Welcome to Arkansas
From the rollicking hills of northern Arkansas to the lowlands of the Arkansas Delta, the Natural State embraces diverse landscapes and compelling customs. The state’s northwest corner hops with hip small towns and outdoorsy adventures. Colorful Victorian homes line the streets of Eureka Springs, while Bentonville buzzes with a burgeoning arts and restaurant scene. Head south to central Arkansas for urban adventures in the capital city of Little Rock, which bustles with culture and commerce on the Arkansas River.
The state’s rustic western-central region tells a different story. The Ouachita Mountains offer secluded getaways, while crystal clear lakes and rivers provide scenic backdrops for fishing and hiking adventures. Follow the Great River Road National Scenic Byway to the state’s eastern border and the banks of the mighty Mississippi for historic Native American sites and Civil War battlefields.
Ozark Odyssey
Get away from it all in the northwest corner of the state. From the rolling green hilltops of the Boston Mountains to the sparkling turquoise waters of the Buffalo River, this area bursts with possibilities for adventure. Hiking, mountain biking, canoeing and kayaking are on offer in the legendary Ozarks, a rugged landscape that stretches north to Missouri. Several state parks dot the region, each sporting scenic trails. In central Arkansas, Mount Magazine State Park takes you to the highest point in the state.
Arkansas Dept. of Parks and Tourism
Therapeutic Hot Springs and More
Little Rock serves as the state’s capital and cultural center. Explore Arkansas history with visits to the Old State House Museum and the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site, a flashpoint in the desegregation crisis of the 1950s. Along the banks of the Arkansas River, visitors will find lots of places to explore. Walk along the Big Dam Bridge for sweeping views, find new flavors in the vibrant River Market District, and rest or play in Riverfront Park. Nearby, the William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum cantilevers over the waterway.
With 47 thermal hot springs, the Hot Springs area has attracted visitors since Native Americans took healing soaks in the pools formed by the water. Hot Springs National Park preserves the elegant architecture of Bathhouse Row, once frequented by Al Capone and other luminaries. After a walk along the lovely Grand Promenade, relax in a hot mineral bath.
Diamonds Are Forever
Bentonville’s Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is an underrated gem in the Ozarks’ hills. Overlooking two creek-fed ponds, the glass and wood structures showcase creative works from American and international artists. Outdoors, you’ll find a sculpture trail leading art lovers through a picturesque natural setting. Take a tour of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Bachman-Wilson House — originally built in New Jersey and shipped to Arkansas.
Arkansas’s most profitable natural attraction is the Crater of Diamonds State Park, the only place in the world where the public can dig for diamonds. Almost 30,000 gems have been found in the last 45 years.