Things to do & places to visit in Arkansas, United States

Living up to its billing as “The Natural State”, the state is a nature wonderland with three national forests, nearly 9,000 miles of pristine streams and rivers, awe-inspiring settings in the Ozark and Quachita mountains and sparkling lakes. The menu of vacation experiences is an exciting one. For great golf, spas, horse racing and the Hot Springs National Park, Hot Springs is the place to go. Outdoor enthusiasts love the Ozark Mountains where activities like canoeing, rafting, kayaking, fishing, hiking and rock climbing are popular. The mountain village of Eureka Springs, with its streets lined with Victorian homes, is brimming with boutiques, antique shops and art galleries. Wine enthusiasts love the Arkansas Wine Country, encompassing the towns of Paris, Ozark and Altus, where German style wines are produced. From its ancient mountains to the Delta flatlands leveled by the Mississippi River, the state has a diverse topography with numerous scenic drives. Try the Pig Trail, Ozark Highlands and Sylamore scenic byways in the Ozark National Forest designated by the U.S. Forest Service. Golfers love the state because greens fees are extremely affordable for great courses. A few excellent public access courses are Sage Meadows in Jonesboro, Stonebridge Meadows in Fayetteville and the Mountain Ranch Course in Fairfield Bay.

Arkansas #38 destination in United States 2023. The average rating score is 4.49 based on 84.3k traveler reviews, of 1.216 attractions. Timezone: America/Chicago, current date and time: Friday, April 26, 2024, 12:59.

Top things to do (40)

Top destinations in Arkansas 100

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Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art (4.540 reviews)
- Echoing all the other good reviews
Friday: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM Art Museums

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art welcomes all to celebrate the American spirit in a setting that unites the power of art with the beauty of nature. See more..
5.0 Museum of Native American History (991 reviews)
- Much more than I expected!
Friday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality & Gift Shops • Art Museums • History Museums

The Museum of Native American History invites you to "Walk Through America's Past," where we will give you a glimpse into what life was like for America's first inhabitants. The museum is divided into five different time periods that will guide you through the constantly changing lives of the Native Americans, as seen through their artifacts. Our displays feature relics that date from over 14,000 years old to historic times. Come visit our museum and enjoy seeing some of the finest treasures ever created by early craftsmen. Schools and groups are welcomed, call to make reservations. Handicap Accessible See more..
5.0 Intrigue Theater (934 reviews)
- Awesome Up-Close Interactive Magic Show
Friday: 5:45 PM - 7:00 PM Theaters

Now in its 13th season in Eureka Springs, Sean-Paul and Juliana Fay, who have been seen on national TV shows like Penn & Teller Fool Us, Masters of Illusion, and America's Got Talent, and have performed at the Magic Castle in Hollywood, this show is not to be missed. From stage illusions to sleight of hand, this show is a true testament to their incredible talent and dedication to their craft. The setting of the theater is like no other - inside a 120-year-old stone church, you enter through the bell tower and are quickly immersed into a beautiful theater, complete with crystal chandeliers, vaulted ceilings, and flickering flames behind the footlights on the stage. This Victorian theater is alluring and charming, but it is not limited to the 19th century - the theater comes alive with intelligent lighting and smoke, and the proscenium will morph and change with each story that Sean-Paul guides the audience through. This is a one-of-a-kind experience in a venue like no other. See more..
5.0 Blanchard Springs Caverns (872 reviews)
- The best place you may not have heard about!!!!
Caverns & Caves

This is the second time taking the tour and we thought it was better than the first and the first was pretty great. The quide did an amazing job of telling about the cave, it's history and her life growing up going in the cave with her dad. If you have not been to visit this place your missing out. We will be back. Thanks for the memories. See more..
5.0 Mystery Mansion Escape Room (841 reviews)
- On of the best group experiences I have had in a long time
Friday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games

Interactive Game of sleuthing intelligence. Bring your family, friends, or convention attendees for 60 minutes of sheer, heart pumping entertainment. Push your mind to its limits as you solve puzzles, find clues and crack codes to escape your fate. Great for team building, entertainment, date night and special occasions. Check out our website for details. Private bookings available. Hours Vary - Book online By Reservation Only. Children of any age are welcome to attend with family in a private room. For specific information, check out our FAQs on the website or feel free to call. See more..
5.0 Anthony Chapel (594 reviews)
- Beautiful, but check for weddings
Friday: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM Architectural Buildings • Gardens • Churches & Cathedrals

The Anthony Chapel Complex is a part of Garvan Woodland Gardens, the 210 acre botanical garden of the University of Arkansas located on Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Visitors may park near the lovely glass chapel in the woods and take a short walkway to the Chapel. The Chapel is open during normal business hours, UNLESS it is rented for a private wedding or event. Visitors are not allowed in the Chapel when it is rented for a private event. The Chapel is currently a free area of Garvan Woodland Gardens. Visitors to the Gardens enter at the Welcome Center and pay admission. See more..
5.0 Lake Ouachita (525 reviews)
- I have to say if you want a great camping experience this park is one to enjoy solo or with family.
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Bodies of Water

The largest lake in Arkansas covers 48,300 acres. See more..
4.5 Thorncrown Chapel (3.631 reviews)
- Don’t miss Sunday service
Friday: 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM Religious Sites

This chapel won an architecture award in 1980. See more..
4.5 Garvan Woodland Gardens (2.705 reviews)
- Pet friendly park with lots to see
Friday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Gardens

Open to the public hours 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Admission payments by CREDIT CARD or EXACT CASH only. Garvan Woodland Gardens is the 210 acre botanical garden of the University of Arkansas, located in Hot Springs, Arkansas on beautiful Lake Hamilton. See more..
4.5 William J. Clinton Presidential Library (2.601 reviews)
- Start you Little Rick adventure here!
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • Libraries

The William J. Clinton Presidential Center and Park, located on the banks of the Arkansas River in Little Rock, Arkansas, attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world to its grounds each year. Opened in 2004, the Center is home to the Little Rock offices of the Clinton Foundation, the William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum, and the University of Arkansas Clinton School of Public Service. See more..
4.5 Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge (2.440 reviews)
- Even in the Rain, we had a GREAT day!
Friday: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas

Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge is one of the largest big cat sanctuaries in the United States. The non-profit USDA licensed refuge, founded in 1992, has grown to become one of the Top 10 attractions in Arkansas and the most popular in Eureka Springs. Lions, cougars, leopards, tigers, and bears are displayed in large natural habitats surrounding the main enclosures and gift shop. Over night accommodations are available via the Safari Lodge, RV park, and camping facilities. Tours are available from 9 am until 4 pm. See more..
4.5 Fordyce Bathhouse (2.163 reviews)
- Interesting history of the area
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Visitor Centers • Historic Sites

Once one of the bathhouses on Bathhouse Row, this building has been renovated and now serves as the visitors center. See more..
4.5 Southland Casino Hotel (1.978 reviews)
- Anniversary weekend stay.
Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent More than 3 hours Casinos

Southland Casino Hotel in the Tunica & Memphis area offers the biggest and newest casino in the Mid-South. The brand-new casino floor is two-and-a-half football fields in length and home to 2,400 slot machines, 50 live table games, and sports betting. The gleaming, blue-glass, 20 floor high-rise hotel features 300 rooms, including 60 suites and 12 penthouse suites. Restaurants and newest dining options include the buffet at the Kitchens, Sports Bar & Grill, Ignite Steakhouse, The Fry House and The Grind, along with the Ignite Steakhouse Bar, Charred Oak Bar and Chairman’s Bar. Visit the all-new Southland Casino Hotel for the most exciting gaming experience in the region— just 7 minutes from Downtown Memphis. See more..
4.5 The Walmart Museum (1.819 reviews)
- Informative Museum
Friday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent < 1 hour History Museums

The Walmart Museum is as much a part of Walmart’s history as the exhibits and artifacts that it houses. First opened in 1990, the museum was known as the Walmart Visitor Center. But as times changed and the term "Visitor Center" came to refer more to regional, state, and local tourism offices, it became apparent that a name change was needed. And so, today, The Walmart Museum carries on the mission it always has: to honor Walmart’s legacy, demonstrate its core values, and cast a vision of Walmart tomorrow. In November 2022, the Museum location at the corner of Central Ave and Main St was closed to the public for a renovation project to be completed in SPRING of 2024. In the meantime, a temporary site has been opened two blocks south of the original location; The Walmart Museum Heritage Lab. This site houses new technologies and tells the story of Walmart and Sam Walton in new ways. See more..
4.5 Christ of the Ozarks (1.626 reviews)
- Great Experience
Friday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Monuments & Statues

Built in 1967, this 7-story memorial statue of Jesus is on the grounds of The Great Passion Play and overlooks Eureka Springs, Arkansas. See more..
4.5 Bathhouse Row (1.360 reviews)
- A PeekInto The History of Hot Springs
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas

A collection of historic bathhouses where people flocked in the early 20th century for therapeutic hot springs baths. See more..
4.5 Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site (1.228 reviews)
- Iconic History
Friday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • History Museums

This National Park Service site encompasses the campus, but Central High is still an active high school. Visitors should park and begin their visit at the National Park Visitor Center, located diagonally across from the campus, at 2120 W. Daisy Gatson Bates Drive. Visitor entrance into the school is via free Ranger-led tours reserved in advance to guarantee participation. Interpreting the Civil Rights Movement with an emphasis on school integration, this National Historic Site focuses on the 1957 desegregation crisis that resulted when Arkansas Governor Orval Faubus ordered National Guard troops to prevent the first African American students, the "Little Rock Nine," from entering formerly all white Little Rock Central High School, leading to federal intervention by order of President Dwight Eisenhower. See more..
4.5 Great Passion Play (1.146 reviews)
- A Busy, Wonderful, Blessed Day
Friday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Theatre & Performances

Performed from May through October, The Great Passion Play in Eureka Springs, Arkansas is "America's #1 Attended Outdoor Drama." Since 1968, the Play has been seen by over 7.7 Million people from all over the world. The Play is performed beneath the night sky by a cast of around 150 actors and many live animals as well. Our hope and prayer is to make the Scriptures come alive! THE BIBLE MUSEUM is open every day except Sunday, 10:00am until 5:00pm. On days of Play performances, the Museum is open until 8:00pm (7:00pm after Labor Day). SACRED ARTS MUSEUM - Open every day before the Play from 11:00am - 8:00pm (after Labor Day until 7:00pm). Non-play days by appointment. THE HOLY LAND TOUR - a two-and-a-half-hour to three-hour guided tour. Guests are transported back in time as they walk through a full-sized replica of the East Jerusalem Gate and Marketplace to Biblically inspired exhibits which include Moses' Tabernacle in the Wilderness, Bethlehem Inn and the Nativity, the Upper Room, the Garden Tomb, the Walk with Peter, and other exhibits which depict life in Bible times. All exhibits have been researched archaeologically and historically for authenticity. Tours run on day of Play performances from 12:00pm-4:00pm. There is walking at each stop. The longest time walking at any one stop is approximately thirty minutes. During days the Play is not performed, we also have special guided tours of the Holy Land, backstage area, and lunch. These tours happen throughout the year every day but Sunday. Advanced reservations are required for these off-season tours. See more..
4.5 Hot Springs National Park (1.019 reviews)
- Hot Springs History
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM National Parks

The headquarters of the National Park is located inside the historic Fordyce Bathhouse, which is located on Central Avenue in downtown Hot Springs. It is a very beautiful building, which was opened to wealthy guests in 1915 and restored in 1989 to serve as a museum, commemorating its glorious past. The restoration seems very successful and a number of interesting and curious details are presented in the museum. Tours are available and we decided to take one. The guide did a great job, explaining many interesting aspects and at the end we also had the opportunity to taste the water, which contains several healthy minerals. Admission and tours are managed and conducted by the highly knowledgeably and friendly National Park Service team and both admittance and tours are absolutely free. Highly recommended. See more..
4.5 Big Dam Bridge (819 reviews)
- Nice views of the river, especially near sunset
Spent 1-2 hours Bridges

We had read that the views here were nice at sunset, so stopped by the evening of our first day in Little Rock. We first drove past the electrical plant to a small parking lot on the water. There were a lot of people fishing nearby, and we walked a little bit along the beach to look up at the dam. Then we drove back to the end of the dam where there is another free parking lot, and the pathway to walk up and over the bridge. We walked up to the high point of the bridge, where there are some signs indicating sights and other information and the bridge and wildlife. It was probably about half a mile up and then back - there is also a bike lane if you want to do it that way. We spent about 45 minutes enjoying the evening and took some fun photos of the bridge, the water, and the areas surrounding the river. See more..
4.5 Eureka Springs Historical Downtown (809 reviews)
- This is worth every penny! It is a physical walking tour that does take hills and stairs. Take some water!
Spent 1-2 hours Neighborhoods

The Downtown and Underground Tour of Eureka Springs was outstanding! Tour "David" was phenomenal. His entertaining story telling and engaging dialect is very captivating. This is 90 minutes of pure history and a walking tour into some of the most interesting bones of the city. See more..
4.5 Petit Jean State Park (734 reviews)
- Petit Jean 2023
State Parks • Hiking Trails

The beauty of Petit Jean Mountain and the surrounding area led to the formation of a state park system in Arkansas in 1923. See more..
4.5 Beaver Lake (708 reviews)
- Large lake
Bodies of Water

Popular lake for swimming. See more..
4.5 St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church (674 reviews)
- Not During Mass
Religious Sites

Normally my mom takes me to Sunday morning Mass when I am in Eureka Springs and I have to see this beautiful little church with people there and when taking pictures can get you glared at. This time around we went on a Thursday afternoon and there was just one other couple looking around. The garden has been beautifully planted for the spring and summer and the interior has been restored with all the paint colors being bright and inviting. I always enjoy seeing the church but this visit was a bit special as I could truly enjoy it and take pictures to my hearts content. See more..
4.5 Fort Smith National Historic Site (625 reviews)
- Really interesting exhibits
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites

This is a well-run National Park Service site. We thoroughly enjoyed going through the museum, walking around the grounds, and walking near the river. The ground floor of the museum contains the actual prison used in the 1880s, and the second floor contains a reproduction of the courtroom from the 1880s. The exhibits tell the history of the fort over different eras of use and tell stories of specific individuals involved. Highly recommend also visiting the National Cemetery nearby. See more..
4.5 War Eagle Mill (622 reviews)
- Free sample of history!
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Architectural Buildings

Located in the beautiful War Eagle Valley, the War Eagle Mill offers a historical perspective to life in the Ozarks. Visit the Mill and the historic bridge on the river, learn about the history of the region, shop for organic and locally made foods and local crafts. Top your visit with a meal at the Bean Palace cafe." See more..
4.5 Riverfront Park (616 reviews)
- Great Park
Parks

Came here for a quick sight seeing trip. Beautiful park with lots of trails running along the riverbank. There's a small parking lot at Ottenheimer Plaza and from there it's a short walk to my highlights, "Little Rock" and Junction Bridge. I was there in the early morning, amongst the joggers and the park felt very safe. Highly recommend visiting here. See more..
4.5 Mid-America Science Museum (592 reviews)
- Fun for the whole family
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Science Museums • Children's Museums

The mission of Mid-America Science Museum is to stimulate interest in science, to promote public understanding of the sciences, and to encourage life-long science education through interactive exhibits and programs. The Museum also serves as a premier tourism attraction in Arkansas. The purpose of Mid-America Science Museum is to explain scientific knowledge and concepts to the public through interactive exhibits, activities, workshops, and educational programs. The Museum seeks to stimulate a lifelong interest in science, spark curiosity, reshape attitudes and stir the imagination. Our goal is informal science education that encourages learning in ways not ordinarily found in the workplace, classroom, or home. To achieve this purpose, the Museum will maintain the highest standards in providing quality exhibits, programs, and services for students, citizens, and visitors to Arkansas. See more..
4.5 The Old Mill (553 reviews)
- Lovely park with great photo ops
Friday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks

Lovely, small, peaceful and unique park...well worth the drive over to North Little Rock from downtown. Nice photo opportunities. Unique benches and bridges made to resemble fallen trees, a waterfall, and the mill itself (which you can go in). Free parallel parking and free entrance. We spent about 30 minutes exploring, watching the ducks and turtles in the pond, and taking photos. See more..
4.5 Arkansas State Capitol (503 reviews)
- Beautiful, large, impressive capitol building and grounds
Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Government Buildings

Visitors can tour this government building that sits on a knoll, overlooking downtown to the east and the Arkansas river to the north, and bears a striking resemblance to the U.S. Capitol building. See more..