Things to do in Arkansas

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

A large white building with a central portico, surrounded by trees and a paved pathway.
A roller coaster with a mountainous backdrop.
A quaint, yellow house with a green roof, surrounded by a white picket fence and vibrant flowers.
An indoor space with a wooden lattice ceiling, rows of blue benches, and ferns at the front.
A historic town with a prominent corner building, a green-roofed hotel, and a vintage diner sign.

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 { fun activities in Arkansas fun activities in Arkansas} are also worth a look.

Things to do

Memphis: Stax Museum of American Soul Music

Memphis: Stax Museum of American Soul Music

$20
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
Memphis: Stax Museum of American Soul Music
Reza Edge of Illusion Show in Branson

Reza Edge of Illusion Show in Branson

$52
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Reza Edge of Illusion Show in Branson
Woodruff-Fontaine House Museum Admission Ticket in Memphis

Woodruff-Fontaine House Museum Admission Ticket in Memphis

$15
per adult
Woodruff-Fontaine House Museum Admission Ticket in Memphis
Memphis Mojo Bus Tour

Memphis Mojo Bus Tour

$38
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Memphis Mojo Bus Tour
Memphis: True Crime History Bus Tour

Memphis: True Crime History Bus Tour

$41
per adult
Memphis: True Crime History Bus Tour
Revollusionists Show Ticket

Revollusionists Show Ticket

$45
per adult
Revollusionists Show Ticket
A Self-Guided Memphis Beale Street Discovery Walk

Self-Guided Memphis Beale Street Discovery Walk – Audio Tour

$12
per traveler
Self-Guided Memphis Beale Street Discovery Walk – Audio Tour
Branson Redneck Comedy Bus Tour

Branson Redneck Comedy Bus Tour

$50
per adult
Branson Redneck Comedy Bus Tour
Branson: Redneck Comedy Sightseeing Bus Tour

Branson: Redneck Comedy Sightseeing Bus Tour

$50
per adult
Branson: Redneck Comedy Sightseeing Bus Tour
See all activities in Arkansas

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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Various gemstones against a black background.

2. 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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A historic building with a clock tower, a flag, and a well-lit pathway.

3. 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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An art gallery with wooden floors and ceiling beams, featuring various paintings and sculptures.

4. 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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A rocky coastline with dense green foliage and clear blue water.

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.
Learn more
A river winding through a valley with autumn-colored trees and a steep cliff.

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!

 

 

Stay near popular Arkansas attractions

Various gemstones against a black background.
Photo by Photo Courtesy Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism
Open Photo by Photo Courtesy Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism

Crater of Diamonds State Park

9.0/10 (337 reviews)
This state park in Arkansas is possibly the only place in the world where you can dig for diamonds and keep whatever treasure you find.
See properties

Where to stay in Arkansas

Find the best Arkansas areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Arkansas
Learn more about Arkansas
A calm lake with reflections of trees and a sunset sky.

Lake Hamilton

Beautiful hot springs and fantastic lake views are well-reviewed features of Lake Hamilton. Make a stop by top sights like Lake Hamilton while you're exploring the area.

A historic building with ornate architecture, a statue, and a well-maintained courtyard.

Lake District

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

A town nestled in a valley with a prominent hill in the background.

Lake Catherine

You might make a stop by Lake Catherine State Park while you're exploring Lake Catherine.

A historic building with a corner entrance, a sign reading "Wilson & Wilson," and a street lamp.
Photo by Julie Gilbertson
Open Photo by Julie Gilbertson

Eureka Springs Historic District

Eureka Springs Historic District is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway or Eureka Springs City Auditorium.

A modern building with a glass facade and a pedestrian bridge.
Photo by Photo Courtesy Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism
Open Photo by Photo Courtesy Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism

Downtown Little Rock

Museums, live music, and historic sites are some highlights of Downtown Little Rock. Make a stop by South Main or The Arkansas River Trail while you're exploring.

 

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

A motorcycle rally with a large American flag, vintage cars, and a historic building with banners.

Fayetteville

A clear lake surrounded by mountains and dense forest.

Harrison

A large steel bridge spanning a river with a cityscape in the foreground.

Memphis

A waterfall cascading into a clear pool surrounded by moss-covered rocks and lush greenery.

Magnolia

A dirt path leading up a grassy hill with trees.

Walnut Ridge

A waterfall in a forested area with autumn foliage.

Cherokee Village

A waterfall in a forested area with autumn foliage.

Fairfield Bay

A calm river with clear water reflecting the sky. There are trees and a grassy bank on the right.

Batesville

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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