Arkansas, the Natural State, is home to plenty of extraordinary experiences. If you are planning on visiting Arkansas for your next vacation, you are certainly going to be in for a treat. From floating down a wild river to digging for diamonds, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Read on to discover some of the best things to do during your stay.

Take your pick from the many parks – There are seven national parks and 52 state parks in Arkansas. You could dig for treasure at the Crater of Diamonds State Park, go horseback riding, camping, fishing, go golfing at DeGray Lake Resort State Park, or even soak in the indoor pools and thermal water baths at Hot Springs National Park. There really is something for everyone! We recommend looking for the best hiking sticks prior to your trip, as there are lots of great walks and places to explore in Arkansas. 

Watch for wildlife – The vast natural areas in the state play home to more than 300 bird species and more than 70 kinds of mammals. At the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, you can see lions, tigers, and other big cats that have been rescued. To see wild eek, Boxley Valley is certainly worth a drive-through. You can also spot everything from bald eagles to black bears, so it’s really worth incorporating some wildlife spotting into your vacation plans.

Go underground – If you are looking for an adventure, the Ozark Mountain in Arkansas is home to a subterranean world of wonder beneath the surface. You will find everything from decorative rock formations, to soda straws, flowstone, stalagmites, and every changing stalactites, as well as underground lakes and limestone caves. You can walk a paved trail or go wild caving; it’s completely up to you.

Experience culture and art – You will find the world-class Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville. It boasts an impressive range of American masterworks that aren’t to be missed. Another interesting museum is the Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources, which celebrities the brine and oil industry pioneers in the region.

Embrace the water – If you love being close to the water, Arkansas is definitely the place for you. There are plenty of amazing places to paddle, fish, and float. The state is home to 300 miles of the Arkansas River, as well as 9,700 miles of streams, as well as 600,000 acres of lakes. You can easily go ski boating, paddle boarding, or kayaking. Or, why not rent a houseboat and explore yourself?

Hit the trial – This article would simply be incomplete without mentioning the many trails you can enjoy in Arkansas. From rambling through the sandstone boulders on the Bear Cave Trail, which is kid-friendly, to hiking the stunning 95-foot Cedar Falls, there really are some majestic places to behold. The Ouachita National Recreation Trail is a popular option, offering everything from rugged backpacking excursions to easy woodland walks.

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