Best 10 Things to Do in Arkansas for Amazing Adventures

Updated: April 2024

Arkansas is hands down a hidden gem. Whether you are visiting Arkansas for the first time, or have lived here your entire life, there is always more to do (or do again!).

Here are 10 Things to Do in Arkansas that you won’t want to miss (in no particular order)…

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Things to Do in Arkansas #1: Mountain Biking

If you are a mountain biker, NWA should be a top destination since it is designated as the Mountain Biking Capitol of the World. The hills of the Ozarks give the area some amazing elevation and rides through the plateaus.

The Walton Foundation has poured millions of dollars into the area and its trails. Northwest Arkansas has multiple options when it comes to trails and terrains.

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Things to Do in Arkansas #2: Petit Jean State Park

Of the 38 Arkansas State Parks we have visited (a total of 52 parks in the state), Petit Jean State Park, Arkansas’s first state park, is our favorite.

Seeing Cedar Falls, the most photographed waterfall in Arkansas, is a must. You have the option of seeing it with a short walk to the upper overlook, or from the more strenuous hike to the bottom of the falls.

There are also many locations within the park that give you an amazing overlook of the area (Palisades Overlook, Stout’s Point).

Whether it’s hiking, fishing, biking, camping, or just sightseeing, don’t miss this Arkansas State Park.

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Things to Do in Arkansas #3: Whitaker Point

Whitaker Point is Arkansas’s most photographed spot and with good reason. The view at the end of the hike is breathtaking.

If you don’t mind a short hike in the dark, the view at sunrise is unbeatable. The hike is fairly short and easy (compared to some of Arkansas’s other mountainous trails), and the payoff is huge.

This hiking trail also offers other offshoot trails for some waterfall viewing.

Things to Do in Arkansas #4: Mount Magazine

With Arkansas’s highest point, Mount Magazine easily makes this list with its spectacular views.

This park is only slightly smaller than Petit Jean State Park and also has amazing overlooks and great hiking but without the grand waterfall.

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Things to Do in Arkansas #5: War Eagle Mill + War Eagle Cavern

A hidden treasure in Rogers, AR is War Eagle Mill. This historic sight is the last working grist mill in Arkansas. With tours, demonstrations, a cafe, and a general store, this is a fun stop to add to your itinerary.

Just 8 minutes down the road is War Eagle Cavern. Take a 1hour guided tour (or a lantern tour if you’re feeling courageous) underground.

And if that’s not enough to fill your day, another 5 minutes down the road is Hobbs State Park, the largest of Arkansas’s 52 State Parks, which offers hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and an outdoor shooting range.

HOBBS STATE PARK + WAR EAGLE MILL

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Things to Do in Arkansas #6: Hot Springs National Park

Also in Arkansas and well worth a visit is Hot Springs National Park. This park has it all- hiking, biking, camping, historic bathhouses (on Bathhouse Row), shopping, history, thermal springs, and mountain views.

Whether you visit for the spas and shopping, or the outdoor exploration, every type of visitor will leave happy.

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Things to Do in Arkansas #7: Buffalo National River

The Buffalo National River, the US’s first national river, should be on everybody’s bucket list. This 135-mile river offers you some of the best of Arkansas.

Floating alongside Arkansas’s iconic bluffs will leave you speechless. If floating isn’t in the cards for you, there is also camping, fishing, hiking, and swimming in this river.

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Things to Do in Arkansas #8: Crater Of Diamonds

For a fun activity unique to Arkansas, visit the only active diamond mine in the country at Crater of Diamonds State Park.

It is one of the only diamond-producing sites in the world where the public can mine diamonds. After paying a small fee to mine, you can enter the field to dig. Their policy is “finders, keepers.”

And YES, diamonds are actually found here on a regular basis!

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Things to Do in Arkansas #9: Mount Nebo

Mount Nebo is Arkansas’s 2nd state park and offers an assortment of the usual activities for the area- hiking, biking, camping, etc. But what this park is most known for is its amazing overlooks with designated areas for a stunning sunrise or sunset viewing.

Mount Nebo is also a popular mountain biking destination with some great hiking trails as well.

Things to Do in Arkansas #10: Lost Valley

Lost Valley is a fun area of the state. The Lost Valley hiking trail is well known and traveled for good reason.

Its diverse hiking trail has a creek, Natural Bridge (rock formation), Cobb Cave (a huge bluff shelter), Eden Falls (waterfall), and Eden Falls Cave that can be explored (no guide) and followed back to an underground waterfall.

The road to/from the trailhead often has sightings of elk. Watch the tree line at the back of the valley closely to spot the elk! If you are lucky enough, they may even be roadside.

If you are an avid hiker, check out the many surrounding trails ranging from easy to strenuous, all with great views!

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Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Arkansas

Arkansas is an amazing place to explore, especially if you are an outdoor lover. Arkansas has 1 National River, 1 National Park, 3 National Forests, and 52 State Parks for your to explore. Our landscape is a nature lover’s dream!

Check out Sunrises2Sunsets for more outdoor activities (kayaking, hiking, etc) in Arkansas!

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