Visitors come to Arkansas from all over the world to experience the natural beauty and the wide range of outdoor activities in this state. There are also many attractions available here to make the perfect vacation. With 6 regions to visit, each with its own unique offerings, there is plenty of opportunity to make the most of every visit whether going up to the Ozarks, heading for Central or down south into Timberlands.
For the sightseers there is an abundance of beauty across these regions from the Ouachita and Ozark mountains to the states most popular waterfall, the Cedar Falls. The state offers various Scenic driving routes to allow visitors to make the most of each trip allowing them to take in all each region has to offer. If outdoor activities are the main interest for the trip then Arkansas has plenty to keep everyone happy, with wild caving, digging for diamond and quartz or heading off along the forested mountain trails.
On the Cultural side the state has much to offer with museums, national park and sites such as Fort Smith and the Clinton Presidential Library. Arkansas is also home to the renowned Delta Blues music and also the Ozark mountain folk music, craft and dancing. The amenities on offer here should cover every need with live entertainment, art galleries, restaurants and many shops and boutiques to meet every shoppers need.
Arkansas is a state taking beauty, excitement and entertainment and rolling it all into one great vacation for the whole family.
Arkansas Towns & Cities
Little Rock, the capital of Arkansas, is centrally located and is the state's economic, historical, and cultural hub. Little Rock comprises the best of the old and new South, and offers visitors a variety of arts & entertainment, dining, shopping, sports, and music destinations. The Little Rock Zoo has over 200 species of animals, including: rhinos, elephants, large cats, and a lot of primates. The William J. Clinton Presidential Center Museum and Library has a full-scale replica of the Clinton's Oval Office.
North Little Rock has a lot to offer tourists. The Alltel Arena hosts world class music acts entertainment events throughout the year. Burns park has a variety of recreation facitities including a ski complex, 36-hole championship golf course, equestrian trails, sports fields, batting cages, and boat access to the Arkansas River. North Little Rock's most famous landmark is the Old Mill, which was featured in the opening scenes of Gone with the Wind. The Maritime Museum has decommissioned naval vessels: The USS Hoga towboat and USS Razorback submarine. North Little Rock also has a planetarium and IMAX.
Conway is near Little Rock, in central Arkansas. Each year, Conway hosts the Toad Suck Daze festival. The family festival is free to the public over 150,000 people attend every year. The festival has arts & crafts, food, live entertainment, Toad Kids Zone, carnival rides, the Tour de Toad bicycle race, the Toad Jam Basketball tournament, the Toad Run 5/10K, the Toad Pageant, and the World Famous Toad Races held in the Toad Dome! While it claims to have nothing to do with licking the skin of toxic hallucinogen toads, Conway's town mascot is the "Wampus Cat," a six-legged cat with "four to run with the speed of light, and two to fight with all its might."
Benton is in central Arkansas, near Little Rock. For the past 20 years, Benton has hosted the Cajun Feast Festival with jambalaya, seafood gumbo, red beans and rice, and bread pudding. Moe's Southwest Grill has big delicious made to order burritos. For barbeque you'll have to decide between Smokey Joe's Bar-B-Que, Bo's Bar-BQ, and Choo Choo's Bar B Que. If you're staying for a few days, try them all!
Camden is in south central Arkansas. Camden is the home of the Grapette and Orangette soft drinks, available at Wal-Mart's nationwide. Chelle's Ole Feed House has an all-you-can-eat buffet with such items as ribs, catfish, and seafood. The White House Cafe has been around since 1907. They serve great steaks, Mexican food, burgers, shrimp, cold beer, and there is a jukebox with all the hits of yesterday and today. Woods Place Restaurant is on the banks of the Ouachita River, and offers southern-style entrees such as catfish and chicken fried steak for lunch and dinner. There are live music performances on the outdoor stage.
Bryant is within the Little Rock metro area. Bryant's Hurricane Course at the Hurricane Golf and Country Club, plays 18 holes over 6,900 yards with a par of 72. Catfish Barn and Jordan's Country Bar-B-Q are great places to eat.
Jacksonville is home to the Little Rock Air Force Base. Each year, Jacksonville holds the Wing Ding Festival, featuring food, games, music, and chicken cook-offs and eating contests. The Wing Ding Festival has some flavors of chicken wings you would never expect. If you want some chicken anytime of the year, go to Chicken Country, which has some of the best hot wings and country fried chicken anywhere. Golfers will have a fun challenging time at the Foxwood Golf Course.
Searcy is home to the states largest private college, Harding University, located in central Arkansas. Searcy became a popular tourist destination because of the therapeutic waters of the town's white sulfur springs, similar to those in Hot Springs. There's plenty to keep you busy in Searcy, which has: a bowling alley, two movie theaters, a dinner theater, lazar arcade, four fitness centers, a roller skating ring, two golf courses, and a driving range.
Hot Springs is southwest of Little Rock. It is a health resort town, known for its 47 thermal springs, which flow out of the ground at 147 degrees Fahrenheit. The thermal mineral springs have made the city famous, and bottled water is exported, for the health and healing properties. Hot Springs was the home of Bill Clinton, Alan Ladd, Billy Bob Thornton, and Gauge. Bathhouse Row has eight turn of the century buildings. Some are operational bathhouse spas, and others have been converted. Visitors should be sure to see the remarkable stained-glass ceiling in the Fordyce Bathhouse. Hot Springs's thermal waters are federally protected and available for free from several downtown drinking fountains.
Malvern is near Hot Springs. Malvern is the Brick Capital of the World. If you're a brick enthusiast, this is the place to go. Each June Malvern throws their biggest party of the year Brickfest. Brickfest has music, food, and activities including: a brick toss, brick car derby, and best dressed brick contest. Malvern also hosts the Hot Spring County Fair and Rodeo each fall.
White Hall is in the southeast central part of Arkansas, 8 miles north of Pine Bluff. There are three small towns in Arkansas named Whitehall, so the cities are often confused. This is a nice residential community, but most of the area attractions are outside of the city limits. There are numerous National and State Parks and attractions. The Toltec Mounds, Pinnacle Mountain, and the Arkansas Territorial Restoration, are all within a one hour drive. Within two hours you can travel to Hot Springs National Park, Petit Jean Mountain, Arkansas Post, or Crater of Diamonds State Park.
Pine Bluff is southeast of Little Rock. Pine Bluff is one of the larger cities in Arkansas, but is able to sustain the industrial growth while maintaining a small town way of life. The Pine Bluff Convention center is among the largest facilities in the state and hosts sports events throughout the year. The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas has theater productions, and art & science exhibits. Pine Bluff's Harbor Oaks golf course is an excellent 18-hole public course.
Arkadelphia is near Hot Springs. The Timber Lodge Ranch is an interesting place to visit. You can hike or take a guided ATV tour, and see zebra, buffalo, or even an albino peacock. The Donald W. Reynolds Science Center Planetarium has cutting edge technology that can produce over 9000 stars in the 45-seat planetarium. Allen's Bar-B-Q is a local favorite for authentic Arkansas style barbeque.
Clinton is in north central Arkansas. "Three Rivers Trailhead" is the newest addition to Clinton's City Park. The eight-foot-high monolithic water sculpture was depicts elements of area history with images, dates and names. There are some great places to eat in Clinton, even if they may not be great for you. Greezy Burger has delicous burgers and Frank's Hickory House offers traditional Arkansas barbeque favorites.
Newport is 84 miles northeast of Little Rock. In June, Newport hosts Portsfest Festival on the banks of the White River at Jacksonport State Park. The three day festival has music acts on several stages, food, and a fishing tournament. The Depot Days festival in September has live Rock & Roll, Bluegrass, Blues, and Jazz performances and a BBQ competition.
Rogers is a suburb in the northwest corner of Arkansas. Rogers is the site of the first Wal-Mart store, and headquarters of Daisy Outdoor Products. Daisy air rifles or pistols make fun souvenirs and gifts. Beaver Lake is a great location for fishing and water sports, and the surrounding trails are perfect for hiking or mountain biking. Rogers is near the Cherokee Casino and Choctaw Casino, just across the Okalahoma boarder.
Springdale is south of Rogers. This is the headquarters of Tyson Foods and there are a lot of great places in town to enjoy southern style chicken. AQ Chicken House is the local favorite. Geocaching is becoming a popular hobby where people use GPS devices in a scavenger hunt, and has caught on in the Springdale area. History buffs should visit. Springdale's two military parks and the Shiloh Museum. In July, Springdale hosts the Rodeo of the Ozarks, with bull riding, trick roping, clowns, and other fun rodeo games.
Russellville is in the northwest part of central Arkansas, halfway between Fort Smith and Little Rock. Colton's Steak House has excellent cuts of steak and Brown's Catfish is great for seafood. Old Post BBQ and Ozark Mt. Smoke House have finger-licking good barbeque. The White Hart Pub has a good selection of beers on tap, as well as traditional pub grub.
Clarksville is in northwest Arkansas. Set in the Ozarks, Clarksville offers the best of Arkansas outdoor recreation opportunities. Big Piney Creek is considered to be the classic Ozark stream. It is a twisting course from the rugged headwaters region to the Arkansas River Rapids. With bluffs and overhanging hardwoods, the Big Piney is great for canoeing, kayaking, and rafting. Clarksville has over 400 acres of the finest peaches in the country, and each year host the Peach Festival with a peach pie eating contest.
Osceola is in northwest Arkansas, in the Delta Region. Each May, Osceola hosts the Annual Osceola Heritage Musicfest, with two days of live Delta Blues music from local bands and popular headliners. Osceola has the Winter Festival and Parade, the Thursday after Thanksgiving, with a parade, music, and food. Osceola's proximity to the Mississippi River make it a great destination for fishing and boating enthusiasts.
Ozark is located along the Arkansas River, in northwest Arkansas. There are great fishing sports on the river and in Ozark Lake. Ozark is also within close proximity to the Mulberry River and White Rock Mountain Recreation Area in the Ozark National Forest. Ozark is hometown of Elizabeth Gracen: Miss America, Playboy cover model, alleged Clinton mistress, and co-star of the Highlander TV series.
Bentonville is in northwest Arkansas and is best known as the site of the corporate headquarters of Wal-Mart. The Wal-Mart money is going to good use at the Bella Vista village with $35,500,000 in recreational amenities, including eight lakes and 117 holes of golf across seven-championship quality courses. The Wal-Mart Visitors Center and Watson's 5-10 are mildly entertaining.
Blytheville is near Bentonville. The historic Buckstaff Bathhouse on Bathhouse Row is a great place to enjoy a massage, wrap, and full range of body treatments. Golfers will have a round to remember at the top-rated Thunder Bayou Golf Links. After you work up an appetite, have a classic Southern sandwich at the Po' Boy's Café. If you have the kids with you, go to Main Street Food and Games, which has just that. Tourists and locals alike all stop by John Grisham's favorite bookstore, 'That Book Store. You can get a schedule here for upcoming performances at the Ritz Civic Center, a restored opera house on Main Street which holds live shows year round. Blytheville is not far from the $160,000,000 Clinton Library complex, containing the largest collection of presidential papers and artifacts in U.S. history.
Fayetteville is in northwest Arkansas in the Ozark not far from Eureka Springs. This is a college town because the main campus of The University of Arkansas is here. Bill and Hillary Clinton's first home was in Fayetteville, where they both taught law at the University of Arkansas School of Law. The house where they were married and lived in is now a museum of their early political lives, which features campaign memorabilia, a replica of Hillary's wedding dress, a photo gallery, and footage from Bill's early campaign commercials.
Alma, 'The spinach capital of the world', is in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, in northwest Arkansas. There is a statue of Popeye downtown, and the water towers are painted like cans of spinach. There is even a Spinach Festival, each April, with an actor playing Popeye. Catfish Hole 2, is a small family diner that offers all you can eat catfish. Of course, be sure to order a side of spinach or a spinach salad.
Jonesboro is in northwest Arkansas. Jonesboro is primarily an industrial manufacturing city, but offers easy access to other Arkansas area cities and attractions. The parks are nice and there are plenty of outdoor activities to engage in. Jonesboro is in a dry county, but allows the consumption of alcohol via "members only" clubs that you can join on the spot for about $5. The 501 Club & Restaurant is a good choice with delicious food and live piano performances.
Eureka Springs a unique Victorian resort village located in the Ozark Mountains of northwest Arkansas. Eureka Springs is a very unique city. The entire town of Eureka Springs is on the National Register of Historic Places and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Arkansas. The town purportedly has healing water springs. The Basin Park Hotel is built on a hill, so that people can enter from ground level at all eight stories. The town's winding, hilly, curved streets form 16 "S's", a large "O", and numerous "U's" and "V's," yet the town has no perpendicular street crossings. There is an outdoor staircase not attached to a street that is considered a street by the United States Postal Service. The city is the site of Thorncrown Chapel, an award-winning contemporary building designed by E. Fay Jones. Eureka Springs's biggest tourist attraction is the 7-story tall, 2 million pound, white concrete statue of Jesus known as the Christ of the Ozarks.
Harrison is in north Arkansas, 35 miles south of Branson, Missouri. Harrison has two of the largest waterfalls between the Rocky Mountains and the Appalachians, Hemmed-in-Hollow, at 209 feet tall, and Diamond Falls, at 148 feet. Harrison is home to the annual Arkansas Hot Air Balloon races each September, and Crawdad Day's Music Festival each May. The most popular tourist attractions are Hurricane River Cave and Mystic Cave, these 'living caves have constantly changing stalactites and stalagmites.
Mountain Home is in north Arkansas, in the south Ozarks. It is a top resort and retirement destination and was ranked second for Field and Stream's Best Fishing Town in America Mountain Home's Big Creek Golf Course is a ranked 5 stars by Golf Digest and is in the top 10 places to play in the country. It has also been rated as Arkansas number one public course for the past four years. Hopper's Dinner Club is a great place to eat, and Brewed Awakening is a fun bar with an extensive beer selection.
Mountain View is in north Arkansas, surrounded by the eastern Ozarks. Mountain View hosts several festivals and events throughout the year. The Arkansas Bean Fest and Great Championship Outhouse Races is their biggest party. More than one ton of pinto beans are cooked in large antique kettles in the courthouse square, and beans and cornbread are enjoyed for free by the thousands of attendees. Then, there is an outhouse race where teams push outhouses on wheels in a series of races to win the coveted Golden Toilet Seat Trophy.
Batesville, located in northeast Arkansas, is the oldest city in the state, dating back to 1810. The Batesville Speedway has Saturday night races, March through October, on its 3/8 mile dirt oval track. Each March, Batesville hosts the Ozark Hawg BBQ festival weekend which includes a barbecue competition and popular country music acts. In April, the Ozark Scottish Festival features Scottish dancing, singing, concerts, bagpipe music, sheepherding demonstrations, ancient Scottish games, and food.
Forrest City is in east Arkansas on Crowley's Ridge, a geological phenomenon that rises above the flat Mississippi Delta terrain around it. In 1949, workers discovered fossils of giant mastodons while excavating for sewer improvements. Forrest City is renowned for having some of the best fishing in the state. Lake Dunn and Lake Austell have steady yield of big Florida-strain largemouth bass. Ole Sawmill Cafe and Country Store offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets, and seafood on the weekends.
Marianna is in east Arkansas, boarded by the St. Francis National Forest, with direct access to Bear Creek Lake. Hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreational opportunities abound. Duck and deer are the most popular game, but you can also shoot wild turkey, squirrel, rabbit, quail, and dove. For fishing, you can catch largemouth bass, crappie, bream, bluegill, catfish, gar, buffalo. Marianna is a great place for barbeque, try: Cypress Corners BBQ, Jones Barbeque Diner, and BBQ Rib House.
Monticello is in southeast Arkansas. In May, Monticello holds the World's Great Chicken Cook-off, during the annual Rough & Ready Days Festival. Also, there is the Rhythm & Roots festival featuring some great Southern Blues and Jazz. Young's Bar-B-Que has some of the best ribs in Arkansas.
Warren is located in southeast Arkansas. Warren hosts one of Arkansas's longest-running annual community festivals, the Bradley County Pink Tomato Festival, each June. The vine-ripe pink tomato is Arkansas's state fruit and vegetable. Festivities include: a tomato eating contest, a pageant, and a dog show. Lynn's Restaurant features classic Southern specialties.
Dumas is in southeast Arkansas, in the Delta region, approximately 90 miles southeast of Little Rock and 45 miles southeast of Pine Bluff. Every July, Dumas hosts the Ding Dong Days Festival, with a BBQ appreciation dinner, cash drawing, food and craft vendors, beauty pageant, pancake breakfast, 5 K run/walk, parade, antique car show, ding dong eating contest, waterslides, rock climbing wall, remote control cars, dunking booth, volleyball tournament, basketball shoot, inflatable games, and more. The top local restaurants are Hall's BBQ, El Caporal, and Taylor's. The Desha County Museum has artifacts and memorabilia that tell the story of Dumas's history.
Prescott is in southwest Arkansas. The White Oak Lake State Park has great fishing and birdwatchers can sport egrets, osprey, great blue herons, and American bald eagles. For something more fast-paced, check out the drag racing at the Prescott Raceway. B & B Bar-B-Que has delicious slow cooked brisket and ribs, and strong drinks.
Taylor is a very small town in southwest Arkansas. This is a great place to go to get away for it all, hunt deer, and catch bass. Bass Haven has excellent fresh seafood, especially their namesake bass.
Texarkana is in the southwest corner of Arkansas, adjacent to Texarkana, Texas. The State Line Post Office and Federal Building, straddles the boarder and is the only post office that is in two states. It is the most photographed courthouse in the country, after the Supreme Court in Washington, D.C. It has a pink granite base from Texas and white limestone walls from Arkansas. Texarkana is the name of the restaurant Patrick Bateman and Paul Allen go to in the movie American Psycho, but the best restaurant in Texarkana, Arkansas is the Park Place Restaurant.
Fort Smith, in west Arkansas, is the second largest city in the state. The Fort Smith Visitor Center is located in the former Miss Laura's, the first bordello listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Each year, Fort Smith hosts the Riverfront Blues Fest. The two-day Jazz and Blues event takes place along the banks of the Arkansas River, and attracts visitors for the great music and food. The Fort Smith Symphony is the oldest orchestra in the state and has performances year-round.
Arkansas is a great vacation destination for visitors from the US and abroad. The state offers some of America's best waterfalls, caves, lakes, and forests. From the small towns of the Ozarks, to the big cities, and across the Delta, Arkansas has something for everyone to enjoy. There are unique local festivals in many cities, celebrating Arkansas's food, music, history, sports, and culture. Arkansas has a rich history of Wild West frontier towns and pivotal Civil War battles. Visitors can enjoy the crystal clear lakes teaming with bass, relax at a thermal hot spring spa, enjoy a day of racing (car, horse, or dog), or have a night out enjoying Arkansas's fine cuisine, wines, and Delta Blues music.
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