17+ Best Things To Do In Arkansas
Last updated August 1, 2025
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Traveling to Arkansas is both picturesque and thrilling!
Canopy sliding, cycling on trails, hiking, cavern exploring, scuba diving, and bridge walking are a few of the exciting activities you’ll experience during your vacation in Arkansas.
In addition to the breathtaking natural sights to explore, Arkansas also offers numerous fun historical sites.
Find out the 17+ best things to explore in Arkansas!
1. Clinton House Museum
The museum served as the wedding residence of President J. William Clinton and the First Lady Rodham Hillary Clinton.
Constructed in the year 1931 and occupied in 1975 by the Clinton family, the residence is currently recognized as a NationalHistoric Landmark.
It's situated in Fayetteville in Arkansas, and it documents the experiences of the Clinton family while they were in Fayetteville.
Taking a museum visit here reveals vintage campaign materials, photographs of Clinton, and other captivating items.
Then, following a visit to this iconic presidential residence, you will also enjoy wandering through the First Ladies' Garden that showcases the beloved blooms of every USA first lady starting with Martha Washington.
Also, along with exploring the garden and museum, the historic Clinton House usually organizes various gatherings.
Some of these occasions include 1970s-style gatherings, outdoor celebrations, and a celebration for the Clintons' wedding anniversary.
Make sure to review their events schedule prior to visiting the museum.
Also, make sure to explore the gift shop of the museum for some enjoyable keepsakes.
2. Quigley’s Castle
Among the various tourist spots in Arkansas, Quigley’s Castle remains likely the weirdest place you’ll explore.
The house is an unusual residence owned by Quigley family, a diverse collectors group with a grand concept for their household residence.
Quigley’s Castle is built completely from wood sourced from the ground the home sits on and crafted with 28 large windows overlooking the house.
The family's goal was to incorporate the outdoors into their home, and they accomplished that.
The premises of the estate are extensive, featuring 400 perennials inside a range of vibrant and flourishing blossoms.
Their garden paths are lined with stones gathered by beautiful Mrs. Quigley, bird baths, a treetop that Mrs. Quigley slept in, and a pond with lilies.
Additionally, the estate is overflowing with collections such as crystals, fossils, arrowheads, and other items.
This one-of-a-kind property was also showcased on HGTV.
Among Arkansas's many exciting activities, Quigley’s Castle definitely ranks at the forefront.
3. Fordyce Bathhouse
Previously a shared bathhouse dependent on the available local hot springs' water, Fordyce Bathhouse shut its doors in 1962.
It remained shut until 1989. Then it opened again as the welcome center for the hot spring.
So, visitors can now explore the beautiful marble corridors, ceramic water features, and glass-stained ceilings of this renowned structure.
It is unclear whether the bath house was ever open to females historically, but their tour only provides a glimpse of the men's quarters.
Therefore, what you should expect to see is the bathing area, changing areas, therapy rooms, sound studio, and fitness center for men.
During the tour, you will also watch relevant videos that elaborate on the background of this place.
It is additionally worth mentioning that this bath house was seen as prestigious during its period, as it distinctly featured a nice bowling alley along with all its additional facilities.
This small piece of distinctly American history really deserves an exploration during your time in Arkansas; it is definitely among the more intriguing locations on my list.
4. Compton Gardens and Arboretum
An impressive seven-acre haven of stunning and plentiful gardens, the Compton Gardens and Arboretum stands as a premier, essential experience in Arkansas.
In fact, among all of Arkansas's picturesque spots, this is likely the most gorgeous.
Guests in the gardens can delight in vibrant woodlands and intriguing foliage indigenous to the region.
Compton Gardens and The Arboretum stand out as one of numerous tourist spots within Arkansas that welcome groups of any size; both small and large groups.
So regardless of the size of your group, you are always welcome here.
Compton Gardens also contains 5 Champion Trees, and in addition to these remarkable trees, you will likewise enjoy the splendor of magnolias, maple trees, and large oak trees.
At the gardens, guests are allowed to have a picnic right inside the property.
Even, the garden serves as an entrance to the adjacent Crystal Bridges Museumof American Art.
Among the numerous stunning destinations to explore in Arkansas, make sure to visit Compton Gardens and Arboretum.
5. Hot Springs’ Mountain Tower
This attraction in Arkansas is precisely what it appears to be.
Located on the Hot Springs' mountains, Hot SpringsMountain Tower offers stunning views of the mountains up to 150 miles.
This leading Arkansas destination isn't for the timid.
The elevator in the tower raises you 216 ft into the air to the viewing platform of the tower.
Then, upon your arrival, you can settle in the tower in order to take in expansive perspectives of Ouachita Mountains, Diamond Lakes region, and Hot Springs Mt.
You can also reach this Tower by vehicle or a lengthy trek along a mountainous path.
Whether you come to nature or through nature, you'll never be let down (unless you're afraid of heights) by this enjoyable attraction in Arkansas.
Moreover, there is an excellent gift store here offering a quick lunch at the tower's bottom.
Indeed, Hot Springs remains one of the best and most picturesque locations in Arkansas.
6. Pepper Sauce Ghost Town
This town is an unoccupied 1800s community in Arkansas's Calico Rock, and is among the numerous attractions that will impress you here.
Peppersauce, a genuine ghost town, originated as a small trading post having an extremely transient population.
Littered with pubs, Peppersauce GhostTown has historically drawn a questionable crowd.
While the town prospered for a period, during the 1960s, it had become totally deserted.
However, the remains of this formerly lively town still exist in Arkansas presently.
Peppersauce Town has become a popular destination for tourists and residents as well, and visitors to Arkansas can now explore this eerie ghost town.
Prior to going to Peppersauce, make sure to collect a guide for visitors with maps outlining the walking tour.
Even though every building here is privately owned, most of them are visible from the road.
Without a doubt, one of the interesting points in Arkansas that I strongly suggest exploring is Pepper Sauce Ghost Town.
7. William Clinton Library and Museum
Standing as an homage to our country’s 42nd president, William Clinton Library & Museum honors and safeguards the heritage of President J. William Clinton.
Inside the museum, there are more than 100,000 pieces of artwork given to the Clinton family while they were in office and afterwards.
Also, the museum contains items and records focused on President Clinton’s life and background.
The museum aims to narrate the tale of the past president via visible artifacts associated with his inauguration, campaign, and administration.
Even, the museum frequently organizes educational activities for kids and adults.
Situated just 10 minutes away from the Arkansas airport, this museum is among numerous readily reachable tourist spots in the state.
If you admire America's 42nd president or are simply curious to share our country’s past with your household, make sure to include this museum in your Arkansas travel plans.
It's among the well-known locations that every visitor to Arkansas must see.
8. Crater ofDiamonds State Park
In case you’re looking for outdoor attractions in Arkansas, make sure to explore this state park.
Among all of Arkansas's attractions, this one stands out as genuinely distinctive.
Crater of Diamonds stands as a volcanic site that allows the public to look for various precious stones and diamonds.
The field of 37 acres is accessible for walking and searching on foot.
Guests coming here are allowed to hire or bring mining gear, with the exception of mechanized extraction machinery.
And any gems or diamonds you discover can be yours to keep without any cost.
Your trip to this truly incredible tourist spot in Arkansas starts with a short overview on the way to effectively extract diamonds.
Remarkably, more than 33,000 diamond pieces have been discovered by people who have visited this park.
Then, alongside this incredibly enjoyable activity, the state park is likewise a home to numerous walking paths, recreational areas, tent sites, a souvenir store, and an amazing water park during the summertime.
So, be sure to visit Crater of DiamondsState Park; it is among the most amazing vacation spots in Arkansas.
9. Fort Smith Historic Site
While exploring this landmark in Arkansas, you will get the chance to investigate what life on the frontier was like for the Native Americans.
Fort Smith essentially safeguards almost a century of history concerning Native Americans and discovering the site is a captivating journey.
You will have the opportunity to explore historic old jails, courtrooms, gallows, trails, and more.
Also, you will have the opportunity to experience firsthand postcards, weapons, and record books.
Fort Smith combines nature with history and education, making it a fantastic place to explore anytime.
And in addition, the park offers various children's activities such as trading cards, games, etc.
While you are in Fort Smith, you're free to explore historical artifacts, stroll the grounds, reflect by the riverside, have a picnic, take photos, and do many more things.
Indeed, among the numerous amazing tourist sites in Arkansas, you shouldn't miss visiting Fort Smith.
10. Arkansas Air & Military Museum
In case you are seeking exciting activities in Arkansas, this Arkansas Air & Military Museum remains a top, historically significant spot.
The mission of the museum is to maintain and disseminate aviation and aircraft relics and collectibles from historical periods up to the present.
Also, the collection of the museum gives particular tribute to displays from Arkansas.
While at the museum, you can choose between an independently led tour or their guided tour.
Several of the themes you should expect to see during a visit here include military, aviary engineers, forgotten wars, and more.
This Arkansas Air & Military Museum additionally holds various programs regularly, so ensure to check their events schedule prior to visiting.
The collections of the museum represent a stunning fusion of military and a
Therefore, if these topics are of interest to you, make sure to include the Arkansas Air and Military Museum in your travel plans.
This must-visit museum offers a fantastic adventure for the entire family.
11. Museum of NativeAmerican History
This museum, filled with history, is situated in Bentonville and is focused on safeguarding the artifacts and history of the early Americans.
Founded in the year 2006, the MONAH was created by a Cherokee Nation member.
The museum leaders are fully committed to conveying Native Americans' history to upcoming generations.
And the genuine nature and range of the displays at the museums are incredible.
While at MONAH, you'll notice exhibits on subjects such as how we are all connected, the Paleolithic era, the woodlands, the Prehistoric era, and more.
Even, the museum's collections extend back to 14,000 years ago.
Also, along with visiting the museum, MONAH also regularly offers educational and specialized programs, so ensure to review their events schedule prior to your arrival.
Most importantly, the museum offers free admission, allowing visitors to enjoy MONAH at no cost.
MONAH is definitely one of the remarkable attractions to visit in Arkansas.
12. South Arkansas Arboretum
In case you’re searching for another exciting activity in Arkansas, definitely make a quick stop at this arboretum.
The 12-acre forest area contains both native and non-native plant species which creates fantastic opportunities for exploring nature.
The arboretum stands as a serene spot to walk around and exercise your legs.
Featuring distinct, surfaced walking paths, pavilions, public restrooms, and gazebos, it’s a nice, attractive spot to take a break during a journey across Arkansas.
The surfaced pathways winding through the forested parkland of 13 acres have benches placed along the path to provide an excellent spot to sit down and watch birds.
Also, the asphalt paths are a popular spot for joggers, hikers, and bike riders.
There is likewise an extensive array of trees, flowers, and plants to explore.
The Arboretum is really an excellent spot to pause and breathe in some air while traveling through Arkansas.
13. Garvan Wood land Gardens
If you seek outdoor enjoyment, Garvan Woodland Garden is the ideal spot for you.
It's open every day, and just for a small entry fee, you'll be able to explore the verdant and thriving areas of these lively botanical gardens.
Regardless of whether you opt to stroll through the grounds or drive around in any of the estate's golf carts, you'll surely savor your day in the gardens.
Significantly, the Garden seeks to maintain the Ouachita Mountains' natural environment.
With almost 20 distinct gardens to see, you can spend an entire day exploring this major tourist site.
Upon reaching the Gardens, you'll be greeted at the establishment's reception area, a stunning exit to the garden.
During your visit, you'll enjoy the skillfulness in creating garden structures, the gardens' scenic charm, and the reflection on some of the ponds in the gardens.
Most importantly, your leashed dog is invited to explore the gardens together with you.
Then, after your tour, you'll want to carry out some light shopping in the remarkable Garden Shop and enjoy a fast meal in Chipmunk Cafe.
Definitely, among the tourist attractions in Arkansas, Garvan Woodland Garden is great for exploring.
14. Castle Rogue Manor
This one-of-a-kind location is among the numerous attractions in Arkansas that always captivate visitors.
Constructed over 20 years now and located on an untouched terrain of approximately 20 acres, Castle Rogues Manor emerged from one adventurer’s creativity.
Smith Treuer's passion for travel, art, and architecture motivated this castle inspired by fantasy and the Renaissance.
The skill and creativity of the castle's design make it one of several exciting destinations in Arkansas.
Additionally, the land on which this castle stands is really captivating.
The fortress is constructed within the stunning Ozark Mountains directly atop a limestone bluff overlooking the White River and Table Rock; the view calls images from the medieval era to mind.
Then, after visiting this magnificent castle and estate, you’ll enjoy exploring Rogue’s Manor's Restaurant & Lodgings.
Even though it is an upscale restaurant, they invite all visitors to come in their preferred attire, whether casual or formal.
So, book your spots this weekend or today and don't overlook the splendor of this incredible holiday destination.
15. Thorncrown Chapel
This is a legendary establishment in Arkansas.
Tucked away in the Ozark hills, Thowncrown Chapel came about as a result of the powerful dream of Jim Reed, an Arkansas native.
This chapel is an astonishing architectural piece, unlike any other you will observe in other parts of the globe.
It is fundamentally a lovely glass chapel designed for guests as a site of peace and calmness.
The stunning chapel features walls made entirely of glass from the floor to the ceiling, which provides a comprehensive perspective of the lush and hilly Ozarks.
In fact, describing the views as magnificent would be a big understatement.
In case you wish to explore the chapel, there is usually a short overview of its background offered to guests without charge and without reservation.
Additionally, guests have the opportunity to pray, meditate, and reflect in this stunning location every day of the week.
Even, if you come on Sunday, you'll be invited to engage in gatherings here that are rich with uplifting music and scriptural teachings.
Thorncrown Chapel indeed is a stunning and distinctive structure, and it’s among the best places to visit in Arkansas.
16. BillyBass Adoption Center
Found inside Arkansas's Flying Fish Eatery located inside Little Rock, this center is the place where singing, animatronic fish are put to rest.
A trip to this facility is definitely among the fun activities to enjoy in Arkansas.
Despite the rise in popularity of the Billy BassAdoption Center in the 90s and 2000s, the proprietor of Flying Fish figured out that this popularity would dissipate quickly.
That's why she envisioned the concept of building a graveyard of Billy Bass at her eatery.
So, visitors in Arkansas can now show their respects while passing through this lovely state.
The most enjoyable aspect of coming here is that you'll, without a doubt, enjoy a taste of East Texas' tasty fish.
Also, savor a bowl of crawfish soup alongside a fried crawfish basket as you marvel at the adoption center's humor.
Don't forget to additionally grab some enjoyable fish-themed items while you're here.
Therefore, if you are looking for a place to grab a quick bite and enjoy some laughs, be sure to visit here.
17. Crystal Bridges Museum American Art
The top-tier art museum can seamlessly blend into a large urban city.
However, it is situated between 2 ponds inside Bentonville, close to the particular natural spring that gives it its name.
The museum's purpose is to honor Americana in an environment that combines nature with art.
Its cutting-edge design is impressive and the organic environment in which it takes place is remarkable.
And aside from its architecture and environment, Crystal Bridges consists of multiple pavilions that contain artworks, exhibition spaces, conference rooms, an assembly hall, and lecture rooms.
Inside the museum's galleries, you'll see various displays by renowned creators on subjects like mirrored rooms, black faith and spirituality, crafting in America, and more.
Additionally, the museum's 120-acre grounds feature sculptures and pathways for walking.
It also has a stunning library that holds over 50,000 art reference books.
Then, regarding visitor facilities, there's a prominent restaurant and the museum's shop.
18. Magic Springs Water and Theme Park
Magic Springs Park in Arkansas is filled with fun galore and amusements.
It always offers double excitement with its water features and arid attractions.
The amusement park has many exciting attractions, thrill rides for families, and water fun activities for children.
Its waterpark features numerous exciting water rides, cabana rentals, and family-friendly water attractions for your convenience and ease of use.
Also, besides Magic Springs's exciting attractions, the park holds various concerts, which are part of your single-day ticket.
It additionally hosts unique events such as chillier Sundays, days to honor teachers, "swim-in" films that can be viewed beneath the stars, hero appreciation events, and many more activities.
Be sure to review the events schedule of the park prior to going there.
With an abundance of enjoyment and thrill in one single location, any travel guide in Arkansas would definitely recommend dedicating a day to Magic Springs.
Conclusion
Without a doubt, Arkansas remains a stunning state to explore.
If you enjoy the outdoors, you will discover numerous fun activities here.
And if you're not entirely the outdoor adventurous type, there's still a lot to explore in AR with your friends and family.
I believe my list of historical experiences, unique landmarks, and nature-wrought spots will make your trip to Arkansas more enjoyable.
