10 of the Best Things to Do in Arkansas

With spring break just a few short months away, it is not too early to start planning your Arkansas vacation.  The best things to do in Arkansas range from exploring the great outdoors to touring some of the many amazing museums throughout the state.  Out of the 10 best things to do in Arkansas, many are right here close to home in Eureka Springs.  Read on to see what you could be doing on your next adventure to Arkansas.

For a day filled with history and beautiful works of art, check out Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas.  There is no admission charge to view the museum’s permanent exhibits which are open year-round.  They offer self-guided tours or guide led tours which are perfect for large groups.  The grounds at Crystal Bridges include over 3.5 miles of trails complete with several outdoor sculptures to view.  After all of that walking, enjoy lunch or dinner at Eleven, Crystal Bridges modern American restaurant.

If you want to explore the outdoors on your vacation, check out the Buffalo National River area of Arkansas.  The park is a great location for camping and hiking but many people come to the region to float the White River.  The high bluffs in any season are a breathtaking sight to behold.  And don’t worry if you don’t have your own canoe or kayak, there are plenty of places to rent those and take off.

Adventure seeking families will love ziplining at Ozark Mountain Ziplines in Eureka Springs.  Their season opens March 5th, just in time for spring breakers.  Ozark Mountain Ziplines offer 2-hour tours that will have participants soaring through the trees on cables up to 2,000 feet long and up to 300 feet high in the air.  Tours are only $89.00 per person plus tax.  Call 479-363-6699 to make reservations.

Outdoor enthusiasts will love getting out on the trails at Devil’s Den State Park.  The park offers mountain biking and hiking trails throughout the over 2,500 acres.  There are quite a few events held throughout the year and opportunities for camping and swimming.

Preserving Ozark heritage is the Ozark Folk Center in Mountain View, Arkansas.  Family members of all ages will enjoy hands on activities like crafts, walking the gardens, and listening to American Folk music.  Be sure to also check out the on-site gift shop and Skillet Restaurant.

Another fun family activity here in Eureka Springs is the Belle of the Ozarks.  From May through October, the Belle of the Ozarks offers guided tours of Beaver Lake.  You’ll learn the history of the area and have the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife.  The boat departs from Starkey Park twice daily at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm.

Tucked away in the Ozark Mountains is another Eureka Springs attraction worth visiting.  The stunning Thorncrown Chapel opened in 1980 and consists of over 6,000 feet of glass and 425 windows.  The chapel can be toured April through November from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.  Two Sunday services are held weekly and include music and a biblical teaching.

To hear the greatest story ever told, be sure to catch a show of The Great Passion Play.  The play is put on in an outdoor amphitheater and the cast includes 150 costumed characters and live animals.  The grounds of The Great Passion Play are also home to other great attractions including the Christ of the Ozarks statue, the Holy Land tour, a Bible museum and a Sacred Arts museum just to name a few.  The Great Passion Play is performed every weekend from May through October.

Take a walk through history with 2 unique storytelling tours through downtown Eureka Springs.  The tours are led by Eureka Springs locals and tickets range from $8 to $12 dollars for adults.  The Hell Raisers, Hoodlum’s and a Heated History tour will give participants a glimpse into the lives of the historic people that make up Eureka Springs past.  The Downtown N Underground Tour explores how the area was settled, a history of the architecture around town and stories about the locals from years ago.  For tickets, click here.

After your walking tour, shop at the many art galleries that line the streets of Eureka Springs Historic District.  Eureka Springs is home to hundreds of working artists and also dedicates the whole month of May to the Festival of the Arts.  Art lovers will also enjoy the 2nd Saturday Gallery Stroll held the 2nd Saturday of each month from April to December.

For a comfortable and relaxing stay on your trip to Arkansas, look no further than our beautiful B&B Arsenic and Old Lace.  For reservation information, please call 479-253-5454.

 

 

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