Heading to the middle of the country might not sound like your ideal vacation journey, but Arkansas is filled with beauty and nature.
While you’re not going to find an ocean or a beach in this state, it’s aptly named “The Natural State” and it is home to some amazing natural wonders with both the Ozark and Ouachita mountain ranges as part of the offering. Let’s look at some of the best places to visit in this state.
Bentonville is Central to Your Arkansas Vacation
Bentonville is best known as being the birthplace of Walmart, but it’s also a centralized location in the state if you want to visit various areas around it. You can reach Eureka Springs, Branson, the Buffalo River, and the Ozark Mountain without driving too far out of Bentonville. Consider this small town being your vacation spot this year.
Check Out Petit Jean State Park
The northern part of Arkansas is home to Petit Jean State Park. This is a picturesque and wonderful natural park with several incredible views and hiking trails you can enjoy during your time in this state. The park is named after a French woman who died during an expedition with her lover in the 18thcentury and it can be a memorable place for your vacation.
Visit Mount Magazine State Park in Arkansas
The mountain that bears the same name as the park is the place to go when you want to enjoy the highest point in the state. You’ll see this mountain which is 839 meters in height, as it rises above the surrounding forest and hills. Below the mountain, the Arkansas River Valley is sprawled out before you to give you a view of the entire area.
Go Digging in Crater of Diamonds State Park
How exciting could it be to find your own diamonds? There is one place in the world where you can do this and it is in Arkansas. Visit Crater of Diamonds State Park with your kids or your friends and enjoy digging for diamonds. You get to keep what you find and more than 29,000 gems have been found by visitors to this park over the years. You can also see the Diamond Discovery Center and learn about the history of this location.
Fun Awaits You in Fayetteville, Arkansas
Heading to a city that’s not even the largest one in the state might not sound like fun, but Fayetteville is home to the main campus of the University of Arkansas. It’s also nicely placed deep in the Ozarks, which means it has a beautiful surrounding. You’ll love the culture, the youthful feeling, and the fun that you can enjoy in Fayetteville. If you go here during football season, you’ll find the whole town has been turned into a party.
Admire the Buffalo National River
As the first river to be designated a National River in the United States, the Buffalo River is undeveloped and unspoiled which means it moves freely and goes where nature intended. You can admire the forests surrounding this Arkansas natural river and check out the massive limestone bluffs that make many of the banks of this river.
Eureka Springs is a Hot Arkansas Tourist Destination
The cold-water springs of Eureka Springs became popular when the town was founded in 1879 and settlers believed the waters had healing properties. The town has been well preserved with Victorian-style cottages, manor houses, and mansions around the area. You’ll love the easy hiking paths, the fun of cycling, and the beauty of the nearby mountains and forests.
A Favorite Spot is the Ozark National Forest
A large part of Arkansas is covered in the Ozark National Forest. This is a great place to visit when you want to camp, hike, see some waterfalls, enjoy swimming in the lakes and pools, and have a lot of fun as you get back in touch with nature. There are many beautiful paths for hiking and climbing along with some amazing lakes for fishing and boating.
Hot Springs, Arkansas is the Place to Be
Healing waters don’t have to be cold and the town of Hot Springs is known for the warm waterways that are part of the nearby Hot Springs National Park. The spas have been restored and you’ll find a variety of museums and exhibits dedicated to the fact that warm waters were found in the area. These bathhouses have been visited by some of the most famous and infamous people in American history and you could enjoy a vacation to enjoy them as well.
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