We are excited to visit Arkansas, mainly because we have never been there, and to be honest, it is a lot like our home in Idaho – people just don’t know much about it. But as we begin to gather recommendations we are getting more and more excited to visit this beautiful state and all it’s secrets it has to offer.
We have enjoyed travelling at the recommendations from our readesr and we would love to receive more recommendations about things to do in Arkansas. Feel free to comment below with additional suggestions on things to do in Arkansas.
Dig Your Own Quartz Crystals
This activity looks like a ton of fun and we’ve been told Arkansas has a great reputation for its quartz. So when it comes to planning for this activity, we aren’t really sure where to look. Any suggestions on great quartz mining it would be appreciated.
Arkansas Caves
Among the many hikes and beautiful things to see, we have heard of the amazing caves that are available to hike and see. We have seen similar caves back in the mountains of Idaho, but every cave seems to have a unique story and characteristics.
Hiking
We love hiking as a family and we have had several chances to hike the different terranes of the states we have visited so far. We would love suggestions on great hikes in Arkansas for our family. There are many beautiful mountains and scenic byways in Arkansas that are there to be discovered for us as well.
Little Rock Arkansas
We are excited to visit Little Rock. We have heard so many exciting things about the river walk and the museums that are available. One of the many things we have looked forward to this tour has been the historical sites and destinations. Littlerock River Market has live music, museums, and sculptures. What places do you think we should stop and see in Littlerock?
Scuba Diving
We are scuba certified and we had the opportunity to dive in Hawaii. And we won’t lie, we didn’t really associate scuba diving in Arkansas but this recommendation is really awesome!
Eureka Springs zip line
Canoeing on the Buffalo River.Arkansas Post State Park Historic site. (You might see Alligators there too if you go when it is warm) Louisiana Purcahse State Park. Just outside Little Rock, Pinnacle Mountain State Park. Hot Springs National Park.
So much to do here.
You are right – our state is like Idaho. We go from flat delta farmland to mountains.
You have young children, so much to do. Your days will be full.
We have lived in Arkansas almost 40 years, in Hot Springs about 25 years.
My suggestions….so hard to narrow it down!
Hot Springs – so much here – downtown is a National Park!
http://www.hotsprings.org/
A must (if I could only do one thing in town) – walk through downtown and tour the restored Fordyce bath house (free – https://www.arkansas.com/attractions/bathhouse-row.aspx ); fill your water jugs with natural spring water at any of the numerous springs; put your feet into the hot springs at Arlington Lawn.
Mid America Museum –
Completely updated in the past few years, this is a treat for kids and parents alike. It is a place for kids but adults of all ages enjoy it just as much (personal admission – especially the sand) Not open Mondays
https://www.midamericamuseum.org/
Garvan Gardens – currently it is the time of spring flowers. They will have the most amazing displays of daffodils, tulips and spring bushes. Cost $15 adult; $5 4-12
https://www.garvangardens.org/
Diamond mining in Murfreesboro – http://www.craterofdiamondsstatepark.com/ – people find diamonds all the time. Can be hot or muddy, but YOU CAN’T DO THIS ANYWHERE ELSE in the world. Cost is $10, $6
For scuba diving, Lake Ouachita at Blakely Dam or Lake Degray.
Queen Wilhemina State Park – near Mena – beautiful view from mountaintop, hiking. http://www.queenwilhelmina.com/
Petit Jean State Park – walk to the waterfall! Free. http://www.petitjeanstatepark.com/
Little Rock – tons of history in the downtown area
Ft Smith – the National Historic Site – amazing, history, old forts, buildings, gateway to the Oklahoma land rush. Cost $7 ages 16 up, free 15 & under https://www.nps.gov/fosm/learn/historyculture/index.htm
Boxley Valley – Buffalo River – hiking, beauty, river, hiking, elk (from Idaho you may not care about the elk, but we do) http://buffalorivertourism.com/about/
Crystal Bridges – have not been there but it is on the bucket list this spring. I hear so much about it. General admission to the permanent collection is paid by Walmart with tickets offered for special programs/events. https://crystalbridges.org/
Hiking everywhere you go in the state there is hiking of some sort – whether it is a short day hike or a longer overnight hike.
Ozark Mountain Folk Center in Mountain View – http://www.ozarkfolkcenter.com/
The Folk Center is not open for the season until April but there are different workshops going on according to the calendar. Come back a different time and go!
This is just a little bit of the things around the state to do. Like Idaho, it would take a lifetime!