Arkansas is a land of incredible diversity, with something to offer everyone who visits. There are many great places to visit in this city, but if you are looking for the ultimate Arkansas experience, then you need to head to one of the places below. Whichever part of Arkansas you choose to visit, you’re sure to have an amazing time.
The Best Place to Visit in Arkansas
Hot Springs National Park
- Address: Hot Springs, AR 71901, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (12826)
- Phone: +1 501-620-6715
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PMTuesday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PMWednesday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PMThursday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PMFriday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PMSaturday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PMSunday: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM
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Top 12 Tourist Attractions in Arkansas
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
- Address: 600 Museum Way, Bentonville, AR 72712, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.8 (11475)
- Phone: +1 479-418-5700
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PMTuesday: ClosedWednesday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PMThursday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PMFriday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PMSaturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PMSunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Reviews:
A lovely way to spend several hours. I was fortunate enough to visit when school had started so the galleries were not overcrowded. The buildings and surroundings are almost as wonderful as the art contained inside. Lots of staff to answer questions. Was able to get tickets to the Frank Loyd Wright house so I took that self-guided tour. South Stopped for a glass of wine in the restaurant and enjoyed the music at happy hour in beautiful surroundings. As I was leaving I noticed many locals out taking advantage of the many trails and walking areas around the museum. Could not be better!By Fran Keal (5 months ago)Wonderful art museum. And the staff were fantastic. I missed out on getting a (free) ticket to see the Frank Lloyd Wright house, so they let me see one of the paid exhibits for free instead. The Dirty South special exhibit was challenging and thought provoking and very well produced. The art galleries were well laid out in (mostly) chronological order, with plenty of room for everyone who wanted to get up close to the artwork.By Kaye Dacus (10 months ago)This is our second time visiting this museum as we live out of town. We LOVE coming here. There is so much to do and see. We love going to the special exhibits. This is genuinely the only museum I’ve been to that has brought out different kinds of emotions through the different styles of art. This will always be a destination for us when visiting Arkansas.
Also, we got in free with military discount!
By JasonSpade (6 months ago)Beautiful! Lots of groomed walking trails with art and features along the way. Inside there are 6 or so separate exhibits. There is also restaurant serving good quality food from dinner plates, burgers (good), fried, salad, soup, kids food and beer and wine selection. There’s also a full service coffee bar.
This was our first time visiting and it was a little overwhelming. They have a lot of helpful staff that can point you in the right direction but I think there could be better signage for first timers.
We don’t frequent museums but wanted to experience this place based on recommendations from friends. We were really happy we went! I’d say is a must see!By Mikel Burlingame (2 months ago)We arrived at the museum just before it closed so we only got to see two galleries of art, but each work was exceptional. You don’t have rooms full of one painter, but get to see a wide variety of work from some of the best American artists from across the country. We can’t wait to come back to see the rest of the museum. While we were closed out of the museum, there was still time to explore the beautiful park just outside. It was mid-spring and the flowers and redbuds were in full bloom. I strongly suggest spending some time walking through the gardens and art installations surrounding the Crystal Bridges Museum.By Sam Smith (7 months ago)
Ouachita National Forest
- Address: Hot Springs, AR 71902, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.8 (6360)
- Phone: +1 501-321-5202
- Website: Link
- Reviews:
Absolutely love the trails.well marked and maintained. Have been in the winter, fall and spring. Would highly recommend early winter or late fall. Did encounter a rattlesnake on the trail without incident during my most recent hike mid spring. The mountain sides, are exquisite during the mid spring time along with ferns and early morning fog..just beautiful. Winter is phenomenal with the ice capped trees, and being able see some great views with leaf off season. The trail shuttle service are amazing, very helpful, friendly and will shuttle hikers to or from drop off points. Will definately be back in the fall!By Mary W (8 months ago)Eagle rock loop was a spectacular hike. I didn’t get to finish because the little Missouri was so high, but I will be back to finish it all. With beautiful vista’s and stunning river crossings, this is my new favorite hike in Arkansas.By Justin Stanley (8 months ago)This was an amazing day! Met wonderful people who helped put air in my tire where I hit a wire, caught 15 fish in a short time & the view was beautiful! Will be back again soon! Love it!❤️By Wendy Ashley (8 months ago)Very beautiful place. It’s big and there are lots of stops throughout the forest spanning from Oklahoma to Arkansas. I recommend taking the Scenic drive from Oklahoma all the way to Hot Springs.By Sheena Youngers (4 months ago)Great Forrest Park, have visited both the Arkansas and Oklahoma ends of the forest. Stayed at the Arkansas state park near Hot Springs and at the NPS Campground at Cedar Lake. Beauty aboundsBy Ira Allen (4 months ago)
Crater of Diamonds State Park
- Address: 209 State Park Rd, Murfreesboro, AR 71958, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.4 (5298)
- Phone: +1 870-285-3113
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PMTuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PMWednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PMThursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PMFriday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PMSaturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PMSunday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Reviews:
While the allure is to get rich quick, your chances of finding anything other than sweat and a fun time are pretty low.
That said, the cost to enter and dig ($10) was reasonable as was the cost to rent the tools ($15 for the full bundle but you can rent a la carte as well – note that a higher deposit is required but then returned).
Getting there early is a must to secure a spot at the water trough. Since there is almost no shade anywhere except the pavilions, bring a hat at the very least and a lot of drinking water. Heatstroke can creep up on you very easily because your hands feel cool when they are in the water.
By El (7 months ago)Campground is a little pricey at $42 a night but we still had a great time. Shower house was some of the best I’ve seen and there’s nice walking trail to the river nearby. And of course the thrill of the hunt for diamonds! We would stay againBy Lauren (11 months ago)A unique park, to say the least. We spent three hours here, mainly digging in the dirt. We found several gemstones and many neat rocks.There’s a nice gift shop with very polite employees. You can purchase basic digging supplies (bucket, bag, spade/scoop). There are restrooms here. A splash pad/water area. Trails. A restaurant that was closed by the time we got there. Picnic tables and shaded areas outside the crater. Plenty of parking.
It was a tad disappointing that they close down at 4:00 p.m. We had a long drive, and got there later than expected. We would have liked to stay another few hours, but we’re pretty happy with what we found in our time there.
Well worth visiting! We’ll go back again (hopefully much earlier in the day) next time we’re in the area.
There are several Pokestops and gyms here.
By Nathan Flaminio (7 months ago)We had a good time. We stayed for about 3 hours which was long enough with 8 kids in 93 degree weather. We did not find any diamonds but we did find other minerals and crystals. Word of advice: pick a cool day. It was 93 degrees in the middle of September when we went.By Jennifer Johnson (4 months ago)The park is a unique and fun experience. Treasure hunting!!! Lol, as a kid I was always a fan of Indiana Jones and wanted to someday do a little treasure hunting myself. Park admission is inexpensive, the gift shop has reasonable prices (I was kind of expecting “airport prices”) and has a variety of snacks and souvenirs. All of the staff I encountered were very friendly and helpful. And all of the other tourists and treasure hunters I came across were also friendly and willing to share stories and advice for newcomers like me. I definitely recommend going when the temperature is not going to he above 80 because digging and sifting is hot work! Fun for all ages.By clint goad (3 months ago)
Garvan Woodland Gardens
- Address: 550 Arkridge Rd, Hot Springs, AR 71913, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.8 (5103)
- Phone: +1 501-262-9300
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PMTuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PMWednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PMThursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PMFriday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PMSaturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PMSunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Reviews:
This is probably one of my favorite botanic gardens I’ve visited in a long time. A few key highlights was the Anthony Chapel, the tree house and a few of the overlooks. I love that it isn’t just one path, there’s multiple sub paths you can take through the gardens, like stepping stones. We had no problems finding parking and we went during the afternoon on a weekday, might be different for other times like the morning. I believe the chapel is free if you walk in the entrance to the East but the actual gardens is like $20. Great place to spend the day, views, peace and some fun!!!By James Kitahara (7 months ago)This is a beautiful garden which for you to enjoy. Cost is $20 per person, and $5 for a dog to tour the grounds. You will see everything from a structured treehouse, waterfall, a creek, and even a small cave behind the waterfall that you can crawl through if you’re physically able.
The walking trails are wide easy accessible some of which are gravel some of which are rock. You may even experience or see some multiple creatures that live in the area.
The restrooms are clean the gift shop is nice and well taken care of and this place even offers a grill for your dining pleasure.
During the Christmas time of year many decorations are placed throughout the garden which could be viewed as they are illuminated and help to bring the garden to life.
It’s a wonderful place to simply spend time with friends and family, to take a stroll enjoy nature and get some of that much needed exercise your doctor keeps telling you about.
Take time to visit the gardens enjoy your day and take your time walking along the trails and experiencing the wonders of nature and what Arkansas has to offer.
By Hot Wired (4 weeks ago)We were lucky enough to hit the gardens while the tulips were in full bloom. Really nice enjoyable time. Fair $15 adult entry fee. These gardens give you tons of freedom to roam about walk across waterfalls get off the main paths on stepping Stones closer to nature. Truly enjoyed the freedom these gardens give for roaming. Excellent garden area for children also. If you are a senior or have any immobility that keep you from getting around you can also request a golf cart tour to get around easier. I think the golf cart tours are included with admission but I am not 100% certain on this.By Shane Applegate (10 months ago)What a beautiful place. This was my first visit to the gardens. Great walking paths to take for a leisurely stroll with your family. Plan to be here for at least 2-4 hours if you walk most of the trails. The Chipmunk Cafe was good but on the pricey side so make sure to pack a lunch/snacks/drinks for the kiddos. They offer guided golf cart tours which is nice for those unable to walk the full trails. Will definitely make a trip back here.By Bobbie Jo C (6 months ago)The Garvan gardens are beautiful. There is a mix of easy flat paved trails and more natural gravel trails. This would be a great place to let kids run and have fun in nature. The gift shop is the only place in all of Hot Springs that I was not greeted with hospitality. Anthony’s glass chapel is free to see. The garden is a pay to see self guided walking tour. All of the grounds could easily be seen in an afternoon.By Brittany Storey (2 months ago)
Petit Jean State Park
- Address: 1285 Petit Jean Mountain Rd, Morrilton, AR 72110, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.8 (5037)
Hot Springs Mountain Tower
- Address: 401 Hot Springs Mountain Dr, Hot Springs, AR 71901, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.5 (4504)
Little Rock Zoo
- Address: 1 Zoo Dr, Little Rock, AR 72205, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.2 (4285)
Eureka Springs Downtown
- Address: 5-19 Spring St, Eureka Springs, AR 72632, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (3980)
Mammoth Spring State Park
- Address: 17 US Hwy 63, Mammoth Spring, AR 72554, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.8 (2934)
Buffalo National River
- Address: Arkansas, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.8 (2853)
The Walmart Museum
- Address: 105 N Main St, Bentonville, AR 72712, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (2783)
The Old Mill
- Address: 3800 Lakeshore Dr, North Little Rock, AR 72116, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.8 (2741)
Although Arkansas is a large state with many amazing places to visit, these 12 locations stand out as the best according to traveler ratings and reviews. Did your favorite spot make the cut? Let us know in the comments above!
Very unique national park! Totally free park, but try to plan ahead and make a reservation if you’d like to visit the bath houses for a spa day. There’s still other opportunities to drink the water for free and there’s a small museum to spend about 30 minutes inside. There’s also several hiking trails that are easy-moderate. Not crowded during the weekday especially in January!
What a delightful stop! This is worth a stop on your trip or even a destination. If you have 2 hours you can walk bathhouse row and see the gorgeous architecture of Hot springs and even take a soak in a bathhouse! If you have 6 hours then make sure you tour the cultural center, check out some of the shops, and have a meal along the main street. If this is a destination, then make sure you get an appointment to have a full pampering at the spa and bath houses, enjoy an evening walk, and stay the night at any of the gorgeous art deco hotels like The Arlington. You will not be disappointed in Hot Springs.
We didn’t get to spend a lot of time here unfortunately, but it was a short and a very memorable stop on the way home. The park was pretty unique with some nice springs (hot and cold). There are spring fountains in several spots where you can bottle up for free. And then there’s a pretty scenic drive up the mountain with great views and a watch tower.
This is a beautiful urban park with so much history to explore. There are hikes for every skill level and a good length scenic drive to enjoy as well which leads to a great overlook over bathhouse row.
Fordyce Bathhouse is both visitor center and museum. It has four levels to explore and is rather labyrinthine so you’ll have to be very careful you don’t miss any doorways or turns if you don’t want to miss anything. This is where you’ll do most of the junior ranger activities and that helped us adults out with seeing everything.
Two of the bathhouses on the row are still in operation as bathhouses but there is no way to experience the hot springs, inside or out, with children which is why I can’t give this park 5 stars.
One of the bathhouses is empty and unused. It feels like a missed opportunity to offer something for families to enjoy together rather than as an adults only spa like the other two operate.
Outside the kids can feel the steam coming off several pools, cascades, and fountains. Hot spring water can be collected in containers to drink. There is no opportunity to get into the hot springs, however. I knew that before going and you should too.
The city of Hot Springs is super quaint. I felt like I was touring a foreign country as I walked the trails around the hot springs and walked along the downtown. There are several small waterfalls along the trails where you can see and feel the water as it comes out at about 130°. Really pretty. Fun place to walk around.