There are so many great places to visit in Arkansas! If you’ve never really explored Arkansas beyond driving through it, you’re missing out on a state full of low-key charm, surprising diversity, and a little something for just about every kind of traveler. Whether you’re a history buff, hiker, parent with kids in tow, wine taster, or someone who just likes a good ghost story, Arkansas has a pocket of the state that’s calling your name.
I grew up here, and I’ve gathered a list of favorite spots that I recommend to friends when they come. This isn’t a roundup of the most “Instagrammable” spots. It’s a real guide to spots worth seeing, broken down by what kind of traveler you are.
Great Places to Visit in Arkansas for Your Next Trip
For Nature Lovers & Hikers: Buffalo National River
The Buffalo River was the first national river in the U.S., and it’s still one of the best-kept secrets in the South. You’ve got miles of undeveloped river, high bluffs, waterfalls, caves, and trails through thick Ozark forest.
Why go: Kayaking or canoeing the river in spring is one of the best ways to spend a weekend. If you’re not into paddling, there are great hikes like the Hemmed-in-Hollow trail (home to the tallest waterfall between the Rockies and Appalachians at 209 feet). Lost Valley Trail is another favorite, with a natural bridge, waterfall, and small cave.
Best for: Hikers, nature photographers, families who want to unplug, and people who don’t mind a muddy trail.
Fun fact: The Buffalo is one of the last undammed rivers in the lower 48 states.
For History Buffs: Pea Ridge National Military Park
If you’re into Civil War history and want to walk the grounds where major events happened, Pea Ridge is the place. This 4,300-acre battlefield in northwest Arkansas is where Union forces secured control of Missouri in 1862, and the park today is one of the most intact battlefields left in the country.
Why go: There’s an 8.7-mile driving tour with 10 stops, each with interpretive signs and pull-offs. You’ll see original cannons, battlefield markers, and restored buildings like Elkhorn Tavern, which served as a Confederate hospital during the battle. The visitor center has a short film and exhibits that give good context if you’re not already a Civil War buff.
Best for: History lovers, families with school-age kids
Tip: Go early or late in the day during summer—it can get hot, and there’s limited shade on the battlefield trails.
Fun fact: About 26,000 soldiers fought here, including regiments made up of Native American troops from Indian Territory (now Oklahoma).
For Little Urban Explorers: Little Rock’s River Market District
If you’re traveling with kids, Little Rock’s River Market area is packed with kid-friendly stuff within walking distance. It’s a good base for a day or two.
Why go: The Museum of Discovery is hands-on and great for kids of all ages (the tornado simulator is a hit). Just a short walk away is the Clinton Presidential Library, which has a full replica of the Oval Office and some fun campaign artifacts. There are also trolley rides, splash fountains in summer, and outdoor concerts in Riverfront Park.
Best for: Families with young or school-age kids, weekend travelers, or anyone who wants an easy-to-navigate downtown.
Tip: Check out the Farmer’s Market on Saturdays for local produce and snacks.
For Ghost Hunters: Eureka Springs
Tucked in the Ozarks, along some of the most beautiful winding roads, Eureka Springs is a storybook location. It’s got winding streets, elaborate Victorian inns, and a ton of local legends.
Why go: People love visiting the 1886 Crescent Hotel, which claims to be one of the most haunted hotels in America. You can take a ghost tour at night or walk the historic downtown and pop into small shops. There’s also the Thorncrown Chapel, a glass church in the woods that’s won numerous awards for its architecture.
Best for: Couples, architecture nerds, ghost story fans, vintage and antique shoppers, and motorbikers.
Fun fact: No two streets in Eureka Springs cross at a right angle. It was built on a steep hill, so the city just sort of curves and winds in on itself.
Great Places to Visit in Arkansas For Wine Fans: Altus Wine Country
You don’t usually think “Arkansas” and “wine” in the same sentence, but Altus is home to some of the oldest wineries in the country and one of the great places to visit in Arkansas. German and Swiss immigrants started planting grapes here in the 1800s.
Why go: There are six wineries in the area. Post Winery and Wiederkehr Wine Cellars are the oldest, both offering tastings and casual food. Mount Bethel is smaller and also family-run. It’s an easy loop to drive in an afternoon, and the views over the Arkansas River Valley are solid.
Best for: Oenophiles, weekend road trippers, or anyone wanting a chill afternoon of tasting and views.
Tip: Go in October for grape harvest season and fall color.
For Mountain Bikers: Bentonville & Northwest Arkansas Trails
This area has blown up in the last ten years as one of the best mountain biking destinations in the country. You’ll find professionally designed trails for all levels, with fast access to downtown amenities.
Why go: The Slaughter Pen trails connect right to downtown Bentonville, so you can ride in the morning and grab lunch without even moving your car. Check out more of our favorite Bentonville trails!
Best for: Cyclists, outdoor junkies, and families with teens
Fun fact: The Walton family (of Walmart fame) heavily funded the trail system, as well as the nearby Crystal Bridges Museum and the Walmart Museum.
For Art & Culture: Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
This free museum in Bentonville punches well above its weight. It’s surrounded by wooded walking trails with groundbreaking light and sound installations and filled with classic and modern American art.
Why go: They’ve got everything from Norman Rockwell to Kehinde Wiley. The museum building itself is worth seeing, and there are rotating exhibitions throughout the year. The Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Bachman-Wilson House was moved here from New Jersey and rebuilt on-site.
Best for: Art fans, museum lovers, and anyone who likes a walk through the woods with some culture.
Tip: Admission is free, but special exhibits may require tickets. Book ahead for Wright House tours.
Great Places to Visit in Arkansas for Relaxing: Hot Springs National Park
Hot Springs is a blend of spa-town vibes and quirky/murky history. The city grew up around natural thermal springs, but boomed on the back of the mafia. It’s one of my favorite spots in the state to relax and eat! Check out the full Downtown Hot Springs Guide!
Why go: You can still soak in the old bathhouses—try Buckstaff if you want the traditional experience or Quapaw for a more modern spa feel. There are also trails in the park if you want to stretch your legs between soaks.
Best for: Couples, solo travelers, spa-lovers, and history buffs.
Fun fact: Hot Springs National Park is one of the smallest national parks, but also one of the oldest. It was set aside as a federally protected area in 1832—long before Yellowstone.
For Lake Life: Lake Ouachita
If you’re more into lake weekends than rivers or trails, Lake Ouachita is one of the great places to visit in Arkansas for lake life at its finest! It’s the largest lake in the state, and it’s known for being incredibly clean.
Why go: You can rent houseboats, camp on islands, or stay in a cabin at Lake Ouachita State Park. It’s also a popular spot for scuba diving, thanks to its clear waters and submerged trees.
Best for: Fishermen, boaters, campers, and people who want water without the beach crowds.
Tip: The Three Sisters Springs trail in the park is a short, peaceful loop with signs explaining the history of the hot springs that flow into the lake.
For Scenic Drives: Talimena National Scenic Byway
This 54-mile route runs from Mena, Arkansas to Talihina, Oklahoma, and cuts through the Ouachita Mountains. It’s especially good in fall.
Why go: It’s a drive made for pulling over and taking your time. There are plenty of overlooks, picnic spots, and short hikes along the route. Queen Wilhelmina State Park is a nice stop with a lodge and a mountaintop trail. It’s one of the many epic road trips in Arkansas.
Best for: Road trippers, leaf peepers, motorcyclists, and couples.
Tip: Gas up before you go—there aren’t many stations along the byway.
For Off-the-Grid Travelers: Richland Creek Wilderness Area
If you’re looking to truly get away from crowds, cell service, and paved roads, Richland Creek Wilderness is one of the many great places to visit in Arkansas to get away from it all. Tucked deep in the Ozark National Forest, this area is known for rugged hikes, clear mountain creeks, and some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Arkansas, without the state park infrastructure or crowds.
Why go: The hike to Twin Falls (Richland Creek Twin Falls, not to be confused with others in the state) is the highlight. It’s a backcountry route with creek crossings and no signage, but the reward is two waterfalls cascading into a mossy canyon. Nearby, Richland Falls and Six Finger Falls are also reachable for those who like rock-hopping and don’t mind getting their boots wet.
Best for: Backpackers, waterfall chasers, experienced hikers
Tip: Grab a printed map or GPS track, and don’t go after heavy rains unless you’re experienced in creek crossings.
Fun fact: Richland Creek is considered one of the most scenic waterways in Arkansas, and it’s home to rare plant species found only in this part of the Ozarks. This area is one of the most beautiful in the state, and you could easily spend a week exploring around Jasper.
Great Places to Visit in Arkansas- Final Thoughts
Arkansas isn’t a one-size-fits-all destination, and that’s kind of the point. This article doesn’t even scratch the surface of the great places to visit in Arkansas. I didn’t hit digging for Diamonds in Murfreesboro, the epic festivals like Bikes, Blues, & BBQ in Rogers, or the childhood home of Johnny Cash, to name a few. In Arkansas, you can kayak a wild river, sip wine with a view, ride a mountain trail, and walk through an art museum—all in the same weekend. That mix of quiet nature and unexpected culture is what keeps surprising and delighting our visitors.
So, whether you’re road-tripping through the South or planning a longer stay in the Natural State, consider taking a few days to dig into the culture and nature of Arkansas. You’ll find good food, friendly people, and a whole lot more adventure than you expected!