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Attractions
Home » Arkansas » Arkansas Dining and Attractions » AttractionsThe Natural State is known for its beautiful vistas and outdoor activities as well as its rich history. From hiking to horse races, there is something for everyone in each region of the state.
• Ozarks: In Arkansas’ Ozark Mountains are some of the country’s most breathtaking natural scenery. This region contains The Buffalo National River and surrounding wilderness areas that are well known for their beautiful bluffs and outdoor adventure opportunities. Here one can explore via kayak, canoe, horseback, or foot. The park contains over 100 miles of maintained hiking trails that range from moderate to strenuous and 150 miles of river offering both swift running and placid stretches. Visitors can participate in activities that include bird watching, canoeing, horseback riding and wildlife viewing. Also located in the Ozark Mountains are numerous opportunities for outdoor water recreation, including the 1120 miles of lakeshore and respective rivers found near Mountain Home, Arkansas. The Norfolk and Bull Shoals lakes are known for their clean, clear water and are popular with scuba divers, fishermen, water skiers, boaters and swimmers. There are also several opportunities to watch the state’s Arkansas Razorback football, baseball or basketball teams throughout the year on the University of Arkansas campus in Fayetteville.
• River Valley: The Arkansas River valley contains many outdoor activities. Included in this region are the Tri-Peaks Mount Magazine, Petit Jean Mountain and Mount Nebo, all of which host numerous activities, parks and festivals. Throughout the spring and summer enjoy Wildflower Weekend, The Annual Antique Auto Show, and the Annual Great Arkansas Pig Out at Petit Jean State Park. Take part in hang gliding at Mount Nebo in late August and see the grand vistas up close. Experience the Frontier Days celebration in late October or the Butterfly Festival in mid June at Mount Magazine. Also in this region is the small town of Adona which hosts numerous music and arts and crafts festivals including the Wye Mountain Daffodil Festival in March, the Jammers Reunion in April, and the Annual Bluegrass Festival in July. Also in this region is what is known as Arkansas Wine Country. Just off of interstate 40, take part in special events, wine tours, and wine tastings at some of the areas local wineries including Chateau Aux Arc, Mount Bethel Winery, Post Familie Vineyards and Winery and Wiederkehr Wine Cellars and Vineyard.
• Ouachitas: The Ouachita region of Arkansas is the location of historic Hot Springs. Here visitors can spend a day at the race track or strolling down the legendary Bathhouse Row. Hot Springs was America’s first resort and is still one of the South’s most popular vacation destinations. Hot springs features 147 degree thermal water and famous, relaxing bath massages and spas, and 26 miles of hiking trails which are located in the Hot Springs National Park. Also located in this region is the Crater of Diamonds State Park near Murfreesboro where visitors can actually dig for real diamonds and then keep what they find.
• Central: Extensive park systems in this region of Arkansas allow for many outdoor activities such as hiking, golfing, fishing and picnicking. Central Arkansas is home to many spectacular museums, historical buildings and other indoor attractions. The Baum Gallery of Fine Art, located at the University of Central Arkansas is one of the largest academic galleries in the state and hosts a range of international and national shows, original and student exhibits. Also in this region are numerous antique stores and museums. The Arkansas Arts Center, located in Little Rock in historic MacArthur Park, features elegant art galleries that showcase the center’s collection, including works by Georgia O’Keefe, Rembrandt and Jackson Pollock. Also in Little Rock is the River Market, a year round indoor fresh food market and farmers market.
• Delta: Visit the Louisiana Purchase Historic State Park where a boardwalk leads through a rare headwater swamp to a monument marking the starting point established in 1815 for surveys of the Louisiana Purchase territory. Interpretive panels along the way reveal the history of the 1803 land deal, under which the land that would later become Arkansas first became U.S. soil. Also in this region are numerous museums showcasing agriculture in the state such as the Museum of the Arkansas Grand Prairie in Stuttgart and the Arkansas Post Museum in Gillett.
• Timberlands: In El Dorado stop by the Old Washington Historic State Park. This park contains the state’s largest collection of pre–Civil War homes, weapon and print shop museums and other exhibits. Another must see is the Delta Rivers Nature Center. The Center has a 20,000 gallon aquarium and an interactive museum that resembles and old hunting lodge where visitors can learn about native plants and animals.
All over the state, in every region, visitors can rest assured that there are plenty of attractions to choose from. Whether you are attracted to historic places or natural places, Arkansas has something for you.
Sources
www.arkansas.com
www.citiscapes.com
www.littlerock.com
www.seearkansasfirst.com
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