4 Star Places To Visit in Arkansas, United States (50)
4.5Thorncrown Chapel(3.631 reviews) - Don’t miss Sunday service Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Religious Sites
This chapel won an architecture award in 1980.See more..
4.5Garvan Woodland Gardens(2.705 reviews) - Pet friendly park with lots to see Tuesday: 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..
4.5William J. Clinton Presidential Library(2.601 reviews) - Start you Little Rick adventure here! Tuesday: 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..
4.5Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge(2.440 reviews) - Even in the Rain, we had a GREAT day! Tuesday: 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..
4.5Fordyce Bathhouse(2.163 reviews) - Interesting history of the area Tuesday: 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..
4.5Southland Casino Hotel(1.978 reviews) - Anniversary weekend stay. Tuesday: 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..
4.5The Walmart Museum(1.819 reviews) - Informative Museum Tuesday: 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..
4.0Hot Springs Mountain Tower(1.749 reviews) - drive above the hot springs from downtown to get to the mountain tower Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 6:30 PM Spent < 1 hour Observation Decks & Towers
The Tower is OPEN!! Come visit us and enjoy the beautiful views and hike on some amazing trails. Don't forget to grab an ice cream on your way down from the tower!See more..
4.5Christ of the Ozarks(1.626 reviews) - Great Experience Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 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..
4.0Crater of Diamonds State Park(1.542 reviews) - No diamonds, but other cool rocks and a fun experience State Parks • Mines
The only diamond mine in North America open to the public.See more..
4.5Bathhouse 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..
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..
4.5Great Passion Play(1.146 reviews) - A Busy, Wonderful, Blessed Day Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 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..
An unusual feature to see in a National Park is this world-class horseracing track.See more..
4.5Hot Springs National Park(1.019 reviews) - Hot Springs History Tuesday: 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..
4.5Big 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..
4.5Eureka 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..
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..
4.0River Market District(661 reviews) - Good Local Restaurants Piers & Boardwalks • Flea & Street Markets
Taste your way through this year-round, indoor market encompassing 10,000 square feet of owner-operated shops, stalls and tables that sell food and unique products.See more..
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..
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..
4.0Gangster Museum of America(622 reviews) - Teaches Interesting Hot Springs History Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums • History Museums
A highlight for my gangster-fascinated spouse. We signed up for the last tour and joined several unmasked tourists for the tour. It felt strange to be in a bunch of closed in rooms without masks but we are vaccinated (and hope everyone else was too). The tour guide was dressed up like a gangster and had his lines/ script down pat. The tour consisted of mostly moving from room to room looking at the photos and articles on the walls and them watching a short video. At the end you go into a room that has some slot machines and gaming tables but not much time to check them out. Then there is a final movie. You learn quite a bit about the town and its history of welcoming gangsters, and finally how they were driven out, so despite the kitsch, it is an interesting use of time when visiting Hot Springs.See more..
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..
4.5Mid-America Science Museum(592 reviews) - Fun for the whole family Tuesday: 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..
4.5The Old Mill(553 reviews) - Lovely park with great photo ops Tuesday: 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..
4.0Quigley's Castle(547 reviews) - Very neat place to see Tuesday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Castles
Motorcycles beware of the driveway! You enter off the highway on a corner and it's a bit sharp. The drive itself is hard packed but a bit rough. Take it easy and be aware that the grade is steep. There is grassy and gravel parking at the end of the driveway. Admission fee of 8 dollars a person to see this unique place was worth it. There's a bit of a story that goes with the design and building of this "castle home". The family still lives and cares for it. The gardens are beautiful and if you love unique history and fiesty ancestors it's a fun stop.See more..
4.5Arkansas State Capitol(503 reviews) - Beautiful, large, impressive capitol building and grounds Tuesday: 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..
4.5Hot Springs Mountain(503 reviews) - hot water ....yep Mountains • Observation Decks & Towers
Great views can be had from the observation tower atop this mountain.See more..
4.5Cosmic Cavern(494 reviews) - Unique and Entertaining Cave Tour with Adam Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Caverns & Caves
Cosmic Cavern was discovered in 1845, but wasn't developed until 1927. The cave features a 9 foot soda straw the longest known in the Ozarks, and two bottomless lakes. One of the lakes was discovered in 1993 in the "Silent Splendor" section which made national news. This was Arkansasâ most delicate discovery. Make sure to bring your camera! Gift Shop, Snacks, Picnic area and camping available.See more..
4.5Pinnacle Mountain State Park(494 reviews) - Worth the visit to Little Rock Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours State Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas
Opened in 1977, the Pinnacle Mountain State Park serves as a center for education, recreation and preservation.See more..
Everyone was very welcoming and nice! It was nice being able to hear the tour on the way down and take in the scenery on the way back. Axe throwing was so much fun and they did a great job demonstrating and helping. I will definitely return and enjoy. No cave like this where I am from.See more..
Half-mile trail between Bathhouse Row and the nearby mountains.See more..
4.5Blue Spring Heritage Center(459 reviews) - Worth the trip! Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas
Botanical Gardens on the beautiful White River and a stop on the Trail of Tears. 39 million gallon a day bottomless spring. Museum, and two short very informative films Bluff Shelter listed on the national register of historic placesSee more..
The only place for Pirate Adventure in Hot Springs! Enter the world of 18th Century Buccaneers, putt your way through mountain caves, over footbridges and under cascading waterfalls! Come and see why this facility's elaborate theming, manicured landscaping, delicately carved rock work and meticulously clean grounds earned it the Hot Springs, AR "City Beautification Award". Test your luck, mates, on the Captain's Course or the bold Blackbeard's Challenge Course. Discover the fun!See more..
4.5Wegner Quartz Crystal Mines(442 reviews) - The Staff are Amazing Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 2-3 hours Mines
A great place for the family, where everyone is welcome and guaranteed to find crystals! Open 8:00-4:30 / Tuesday-Saturday Crystal Forest Mine Digs: 2 hour digs $19/person. Trips leave daily at 9:30, 11:30, 1:30. Arrive 15 minutes early to sign up have a safety meeting. Tailings Area: All day digging. $10.50/Adults $6.60/Kids (under 10) Seniors (62 ). Arrive by 2:00 pm for entrance. Gemstone Sluice: $4.50 Sluice Fee, then priced by the pail! 5 Pails to choose from ranging in price at $5-$15/pail. Diamond Experience: $32/bag Guaranteed to find 1/2 carat or more in total weight per bag.See more..
The animals were obviously well taken of, friendly, very clean for a petting zoo. Giant turtles, bunnies, goats, the donkeys are the best, alligators of course. I highly recommend spending the $10 to feed the alligators and the parakeets, especially the parakeets, had four of them on my husband’s arm trying to eat the birdseed. The staff was friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. It could get expensive for a large family, but to us was well worth it as it made my family’s day to hold an alligator and see it that close up.See more..
4.5Ozark Folk Center State Park(436 reviews) - A perfect place to spend an afternoon Speciality Museums • State Parks • Theaters
The Ozark Folk Center is a people place,dedicated to the preservation and perpetuation of traditional Ozark Mountain crafts and music.Visitors can see presentations and demonstrations of the Ozark crafts and music, living history enactments and other special events that highlight this lifestyle. Apprentice and workshop programs pass these skills of the Ozark people to a new generation.As you visit the Folk Center, make your first stop the General Store near the parking lot. From here,buses will take you to the top of the Folk Center's hill to the Ozark Folk Center Theater and the Crafts Village. Stay in one of The Cabins and Dry Creek (60 units) The center also offers a restaurant, the Smokehouse in the Craft Village, conference/meeting facilities for groups large and small and specializes in business retreats and family reunions.See more..
4.5Old State House Museum(400 reviews) - Really Nice Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • History Museums • Government Buildings
Built in 1836, this was the state's first capital building.See more..
4.5Mount Magazine State Park(396 reviews) - Beautiful! Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM State Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
High atop 2,753-foot Mount magazine, the state's tallest mountain, this scenic Arkansas state park was developed in the Mount Magazine Ranger District of the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest through a special use permit from the U.S. Forest Service. Sweeping vistas of broad river valleys, deep canyons, and distant mountains welcome outdoor enthusiasts to Arkansas's high point. This is a place to enjoy sightseeing, exploring the mountain and nature study. The park is a destination for outdoor sports and extreme adventure enthusiasts that offers rock climbing, rappelling, hang-gliding, mountain biking, horseback riding, backpacking, and ATV adventure. An ATV guide service is available. The park also offers overlooks, hiking trails, a picnic area with restrooms, pavilion, and a visitor center with an exhibit gallery and gift shop. The park offers 18 campsites (two Class AAA and 16 Class AA with tent only options). The Lodge features 60 guest rooms, a restaurant, conference center, business center, indoor heated swimming pool, fitness center and game room. Thirteen fully equipped cabins share the same bluff and seeping views of the valley as the lodge.See more..
4.5War Eagle Cavern on Beaver Lake(365 reviews) - Glad we did it! Tuesday: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Caverns & Caves
ARKANSAS' MOST POPULAR PRIVATE SHOW CAVE! Walk straight into a mountain through a huge natural entrance on the shores of Beaver Lake. Our friendly, story-telling guides make for great fun on a one-hour long adventure into the depths of the cavern! After the tour, feed the fish at our boat dock on Beaver Lake, explore our short nature trails, enjoy pretty lookouts along our bluff lines, and play in the "Big Dig". Pan for real gems at the War Eagle Mining Co. - keep everything you find! Search for five lost Indian villages in the Lost in the Woods Maze - then find your way OUT! And you gotta experience our newest attraction - the Moonshiners' Mystery Shack! We're pet and stroller friendly. Open 7 days a week, last tour of the 1 hour before closing.See more..
Walked around the square and visited a couple of the bars over two nights. We had three couples and had a great time. Loved the area. Some areas still under construction but some great night spots there. Felt safe.See more..
We really enjoyed this park. It was the most crowded of all the AR state parks we visited but we were still able to keep our distance from others. We are on a mission to take my 85 year old father to all the national parks and in between we go to state parks. AR state parks are mostly all free unless you are camping or staying at one of their lodges/cabins. To spend a day hiking and having a picnic it is free. I love all the unique entry signs. This place has a pool that was closed I assumed other too early in season or COVID. The CCC has build some amazing things at this park like the dam that created such a great waterfall (the jewel of the park). This park had some amazing cabin that I would love to stay in one day. Overall a beautiful park. I wish it was a tad less busy. I assume when pool is running it is even more popular. Glad we made time to visit this park.See more..
4.5Museum Of Discovery(339 reviews) - Great place to take kids Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Science Museums • History Museums
This museum is probably the best kid’s museum I have taken my little one to and we have been to several. We have been to larger and fancier locations but this museum kept the kids captivated with lots of interesting experiments. We could have spent the whole day and not been bored. Surprisingly there is no food establishment inside but they allowed us to leave to get lunch and re-enter since it wasn’t crowded. If you have young kids this place is a winner.See more..
Visitors center was closed due to covid but all trails and driving tour was open. Stop by the visitor center and get a brochure. Then use the audio tour link from the nps website and listen at various locations. Was enjoyable and very interesting See more..
4.5Lake Leatherwood(325 reviews) - Leatherwood adventure! Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Bodies of Water
We hit the water before noon and after renting two canoes and a paddle boat we spent around $60 for the two young ladies and wife and I. Quite peaceful and quiet we journeyed around the lake without hearing one word from anyone else. You can fish off the dock. Rent a camp site for your tent or RV with hookups. Very relaxing. The rental for canoes was for one hour and for us that was plenty of sun and time on the water.See more..
4.5Wild Wilderness Drive-Through Safari(286 reviews) - Worth The Drive. Bring A Lunch Temporarily closed - Closed until further notice Spent More than 3 hours Safaris • Nature & Wildlife Areas
During your visit, you can enjoy our 4-mile drive-through from the comfort and safety of your own vehicle. You also can drive by the petting parks to view our animals, though all visitors must stay in their vehicles at all times. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, no animal feeding is allowed at this time. These restrictions are for the safety of our animals, staff, and visitors. Additionally, concessions and picnic areas are not available. We look forward to your visit!See more..
We enjoyed a stroll downtown Bentonville. They were setting up their Christmas lights on the town square and they are lit to the max. Lots of great little coffee shops, chocolate shops, a great tea and spice shop and many other places to spend some time and $$$. A great little downtown square. See more..