Top 10 Places to Visit in Arkansas

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#1 Hot Springs National Park

The Hot Springs National Park is know for hot springs flow from the Hot Springs Mountain, part of the Ouachita Mountain range. Located in downtown Hot Springs, it is one of the most accessible national parks. Park offers 26 miles of hiking trails, campsites at Gulpha Gorge, and bathing in spring water at Bathhouse Row. The Display Spring located behind the Maurice Bathhouse and Hot Water Cascade located at Arlington Lawn are two places where you can touch the thermal water.

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#2 Little Rock

Located on the south bank of the Arkansas River, Little Rock is the capital of the Arkansas state. Little Rock has many cultural and natural attractions, family fun things to do. It is a popular tourist attraction known for hiking, boating, and other outdoor recreational opportunities. Places to visit in Little Rock include Pinnacle Mountain State Park, State Capitol, William J. Clinton Library and Museum, Museum of Discovery, and Little Rock Zoo.

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#3 Petit Jean State Park

Located atop Petit Jean Mountain, Petit Jean State Park is known for its rustic, native log and stone facilities built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the 1930s. The park main attraction is Cedar Creek Canyon which cascades as a spectacular 95-foot waterfall. Petit Jean State Park provides many reaction facilities such as cabins, camping, lodge, boat rentals, tennis and basketball courts, swimming pools, and picnic areas. The park also has several distinct geological features such as Bear Cave, the Grotto, Natural Bridge, and other formations like carpet rocks and turtle rocks. The scenic overlook at 1,120 feet provides breathtaking view of the Arkansas River.

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#4 Buffalo National River

Buffalo National River flows freely for 135 miles within the boundaries managed by the National Park Service. Surrounded by massive bluffs, the river flows through the Ozark Mountains down to the White River. The Buffalo National River offers variety of recreation activities including hiking, picnicking, canoeing, fishing, camping, and horseback riding.

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#5 Fayetteville

Fayetteville is known as the home of the University of Arkansas. Fayetteville is a popular tourist attraction and entertainment capital of Northwest Arkansas. In the heart of the downtown, Dickson Street is the primary entertainment district popular for musical and stage performances, shopping, bars and restaurants. The newly renovated Walton Arts Center and TheatreSquared located on Dickson Street are premier center for arts and entertainment.

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#6 Mount Magazine State Park

Mount Magazine is Arkansas's highest point at 2,753 feet. Located on Scenic Highway 309 south of Paris, Mount Magazine State Park includes Mossback Ridge and peak of Mount Magazine. The state park offers 14.2 miles of hiking trails. The peak of Mount Magazine has 60 guest rooms lodge, cabins, trails, and hang gliding areas. The Lodge at Mount Magazine features restaurant, a conference center, business center, heated indoor swimming pool, fitness center, and game room. The park also host family fun programs and activities such as guided hikes, historic site tours, campfires, and kayak tours throughout year. The visitor center features exhibits and wildlife observation area overlooking a native plant garden. The park offers variety of outdoor sports and recreation activities including mountain biking, horseback riding, back-packing, and ATV riding.

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#7 Bentonville

Bentonville is a small town of Northwest Arkansas known as birthplace and headquarters of Walmart. Located in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, Bentonville offers many things to do and family fun attractions. Places to visit in Bentonville include Crystal Bridges Museum of American, The Walmart Museum, Museum of Native American History, and Scott Family Amazeum.

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#8 Mammoth Spring State Park

Mammoth Spring is a national nature landmark with nine million gallons of water flowing hourly. The park includes 1886 Frisco train depot, museum, and 10-acre lake. Park recreation activities include walking trail, playground, picnic area, baseball field, and boat rentals.

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#9 Magic Springs and Crystal Falls

Magic Springs Theme and Water Park of Hot Springs is popular for fun rides and attractions. The theme park includes family rides, thrill rides, roller coasters and Kids rides. Park admission also includes Crystal Falls water park. Water park attractions include: Cabanas, Bear Cub Bend children activity area, Boogie Blast, Bubble-Up Pool, Crystal Cove Wave Pool, Crystal Lagoon Pool, High Sierra Slide Tower, Kodiak Canyon Adventure River, Rapid Falls Raceway, and Splash Island.

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#10 Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site

Little Rock Central High School is known for its role in the Civil Rights Movement. The school was the site of the African American civil rights movement. Nine Black students, known as the Little Rock Nine, were denied entrance to the school in defiance of the 1954. The visitor center for the site is located across the street from the school. Daily guided tour, Streetscape Tours share the story of the Little Rock Nine, desegregation, education and the civil rights movement without access into Little Rock Central High School.