Arkansas offers beautiful scenery with mountains, hot springs, caves, rivers and lakes. After all, it isn’t called the “Natural State” for nothing. There are also interesting cities and charming towns, providing something for everything from nature enthusiasts to nature, history, and culture lovers.
With so much on offer, where do you begin if you just purchased one of the Little Rock houses for sale, or have limited time on a visit? These top things to do will help you whittle that list down and get started exploring.
Take in a View From the Edge of the World at Hawksbill Crag
Located near the town of Harrison, Hawksbill Crag is considered one of the state’s most scenic places. A sharp rock that juts out from the forest, it overlooks the grandeur of Buffalo River scenery. An easy 1.5-mile trek will bring you here and along the way you’ll enjoy wildflowers in late spring and summer, or gorgeous fall colors in autumn. Head up early in the morning to avoid crowds.
Witness an Underground Waterfall
Ozarks National Park is home to a 30-foot-high waterfall that runs from ground level into a cave. An otherworldly sight, the creek that flows through the park carved a hole right through the rock over time. If you go after a heavy rainfall, it will be especially powerful. It’s stunning in winter too, when the cascades freeze into a magnificent icy column.
Hunt for Diamonds in Crater of Diamonds State Park
The only diamond-producing site in the world where the public can search for diamonds is right in Arkansas. Tens of thousands of diamonds have been uncovered here, including an 8.52-carat gem back in 2015. The 37-acre terrain is the eroded surface of a 95-million-year-old volcano which not only produced the diamonds, but over 40 other rocks and minerals. And, what you find, is yours to keep. While treasures are sometimes discovered right on top of the soil, tools are available for rent to help your search, including wooden box screens, buckets, shovels, and knee pads. If you find something, take it to the visitor center where an expert will help you determine exactly what it is, for free.
Visit Bathhouse Row
Located along the Grand Promenade in the picturesque town of Hot Springs, stretching for about a half-mile, Bathhouse is a wide, pedestrian-friendly street with buildings that house art galleries, a gift shop, visitor center, restaurants, and eight historic bathhouses. At Quapaw Baths and Spa, you can enjoy a spa day, soaking in the natural warm healing waters.
Take a Tour in Hot Springs National Park
While in Hot Springs, you won’t want to miss Hot Springs National Park. It’s one of only a few that doesn’t charge an admission fee, and visitors can take self-guided tours of Fordyce Bathhouse to see the historic facilities and learn about traditional spa and bathing routines. It includes a number of interesting features like marble decor, stained glass, a music room, dressing rooms, and gender separate baths.
Go Fishing in Heber Springs
Located in northern Arkansas, Heber Springs is one of the best places in the state for fishing, including brown trout and largemouth bass. Little Red River and Greers Ferry Lake are two of the top spots, drawing anglers from throughout the region and well-beyond. There have been multiple world record-breaking catches here and you’ll find some of the best resorts along the wooded shorelines for both the river and the lake.