Things to do in Arkansas

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Little Rock featuring heritage architecture, an administrative buidling and heritage elements
Little Rock featuring heritage architecture, an administrative buidling and heritage elements
Hot Springs which includes a sunset and rides
Eureka Springs showing flowers, a house and heritage architecture
Eureka Springs showing modern architecture, interior views and a church or cathedral

Arkansas Attractions

If you're ready to explore Arkansas, sign up for a few of the top tours & day trips on offer, and have an expert show you the most popular landmarks. Offering free cancellations and no added fees, our {86 fun activities in Arkansas fun activities in Arkansas} are also worth a look.



Arkansas must see attractions

1. Crater of Diamonds State Park

At first glance, Crater of Diamonds State Park looks like an average plowed field. Dig a little deeper and you may just go home with a diamond. Visit one of the world’s only public diamond mines in Murfreesboro, Arkansas. The area, which is the eroded surface of a volcanic crater, is the world’s eighth-largest diamond-bearing area.
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Crater of Diamonds State Park

2. Beaver Lake

Beaver Lake dominates the landscape of northwest Arkansas, creating a playground for hikers, anglers, swimmers and campers. The 28,000 acres (11,300 hectares) of man-made lake was formed following the construction of the Beaver Lake in the early 1960s and is today the major water source for much of northern Arkansas. Surrounded by landscape that varies from dense forest to rolling meadows, Beaver Lake is a favorite destination for families, who come here to make the most of the amenities, more than 600 camping grounds and long, warm summers.
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Beaver Lake showing rocky coastline and a lake or waterhole

3. Hot Springs National Park

Stroll through pine forests and see steaming water flowing from rocky sources in Hot Springs National Park. Dip your feet in a stream to feel the liquid’s mystical healing powers or fully immerse yourself at a luxurious bath house.
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4. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

The magnificent Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville celebrates artists and artworks of national significance in its sleek and modern galleries. You’ll be treated to a masterpiece in contemporary architecture as you explore the museum complex. See American artworks ranging from colonial times to the modern day, wander around the sculpture garden or discover the museum’s surrounding nature trails.
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Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art which includes art and interior views as well as a small group of people

5. Buffalo National River

Buffalo National River is a protected stretch of one of Arkansas’ most pristine waterways. Established a national river in 1972, the mighty Buffalo River tumbles un-dammed and undeveloped for 135 miles (217.3 kilometers) through mountains, waterfalls, plateaus and ancient pebble beaches. Canoe through mountain streams, hike alongside the river’s dramatic canyons, grab your fishing rod and work on your casting technique and unwind at a riverside resort or camping site.
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Buffalo National River

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What to do in Arkansas

Free Things to Do in Arkansas

They say the best things in life are free. Check out the following around Arkansas:

Spring Park - If you take pleasure in pottering about the garden, this place will satisfy your inner green thumb.

Things to Do in Arkansas with Kids

There's fun for all the family wherever you roam in Arkansas. Here are a few family friendly experiences you can enjoy together that are sure to make your escape a blast:


 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Arkansas? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 


 


Discover the most popular places to visit in Arkansas

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Arkansas

Dramatic Autumn sunset at Hamilton Lake in Arkansas ., Shutterstock ID 336668042, purchase_order: SP-1269 HA 2018 Batch 1, Order: , client: , other:

Lake Hamilton

The lake views, hot springs, and shopping are just a few things travelers enjoy about Lake Hamilton. If you want to experience more of the area, check out Hot Springs Mall or Garvan Woodland Gardens.

Lake Hamilton
hot springs national park

Rockwell

Visitors to Rockwell enjoy its lake views, and if you want to do some exploring, Ouachita National Forest is worth a stop.

Rockwell
The hot spring with a 73 degree Celsius water spring over rocky terrain. heat from the hot spring providing a misty and picturesque scene which is particular beautiful in the morning.

Lake District

If you're spending some time in Lake District, Hot Springs Mall and Hot Springs National Park are top sights worth seeing.

Lake District
Eureka Springs, Arkansas- a quirky, artsy, town that spirals upwards.

Eureka Springs Historic District

4.5/5(220 area reviews)

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this well-preserved turn-of-the-century resort community features the Eureka Springs Railroad Depot and Flatiron Flats at 2 Center St.

Eureka Springs Historic District
The Bucky Ball is located in front of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, AR.  It is illuminated from 10 am to 11 pm every day.  There are some wonderful wooden lounge chairs that you can use to sit back and watch the ball change colors.  There are too many color combinations for you to remember and everyone is prettier than the last.  There is no charge to access the area around the sculpture.

Downtown Bentonville

5/5(37 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Downtown Bentonville, The Walmart Museum and Compton Gardens and Conference Center are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Bentonville
William J. Clinton Presidential Library showing night scenes

Downtown Little Rock

4/5(1,093 area reviews)

Immerse yourself in culture at institutions like the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts and Arkansas Repertory Theatre, or explore history in the Quapaw Quarter. Enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and boating, and don't miss the Arkansas State Capitol.

Downtown Little Rock

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 


 

Popular day trips from Arkansas

Frequently asked questions

What to do in Arkansas on a sunny day?
A Elvis Presley's Graceland Excursions Tupelo Tour plus lunch is the perfect activity for visitors who can't bear the thought of missing any moments of sunshine in Arkansas.
What to do in Arkansas on a rainy day?
There's no need to splish, splosh and splash your way through a rainy day when there are so many wonderful indoor activities on offer:


What is Arkansas famous for?
Pose for a happy snap at William J. Clinton Presidential Center and Park — it's a local icon.
What should I not miss in Arkansas?
Put these sights toward the top of your sightseeing list to get the most out of your visit:

  • Hot Springs National Park
  • University of Arkansas-Fayetteville
  • Simmons Bank Arena
  • University of Arkansas-Little Rock

Are there cheap things to do in Arkansas?
What can you do in Arkansas for free?
You could store your wallet in the hotel safe for the day, because these top attractions won't cost you a dime:

  • Hot Springs National Park
  • University of Arkansas-Fayetteville
  • University of Arkansas-Little Rock
  • Arkansas State Capitol Building

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