What to do in Arkansas

Activities, attractions and tours

Photo provided by Courtesy of the Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau
Photo provided by Visit Hot Springs
Photo provided by Eureka Springs CAPC
Photo provided by Eureka Springs CAPC
Photo provided by Eureka Springs CAPC


Top places to visit

1. Crater of Diamonds State Park

At first glance, Crater of Diamonds State Park looks like an average plowed field. Dig a little deeper and you may just go home with a diamond. Visit one of the world’s only public diamond mines in Murfreesboro, Arkansas. The area, which is the eroded surface of a volcanic crater, is the world’s eighth-largest diamond-bearing area.
Learn more
Crater of Diamonds State Park which includes interior views as well as children

2. Hot Springs National Park

Stroll through pine forests and see steaming water flowing from rocky sources in Hot Springs National Park. Dip your feet in a stream to feel the liquid’s mystical healing powers or fully immerse yourself at a luxurious bath house.
Learn more
Escape into secluded woodland and breathe in the scent of mineral-enriched water that bubbles from the ground in America’s original spa district.

3. Beaver Lake

Beaver Lake dominates the landscape of northwest Arkansas, creating a playground for hikers, anglers, swimmers and campers. The 28,000 acres (11,300 hectares) of man-made lake was formed following the construction of the Beaver Lake in the early 1960s and is today the major water source for much of northern Arkansas. Surrounded by landscape that varies from dense forest to rolling meadows, Beaver Lake is a favorite destination for families, who come here to make the most of the amenities, more than 600 camping grounds and long, warm summers.
Learn more
Beaver Lake showing rocky coastline and a lake or waterhole

4. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

The magnificent Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville celebrates artists and artworks of national significance in its sleek and modern galleries. You’ll be treated to a masterpiece in contemporary architecture as you explore the museum complex. See American artworks ranging from colonial times to the modern day, wander around the sculpture garden or discover the museum’s surrounding nature trails.
Learn more
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

5. Buffalo National River

Buffalo National River is a protected stretch of one of Arkansas’ most pristine waterways. Established a national river in 1972, the mighty Buffalo River tumbles un-dammed and undeveloped for 135 miles (217.3 kilometers) through mountains, waterfalls, plateaus and ancient pebble beaches. Canoe through mountain streams, hike alongside the river’s dramatic canyons, grab your fishing rod and work on your casting technique and unwind at a riverside resort or camping site.
Learn more
Buffalo National River

6. Petit Jean State Park

Discover the natural beauty and ancient geology of Petit Jean State Park, the oldest state park in Arkansas. Consisting of over 2,660 acres (1,080 hectares) of parkland around Petit Jean Mountain, the park features both dramatic natural scenery and modern resources to ensure a comfortable visit.
Learn more
Little Rock - Central Arkansas

What to do in Arkansas


Discover the most popular places to visit in Arkansas

Explore areas of Arkansas

Default Image

Lake Hamilton

Lake views, hot springs and shopping are some highlights of Lake Hamilton. You might stop by Hot Springs Mall or Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf while you're in the area.

Lake Hamilton
Default Image

Rockwell

Visitors to Rockwell enjoy its lake views, and if you want to do some exploring, Ouachita National Forest is worth a stop.

Rockwell
Default Image

Lake District

If you're spending some time in Lake District, Hot Springs Mall and Hot Springs National Park are top sights worth seeing.

Lake District
Eureka Springs showing interior views and art

Eureka Springs Historic District

Travellers come to Eureka Springs Historic District for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Eureka Springs City Auditorium and Eureka Springs District Court while you're in town.

Eureka Springs Historic District
William J. Clinton Presidential Library featuring night scenes

Downtown Little Rock

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

Museums, live music and historical sites are just a few things travellers enjoy about Downtown Little Rock. Check out The Arkansas River Trail or William J. Clinton Presidential Library while you're exploring the area.

Downtown Little Rock
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

Downtown Bentonville

If you're spending some time in Downtown Bentonville, The Walmart Museum and The Momentary are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Bentonville

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 


 

Day trip destinations from Arkansas