: Outdoor activities under the sun can cause sunburn. Remember to apply sunscreen.

Getting to Conway: Transportation Options and Logistics

Conway is accessible through several modes of transport:

Airports Near Conway

  • Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport, Little Rock

  • Conway Municipal Airport

Bus Stations Near Conway

  • Greyhound Conway Terminal: 515 Oak St, Conway, AR 72032

Other Options

  • Rental cars: Renting a car is a great option for those who want to explore the region on their own.

  • Taxis and ride sharing apps such as Uber and Lyft.

How to Get Around in Conway

Conway is a walkable city and is easily accessible by bicycles, public transportation, or taxis. If you’re renting a car, keep in mind that traffic can be heavy during rush hours.

Where to Go Next from Conway: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you want to explore more of Arkansas, here are some nearby destinations and excursions from Conway:

  • Greers Ferry Lake and Little Red River: Fish, boat, and camp on beautiful Greers Ferry Lake or Little Red River located in the Ozark Mountains.

  • Little Rock: The capital city of Arkansas, Little Rock, is a two hours drive from Conway, and it’s home to beautiful parks and museums.

  • Hot Springs: Explore Hot Springs, a national park, an hour’s drive from Conway, featuring natural hot springs.

Conclusion

Conway is a charming Arkansas town that features an ample amount of activities and attractions. From the natural beauty of parks to the quaint, historic downtown, Conway has something for everyone. Use this guide to plan your perfect Conway getaway.

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