Arkansas attractions draw millions of visitors to the state each year. From scenic byways, wildlife preserves, and family theme parks to big city attractions like the Clinton Library and the Little Rock Zoo, Arkansas offers something for everyone. However, when it comes to planning vacations, Arkansas tends to fly under the radar because so many people don’t have a clue about the wide variety of activities available there or the incredible affordability to do them.

The “Natural State” is probably best known for being blessed with abundant natural resources, including lakes, clear streams, forests, wildlife, rich farm lands and scenic vistas. With its’ six national park sites, 50 state parks, 2.6 million acres of national forest lands, 13 major lakes, and two mountain ranges, Arkansas provides some of the best outdoor experiences in the country.

Arkansas attractions also include its friendly people that fill wonderful towns like scenic Mountain View and the village of Eureka Springs, which is the only city in the country whose entire downtown area is on the National Register of Historic Places. Probably one of the most famous cities in the state is beautiful Hot Springs, which home to some of the some of the oldest and best natural spas in America.

Arkansas is also home to dozens of upscale dining establishments with impressive food and wine pairings as well as thriving cultural communities that include museums, performing arts centers, historical sites and sports teams. Tours and scenic drives make for a fun day, as does a tour of the Clinton House Museum or the Arkansas Air Museum. If you want to take a walk on the wild side, you can visit the Little Rock Zoo, a nationally recognized 40-acre garden with approximately 170 species represented.

Wild River Country, Arkansas’ largest water park at 29 acres, features over 20 rides and attractions like a wave pool and a 600-foot winding tube ride. You and your family can have fun in the activity pools, ride the waves, speed down a water slide, or just drift along on the Lazy River, soaking up the carefree Arkansas atmosphere.

Posted on January 8th, 2009 by Fred Peters
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When it comes to natural preserves no state is more focused than Arkansas with fifty-one state parks and numerous outdoor activities for travelers to choose from. Arkansas features a wide variety of lowlands and highlands along with two major mountain ranges, the Ozarks and the Quachitas. There are several good museums and cultural experiences in Little Rock, the capital of Arkansas. The central point of Little Rock is the Central High Museum and Visitors Center which showcases the history of the endeavor to stop racial segregation in public schools. The River Market downtown is an excellent place to go if you want to eat at an excellent restaurant, find entertainment or just walk around and do some shopping. For the family travelers there is the Museum and Discovery and the Children’s Museum. For the outdoor individuals there is Burns Park which is one of the largest city parts in the United States. Another excellent option for families is Gator Park which features go-karts, mini golf and other family activities.

If culture is your thing then you should visit the Arkansas Art Center in Little Rock which has the largest cultural institution in the state and has exhibits located in seven different galleries. Also included is the Arkansas Museum of Art and the Arkansas Children’s Theater. For the movie buffs there is the Old Grist Mill in Little Rock. It is a full authentic reproduction of a grist mill powered by water. The actual building was built in 1933 but is designed to look like it was built in the eighteen hundreds. It is currently the only building still standing that was used in the film Gone With the Wind. For a truly unique experience you should visit the Crater of Diamonds State Park. Not only is this a public diamond mine but the company also lets visitors prospect for their own diamonds. If you happen to find a diamond while you are there then you get to keep it. There are even exhibits that will show you the history of diamonds in Arkansas. This is a truly unique experience that you can’t get anywhere outside of Arkansas. So if you like to visit unique attractions while traveling this is a must stop for you. No matter what your preferences you will find something to good when you are visiting Arkansas.

Posted on December 2nd, 2008 by Roberto W. Bell
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Eureka Springs may be a small town, but it’s got plenty of room for tourists. Millions of tourists visit Eureka Springs, and are eager to return! Don’t worry, though, there’s still room available for you and your family. There are over 3,000 motel rooms, and 125 bed and breakfast rooms, and plenty more room in all the beautiful cabins. And don’t worry about the traffic; it flows smoothly through this little town in the hills, and there’s not one stoplight to get in your way. Motorcyclists love this town! And speaking of bikers, there are plenty of “biker friendly” places to stay while you are in Eureka Springs! The Swiss Village Inn, the Statue Road Inn, and the Rodeway Inn are just a few of the many places that are more than happy to have our motorcycle friends stay in town. Bet you didn’t know that Eureka Springs, Arkansas was voted “Best in the Nation” for cities with a population under 5,000! While it’s sometimes hard to find new information on the web about this town, one visit and you’ll know why. The locals here enjoy keeping their secrets, and unveil them only to those who visit! There are so many great cabins and little inns that’s it’s hard to pick the best.

Fortunately, Eureka Springs is in an area that doesn’t get too much snow and ice, and it usually melts away pretty quickly. There’s nothing better than sitting in a hot tub on deck of your cabin and seeing the snow capped hills surround you. And if you’re not quite up for being outdoors, the Holiday Inn Express in Eureka Springs has a wonderful indoor swimming pool with glass walls and a glass ceiling! The kids absolutely love the idea of swimming when they can see a ground covered in snow right outside. There’s just something about it that is absolutely thrilling! Whether you’re looking for a multi-bedroom cabin or just a single bed Jacuzzi suite, you’ll find it in Eureka Springs. You’ll be amazed at the beautiful architecture of this town, and it extends into the lodging areas as well. Eureka Springs has been featured on “Restoring America” in 1999, and also in Architectural Digest. From the beautiful outdoor glass chapel at Thorncrown Chapel to the incredible lakefront cabin views, you’re sure to find your little piece of paradise!

Posted on August 5th, 2008 by Wolfgang Jaegel
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You don’t have to go far to look for a good place for Arkansas crappie fishing. According to anglers in the state, almost every resident in the state lives within an hour of a choice fishing spot. The state is divided into ten fishing districts, each of which is littered with lakes and rivers where schools of crappie swarm, always offering fishermen a guaranteed good catch. However, each district has its own top lake or river for Arkansas crappie fishing, where you’re sure to catch some whoppers.

In the northwest has several lakes to boast with great Arkansas crappie fishing. However, Beaver Lake is known for containing a lot of great habitat for crappie in its 28,000+ acres. Though the size of the lake may cause difficulties in locating the schools of crappie, once you find them, you shouldn’t be surprised to get several trophy-worthy slabs. Situated in the Ozarks, Beaver Lake is also a beautiful location for Arkansas crappie fishing. In the spring, you might also try Coose Creek or Esculapia Hollow in the Pine Creek area. In the northeast corner of Arkansas, crappie fishing is good. There are several large popular lakes, but it’s little Lake Hogue, hidden away in the delta farm country, that contains some of the largest slabs. This lake was completely renovated in 1985 and has been stocked with big fish that produce MORE big fish. Though it’s only about 280 acres, it’s full of great cover for crappie.

Posted on July 10th, 2008 by Tiago
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Eureka Springs, Arkansas State, is a special place that embodies history with Victorian homes and a trolley that will take you around the city. One of the greatest places to visit in Eureka Springs is the 1886 Crescent Hotel and Spa. This hotel is located downtown in the historic district and the history surrounding this hotel makes it worth visiting. You will see the towering hotel and notice its old charm immediately. A great way to enjoy the hotel is to tour the inside or even stay there and then walk out the front door and take a horse drawn carriage ride around the historic city and really feel the personality of this city.

The tram operates March 4 – October 30 on a daily basis. In November it is open only Thursday through Monday, and then it operates a very limited schedule in December. Adult tickets cost $8.50 and kids under 12 cost $4. Kids that ride on an adults lap are free of charge. Check out one of these narrated tram tours at the visitor information center and learn all there is to know about Eureka Springs. Another must see event in Eureka Springs is the Opera in the Ozarks. The productions are outstanding and very talented artists travel to the area to take part in the opera festival. Each season there are three major operas performed, two in English and the third in its original language. If you are in Eureka Springs, Arkansas then you really must check out the Opera in the Ozarks for an experience you will never forget.

Posted on May 6th, 2008 by Vivian
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