10 Best Things to Do in Arkansas

With spring break approaching in just a few months, it is not too early to begin planning your Arkansas vacation. The best activities in Arkansas range from exploring the great outdoors to visiting some of the state’s incredible museums. Many of the top 10 things to do in Arkansas are conveniently located in Eureka Springs. Read on to discover what you might do on your next trip to Arkansas.

Visit the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas, for a day filled with history and beautiful works of art. The permanent exhibits of the museum, which are open year-round, are accessible without charge. They offer both self-guided and guided tours that are ideal for large groups. The Crystal Bridges grounds feature over 3.5 miles of trails with several outdoor sculptures for viewing. After all that walking, enjoy lunch or dinner at Eleven, the contemporary American restaurant at Crystal Bridges.

Check out the Buffalo National River region of Arkansas if you wish to explore the outdoors during your vacation. The park is an excellent location for camping and hiking, but the White River attracts many visitors. In any season, the high bluffs are a breathtaking sight to behold. And if you don’t have your own canoe or kayak, there are plenty of places to rent them and get started.

Families in search of adventure will enjoy ziplining at Ozark Mountain Ziplines in Eureka Springs. Their season begins on March 5, coinciding with spring breakers. Ozark Mountain Ziplines provide 2-hour tours in which participants soar through the trees on cables up to 2,000 feet long and 300 feet high. The cost of tours is $89 per person plus tax. Please call 479-363-6699 for reservations.

Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy exploring Devil’s Den State Park’s trails. Trails for mountain biking and hiking are available throughout the park’s over 2,500 acres. There are numerous events and camping and swimming opportunities throughout the year.

Ozark Folk Center in Mountain View, Arkansas is dedicated to preserving Ozark heritage. All ages will enjoy hands-on activities such as crafts, strolling through the gardens, and listening to American Folk music. Be sure to visit the hotel’s gift shop and restaurant, as well.

The Belle of the Ozarks is an additional fun family activity in Eureka Springs. The Belle of the Ozarks offers guided tours of Beaver Lake from May to October. You will learn about the region’s history and have the chance to observe a variety of wildlife. The boat departs from Starkey Park at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. daily.

The Ozark Mountains are home to an additional Eureka Springs attraction worth visiting. Thorncrown Chapel was inaugurated in 1980 and features over 6,000 feet of glass and 425 windows. From April to November, the chapel is open for tours from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Two weekly Sunday services with music and biblical teaching are held.

National Arkansas Day 2023: Date, History and Things to do in Arkansas

Catch a performance of The Great Passion Play to experience the greatest story ever told. The play is performed in an outdoor amphitheatre with a cast of 150 costumed actors and real animals. Other attractions on the grounds of The Great Passion Play include the Christ of the Ozarks statue, the Holy Land tour, a Bible museum, and a Sacred Arts museum, among others. From May to October, The Great Passion Play is performed every weekend.

Take a historical stroll through downtown Eureka Springs with two distinct storytelling tours. The tours are led by locals of Eureka Springs, and adult tickets cost between $8 and $12. The Hell Raisers, Hoodlums, and a Heated History tour will provide participants with a glimpse into the lives of the historical individuals who have shaped Eureka Springs’ past. The Downtown N Underground Tour examines the history of the area’s settlement, the city’s architecture, and the long-ago inhabitants. To purchase tickets, click here.

The streets of the Eureka Springs Historic District are lined with numerous art galleries. In addition to being home to hundreds of working artists, the entire month of May is devoted to the Festival of the Arts in Eureka Springs. The 2nd Saturday Gallery Stroll is held on the second Saturday of every month from April to December.